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08/11/2007 07:12:18 PM · #1 |
Hi,
I have just been accepted for a photography degree and I need to upgrade my equipment. My knowledge of cameras is quite limited, but the school recommends either or these cameras. I was strongly leaning towards the Canon, and told a few more knowledgable people about it. I was told by one person that it was a very disappointing upgrade from the 20D.
The camera I have now is a DSC-F828 and because of some transiting between 2 countries, I will only be able to buy the camera on the very first day of class.
I am worried I will not get it, but at the same time I want to get what is best. I haven't heard of the Nikon. I have a budget of about $2000 CA for the body and one lens.
If anyone has any suggestions or comments it would be very helpful!
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08/11/2007 07:16:16 PM · #2 |
Imo, the 30d is actually the better camera of those 2, plus the kit for it is a 28-135mm IS, which is a pretty good starter lens. The nikon d80 would probably be better for you now as you say your knowledge of cameras is limited, it is more consumerized (if thats a word), but seeing as you are going to get a photography degree, i think you should be able to handle the 30d just fine, hope this helps,
Ryand
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08/11/2007 07:18:55 PM · #3 |
The Sony DSC-F828 is a very nice and capable camera. Unless your courses require you to actually buy a DSLR, I'd stick with the Sony for now until you feel you need more flexibility and a DSLR. Both the Nikon D80 and Canon 30D are great bodies. I'd recommend you go to an actual camera store and play with both bodies and see which one feels best in your hands.
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08/11/2007 07:25:20 PM · #4 |
i just got my D80 a couple days ago.. i LOVE it. its user friendly and still has plenty of things on it i still have to learn about it. Its a great camera and the pictures are awesome.. i upgraded from a D50 to a D80. so im continually impressed with the improvement. you wont be disappointed with it.
im not so familiar with canons. i know the 30d is a really good camera. but being a nikon user. i say go with the Nikon ;) |
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08/11/2007 07:29:56 PM · #5 |
| 30D and congrats on your acceptance. |
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08/11/2007 09:11:54 PM · #6 |
30D
well done on your acceptance :D |
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08/11/2007 10:05:44 PM · #7 |
I've had my 30D for about a month now and I adore it. I have found it to be very user-friendly and it's built like a tank. I am very pleased with my choice. Both are great cameras and I think either one you choose would serve you well, but my vote is for the Canon. :)
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08/12/2007 05:14:56 AM · #8 |
Wow thanks everyone!
doctornick, I was hoping too my Sony would do, but the director of the program said that the sensor size and aperture capabilities will be limiting as I go beyond the very basics and that there would also be problems with portable flash. So I think 30D it is. I will also try to go in the camera shop to see and feel and try.
But I really appreciate everyone's comments, it really helps me think I will not be spending my money blindly!
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08/12/2007 06:23:30 AM · #9 |
You really can't go wrong either way. I would agree that the 30D was a disappointing upgrade from the 20D. It really should have just been called a 20D n. The so few changes didn't warrant a new model name IMO. These cameras really aren't fully comparable. The 30D is a step above the D80 in build quality and speed (it shoots 5fps), while the D80 goes ahead in Megapixel (which is not really a big deal) and option advancements. The D80 has many in camera editing options. Noise performance between the two are very close also.
Go to a store and handle both of them and just see which one feels the best to you. |
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08/12/2007 09:13:48 AM · #10 |
I do like the 30D, but I suspect that you might find a better choice in a used D70 or D70s. Heck, even a used 20D will suffice.
I've used both and I like both - for different reasons... The D80 has a much softer sounding shutter release/mirror slap, allowing less intrusiveness if there is a performance or if you are at a wedding... It wouldn't be an issue otherwise... I felt a bit self-conscious at a wedding a few weeks ago shooting my noisy camera at 5FPS during the kiss as the crowd was quiet and the acoustics were not in my favor...
If you don't need the 5FPS, the D80 would probably be just as good.
The reason the 30D was such a minor upgrade is that Canon has gotten quite close to where it needs to be to equal a film body of a similar market range. Nikon seems to keep pushing their features, but Canon seems to be resting a bit on their laurels... Not a lot needed to be improved on the 30D that Canon could improve without pushing it beyond it's position in the market. As for the name.... well, a rose by any other name...
Message edited by author 2007-08-12 09:14:08. |
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08/12/2007 11:32:35 AM · #11 |
If you already had two Nikon SB-28DX flashes would you still choose the Canon over the Nikon?
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08/12/2007 11:39:02 AM · #12 |
| The Nikon people will tell you to go for the D80 and the Canon people the 30D. Both are perfectly capable cameras. Just go to a store and play with both, get the one that feels better. |
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08/12/2007 11:46:42 AM · #13 |
i'd second the used 20d as an option, save some money for lenses, and get close to the same camera.
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08/12/2007 11:56:43 AM · #14 |
Originally posted by Amel_G:
I was hoping too my Sony would do, but the director of the program said ... that there would also be problems with portable flash. |
The Nikon will have a better wireless flash system, if you choose to use/explore it. |
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08/12/2007 12:02:05 PM · #15 |
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08/12/2007 12:16:47 PM · #16 |
Originally posted by Art Roflmao:
30D and congrats on your acceptance. |
Ditto.
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08/12/2007 12:18:23 PM · #17 |
Originally posted by David Ey:
If you already had two Nikon SB-28DX flashes would you still choose the Canon over the Nikon? |
Yup... great flashes for manual and auto modes with off-camera wireless setups, no matter which manufacturer of camera body you use.. :-)
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08/12/2007 07:25:04 PM · #18 |
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08/12/2007 07:31:06 PM · #19 |
If you don't get the D80, I'm gonna come to your house, beat up your cat, smash some plates, paw through your refrigerator, and leave the toilet seat up.
Seriously (but that doesn't mean I wasn't serious about the above), the D80 is far more geared towards begginers than the 30D. I've used Canon film camera's before, and I still find the 30D's controls to be daunting, wherease the D80 I could use the very first day, pretty much without the help of the manual. |
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08/12/2007 08:50:43 PM · #20 |
Definitely play with both. They are both great cameras, but you don't want to end up wanting to switch over down the road because the one you got just never feels comfortable.
Also, keep in mind, you are buying into a system. Later, after you have money invested in glass, when it's time to upgrade your body, you probably won't want to have to 're-buy' all those lenses. :-) IMO, I think, even if it is not by far, Canon still has a slight edge when it comes to selection and price of lenses.
Besides, when you get the big bucks to drop on gear, big white 'L' glass is super sexy! It'll get you dates :-P |
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08/12/2007 08:53:58 PM · #21 |
To follow up with Ericwoo's comment, Avoid Nikon :-P
Edit to add: I love Canon...you just need to go to a camera shop and see which one suits you better. Both cameras are nice.
Message edited by author 2007-08-12 20:56:54. |
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08/13/2007 08:52:25 AM · #22 |
One thing to think of is also your lens kit.
When I was looking at building a lens collection first, I found that the lenses I wanted to have were going to cost me about a grand more by going Nikon due to much better availability in my local area for quality second hand lenses.
On the other hand, I've also since dismissed the Canon 50mm f/1.8 II from that list, which changes things a bit...
Were I to do it again, I might go with a D70s second hand, a Nikon 50mm f/1.8, Probably a Sigma 70-300, 120-300 or something similar and maybe a little something for the wide end... Probably could keep the cost down a bit...
Of course, I got lucky and am quite happy with my Canon kit as well. Most of the guys I know around here that have the big heavy glass also shoot Canon, so it's convenient to me.
The number of available friends that shoot whatever might also be something to consider.
Nikon's wireless flash system is fantabulous...
Another thing to think about might be Pentax's offerings... a bit more bang for the buck there IMHO. Pentax K10D + 16-50 f/2.8, 50mm f/1.4 (maybe wait for their USM equivalent to be released) and whatever for the longer end is a pretty serious thing to think about. Pentax controls are just as good as any other system once you get used to it. I tend to spend a lot of time with different camera bodies in my hands and find that it is like riding a bicycle. It might be a little uncomfortable for a few minutes to ride a different setup, but after a little while, you get used to it... Swapping bodies like you probably will on class assignments, you probably will be able to get used to different kinds of bodies very quickly and won't find your initial 'hand feeling' response to hold very much weight after a short while. |
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08/13/2007 09:19:06 AM · #23 |
Both cameras are great. I'll second (or even third?) all the advice given above -- go to a store and try both.
I was in a similar position a while back (Cannon vs. Nikon) and I chose the Nikon. Why? I have larger hands and the Nikon felt better to me. It was really more an issue of the Cannon grip didn't fit my hand. I figure both brands have great lenses both new and used. Both brands have been around a while and probably will be.
Lenses are hard. One of the best lenses around for its price is the Nikon or Cannon 50mm prime f/1.8. For the price, you're getting a very solid lens. Couple that with decent zoom (Nikon 17-70 DX or better if you can afford it an 18-200 VR) and you have a great package for what you need. I know little about Cannon consumer lenses so I can't really comment too much there.
Try both. To me, they handled very differently and the choice was obvious. Also remember that it's not the camera, but the eye behind it. |
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08/13/2007 09:23:34 AM · #24 |
Originally posted by ericwoo:
Avoid Canon. |
Especially their kit lenses, nikon kit lenses far better :)
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08/13/2007 10:20:51 AM · #25 |
Ooh yeah, that's right, I forgot about the kit lenses!
The D80's kit lense is so hot I make love to it on a regular basis.
Originally posted by marbo:
Originally posted by ericwoo:
Avoid Canon. |
Especially their kit lenses, nikon kit lenses far better :) |
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