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09/23/2010 03:27:43 PM · #1
Hi,

I have a Nikon D80 (10MP) and a Canon SD950IS (12 MP/point and shoot), and I am looking to possibly upgrade both. What recommendations do you guys have as users? I want to stay in a similar price point for each (what I paid new).

I would love your feedback. You guys are always good!

What do people think of the Canon EOS T2i?

I have an 18-135mm lens for my Nikon. If I went to Canon, would it still be usable? Is Canon or Nikon better? I'm please with both in my experiences so far.

Renee

Message edited by author 2010-09-23 15:58:35.
09/23/2010 04:03:35 PM · #2
The T2i is quite nice (especially in it's class), and for the P&S I fully recommend the Canon S90, it's awesome.

ETA: Your lens would be usable with an adapter, but you would be much better served by a different lens (that's a whole other thread, however, the 15-85 IS is superior, but a little costly.)

Message edited by author 2010-09-23 16:05:28.
09/23/2010 04:06:46 PM · #3
Originally posted by Everyday Renee:

Is Canon or Nikon better?
Renee


Hmmm let me think about that..

Edit: Ok, after some thought.. Nikon is better.

So get a D300s or D700, I don't know how much you spent on the D80.. but those are both worth it. And good lenses make a big difference as well, maybe consider getting a lens instead of a new point and shoot. 50mm 1.8 is only $50.. and it's super sharp, but no zoom:) Nikon 17-55 2.8 is a nice all around lens, but a little expensive.

Message edited by author 2010-09-23 16:18:10.
09/23/2010 04:33:25 PM · #4
Nikon D7000 >>>> d300s .... cheaper too....
09/23/2010 04:51:49 PM · #5
What are you hoping to gain with a new camera (I do note that you recently had problems with your D80 falling into water and spending abit in both time and money to get it running again)?

Price wise- the D300s and D700 will be more than the D80 was. Nikon did just announce their newest camera in the D80 group- the D7000 (scheduled for release at the end of October). It really looks nice. The body alone will be about the same as the D80 with kit lens when it was released. It sounds like a nice step up from the D80 and is tempting- I can't justify it for myself but do find it interesting. Could you get the improvements you seek with a new lens? I see a few closeups on your page here. Maybe a macro lens? You might be able (depending on how much you spend) to pick up a couple of new lenses for the price of a new body. Any Nikon gear you have won't work on a Canon camera if you go that way.
09/23/2010 04:56:07 PM · #6
Yeah, I dropped the camera in the water two years ago. Nikon couldn't fix it...the photos were really dark, so they finally replaced it so I have a totally different camera. Now I have a spot in photos -- developed a year ago -- in all photos. I don't know if it is dirt or if it is something else. Part of me is afraid that the replacement I got had this issue (it was refurbished) and they repaired it but it returned. You know? Otherwise the camera is fine, but I don't want to buy lenses for it -- in case it is something serious. I also hate shipping the camera to clean it or repair it. I don't think I want to put more money into it...

I'll have to look at the D7000. Thanks!


Message edited by author 2010-09-23 16:58:51.
09/23/2010 05:02:34 PM · #7
Originally posted by Everyday Renee:

Yeah, I dropped the camera in the water two years ago. Nikon couldn't fix it...the photos were really dark, so they finally replaced it so I have a totally different camera. Now I have a spot in photos -- developed a year ago -- in all photos. I don't know if it is dirt or if it is something else. Part of me is afraid that the replacement I got had this issue (it was refurbished) and they repaired it but it returned. You know? Otherwise the camera is fine, but I don't want to buy lenses for it -- in case it is something serious. I also hate shipping the camera to clean it or repair it. I don't think I want to put more money into it...

I'll have to look at the D7000. Thanks!


Is that what all of this is about?

Please take a picture of the sky set to an aperture of say... f/20 or narrower, and post it for us to examine.. My strong suspicion is that you are correct and this is just dust *(which is super easy to clean off)..

The copperhill method is easy and effective, after a bit of practice you'll find yourself cleaning your sensor at least once a month just to keep it super clean.

So, unless you want to spend somewhere around $6,000 to get a body and lens that are (mostly) dust proof, I would really suggest learning to clean your sensor, as it's a critical part of owning a DSLR IMO.

Message edited by author 2010-09-23 17:18:19.
09/23/2010 05:33:31 PM · #8
Thanks for your help, Corybeohne. I have to admit, I don't know how to clean the lens. I've always been afraid of it. The weather here is crappy, but I did take some shots as you said of the gray clouds and wholly crap, the lens IS DIRTY. I won't upload those as it is obvious to me now, but you can see spot I have been bothered by for a year here: //picasaweb.google.com/wollogong/20100523?authkey=Gv1sRgCIugzPbo4v7rWA#5474633719498394098 Now I see more dirt. Does it just get in there from living? I never change the lens at all. I keep a clean house LOL. I haven't used the camera much in 10 months either.

How do I clean the lens? I would love to learn :)
09/23/2010 05:38:18 PM · #9
Originally posted by Everyday Renee:

Thanks for your help, Corybeohne. I have to admit, I don't know how to clean the lens. I've always been afraid of it. The weather here is crappy, but I did take some shots as you said of the gray clouds and wholly crap, the lens IS DIRTY. I won't upload those as it is obvious to me now, but you can see spot I have been bothered by for a year here: //picasaweb.google.com/wollogong/20100523?authkey=Gv1sRgCIugzPbo4v7rWA#5474633719498394098 Now I see more dirt. Does it just get in there from living? I never change the lens at all. I keep a clean house LOL. I haven't used the camera much in 10 months either.

How do I clean the lens? I would love to learn :)


First, you're very welcome.

Secondly, yep that's absolutely dust, but, it's not on your lens. It's on your sensor.

So, as for method, it's not hard, and really, since the cover over your sensor is glass, you don't need to be super afraid to do this - the biggest key in cleaning is to not introduce MORE dust into the body.

As for how to access your Nikon's function that will allow you to clean the sensor, I'm not sure - however I'm sure a Nikonian will pop in and advise you on that account.

As for tools and general method, here's the lowdown.

ETA: Dust will always get in unless you've invested serious money into the system to ensure a sealed setup.. In your case, it most likely was sucked in by your zoom lens.

Message edited by author 2010-09-23 17:41:28.
09/23/2010 05:38:31 PM · #10
I think my dirt migrated into a more distinguishable dust bunny and spots!

Here is what I got when I shot a photo at the sky: photos of sky

Message edited by author 2010-09-23 17:39:18.
09/23/2010 05:41:56 PM · #11
Originally posted by Everyday Renee:

I think my dirt migrated into a more distinguishable dust bunny and spots!

Here is what I got when I shot a photo at the sky: photos of sky


Yep, dirty dirty :)
09/23/2010 05:42:56 PM · #12
Do I need to buy things to do this? I am reading it and it talks about bulb blowers and sensor brushes. Where do I get these? Are they expensive?
09/23/2010 05:43:24 PM · #13
Cory is actually speaking of cleaning your sensor.
Here is a link to a tutorial on the method he spoke of:
//www.copperhillimages.com/index.php?pr=tutorials

I don't know anyone who has wrecked their sensor through cleaning but be careful.

I myself am partial to Visible Dust's products ( //www.visibledust.com/ ) such as the Arctic Butterfly.

eta: boy am I slow

Message edited by author 2010-09-23 17:45:18.
09/23/2010 05:48:19 PM · #14
Originally posted by Everyday Renee:

Do I need to buy things to do this? I am reading it and it talks about bulb blowers and sensor brushes. Where do I get these? Are they expensive?


People are going to instantly disagree with me and tell you I'm nuts.

With that said - buy the full copperhill kit and a can of compressed air..

I use the straw that comes with the compressed air, and first I test spray to ensure there is no propellent in the straw or elsewhere, then I put the tip of the straw about 1/4" away from the sensor and blast the snot out of it (which will remove about 90% of the spots for me or better), then if needed I'll wet clean the sensor with the copperhill kit.

I then test it by taking a photo of a blank screen (white) at a super narrow aperture, with the camera de-focused, this will show any dust that may remain, you can then choose to leave it (sometimes fine if it's in the bottom 50% of your image) or clean again..

That's about it, really nothing to it, but you'll find that your comfort level will increase rapidly.
09/23/2010 05:59:17 PM · #15
Should I buy PecPads or QuikStrips?
09/23/2010 06:04:35 PM · #16
Originally posted by Everyday Renee:

Should I buy PecPads or QuikStrips?


I've used exclusively PecPads for years, with great results. Eclipse is the fluid of choice. BTW, if you are skittish about cleaning and are near MKE, I can give you a quick course in sensor cleaning.

Also FWIW, I would never used canned "air." It's not really air, it's hydrocarbon propellant, and sometimes contains lubricants that make one heck of a mess if they get spit into the mirror box. A hand blower (squeeze bulb) is better for removing loosely-attached dust.
09/23/2010 06:10:50 PM · #17
Thanks, I ordered. When it arrives, I may ask more questions. I may take you up on that Kirbic :)
09/23/2010 06:14:21 PM · #18
Originally posted by Everyday Renee:

Thanks, I ordered. When it arrives, I may ask more questions. I may take you up on that Kirbic :)


Sure thing, drop me a PM if I can help out.
09/23/2010 06:20:40 PM · #19
Originally posted by kirbic:


Also FWIW, I would never used canned "air." It's not really air, it's hydrocarbon propellant, and sometimes contains lubricants that make one heck of a mess if they get spit into the mirror box. A hand blower (squeeze bulb) is better for removing loosely-attached dust.


Which is a valid point, however, the methanol that is supplied with the copperhill kit will readily remove any lubricants that could (unlikely, but possibly) make their way onto your sensor.

And I use the pads, I also have the strips and think they a total fail.
09/23/2010 06:33:50 PM · #20
I have to say that the Visible Dust's sensor loupe is really handy for cleaning regardless of what method you use. It sits right on your camera like a lens and shines a light directly on the sensor so you can actually see the dust through the loupe. Otherwise, its clean the sensor. Put a lens on. Do a test shot. Look at the results. Clean it again. Repeat until the sensor is clean. (And during some of these attempts you actually make things worse).

//www.visibledust.com/products3.php?pid=602
09/24/2010 02:00:29 AM · #21
If that shot was taken at a high f-stop then your sensor doesn't look to bad.
I would first try using a rocket blower to clean that spot away as it may disappear with just that method.
Otherwise you may have to go for the wet method.
Remember to fully charge you battery full before cleaning.
10/01/2010 08:24:18 PM · #22
I just wanted to say THANKS about the Copper Hill method. I received it and tried and got ride of about 60% in two cleanings so far. I still have some spots that are being frisky. Any advice??
10/01/2010 11:46:48 PM · #23
When I cleaned the sensor on my Nikon D70, there was a stubborn dust spot that the normal wide sensor swabs would not get rid of.

I used Eclipse solution and long handle Cotton Swabs.

Two drops of Eclipse on a swab and very gently work on the stubborn spot.

Do not rub hard and do not use too much solution (you don't want it dripping off the swab).

Message edited by author 2010-10-01 23:52:56.
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