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11/06/2004 07:16:10 PM · #1 |
I'm presently deciding on a new camera. I've been looking at SLR and SLR type cameras, and I've got 3 cameras within a wide price range.
The cheapest of teh bunch is the Nikon Coopix 5400
//www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2.cgi?PAGE=PROFRAME&PROD_ID=668168#
The next is the Fuji S7000
//www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=299963&is=REG
And the most expensive is The Canon 300D
//www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=337122&is=REG
The Nikon is obviously the cheapest, but has the least amount of features. The Fuji has add on lense capability, and a 15-30 min JPEG format video mode with sound, with some odd digital megapixel enhancement that supposedly doubles the quality, but the package has no add-ons like lenses batteries etc. The Canon has no video format, most likely the highest picture quality, although I have no examples of photos from it. The package is 250 bucks more than the Fuji, but also comes with a battery pack, 18-55mm lense, case etc...
My question is, do any of you have these cameras, and, more importantly, if anyone has owned any of these, do you have any good/bad stories about the camera? Right now the Fuji is looking the best aside from the battery issue, but I really want a full SLR quality camera like the Canon. Anything you guys could offer to help would be greatly appreciated. |
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11/06/2004 07:26:52 PM · #2 |
First questions to ask yourself is what kind of photos you like to take, what kind of photos would you want to take, etc?
Obviously if you enjoy nature/animal shots you may need a camera that would work for the range of shots for those particular subjects and so on.
We would be nice to hear why your current camera is not up to the task. |
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11/06/2004 07:29:41 PM · #3 |
I have my Canon D300 for around 2 months now and I really love it.
This photo was shoot with my Canon last week. And I'm a newbie in photography.
Message edited by author 2004-11-06 19:35:20. |
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11/06/2004 07:37:35 PM · #4 |
You're making a huge jump up in quality from the Sony FD-87 to any of these cameras. Obviously, the DSLR is going to be more capable, but in order to take advantage of that capability, you will need to invest in good lenses. They don't come cheap; the rule of thumb is to be prepared to invest more in lenses than you paid for the body.
you're probably better off for now to invest in one of the cams you have been looking at. They're all good, but have different strengths. Ideally, you should try to hold and shoot each one prior to deciding. Also, for great reviews, see dpreview.com, they are among the best sites for reliable digital camera reviews.
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11/06/2004 07:39:58 PM · #5 |
The black bodied Rebel 300D is in and it comes with a Canon 18-55 AF lens for $999.99 - And it is IN STOCK
LINK |
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11/06/2004 08:30:47 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by RPGguy04:
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The Nikon is obviously the cheapest, but has the least amount of features.
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I own CP 5400, and it's loaded with features; 5-point focus, 4 metering modes including spot, exposure, white balance and flash exposure compensation, strobe flash capability, best-shot-selector, 3 fps continuous shooting, time and bulb modes, just to name a few. And it takes very good pictures. I'm quite happy with it, though I'm aware of its limitations. Also it's weak in the accessories department. For instance, if you need good telephoto (over 200 mm), forget about this camera, unless you're willing to attach some weird looking 3rd party converters/monoculars etc. Filters are somewhat troublesome in that if you go the Nikon-recommended way, which requires a specific lens hood and 77mm filters, your wallet gets drained faster than you could say "polarizer". On the other hand, it has a very good 28-116mm (in 35mm terms) lens with 1 cm. (app. 0.40 inches) minimum focus distance in macro mode, and is perfectly sufficient for the type and level of photography I do, which is slightly higher than "beginner", and I'll gladly use it until my skill level justifies something more advanced. Nevertheless, if I had some extra money to burn, I'd seriously think about buying a DSLR, such as Nikon D70 or the upcoming Olympus Evolt E-300, with a decent general purpose lens and maybe a telephoto lens and be done with it. |
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11/06/2004 08:40:33 PM · #7 |
This really comes down to what kind of photography you want to. In skilled hands, all three will take breathtaking images. In unskilled hands, all three will take lousy images. The dSLR will always win on battery life hands-down, but from there it's about what you enjoy.
Light & simple, camera with you at all times? Might want to avoid the SLR unless you know what you're getting into.
Maximum flexibility via lens choice? dSLR.
High quality digicam convenience? Either Fuji or Nikon CP.
Think about how you envision using the camera and what kind of shots you want to take, then go to a camera store and physiaclly handle your choices. I'd bet that will make your mind up.
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11/06/2004 09:09:21 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by RPGguy04:
I'm presently deciding on a new camera. I've been looking at SLR and SLR type cameras, and I've got 3 cameras within a wide price range.
The cheapest of teh bunch is the Nikon Coopix 5400
//www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2.cgi?PAGE=PROFRAME&PROD_ID=668168#
The next is the Fuji S7000
//www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=299963&is=REG
And the most expensive is The Canon 300D
//www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=337122&is=REG
The Nikon is obviously the cheapest, but has the least amount of features. The Fuji has add on lense capability, and a 15-30 min JPEG format video mode with sound, with some odd digital megapixel enhancement that supposedly doubles the quality, but the package has no add-ons like lenses batteries etc. The Canon has no video format, most likely the highest picture quality, although I have no examples of photos from it. The package is 250 bucks more than the Fuji, but also comes with a battery pack, 18-55mm lense, case etc...
My question is, do any of you have these cameras, and, more importantly, if anyone has owned any of these, do you have any good/bad stories about the camera? Right now the Fuji is looking the best aside from the battery issue, but I really want a full SLR quality camera like the Canon. Anything you guys could offer to help would be greatly appreciated. |
You should buy my package - you'd be all set :-D |
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11/06/2004 11:17:05 PM · #9 |
Read this review before you make your final decision:
FZ20 reviewed by DPReview |
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11/06/2004 11:41:28 PM · #10 |
| Hi. I sent you a message about my camera I would be willing to sell. |
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11/07/2004 01:36:56 AM · #11 |
I appreciate all the replies :)
Checked out the Nikon 5700, it's one I had looked at, but I'm not sure of the comparison to the Fuji S7000.
As for the type of pictures, I live in NYC, so they range anywhere from landscapes, the park, the buildings, people...I need something with a very wide versatility. Battery life is also important. What I'd like is the camera with the best photo quality, environment settings, and the fastest shutter speed for multiple pictures. THe Fuji's one winning feature that's holding me up against the Canon at this point is the 30 min video recording setting...which may end up clinching in the end simply for the versatility. |
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11/07/2004 02:04:01 AM · #12 |
the video on digital cameras is usually nothing to write home about though. but if that's not a big deal then go for it.
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11/07/2004 02:37:27 AM · #13 |
| Get a Nikon 8800 or Canon EOS 20D. |
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11/07/2004 08:02:46 AM · #14 |
Originally posted by RPGguy04:
THe Fuji's one winning feature that's holding me up against the Canon at this point is the 30 min video recording setting...which may end up clinching in the end simply for the versatility. |
If you are going to make your decision based on the Fuji's movie clip feature I would urge you to go to a camera store (even if you are going to buy online) and see this first hand. If you have a card that fits the camera take it in and ask a clerk to shoot some clips on your card; then take it home and view them on your computer to see how they look. At 320x240 the frames are pretty low resolution, you may not be happy with their quality. And to get the 30 min you'll need a very large memory card, adding bucks to your outlay. |
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11/07/2004 08:13:22 AM · #15 |
Funny how people always seem to ignore the Panasonics. I couldn't use ANY other big zoom camera... Image stabilisation is essential when using a 10/12x zoom lens. Also, F2.8 at the far side of the zoom is incredibly useful. The Leica optics are razor sharp, and puts the competition to shame. The burst mode on the FZ series is superb, and again puts the competition to shame. We're talking about 3/4 shots a second depending on which FZ camera you're going for. You can buy LOADS of 3rd party adapters which allow you to use thread sizes from 52mm through to 72mm.
However, if you've got loads of money to spend, the Nikon 8800 has similar specs (big zoom, image stabilisation), but the reason that I would still prefer my FZ10 is that Nikon's zoom is quite slow at the far end. I forget the exact aperture, but it is nowhere near F2.8 |
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11/07/2004 08:19:30 AM · #16 |
As you can see I use the Fujifilm 6900Z, the forerunner to the model you are interested in buying. They are good general use cameras, the video clip feature is okay, but not really a reason for buying the camera. Video cameras are dirt cheap now, so why compromise for one feature?
All three are capable cameras, but aimed at specific markets. As has been suggested in previous posts, go to a camera shop and handle all three. Check out photos taken with the cameras by members on this site to get an idea of what the cameras are capable of. But, remember, it is down to the person behind the camera, even the best camera in the wrong hands will produce bad photos. |
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11/07/2004 07:44:55 PM · #17 |
I was looking over the pictures taken by both the Fuji S7000, and the Canon D300, and, to be honest, I'm afraid I lack the skill to tell much of the difference.
As for the Nikon 8800, and the Canon EOS 20D, they're beyond my price range. The pricetag on the D300 is 100 bucks less than the 20D. The pricetag on the Fuji S7000 is significantly less than most of the other cameras I've looked at, but the quality, at least of the photos I'm seeing here seems to be very good and clear.
I forgot to mention one more important aspect I'm looking for in the cameras, and that would be durability and stability. I'm pretty sure it was taking pictures 14 stories up in the middle of a blizzard in Manhattan that did in the memory stick adapter for my Mavica, hopefully the camera didn't suffer, although I haven't taken a picture with it since then.
Anyone who owns the Fuji, or the Canon, or the cameras that are similar in it's class, who can fill me ion on the reliability of these cameras, would be greatly appreciated. |
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11/08/2004 04:05:10 PM · #18 |
If you want a good deal in the UK on a Black 300D...look no further than Jessops.
Black body + Battery Grip + Kit Lens + 1 Gb CF Card for &799.90...now includes a 256mb Sandisk CF card on proof of purchase to Canon, and just announced, £100 cash on completion of PDF proof of purchase to Canon.
Now, that really is a good deal!! |
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11/08/2004 04:15:22 PM · #19 |
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11/08/2004 04:22:47 PM · #20 |
This page shows some of what can be done with the CP5400. Shameless self-promotion, but it is at least proof of it's being a competent camera, if you take the time to learn it's little foibles. IMO, if you want to shoot landscapes, macros, nothing in low light, then it's the right compact sub-SLR cam.
Never forget that more important is the eye behind the camera. If you have the money (and you'll need at least twice as much as the base cost), go for a DSLR, like the 300D. even when you upgrade it, you'll have stuff you can carry over to your new camera.
E |
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11/08/2004 04:40:23 PM · #21 |
Originally posted by kirbic:
You're making a huge jump up in quality from the Sony FD-87 to any of these cameras. Obviously, the DSLR is going to be more capable, but in order to take advantage of that capability, you will need to invest in good lenses. They don't come cheap; the rule of thumb is to be prepared to invest more in lenses than you paid for the body.
you're probably better off for now to invest in one of the cams you have been looking at. They're all good, but have different strengths. Ideally, you should try to hold and shoot each one prior to deciding. Also, for great reviews, see dpreview.com, they are among the best sites for reliable digital camera reviews. |
I know that photography has changed a lot, but there are some very famous photographers that did fine with a very limited set of lenses. I think you could learn a lot with a dSLR and a fast prime.
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11/08/2004 08:36:47 PM · #22 |
I've pretty much set myself to go for the D300, I'm happy with it's features, it's $864 at B&H in NYC with a 1gb card, battery pack and charger, and some nice software. The only other contender at this point would be the Panasonic/Pentax with the Leica lenses. Canon seems to be pushing ahead due to it's compatability with more than 50 of Canon's more common lenses. Again one of my biggest concerns is the camera's quality and durability... Any way I can enhance the durability would be nice.
Message edited by author 2004-11-08 20:37:32. |
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