DPChallenge: A Digital Photography Contest You are not logged in. (log in or register
 

DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> New camera quandary
Pages:  
Showing posts 1 - 25 of 26, (reverse)
AuthorThread
12/30/2003 12:44:49 AM · #1
I'm new here, and have been bitten by the digital photography bug since I bought my first digital camera (Oly C-5050z) mid-year. Having stumbled onto this site, I'm now feeling the "need" (the wife says its merely a "want" but it's my feeling, not hers, so how would she know?) to buy a digital SLR.

Even though I own a Nikon 35mm SLR, my first thought is the EOS-10D, since I've read so many good things about it on this site and elsewhere. I'm also considering a Nikon D-100 since I own a couple lenses for the 35mm SLR (although I'm planning to sell that camera as soon as I get around to it since I don't use it anymore, and I could just as easily sell the lenses too). The digital Rebel is my third choice right now, but that might be a function of how little I know about it (what are the differences between it and the 10D?).

I'd appreciate any feedback anyone is willing to give on the above cameras, as well as any other cameras that bear consideration.

Thanks in advance for your time reading this and for responding if you choose to do so.
12/30/2003 01:00:52 AM · #2
Matt,

Here's a gut level answer for you, from one who owns a 10D. If you have any serious money in the Nikon lenses and they are in good shape, go with the Nikon D-100.

"Why?" you may ask.

Simply put, both the Nikon and the Canon are EXCELLENT cameras, but over time you will spend far more on your lenses than you will on the camera. If you lens selection is good now, don't "toss" them out.

I enjoy my 10D very much, and don't regret my purchase, but if Minolta had made a digital body that took my existing lenses I would have stuck with them. Buying even one lens for a new camera is expensive.

Hopefully you will get good advice from others too.
12/30/2003 01:02:59 AM · #3
To be honest with you Patents, I don't think you 'need' a digital SLR. Their are whole slew of people wiht dSLR's on the site who are still incredible photographers. JJBeguin, is an amazing photographer, and most likely has won the most ribbons on the site, and he shoots on a mediocre at best P&S camera. The C-5050z is a fantastic camera. It has all the functions of a dSLR, resolution about a mexapixel less, and a much simpler less complex form, not too mention it being about $1000 or more cheaper then a dSLR.

This isn't the advice you were looking for, but stick with your 5050 for awhile. Learn the in's and out's of digital photography. Exhaust all that yor camera can offer, and then, when you know that you have surpassed your camera, spend the cash and buy the dSLR. What I foresee happening is you buying the dSLR and being swamped with things to learn. The least of which a fairly complicated, very expensive digital camera. In the end, if you wait it out, you will appreciate the dSLR that much more.

A good camera does not make you a good photographer.

Lee
12/30/2003 01:23:14 AM · #4
Yep, I concur with SG. I, too, like you, have a c5050 & intially when I brought the dSLR's were coming out & was kickng myself for not waiting a bit longer to get that instead. But I love my 5050 & it is just as good as the SLR's (for now). PLus the dSLR's are almost experimental & insanely over priced. If you must have & have the dough, go for it (then I agree with tim in that you should get a camera that you can use your lenses on). If not, & you can wait, I'd wait until next x'mas when the prices for dSLR's will inevitable come down for the same product or even a more up-to-date one! Good luck with whatever you do & if you do go ahead & buy one, let us know how it is so we may live vicariously thru you! :)
12/30/2003 01:33:05 AM · #5
It's not the camera which makes you good photo-man ,it is the eye behind it !
Mr Kiwiness does the great job with 5050 as well with Canon D10 !
Jbeguin does miracles with compact Minolta F300 !
And toy looking Canon S30 got the most Ribbons !

Message edited by author 2003-12-30 01:33:28.
12/30/2003 02:04:05 AM · #6
Thanks for the comments so far, and not to sound ungrateful, but I was looking for specific comments on the different cameras - i.e. are there certain aspects where the 10D or D100 is considered a notch above the others? I just wanted some word of mouth to go with the technical reviews that I've read. I've just started my research, and both the 10D and D100 seem to be rated very highly with the 10D given a nod in some reviews due to choice/availability of lenses.

The concerns that I'll be overwhelmed, that it won't make me a better photographer, etc, are all duly noted and well understood. Owning a porsche doesn't automatically make someone a better driver, but I think that's irrelevant to the person driving a porsche - I imagine one buys a porsche at least in part to have a good time while driving (some say it also compensates for underdeveloped areas but I don't think that's material to this dialogue). This is a hobby. I do it purely for enjoyment, and I think I'll enjoy an SLR more. I certainly enjoy my film SLR's more than my point and shoot (although with the digital bug I haven't used any of my film camera's in a while!). It's very late here, I hope there isn't a negative tone to be perceived in the above - not my intent if there is.

timnbev- I don't have any serious money in my Nikon lenses - just a couple run of the mill AF lenses and some old manual focus lenses from my father's old all manual Nikon (model No. escapes me at the moment) with which I started out (sounds a bit like you SG). I appreciate the cost of lenses (especially good ones!), but I'm not factoring in my current lenses. I have a friend with the D100, so I could always pawn them off on him (although, for reasons mentioned I'm not sure he'd want them). So in view of the above, I'm just hunting around for practical recommendations.

Finally, I'm certainly not knocking the c-5050 or blaming any of my shortcomings on it. I plan on keeping it as my everyday/candid shots camera since it is much easier to lug around than a SLR and lenses.
12/30/2003 02:12:05 AM · #7
Well since nobody has mentioned it... go here to review your camera choices: //www.dpreview.com/

If you can't make up your mind after looking at the GREAT camera reviews and browsing the forums (camera specific) nothing will help you. :) Have fun.
12/30/2003 02:40:48 AM · #8
you dont need dslr to take great photos(but i want to get 1 cause my s5000 sux) instead of the 10d, you can consider the eos300d its pretty much a 'canon 10d lite' and alot cheaper. its got the same cmos and much of the same features what makes it cheaper is the plastic body, pentamirror and the 'made in taiwan' tag.
think about it
12/30/2003 05:02:08 AM · #9
Originally posted by ChrisW123:

Well since nobody has mentioned it... go here to review your camera choices: //www.dpreview.com/

If you can't make up your mind after looking at the GREAT camera reviews and browsing the forums (camera specific) nothing will help you. :) Have fun.


Chris is absolutely right. I asked questions here at dpc when I was considering the 300D/10D, but it's the comparison and specific information at dpreview that made up my mind for the 10D.

Here's a "side-by-side".
12/30/2003 05:38:42 AM · #10
But definitely,if I want to upgrade my camera ,larger sensor size and faster shutter lag are the must!But considering lenses prices it is an big investment (3000 $ for rebel).If you own Nikon lenses,there is nothing wrong with Nikon 100,just awesome fast camera !

Nikon D100 review

Message edited by author 2003-12-30 05:48:07.
12/30/2003 06:31:23 AM · #11
ok, heres my "opinion"...

being an owner of a 300D, having used a 10D and D100 before...



I'd say go the D100, its an awsome camera, strong body, huge range of lens (and you already got some).
the 300D has points better (and worse) than the D100, the the 10D is superior, but not worth it if u got some nice nikon lense already.


Jesse James:
its not the same sensor, there were 3 sensors in the 10d, they remade it into one sensor in the 300d, this made production much cleaper, but increased the noise roughly one stop worse.

second thing...
made in taiwan tag...
erm, mines "MADE IN JAPAN"
wondering now if the first body I had was taiwan....
will be ringing the camera shop tommorow and find out :o .

interesting.

Message edited by author 2003-12-30 06:36:56.
12/30/2003 07:30:21 AM · #12
Originally posted by cvt_:

second thing...
made in taiwan tag...
erm, mines "MADE IN JAPAN"
wondering now if the first body I had was taiwan....
will be ringing the camera shop tommorow and find out :o .

Just looking at my 300D, I can't find a 'Made in' label, but the box does say 'Made in Taiwan' (near the barcode). I believe the guy that does DPReview is a Brit? So I guess he'll have a UK 300D similar to mine.
12/30/2003 08:16:16 AM · #13
As a owner of a Nikon D100, I can easily recommend it to you. It is a great camera and I enjoy the results that I get from it. There is no shutter lag, which is a major issue, so be sure to check this point out carefully if you decide to go another way. After sales service is excellent here in Canada, so check out this point wherever you live too.

Do not be too quick to discount the older Nikkor lenses that you own. As others have commented already, this is a big issue and one that can consume a lot of cash. Lens selection is a fun opportunity to explore and learn. Used lenses are a reasonable alternative, regardless of the camera brand. I have recently been able to purchase a Nikkor 85mm f1.4D used, which is an incredible lens.

In February, the PMA 2004 show will occur in Las Vegas. I would hesitate to purchasing anything new until after the announcements at this important show. That is, if you want the latest camera model. Otherwise, you should be able to find superior deals as retailers clear old stock in preparation of the new models. Used or discounted Nikon D1x cameras are a strong likelihood for you to also consider. It is my suspicion that a new model will be introduced to replace the D1x.
12/30/2003 12:52:11 PM · #14
Thanks, Morgan. It does make sense to see what 2004 brings since the show is in the very near future. I also appreciate your comments on the D100 (and am intrigued by the D1x scenario you set forth - will definitely see how that plays out).

I'm going to shoot more with my friend's D100, and try to get my hands on the 10D for comparison. I bought my c-5050 based on use of a friends c-3020 that had the f1.8 lens (similar to or same as the 5050's 1.8) and in general I really liked the white balance and tones of the olympus digitals. My feeling that I can't go wrong with either the 10D or the D100 has been backed up for the most part here, so I guess I'll just have to shoot and see what I like!
12/30/2003 01:04:47 PM · #15
I have to agree that you should seriously consider your investment in lenses when choosing a DSLR. I used to use a film-SLR, then switched to an Olympus D2020 (when they were $750 for 2.1MP!), and after a while I couldn't stand the restrictions any more.

As Morgan noted, you could wait for more information on the upcoming Nikon D70 - a lower cost alternative to the D100.

Ron.
12/30/2003 02:18:30 PM · #16
The Cannon lenses not "L" lines do not had a low dispersion glass element. Are cheaper than Nikon, but are slow (f/4) and had some incredible chromatic aberrations. Then if you had a Nikon lenses... Makes many sense use it in a DSLR. Nikon lenses are all high quality. No second cheaper line. This is the market of Sigma lenses with Nikon F mounts. I´m very satisfied with my digital, but I thought to buy a DSLR one further day. The compacts are more versatile and a prosumer compact like we had has worth.
Cannon 300D has some issues with the AF sensor and the 10D, had no post shot in-camera process. This will be a shock to you, that are using a prosumer camera filled with post processes and get every shot very nice, directly to store and view. Most of the pros that uses post-process, in the Photoshop or others, likes very much of it. But for personal use, it´s not so good.
Cannon 300D is a cheaper downgraded 10D. Components of any part of it are quality issued components, IE: it uses a cheap mirror against a glass prism in the viewfinder, this makes your vision a bit darker in viewfinder, the camera had some shaking in low shutter speed due to a cheaper mechanical components and the list goes far...
If you are not entering in the photography world by the digital door, do not consider to buy a Cannon 300D. It´s my counsel.

Message edited by author 2003-12-30 14:20:58.
12/30/2003 02:27:09 PM · #17
I've only recently got my 300D, but have you actually used a 300D or a D100, GoodEnd?

I'm sure there are plenty of 300D owners on DPC that would disagree with your fairly harsh estimation of the quality. The 300D is incredibly popular for a good reason, as far as I can see.

Here's a small comparison between the Nikon D100 and the 300D on DPReview.
12/30/2003 03:36:40 PM · #18
I am planning on selling my two Nikon D1x bodies once I learn if a new and improved model is forthcoming at the PMA show. I will keep the Nikon D100 as it is only a few months old. If a D1x replacement does get announced, then drop me a note and we can discuss the D1x(s).

My local camera store has already made me an offer against the D2H, but I decided to hold off for the D2x, or whatever they plan on calling it.
12/30/2003 11:59:51 PM · #19
pitsaman:
the rebel is US899 body only, not 3000.

the guy wanting to hear opinons is new to digital photography, even with 35mm slr experience, the d100 and 10d are a little too 'professional' for him. also, the d100 only has iso200 compaired to iso100 of the rebel.

goodend:
though the pentamirror is darker then the pentaprism, it still does the job. and the mirror slap is actually stronger at high shutter speeds rather then low shutter speeds.

for a guy wanting to go serious but dont yet hav the doh, i would recommand the rebel. unless you work for national geographic, you wont mind the minute differences.
12/31/2003 12:02:07 AM · #20
oh and you can get pretty good sigma lens for the rebel at a decent price.
12/31/2003 12:46:46 AM · #21
Originally posted by Jesse_James:

pitsaman:
the rebel is US899 body only, not 3000.

.


What is just the body good for?Maybe a beer mug !
12/31/2003 12:49:52 AM · #22
I guess I won't throw the 300D out w/out looking at it, but I'm not inclined to buy an incremental or intermediate step when an upgrade is only $500 more. Also, I see no point in gaining additional digital experience (that so many who don't know me are convinced I need before I even consider a 10D or D100, but I digress) with one camera, and then selling that camera to get the upgraded version only to have to then become familiar with it. That's why my focus has been on the 10D or D100.

Besides, I think Morgan is practically gonna give me one of his D1x's before too long. :-)



12/31/2003 11:44:39 AM · #23
The main issue I have with the 300D/Rebel is that you can't select your metering mode. It is chosen for you.

Just my 2cents.

I'm still waiting for the 10D to go below $2000 CDN or a successor to come out.

Message edited by author 2003-12-31 11:45:38.
12/31/2003 12:24:33 PM · #24
Originally posted by cpanaioti:

The main issue I have with the 300D/Rebel is that you can't select your metering mode. It is chosen for you.

That is one thing that wouldn't bother me. I got my 10D in one of the first shipments back in March, and I have never changed my metering mode from the 35-zone evaluative mode...
12/31/2003 12:56:07 PM · #25
Personally I don't see why there is too much trouble in making a decision, no lenses in a similar price bracket are going to vary very much in quality as they are only ever going to be as good as the glass that is used.

With this point in mind, it does not matter whether you by Canon, Nikon or from an independent lens manufacturer. Incidentally I have yet to see any kind of evidence that all the major lens manufacturers do not use glass from exactly the same company.

That brings us onto the decision of the camera body. You already have Nikon lenses, so it makes sense to buy a Nikon camera. The main point about this is that your best decision in buying a Nikon camera is to wait until later on in 2004. The reason that I say this is that the 10D is currently better than the D100. Nikon will therefore have to respond by releasing an improved version of the D100, and as they are currently being beaten on the very low-end digital SLRs, they will soon be responding in that market as well. If you are seriously looking at a high-end digital camera then Nikon will soon be replacing the D1X as they don't have too much choice about that either. The rumours of Nikon going totally digital probably are not true just yet, but it probably will not be very long.

The long and short of it is that your best choice is properly to wait as there are a whole batch of new cheap but high-quality SLR's going to hit the market in 2004.

Just my two cents.
Pages:  
Current Server Time: 04/19/2024 06:39:11 PM

Please log in or register to post to the forums.


Home - Challenges - Community - League - Photos - Cameras - Lenses - Learn - Prints! - Help - Terms of Use - Privacy - Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2024 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 04/19/2024 06:39:11 PM EDT.