Which D-SLR approach is best for you?

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM

12/25/2002 11:44:47 AM · #1

D-SLR Chip Strategies:

Which D-SLR chip / lens strategy is best for your needs?

First, the traditional CCD chip faceplate size, which results in a change in the magnification ratio (1.5x, 1.6x) of the lens. Both Nikon and Canon have products in this category.

Second, the new lens designed specifically for the smaller chips, such as the new Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 12-24mm f/4G lens just introduced. It is designed to paint a smaller image in the faceplate that will allow a 1:1 scaling of the optics to the chip.

Third, the full-frame chips that allow the optics to function in a 1:1 ratio with 35mm film, such as the Kodak, DCS Pro 14n, Canon EOS 1Ds and the Contax N Digital. These new CCD and CMOS chips are scaled at about 24mm x 36mm like a film frame.

Fourth, it seems that a hybrid approach is favoured by some manufacturers, which is being called, four-thirds or 4/3. It is an approach that uses both a new chip size and promotes a new lens design and standard. It is unique and will need to see momentum gained behind it before it is concerned accepted.

Of these approaches, both CCD and CMOS chips are used. Currently, resolutions vary between 1 megapixel to 14 megapixels. Other concerns are power consumption, active circuitry needed for processing the image, signal to noise ratio, colourimetry, dynamic range, manufacturing yield, demand versus cost ratios, and more. It is a puzzle to determine which is best for your type of photography.

BadPigg

Canon EOS-10D

12/26/2002 11:54:55 AM · #2

Morgan, Dont forget the Foveon 3 . Incidently I was hoping to upgrade to d_SLR soon but cost is very much an issue. Seeing that you have the D1X, which I believe is a bit more than I can afford. How do you rate the under $3000 D-SLR's.

Message edited by author 2002-12-26 11:55:32.

Jacko

Canon EOS-20D

12/26/2002 12:11:36 PM · #3

Morgan, please give me a sales pitch for Nikon cameras and lenses, and anyone else can give a sales pitch for Canon Cameras and lenses. My wife wants to buy a film SLR (either Canon or Nikon) for herself, and I get to buy the lenses, so I'll have a bit of a collection by the time I get a D-SLR -- the same brand as her SLR she will be getting. I'm tending slightly toward the Nikon brands right now. We'll probably get the film SLR in a couple of days. So anyone can brag up either brand or give pros and cons of each brands, which I know are both excellent.

bamaster

Canon EOS-D30

12/26/2002 12:15:51 PM · #4

I've been told that Canon makes some of the best Image Stabilization stuff. A must have if you do a lot of hand-held shooting, like me.

jmsetzler

Sony Alpha a6000

Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 E-mount

12/26/2002 12:32:15 PM · #5

I'm hoping to buy the Fuji S2 which, in essence, is a Nikon, but uses Fuji's CCD...

12/26/2002 03:18:55 PM · #6

Originally posted by BadPigg:

You are right, I did forget the Foveon x3 chip. I heard about it as the heart and soul of the new Sigma SD9 camera introduced at the PMA in Orlando in February 2002. It is a very remarkable technology and is very dissimilar from the others. It represents yet another approach.

I understand that they are currently offering two models of the chip. One is in the 4/3 camp and the other is a 1/2" size. Word is that Kodak is also looking at it too. What makes it unique is that it is a true three-colour CMOS chip that works much like film by using a three-layer substrate approach and is able to capture the entire image colour composition without elaborate post-capture, on-board processing. The result, images will be taken quickly and without the delay of a chip that needs extensive image interpolation and the image is said to be very sharp as the RGB registration issue is no longer a consideration.

12/26/2002 03:27:37 PM · #7

Originally posted by bamaster:

I've been told that Canon makes some of the best Image Stabilization stuff. A must have if you do a lot of hand-held shooting, like me.

I agree, Canon is the leader in Image Stabilization optics. Their image-stabilized binoculars are totally amazing too.

Nikon also has a few lenses that offer what they refer too as VR or vibration reduction, similar to Canon�s Image Stabilization. I happen to own the Nikkor 80-400 VR lens and find it to be very sharp, fits well in the hands, offers an incredible zoom range, and seems to have been recently reduced in price (at least here in Canada). IS or VR is only really needed in longer focal length optics when handheld shots are a challenge. As well, they help in lower light situations. If you only wanted two lenses, then the Nikkor 28-70mm with the 80-400 VR is a great combination, regardless of film or digital use.

12/26/2002 03:47:24 PM · #8

Originally posted by Jacko:

Jacques, it all comes down to dollars and cents, or is that sense, as in common sense?

I am a Nikon guy, but there are likely just as many loyal followers for Canon and the other quality brands. In my case, I have been building up over the years, Nikon F, then F2, followed by F3, then a jump to F5s, and now the D1Xs (I own two). I keep a F100 as well for film use. For me it was more an issue of auto-focus as my eye site deteriorated with age.

In Canada, where you and I live, the after-sales service and support for both brands is first-class. In NB where you live, getting a good local retailer may be your most important decision. I make good use of my two favourite stores here in ON - Henrys and Vistek. As I travel weekly for business, I also make use of several other dealers too - The Camera Store in Calgary and Broadway Camera in Vancouver, to name just two.

If you order from out of Province you may be able to avoid the sales tax. The Camera Store is good for No PST as there is no Provincial Sales Tax in Alberta. Others may ship out of Province without charging for PST too. Drop me a direct email (see my profile) if you would like contact names.

Camera Canada (CC) is the only low price web-based seller. All of the other retailers have a web presence too. Check CC for the best pricing. Buying in the USA is likely more expensive what with currency exchange, duties, taxes, brokerage and freight. The basic price of the cameras is also lower in Canada anyway. And, now with the Boxing Day sales, it is a great time to buy.

Good luck and let me know what you and your lovely wife (as seen in your award winning work) finally decide upon.

12/26/2002 03:59:28 PM · #9

Originally posted by jmsetzler:

I'm hoping to buy the Fuji S2 which, in essence, is a Nikon, but uses Fuji's CCD...

John, The Fuji S2 is a great camera. A professional commercial photographer friend of mine in Calgary has one and loves it. His results speak volumes about the quality of this camera and his images are simply amazing.

//www.scienceandart.org/photography/rinus/showcase.html

I nearly purchase one before my Nikon decision, until I found out the not all of my Nikon lenses could be used on it. This is apparently the same case with the Nikon F80 camera, which is the platform that the S2 is built upon. The Fuji CCD is unique and is very interesting technology. I suggest that you give the Nikon D100 a once over before you make your final decision.

Finally, I am very excited that the new Kodak DCS Pro 14n has made a quantum leap in technology, so maybe you will want to look at it too, although it is priced higher, it looks like the next wave of technology.

kendall

Nikon D1X

01/03/2003 08:24:59 AM · #10

Morgan did you say that there is more than one nikon VR lens ? I didn't know that. I have the 80-400VR and i have a ball with it at zoo's and the like. I wish there was a brighter VR lens. I know it would cost a ton in like a 300 f2.8 or whatever. your histroy sounds like mine. started with an F3 then F4 then D-1 and now D-1x and D-1 (I use the D-1 like the H)

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

01/03/2003 10:53:50 AM · #11

Originally posted by kendall:

Yes, I did indicate that there is more than one Nikkor VR lens, there are now two models to choose from and the new model is much faster and with ED glass, although a shorter focal length. I also own the 80 - 400 VR and enjoy it a great deal. In fact, I too use it here at the Metro Zoo in Toronto where I am a member. It is extraordinary for close-ups. We had a baby Gorilla born here this year and it was the best way to get close to it, as the mother was particularly protective. Here is a portion of the recent press release. Check out //www.nikonusa.com for more news.

Nikon Announces New Autofocus AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED Lens

Compact, Lightweight Telephoto Lens Features Innovative Vibration Reduction System and Silent Wave Motor Technology

MELVILLE, NY, December 12, 2002 -- Nikon, (//www.nikonusa.com), the world leader in photography, today announced the planned delivery schedule for the new AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED lens. This important new lens will feature Nikon's Vibration Reduction system, newly enhanced to compensate for image blur caused by hand shake and also shake caused by movement of the photographer such as riding in a car or aircraft; the compensation can handle shutter speeds about three times slower than one might otherwise use without VR technology. The lens also incorporates Nikon's exclusive Silent Wave Motor Technology for very fast, accurate and nearly silent focusing plus compact, lightweight design for easier handling.

The AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED will be available at Nikon Advanced Systems Dealers and Nikon Advanced Digital Systems Dealers beginning April 2003. The lens' MSRP will be announced approximately 30-days prior to delivery.

Message edited by author 2003-01-03 10:56:31.

lionelm

Canon EOS-10D

01/03/2003 11:32:16 AM · #12

Any Idea of how much would that be ? Roughly ?