SLR/Digital SLR Questions, Comments, etc.
#31
Tech Elite
iTrader: (11)
i've been hitting the ususal suspects.... dcresource, dpreview, steves-digicams, imaging-resource, slrgear, and more....
It's a major investment...both the short term purchase, and the long term adoption of a system. I'm trying to make sure I start out downt he correct path.
It's a major investment...both the short term purchase, and the long term adoption of a system. I'm trying to make sure I start out downt he correct path.
#32
I like the Nikon stuff myself. Not as many MP and maybe not as sharp and smooth as a similarly priced canon (350 / 400) but I think the colours and handling are better.
#34
Tech Elite
iTrader: (11)
The horrible (IMO) body design of the Canon Digital Rebels (350/XT, 400/XTi) have totally eliminated them. It just plain doesn't fit well in my hands.
That is why my choices are limited to Nikon(any), Pentax K10D(size/features/price bring it into the equation) or Canon 30D (although MUCH pricier than any of the other choices)
The D80, K10D, and 30D all have large bright pentaprism viewfinders and supposedly all have excellent auto-focus performance.
Touring car shots are what is complicating things, as the high speeds, low light, and 'black hole' light absorbing carpet make high ISO performance important. My existing camera (Panasonic FZ10) has a constant f2/8 throughout its focal range, but its compact sensor is just plain too noisy...
That is why my choices are limited to Nikon(any), Pentax K10D(size/features/price bring it into the equation) or Canon 30D (although MUCH pricier than any of the other choices)
The D80, K10D, and 30D all have large bright pentaprism viewfinders and supposedly all have excellent auto-focus performance.
Touring car shots are what is complicating things, as the high speeds, low light, and 'black hole' light absorbing carpet make high ISO performance important. My existing camera (Panasonic FZ10) has a constant f2/8 throughout its focal range, but its compact sensor is just plain too noisy...
#35
Before you consider the purchase of a D80, I would seriously consider a D200 since it is faster and is built better--hold it, the camera itself is also larger. However, the D200 doesn't have the pre-set scene modes nor does it have the incamera post processing functions of the D80.
Either way, you will end up spending money on the glass, especially if you want it fast and to work in low level lighting. In addition, you will probably evenutally want another flash besides the "pop up" so it can be "directed", which basically leaves the SB-600 or the SB-800. I opted for the SB-800.
Basically, one reason I started with the D50 is that I could use the money saved to use on lenses, a flash, and assoceries. The only bad thing about upgrading to the D200 is that the D200 uses a different card (though there is also an adapter on the market that is supposed to allow the use of the same cards as in the D50 and D80). And just last night, I was using both my D50 and D200.
Either way, you will end up spending money on the glass, especially if you want it fast and to work in low level lighting. In addition, you will probably evenutally want another flash besides the "pop up" so it can be "directed", which basically leaves the SB-600 or the SB-800. I opted for the SB-800.
Basically, one reason I started with the D50 is that I could use the money saved to use on lenses, a flash, and assoceries. The only bad thing about upgrading to the D200 is that the D200 uses a different card (though there is also an adapter on the market that is supposed to allow the use of the same cards as in the D50 and D80). And just last night, I was using both my D50 and D200.
#36
I've not seen the d200 in the flesh yet, but it looks interesting. I love my D70, had it for a couple of years or so and its never let me down. I don't personally like the feel of the cheaper canons either, they feel nasty to hold and use.
I like my canon 1dmk2, and it gets some great shots, but if I had to choose one it would be the nikon.
Oh and I agree, after my 70-200 lens, the best thing I ever purchased was my big Canon 580ex flash (equvalent of the sb800), I use it on the Nikon also and it makes photos come alive.
I like my canon 1dmk2, and it gets some great shots, but if I had to choose one it would be the nikon.
Oh and I agree, after my 70-200 lens, the best thing I ever purchased was my big Canon 580ex flash (equvalent of the sb800), I use it on the Nikon also and it makes photos come alive.
#39
Makes me wonder if Canon is phasing out that model or if more people are just purchasing something else besides that model.
#40
Tech Elite
iTrader: (11)
the 30D will see a likely replacement in the spring...the competition has all gone 10MP...but the 30D's high ISO performance seems to be about the best of the bunch and the resolution difference between 8 and 10MP isn't all that much..
I suspect the next gen 30D will add anti-dust, a new sensor and weather seals....a lot of the 30D sales hve been hit by the launch of the 400D/XTi...but it's just too darn tiny..
The Rebates are official as of Monday Oct. 15(apparently this is an annual Canon thing)...just have to wait and see what we get in Canada.
I suspect the next gen 30D will add anti-dust, a new sensor and weather seals....a lot of the 30D sales hve been hit by the launch of the 400D/XTi...but it's just too darn tiny..
The Rebates are official as of Monday Oct. 15(apparently this is an annual Canon thing)...just have to wait and see what we get in Canada.
#41
Tech Addict
iTrader: (5)
What do you guys suggest when it comes to telephoto lenses. I will be photographing football games and indoor and outdoor rc racing. I just bought a Canon 30d. I've been eyeing lenses (100 - 400mm) (2.8 to 4.5f) range.
Am i on the right track. I coming out of retirement. I want to make the right decisions because lenses are freakin expensive.
Am i on the right track. I coming out of retirement. I want to make the right decisions because lenses are freakin expensive.
#42
Suspended
iTrader: (11)
If you are thinking of doing both outdoor and indoor RC shooting, and night time sports shooting, then your best bet is the Canon 70-200mm F2.8.
You can also consider the Canon 85mm F1.8...I have had lots of success with this lens for both indoor RC and indoor basketball. It's great for places that have low quality light.
However, if most of your shooting is outdoor, daylight...you can have lots of success with the Canon 70-200mm F4
Canon is having the rebate period now, so you can get two lenses with some nice rebates.
You can also consider the Canon 85mm F1.8...I have had lots of success with this lens for both indoor RC and indoor basketball. It's great for places that have low quality light.
However, if most of your shooting is outdoor, daylight...you can have lots of success with the Canon 70-200mm F4
Canon is having the rebate period now, so you can get two lenses with some nice rebates.
#45
The VR/IS has seemed to come in handy for me when taking R/C photos both inside and around dusk outside.