DSLR Camera Thread Again

[lambchops511]

It's been 2 months and I still haven't bought my DSLR...

I am going to the States in 4 weeks, so I plan to buy it then (States is around 20% cheaper than CND prices, except for the Nikon D60...I can pick it up here for $720 CND+tax)...


Previously I was set on the Canon XT (the XTi doesn't have any features that attracts me after reading several reviews the dust shaking system doesn't work). I really want the XSi but the prices are $900 w/ kit lens. Anyone seeing that price dropping around $700 within then next 3 months? The US prices for XT is around $400 (body) + $180 (18-55 IS) lens.

I am having second thoughts now. I've been reading that Nikon lenses are better for macro-photography (I am planning to do macro stuff). I've also heard a lot of opinions about Nikon having better ergonomics; although after trying it in store...I like Canon feel more (I have small hands?), but you really don't know until you do a week or 2 of shooting?

I don't like Nikon because other than the D50, there is no focusing motor on the body.

As well, I've aleady done a lot of research on Canon lenses, I just don't feel like doing the same for Nikon lenses =P

Any thoughts/opinions?

 

[yllus]

I just bumped a thread that may help:

FAQ: A starter guide to buying lenses for your Canon digital SLR camera.

 

[jpeyton]

In two months, you can probably pick up an XTi body for $400 (they are about $500 now). It's possible a Canon XSi body might be on sale for $700 by that time, but don't count on it.

The XTi would be a better value, and you can add a 50mm f/1.8 ($80) and some extension tubes for a cheap macro setup. If you want a real 1:1 macro lens, Sigma has some inexpensive options at different focal lengths (50mm, 70mm, 105mm, 150mm), and they go from $250 up to $550+.

 

[tdawg]

Originally posted by: aznium
It's been 2 months and I still haven't bought my DSLR...

I am going to the States in 4 weeks, so I plan to buy it then (States is around 20% cheaper than CND prices, except for the Nikon D60...I can pick it up here for $720 CND+tax)...


Previously I was set on the Canon XT (the XTi doesn't have any features that attracts me after reading several reviews the dust shaking system doesn't work). I really want the XSi but the prices are $900 w/ kit lens. Anyone seeing that price dropping around $700 within then next 3 months? The US prices for XT is around $400 (body) + $180 (18-55 IS) lens.

I am having second thoughts now. I've been reading that Nikon lenses are better for macro-photography (I am planning to do macro stuff). I've also heard a lot of opinions about Nikon having better ergonomics; although after trying it in store...I like Canon feel more (I have small hands?), but you really don't know until you do a week or 2 of shooting?

I don't like Nikon because other than the D50, there is no focusing motor on the body.

As well, I've aleady done a lot of research on Canon lenses, I just don't feel like doing the same for Nikon lenses =P

Any thoughts/opinions?

Huh? Every Nikon except the D40/x and D60 (rebadged D40) have an in-body focus motor. The higher end models even let you utilize the vast majority of Nikon's older line of manual focus lenses (Nikon has never changed the lens mount) if that's your thing.

You can't go wrong with either system. Both offer a great lens selection and camera features to keep any of us busy, especially since you're just starting out. There's little difference between the entry level Nikons vs the entry level Canons. You may not want to limit yourself to just the "big two" though as Pentax is putting out some nice stuff and Olympus has some nice offerings. Heck, even Sony is keeping the Minolta heritage alive.

Ultimately, as long as you're happy with your purchase, that's what matters.

 

[lambchops511]

tdawg > sorry, i meant entry level....the the other cameras are out of my budget

anyone have comments on nikon having better macro lenses than canon? i was planning to get a canon 60mm macro

 

[lambchops511]

anyone on comments about Nikon better for macro?

 

[soydios]

eh, the higher end Nikons just let you utilize the legacy lenses better (they have an AI coupling ring). I can still mount all my forty-year-old Nikkor lenses on my D50, manually focus and guess-n-check the exposure.

Nikon and Canon are about dead-even right now. Nikon has the low-end (less than $800) covered, Canon currently owns the $800-$1500 price range with the XSi and 40D, then from there on up it's a split between D300 and 5D. The pro bodies are of course in a class all their own, and always will be comparably phenomenal cameras.

I wouldn't say that Nikon or Canon is any better than the other for macro. Nikon definitely kicks Canon to the curb in the sub-$1000 market with ergonomics and build quality, though. But the images coming out of bodies and lenses from both competitors are equivalently good. Nikon has better metering and flash metering, while Canon has the sweet spot on the price/features curve with the 40D/450D (Nikon is sorely in need of a D90 to compete with the 40D in this regard).

IMO the best intro camera is still a used Nikon D50. It's got the in-body autofocus motor and thus autofocuses with just about every Nikkor AF lens, and is surprisingly not all that crippled for such a cheap camera. It still has the top LCD, direct button+wheel adjustment of ISO, WB, and Quality, and takes EN-EL3 batteries. I was very disappointed that the D60 did not reintroduce the in-body autofocus motor to the Nikon entry-level DSLR.

 

[andylawcc]

soydios:

what's your take on the D80?

 

[soydios]

the D80 is a fine camera, but it's getting long in the tooth and is due for a replacement. everyone is hoping that the replacement will be a D90 with some new goodies derived from the D300.

 

[andylawcc]

Originally posted by: soydios
the D80 is a fine camera, but it's getting long in the tooth and is due for a replacement. everyone is hoping that the replacement will be a D90 with some new goodies derived from the D300.

my sentiments too, it's an aging camera but I don't see any hint that Nikon is prepping the "D90." They only showcased the D60 during PMA08 right?

 

[soydios]

Originally posted by: andylawcc

Originally posted by: soydios
the D80 is a fine camera, but it's getting long in the tooth and is due for a replacement. everyone is hoping that the replacement will be a D90 with some new goodies derived from the D300.

my sentiments too, it's an aging camera but I don't see any hint that Nikon is prepping the "D90." They only showcased the D60 during PMA08 right?

correct. a D3X is expected to appear in near-final prototype form at the 2008 Olympics (the D3 first started turning tables at the 2007 Osaka games), so a D90 will either appear before then or at Photokina in September 2008.
or so we all hope.

 

[Heidfirst]

Playing Devil's advocate -thought about a Sony A200 (or A300/A350 if you want Live View)?
It's cheap, IQ is fine & there are plenty of good macro lenses available for it (Minolta's 100mm is reckoned to be 1 of the finest macro lenses ever & you can also get the Tamron 90mm for it again v. highly rated).

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: soydios. Nikon definitely kicks Canon to the curb in the sub-$1000 market with ...build quality, though.

it's not like i had screws falling out, plastic coming apart, easily warped plastic, etc., with the XTi. are there reports of anything like that happening?

 

[soydios]

Originally posted by: ElFenix

Originally posted by: soydios. Nikon definitely kicks Canon to the curb in the sub-$1000 market with ...build quality, though.

it's not like i had screws falling out, plastic coming apart, easily warped plastic, etc., with the XTi. are there reports of anything like that happening?

no, the quality control is still top notch on all the big players (Nikon, Canon, Sony, Olympus, Pentax). the $500 Nikon bodies just feel more solid to me than the $700 Canons. but I cannot stress this enough: you are not buying a camera body, you're buying into a system of lenses, flashes, and other accessories. in this regard Canon and Nikon are more or less equivalent, and the other players (Sony, Olympus, Pentax) just don't match up for advanced and professional users. but if you don't need all the extra toys offered by Nikon and Canon, then those other players just might be perfect for you.

 

[Heidfirst]

Originally posted by: soydios
in this regard Canon and Nikon are more or less equivalent, and the other players (Sony, Olympus, Pentax) just don't match up for advanced and professional users. but if you don't need all the extra toys offered by Nikon and Canon, then those other players just might be perfect for you.

tbh I think that this is way overplayed.
Yes, for some people (particularly pros) there may be areas in any system (CaNikon too) that can be bettered in another system but 99% of people will be OK especially when 3rd party products are also considered.

What I do find interesting though is that the latest crop of high Mp APS-C DSLRs are starting to show up weaknesses in some older lenses that were previously considered as OK or even good & means that many of them probably ought to be updated/replaced.
At the same time modern optical CAD is vastly reducing the quality differences that used to exist across the field - in this environment not having an incumbent lens almost becomes an advantage if you have the funding & will to invest in new lens.
Olympus obviously started totally afresh with 4/3, Pentax now being part of the group comprising Hoya, Kenko & Tokina potentially has a lot going for it & Sony have certainly so far showed willing to invest in the system & have something like another 5 or 6 new lens expected this year.