What Camera Do You Shoot?
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leftyguns21
New member
Uneek
Super Moderator
Hayn4R said:
Do a lot of research, if you're looking to get a DSLR. Because once you decide on a brand, you're somewhat stuck with it especially if you expand and get additional lenses and flash/speedlight. I would recommend getting an entry-level instead of a higher model unless you're certain you'll stick with photography for a hobby or even go pro. Otherwise, by the time you learn the features, functions, settings and how to manipulate pictures through them, the camera will be outdated or you'll want to upgrade again. Rather get a good lens, if you stick with the same brand, it'll work fine, unless you go from a crop sensor to a full-frame. Typically, kit lenses are ok at best, but there are a lot better lenses and choices. No point in having lots of megapixels behind crappy glass.
The Nikon vs. Canon DSLR debate is just like a V6 vs. V8 thing here. Can't go wrong with either brand. Canon does have a larger share of the DSLR market. Go with the brand that has the model with strengths that suits what you plan to shoot for your given budget/price range. Point and shoot wise, I like the Canons for regular all around cameras and Olympus SW line if you need something more rugged for outdoor use. Olympus' SW line is shock and water resistance.
I like dpreview.com a lot for reviews. Some other good ones are:
Steve's Digicams
Imaging-resource.com
Digital Camera Resource
Digital Camera Reviews
Or you can be like me, get a Polaroid. Ain't nothing like instant gratification after pressing the shutter and being able to review your shot right there on the spot.
: J/K.
jj8111
New member
If you are buying a dSLR there is only Canon and Nikon. Don't bother looking at any others becuse if one day you get serious you will have to throw that POS out and buy a canon or nikon to start over.
Bodies:
Canon 40D
Canon Rebel XT
Lenses:
16-35 f/2.8 L
50mm f/1.8
28mm f/2.8
28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
Bodies:
Canon 40D
Canon Rebel XT
Lenses:
16-35 f/2.8 L
50mm f/1.8
28mm f/2.8
28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
Photog3
New member
Uneek makes some excellent points. I also agree about the Canon P&S cameras.
I would start with one of the mid level cameras. The reason for this? The controls on the mid level and pro cameras are similar and more simple to use. The smaller, entry level cameras have less room for the controls, and they try to make each button do more than one task. This can be very frustrating when trying to learn photography, and your camera is not user friendly.
DSLR technology is always on the move, and in 6-12 months, there will always be a new camera on the market. Suddenly folks feel like they are missing out on the ability to take photographs. It's BS. If your camera did what you wanted for the last 6 months, it will continue to work for you. So; as you step into the DSLR market, buy a used camera (someone else wants to keep up with the latest equipment).
Nikon: D80 or D200
Canon: 30D or 40D (after the 50D is released).
Camera bodies come and go; but the good lenses will continue to serve you all along the way. Here again, buy used. With the latest vibration control lenses coming out, people are trading in their non-stabilized lenses. Buy the professional lenses, and stay away from the "kit" lenses. Most kit lenses are junk. There are "Pro kits" that are packaged with the best lenses.
24-70mm f2.8 & 70-200mm f2.8 are usually professional quality lenses. At this level, buy the Nikon or Canon lenses. These lenses are expensive new; so buy them used.
Both Canon & Nikon now have a decent all around lens. Something like a stabilized 18-200mm. These are not great lenses; but they are decent lenses. They have drawbacks; but they also provide some benefits for daytime shooting.
I shoot a Canon 1D MkII. My wife shoots a Nikon D200. If I were to start over, with no gear; I would buy Nikon. This is because the professional bodies (D1X, D2X, etc) are easier to use. The viewfinder is larger, the menus are more simple to use, etc. I also like the D200,300,700 cameras, as they are weather sealed. The Canon's are not sealed, until you get to the 1D series. This makes the most difference in a dusty environment. Not as much of a problem in the rain. A few sprinkles won't hurt a camera; but dust can be a horrible problem.
P&S choice would be the Canon G9 or G10.
I hope this helps.
I would start with one of the mid level cameras. The reason for this? The controls on the mid level and pro cameras are similar and more simple to use. The smaller, entry level cameras have less room for the controls, and they try to make each button do more than one task. This can be very frustrating when trying to learn photography, and your camera is not user friendly.
DSLR technology is always on the move, and in 6-12 months, there will always be a new camera on the market. Suddenly folks feel like they are missing out on the ability to take photographs. It's BS. If your camera did what you wanted for the last 6 months, it will continue to work for you. So; as you step into the DSLR market, buy a used camera (someone else wants to keep up with the latest equipment).
Nikon: D80 or D200
Canon: 30D or 40D (after the 50D is released).
Camera bodies come and go; but the good lenses will continue to serve you all along the way. Here again, buy used. With the latest vibration control lenses coming out, people are trading in their non-stabilized lenses. Buy the professional lenses, and stay away from the "kit" lenses. Most kit lenses are junk. There are "Pro kits" that are packaged with the best lenses.
24-70mm f2.8 & 70-200mm f2.8 are usually professional quality lenses. At this level, buy the Nikon or Canon lenses. These lenses are expensive new; so buy them used.
Both Canon & Nikon now have a decent all around lens. Something like a stabilized 18-200mm. These are not great lenses; but they are decent lenses. They have drawbacks; but they also provide some benefits for daytime shooting.
I shoot a Canon 1D MkII. My wife shoots a Nikon D200. If I were to start over, with no gear; I would buy Nikon. This is because the professional bodies (D1X, D2X, etc) are easier to use. The viewfinder is larger, the menus are more simple to use, etc. I also like the D200,300,700 cameras, as they are weather sealed. The Canon's are not sealed, until you get to the 1D series. This makes the most difference in a dusty environment. Not as much of a problem in the rain. A few sprinkles won't hurt a camera; but dust can be a horrible problem.
P&S choice would be the Canon G9 or G10.
I hope this helps.
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Uneek
Super Moderator
Photog3 said:
Very true, just like to add some of the controls on the mid-level camera vs. entry level, the controls have dedicated buttons to adjust them rather than buried in a menu, which makes it A LOT easier when you're in the field to try and experiment different settings or effects. Not a big issue shooting stationary objects, but opportunities are missed fumbling with settings like ISO, white balance, exposure values, etc. Some pros say consider taking three pics of each shot to increase the chance of getting a good shot or burst mode. The beauty of digital is it doesn't cost you anything other that storage space. Also, don't delete what's perceived as a bad pic in the field, it can be saved with post editing like Photoshop.
The other thing is some entry level models omit features and functions that's only found on mid-level and higher cameras. Nikon's entry level DSLRs, D40/40x/60, don't have bracketing. There's an external flash feature missing from the mid-level D80/90.
Another suggestion about lenses as Photog3 mentioned with higher end bodies. Canon and Nikon (or Nikkor, Nikon's other name for their lenses) high end/pro lenses have seals, which a lot of aftermarket lenses lack with similar specs. It's an item that's easily overlooked when look comparing a similar Sigma or Tamara lens to a Canon or Nikon/Nikkor lens (and why they cost twice as much).
Hayn4R,
Feel free to post questions... I'm still playing around with mine trying different settings for different effects. (I wouldn't even consider myself an amatuer photographer, just a beginner.) There are a quite a few members here who have taken excellent pictures and are pro photographers. Photog3 is definately one of them.
Photog3
New member
jj8111 said:
I know a few Pros, that use the Fuji DSLRs. After doing some testing, they prefered the skin tones produced by the Fuji cameras. Fuji cameras such as the S5, use a Nikon body and lens mounts. All the electronics, processors, & sensor are Fuji or not Nikon. All the Nikkor lenses will work with these cameras. Most folks would not be dissapointed with one of these cameras.
Select pieces of Pentax and Sony/Minolta equipment would also please most people, and meet many professional needs. These two companies have been making professional quality equipment for a very long time. Choose their flagship camera body, and the pro-level lenses (only need 2 or 3 lenses and a couple accessories).
Again, as stated in my previous post: If I had no equipment, I would get Nikon for user friendly bodies.
Edit: The Sony Alpha 350 has too many drawbacks for serious consideration and the Alpha 900 is priced for Pro's ($3k).
Olympus E3 and the new Panasonic G1, are more compact, and might be more useful for carrying and using on trips in the 4Runner.
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jj8111
New member
Photog3 said:
Dunno dude everytime I see a Ballgame all the cameras next to the dugout are EOS, paparatzi - EOS. I understand you are trying really hard to justify your purchase. But if your not happy then arguing with me is not going to help. Arguing Canon vs Nikon is like competing in the special olympics Even if you win you are still retarted.
Uneek
Super Moderator
jj8111 said:
Please refrain from personal attacks... I'm also aware of that quote comes from widely circulated picture of the above comment. We do not need to start a flame war over brand preferences, take that to a photography forum if they tolerate it. Thanks for complying.
It's a simple poll merely asking which brand you own, and another member is looking to acquire camera and seeking recommendations. I do not wish to close the thread because there could be good information contributed.
If you read Photog3's post, he has a Canon 1D MarkII. He's trying to provide unbias info in helping out another member make a selection if they were to purchase a DSLR. As mentioned, there are others out there besides Canon and Nikon, what suits you may or may not be best for another.
Photog3
New member
Hayn4R said:
It would be tough to beat a Nikon D200 with either a 18-200mm VR lens, or a pair of the Pro Nikkor lenses (all purchased used).
Within the price constraints for an advanced ameature ($1k - $2k), Nikon is currently producing the better camera. This could change in 6 months, as they compete well with each other.
At the consumer level (below $800), pick the camera and lens that is the easiest use. If you have to refer to a manual, every time you pick up the camera, you won't use it, and you won't be happy.
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Photog3
New member
jj8111 said:
Wow.! It seemed like Uneek was very civil, with his comments.
Your approach does not seem to add anything to this thread, except strife. What is the purpose of that?
As to your comments about Pro cameras at sporting events being Canon. You are correct. Canon has spec'ed a number of cameras for that specific purpose. If sporting events are your only reference point for seeing a professional photographer at work, I can understand your perspective.
Lucky for the world, sports are not the only worthy subject for photography. Landscape, portrait, event, commercial, under-water, war correspondent, travel, photojournalism, and others, also make the list.
Portrait & wedding photography tops the list of total income by professional photographers. Nikon, Canon, Fuji, Hasselblad and others are all mixed into this type of photography, with Nikon being in the lead for the DSLRs. This may change with the latest Canon 1Ds MkIII. But; most professionals won't just sell all their gear and switch over to Canon. Nikon now has a full-frame camera, and will be stepping up to the high-res table soon enough.
Cheers :artist:
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Hayn4R
New member
well my wife wants a new camera. She is looking more along the lines of the Nikon powershot sd1100...or something like that. It is not the kind of camera with a seperate body and lense. Are these still good cameras? Or are they considered an "entry level" version?
However, right before I left my last job (May) I ordered a Cannon d50 for our Anthropolgist to use in his field work in China. In addition to that cammera, we had two resident Cannon rebels. Personally, Id rather have one of these cameras where the body and lense are seperate. But price wise, more expensive.
Which style of camera should I go with? Nikon powershot vs. Cannon rebel/40d styles?
What is the best camera for your buck?
Mahalo in advance.
However, right before I left my last job (May) I ordered a Cannon d50 for our Anthropolgist to use in his field work in China. In addition to that cammera, we had two resident Cannon rebels. Personally, Id rather have one of these cameras where the body and lense are seperate. But price wise, more expensive.
Which style of camera should I go with? Nikon powershot vs. Cannon rebel/40d styles?
What is the best camera for your buck?
Mahalo in advance.
Photog3
New member
Hayn4R said:
Here is a thread from last year ( LINK ) where they discussed the smaller cameras. Might even be a good place to pose this question, instead of this POLL thread. It might get more attention.
The P&S cameras are nice to have, when you want pictures to record where you were; but a DSLR would be too much to carry around. A DSLR is good when you want to use your camera to create great photographs. Don't get me wrong; a P&S can be used to take very nice photographs; but, it takes more effort. You will take the P&S more places, and use it more often. That means more photos for your money.
If I had to pick one camera, and didn't have to look professional for clients, it would be the new Canon G10 and a Canon 430EX flash. Small enough and powerful enough to meet most needs.
What are the uses of your camera? Family, trips, flowers, landscapes, beer parties, car parts for the forum,,,,?
Note: My first digital camera was the Canon G3. I started using it, and my film camera (EOS 3) started gathering dust. One day, we went out to photograph some mountains, and I took my EOS 3 with me. OOhhhh did that feel good. I missed the size and feel of a real SLR. 2 weeks later I switched our professional work over to digital, with the Canon 1D MkII.
Uneek
Super Moderator
Correct... P&S is point and shoot.
-Advantages: compact, small, relatively inexpensive. Very easy to use. Some models come with image stabilization.
-Disadvantages: Limited settings adjustability on most. Parrallax error, explain more below. Cannot swap lenses, may not support external flashes.
D-SLR, digital single lens reflex.
-Advantages: More settings adjustabilities, allows for creative photography. No parallax error, because SLRs are TTL (through the lens), so what you see in the viewfinder is 90-95%, if not 100% accurate. On a P&S, the viewfinder is usually above and off-setted to either side of the lens. Not that big of an issue if you're shooting something further away, but if you're doing macro (close-up) photography, it's something that needs to be kept in mind. Otherwise, the subject and focus of the picture not composed where you intended it to be. Interchangable lenses, you can get ultra zoom, wide angle, prime lens, etc. Support for external flashes, giving the ability to bounce light and diffuse the light so subjects are not overly lit. (Bounce and diffuse can also be done a certain degree on a P&S or a SLR's built-in flash).
-Disadvantages: Bigger, heavier, not easy to keep in your pocket. More expensive, current entry level models are $500 or so with a kit lens. Few models have image stablized bodies, but there are image stabilized lenses.
Edit: Another advatange for a DSLR, speed. Turn on and ready to use time is super fast. I think most are right around a second or less from turning the camera on to taking the first pic. Additionally, I never noticed any shutter lag with a DSLR, which happens with a P&S. I find sometimes with a P&S just when the subject moves into the frame for the perfect composition (IMO) and I click, it's quite off when it's captured and when I review my pictures. Even with pre-focusing, I can't combat that problem very well with a P&S.
-Advantages: compact, small, relatively inexpensive. Very easy to use. Some models come with image stabilization.
-Disadvantages: Limited settings adjustability on most. Parrallax error, explain more below. Cannot swap lenses, may not support external flashes.
D-SLR, digital single lens reflex.
-Advantages: More settings adjustabilities, allows for creative photography. No parallax error, because SLRs are TTL (through the lens), so what you see in the viewfinder is 90-95%, if not 100% accurate. On a P&S, the viewfinder is usually above and off-setted to either side of the lens. Not that big of an issue if you're shooting something further away, but if you're doing macro (close-up) photography, it's something that needs to be kept in mind. Otherwise, the subject and focus of the picture not composed where you intended it to be. Interchangable lenses, you can get ultra zoom, wide angle, prime lens, etc. Support for external flashes, giving the ability to bounce light and diffuse the light so subjects are not overly lit. (Bounce and diffuse can also be done a certain degree on a P&S or a SLR's built-in flash).
-Disadvantages: Bigger, heavier, not easy to keep in your pocket. More expensive, current entry level models are $500 or so with a kit lens. Few models have image stablized bodies, but there are image stabilized lenses.
Edit: Another advatange for a DSLR, speed. Turn on and ready to use time is super fast. I think most are right around a second or less from turning the camera on to taking the first pic. Additionally, I never noticed any shutter lag with a DSLR, which happens with a P&S. I find sometimes with a P&S just when the subject moves into the frame for the perfect composition (IMO) and I click, it's quite off when it's captured and when I review my pictures. Even with pre-focusing, I can't combat that problem very well with a P&S.
