Photographers opinion on cameras......

[Aleks]

So, for the photography buffs, I need an opinion. I've already formed my own, and I know there was already a thread similar to this, so mods if you want to join them feel free...My question is, what is everyone's opinion of the Nikon D50 (ignore the lens it comes with, its soso, plus I have 2 others..)?? Nikon and Canon have been coming out with these affordable dSLR's, and I'm now ready to buy one. My father has the D70, so I'm familiar, and very happy with the results his has had; I suppose you could say I'm a little partial towards Nikon. That is also the reason I don't want a D70, because I have access to it whenever, I want something smaller (plus we can swap lenses, more cost effective!!) The 2 that come to mind are the new Canon Rebel XT and this D50 (D70s is too much $$$)...

I've gone to Steve's Digicam site, and viewed thoroughly the reviews on these two camera's, and I am more impressed with the D50's sample shots, and quality. But I cannot discredit Canon's history and the brand loyalty by their users. I want your opinions now, I'm leaning (and almost bought tonite) a D50, but I'm sleeping on it to see whats up tommorrow!

[Volinder D]

Re: Photographers opinion on cameras......

i had the D50 for 2 weeks. It's an amazing camera. I found it to be a little better than the Canon. Make sure you shop around, the D50 can be had for just under $1000 if you shop right. Great camera, no doubt, go with the NIKON. (BTW, I'm a fairly dedicated Canon user, I'm thinking about switching to nikon)

[kuhli]

Re: Photographers opinion on cameras......

***Opinion Alert***

I'll cut to the chase...the bigger the marketing machine, the more models...the less functionality will make it to lower models. Yes, Canon is a larger, and arguably more reliable producer of cameras. No, their cameras aren't as good, they make more, not better cameras. Yes...Nikon screws up on a higher rate than Canon...it's your job to make sure they deliver.

I find Canon to be a bit of a mass marketer and Nikon to be a bit of a niche company with a cult following. The choice is yours...I really believe you get the better camera for the dollar. Nikon bleeds cameras...Canon, well they bleed cameras, copiers, digital document systems, printers...etc...

Opinion off...beat the hell out of me if you want.

Yep...I just like Nikon's cameras more. A more intelligent viewpoint would say if you're doing action, Canon's autofocus system is better, if you're not doing action Nikon's colour and sharpness are superior.

[18TWolf]

Re: Photographers opinion on cameras......

oh.... another opinion

I am a Canon guy... I went with Canon because the technology was better. However, when I went digital I didn't even consider Nikon because of price and that I had some Canon gear already. If I was starting from scratch now... I don't know what I would choose... but probably Canon. Plus points for Canon:

Autofocus capability... especially with good glass
ISO 100... Nikon minimum is ISO 200
Less noise and more detail in shadows especially at higher ISO values

If I had to choose between the D50 and the Rebel XT that would be tough as I have heard the XT is pretty small in the hand but still very capable. If you have some good Nikon glass then it is a no brainer go with the D50 as lenses are an investment and you will want to change your body every couple of years.

Just my $0.02

Chris

[Billip]

Re: Photographers opinion on cameras......

I'm also a Canon guy. I wholeheartedly disagree with kuhli that Nikon makes *better* cameras than Canon. Nikon can't compete with the Canon 1D MkII or the 1Ds MkII. Sure, those are crazy high end cameras, but the technology invented for them makes it's way down to the more consumer oriented models, which is why I believe Canon is winning the DSLR battle, and why I believe they make better digital bodies.

Having said that, if I was in your position, I would definitely consider the D50. Nikon makes an excellent camera, no doubt. They also make excellent lenses. If lens interchangability is important to you, then that would probably swing the decision for me.

Also, trying to judge which is the better camera from looking at sample pics is very difficult. With DSLR's, the pics are very dependant on the lens used in the test. As the lenses aren't the same, the test isn't the same. I think that both the D50 and the Rebel XT would be capible of taking the same quality of shot, dependant on the lens/exposure/ISO/focus/etc.

[Khyron]

Re: Photographers opinion on cameras......

You don't buy a camera, you buy into a system. If you already have Nikon gear, you definately should stay there. Having access to all your existing lenses is a huge bonus.

Khyron

[kuhli]

Re: Photographers opinion on cameras......

Agreed, if you have lenses...there's no competition...stick with em'

[Tuna]

Re: Photographers opinion on cameras......

Agreed, if you have lenses...there's no competition...stick with em'

But lets assume he DOESN'T have the lenses (because i'm being selfish and am liking this discussion since I'd like either of the same 2 cameras)

what about initial ease of use? since i'm a noob.

I'm waiting for someone to say "Cannon isn't a Camera, it's a lifestyle"

[AWD-FLY-GUY]

Re: Photographers opinion on cameras......

But lets assume he DOESN'T have the lenses (because i'm being selfish and am liking this discussion since I'd like either of the same 2 cameras)

what about initial ease of use? since i'm a noob.

I'm waiting for someone to say "Cannon isn't a Camera, it's a lifestyle"

Canon isn't a Camera, it's a Lifestyle.

Those of you who know me, know I'm big into my Photography.

I myself use Canon EOS gear, have gone through 2 of their DSLR's and am working on my third.

I myself prefer Canon over Nikon. Not because one body is better than the other. Both will take comparable photos, I however prefer their lens' over Nikons.

When I got into the D-SLR game back in 2003 I was fairly green at the whole aspect of it. The shear cost involved in GOOD glass, as well as all the expecatations people have of you is definatly an eye opener.

In this day and age where "everyone seemes to be a photographer", get what works for you, and follow what you have a passion for.

[Derick]

Re: Photographers opinion on cameras......

Well, I'm really enjoying this discussion too! I'm pretty much in the same boat as Alex right now deciding between the two brands. But I spent Saturday afternoon getting more aquainted with both, and I think i'm 80% sure it will be Canon

***Another opinion alert***
I agree with Bill in that looking at sample pictures can be very misleading. I've seen pictures come out of D70's that look like garbage. Conversely, I've seen stuff from point-and-shooters that amazed me. You really gotta take those "sample" shots with a grain of salt. Having looked at works from both the Canon and Nikon camps, I'm convinced that both brands WILL produce amazing images in the hands of a capable user. The jump into DSLR really makes a more level playing field IMO when it comes to image quality.

Myself? I'm focusing more on functionality ie. what the camera does, and how it does it, for the tasks that are important to ME. I'm a total newb when it comes to DSLR. But I DO know what I have to have.... and what would be nice to have from the photography experience I've gained so far. Look at your previous camera and how you used it. Which functions you used most, which ones you didn't. Where did it fall short? Now itemize these things and go play with the Nikon and Canon. The choice may be more clear.

[Satnam]

Re: Photographers opinion on cameras......

*I'm waiting for someone to say "Cannon isn't a Camera, it's a lifestyle"*

it's those kinds of statements that turn me off a product - a person's life is so useless until they buy something to try and make themeselves cool?

I have the XT - because of the lenses from before, it was a cheap deal for me, not a lifestyle.
Either camera will probably be such an upgrade, that you won't notice the bads until they are pointed out.
look at lense prices and all the other stuff you will have to buy for it.

[kuhli]

Re: Photographers opinion on cameras......

The thing about DSLRs is their size...don't forget about it. I'm about to hike into the Grand Canyon...yes the camera is great...no I won't enjoy carrying it...

[Aleks]

Re: Photographers opinion on cameras......

I agree with the weight issue, thats another reason I'm avoiding D70's, and larger EOS's.....The D50 and XT on the other hand, are extremely lightweight and small bodied. Now, I also have to agree with some people about brand diversity when it comes to Canon, so I won't get into an argument about what is better for who, and I do have access to nikon lenses already, so that was a huge selling point. I'm going down to the store to play a little more with a d50 and an XT, and I'll see what happens then

I can get the D50 from a shop in Toronto with a 1GB card and a Nikon case for $1050 tax out......I can get one from a shop in the states with 2 lenses (albeit Sigma lenses) for the same price, but the warraty doesn't work out then......

[18TWolf]

Re: Photographers opinion on cameras......

The size of the body won't matter a whole lot when you strap on a 2+ pound lens. Get a body that feels good in your hand and you will never regret it.

Also the software that usually comes with the camera is garbage. I use Capture 1 DSLR for RAW file conversion and Adobe Photoshop CS for any other manipulation required... usually minor unless I am doing web stuff etc. I think this is the best digital workflow. I find for every hour of shooting you need to spend about the same on the computer going through and adjusting files and if you have to go through 500-1000 pictures after shooting a wedding this is quite tedious and you need good/fast software.

Photography is not a lifestyle... it is an addiction. You always want to get just one more lens with the nice red stripe....

Gear List:
2 - Canon 20D Digital Bodies
Elan 7E 35mm Body
2 - 550EX Flashes
EF-S 10-22 f/3.5-4.5
EF 17-40 f/4L
EF 24-70 f/2.8L
EF 70-200 f/4.0L
EF 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L IS
EF 50 f/1.8
EF 85 f/1.8
EF 25 Extension Tube
EF 1.4X Teleconverter
2 - 1GB Compact Flash Cards
2 - 2GB Compact Flash Cards
20GB FlashTrax Storage Device
Various other equipment including studio gear, tripods, bags, filters, etc.

Chris

[Aleks]

Re: Photographers opinion on cameras......

Hardcore eh? Well, I'm still teetering, I just need to commit...I just went to Blacks and played with both the XT and D50....I will say the XT felt like a nice camera, and real fast continuous shooting, but WAY too small for my hands...it was uncomfortable to say the least, of course the female showing me the gear loved it....I also didn't like the lack of info displayed inside the viewfinder on the go unless you tap the shutter button....But, the focus points were nice.....The d50 was super comfortable, perfect size, I'm still unimpressed with the lense, but a comforting fact was the Canon came with virtually the same 18-55 lens.........I'll do the D50, just a matter of when, probably today........