Digital cameras: CANON OR NIKON DSLR PLEASE HELP
CANON OR NIKON DSLR PLEASE HELP
by purplebuttafly - 12/20/06 9:32 AMOk to start I in no way have a lot practice with a DSLR. I own a Canon A620 and I am just very interested in learning how to use a DSLR. I love taking pictures and just love the way SLR photos look. I know this will take me a quite a while to learn and that is ok. Anyway I purchase a CANON REBEL XTi the other day, and I really am not real impressed with the reviews. I originally wanted the CANON 30D or the NIKON D80 but for price reasons I went with this one before researching it. Stupid I know. Anyway I am going to exchange it for one of the above. Could someone please help me out on which would be better. Like I said I am a little new to photography so please be patient with me if I do not understand some of the jargon. Thanks to all in advance! Shauna
If you have the camera, why don't you look at what it is
by Kiddpeat - 12/20/06 12:01 PM In reply to: CANON OR NIKON DSLR PLEASE HELP by purplebuttaflyproducing rather than reading reviews?
Either the XTi or the 30D, by all accounts, are excellent cameras.
heads or tail on the camera
by David_cr - 12/20/06 12:47 PM In reply to: If you have the camera, why don't you look at what it is by KiddpeatHey kiddpeat the person is looking for advice give the cameras thier
pros & cons not just thier good cameras.........
Do you have any of these cameras?
Umm Ok
by purplebuttafly - 12/20/06 1:57 PM In reply to: If you have the camera, why don't you look at what it is by KiddpeatWell I didnt expect attitude right from the start but thats ok. If you read my post it says I have absolutely no experience with SLR's. Yes I did play with the camera and took some pictures and was not impressed but that does not mean the camera sucked that means I do not know if I am using it right. Plus I cannot sit and play with it to much because I am going to exchange it. I wanted a 30d or the Nikon 80d in the first place but chose this one because of price. After looking at a lot of photos online by all of the cameras the XTi did not seem as good as the others. Exactly willie0343, than you =).
Which
by snapshot2
- 12/20/06 4:11 PM
In reply to: Umm Ok by purplebuttafly
You should go ahead and get the Canon 30D or Nikon D80.
Since that is really what you wanted originally.
Regarding sample photos you find on the internet.
There are some very good examples of photography to be found.
I enjoy looking at good photography, just to learn.
I download the best photos and made a DVD slide show from them, just for my own enjoyment and education.
If your first photos do not match the ones you have seen, don't get discouraged. Such photos are 30 percent equipment and 70 percent photographer. The more you learn about photography, the better your photos will be. And remember, people only publish their best shots.
For every outstanding photo, there are at least 20 that are just OK.
Here is a link to a photo that I found on the internet:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v159/randol9p9/DogTub.jpg
It shows that an outstanding photo is sometimes just the subject matter.
And any photo that tells a story will be a keeper.
Enjoy your new camera.
Now....don't ask which is better....the Nikon or the Canon.
That will just start a fight.
Canon owners against Nikon owners.
Pick the one you like.
...
..
.
Which
by slnicosia - 1/2/07 7:58 PM In reply to: Which by snapshot2
I own the Nikon D-80, this is the 4th Nikon camera that I've owned. So I'm a Nikon person. You need to hold the cameras with different size lenses. You will be able to tell which fits in your hand best and feels better. Balance means a lot.
Check out available lenses and their cost,as we all know the body is one purchase but you are buying into the lenses as well. Take pics and have them print them out with both cameras and decide which pleases you eye and which camera seems to work the easiest for you.
Next are the features and the price compare. Both cameras are great cameras. Both take great photos, check out the photo articales. Read reviews. Go for the most you can afford, this will give you growing room.
Now it is time to consider the purchase. Remember if you buy at a local camera store you will have xx amount of days to return. Make sure they don't have a restocking fee.
Good Luck and Happy Shooting.
Re Your Comments on Nikon vs. Canon DSLRs
by fmb43 - 1/6/07 5:55 PM In reply to: Which by slnicosiaI thought you made an excellent point regarding the fact that when you select a Nikon or Canon camera you're actually buying into their lens systems as well. I recently purchased a Canon EOS 30D and can attest to the fact that even though I purchased a kit with two lenses, I've already begun to look at upgrading my lenses and most of the ones I am condidering cost nearly as much as my original kit. In this regard I read an interesting article which took the position that until camera bodies become more "upgradeable", i.e., come with an ability to increase resolution, shutter speeds, automatic programming etc., it would be wise to emphasize building up your lense inventory while buying the LEAST EXPENSIVE camera body that met your needs. (With the expectation that, ultimately, manufacturers will start producing more upgradable camera bodies.)
One additional comment regarding the original poster's question. Given the fact that she has no experience, perhaps a less expensive DSLR would be more appropriate. There are many other DSLRs that cost far less, which can provide excellent results.
Canon 30D vs Nikon D80
by hjfok - 12/20/06 4:54 PM In reply to: CANON OR NIKON DSLR PLEASE HELP by purplebuttaflyI have the Canon 30D and it is a great camera. In terms of performance, it performs better at high ISO (which you will need at low light situation without flash) than even the higher end Nikon D200. It is faster than the Nikon D80, 5fps rather than 3fps. And it has a more sturdy build than the Nikon D80, though it is not weather-proof like the Nikon D200. And the Canon 30D belongs to the mid-range category, a level higher than the Nikon D80 which is an entry level DSLR like the Canon Rebel XTi. The Nikon D80 however has a slightly higher 10 MP vs Canon 30D's 8 MP. But if you read the reviews and look at the sample photos, you can't tell the difference. Last time when I checked the price, the price is not so different (about $100 difference at B and H photo and video). So to me, Canon 30D is a clear choice over the Nikon D80, if you are going to spend that amount of money.
However, the Canon Rebel XTi is also a very good camera, it is slower with max burst 3fps, like the Nikon D80. It also lacks a spot meter which can be quite helpful when you take pictures in high contrast situation. Both Canon 30D and Nikon D80 have a spot meter. The Canon Rebel Xti is also smaller, somewhat awkward to hold when using a heavier lens (and I have small hands already). I feel a better grip with the Canon 30D than the Rebel Xti. But the Rebel Xti has the anti-dust mechanism which neither the 30D nor the Nikon D80 has.
Another important thing about image quality is the lens you use. The kit lens works well and has good image quality when you take photos outdoor in bright day light. But it tends to have poorer image when taking photos indoor or in low light situation without using flash. So if your budget allows, get a better lens if you plan on doing a lot of low light or indoor photos.
And you may also want to look at the photos you took and try to find out why you are not impressed with the result of the Rebel XTi. If you took the pictures indoor or in low light, it may partially due to your kit lens. Also make sure you use the correct white balance to take the photos. The AWB (automatic white balance) works well most of the time, but when you are indoor lit by light bulbs, you should use the "tungsten" setting, otherwise your pictures will have look kind of yellowish. If you are not happy with the sharpness, read your owner's manual and go to the custom setting to increase the sharpness. If the photos usually look darker than you like, you can also increase the exposure compensation to make it look brighter. You should try some more with your Rebel Xti before returning it. Getting a better lens is sometimes more important than getting a more expensive camera body.
Actually...
by jump1127 - 12/21/06 7:39 PM In reply to: CANON OR NIKON DSLR PLEASE HELP by purplebuttaflyYour Rebel XTi is a very nice camera. I've seen many great shots , performed by that camera . Please visit www.photo.net . Get to know the camera more. I'm sure that soon you'll be quite happy with the camera. Enjoy shooting.
You're not getting just a camera
by GaryG7 - 1/6/07 7:13 AM In reply to: CANON OR NIKON DSLR PLEASE HELP by purplebuttaflyWhen you move in the SLR world, you are buying a system. I've had several Nikon SLRs in the past. My decision was the D80 or D200. I went with the D80 because I may want to upgrade to the D2XS and thought the D80 would be a better second camera.
Each brand of cameras uses it's own lenses and accessories. (You may be able to use a Canon Flash on a Nikon or vice versa, but you won't get the full use.) Going back to manual focusing cameras, I've always liked the "pop" of a Nikon (f/k/a Nikkor) lens. Nikons have never matched other brands with features, but the quality has usually been slightly better (Canon has narrowed the gap somewhat).
Conclusion, check what lenses you would want to use as well as the camera body. If you're really serious about photography, skip the lens that comes in a kit with the camera body and ask for a faster lens.
Nikon vs. Canon dSLR
by Bozz5384 - 1/6/07 9:36 AM In reply to: You're not getting just a camera by GaryG7Not knowing much about photography, or dSLR's, I purchased a camera for my wife for Christmas. I read lots of reviews, and decided on the Canon Rebel XT (not XTi). The reason for this, was that the reviews were spectacular on the XT, but not so great on the XTi.
I considered the Nikons as well, which are great cameras -- but decided on the Canon because of its feature-set and ease of use in Auto mode.
We change very few settings on the XT, and it takes great pictures for us all the time (maybe not technically great, but we like them).
The burst rate on the XT is fast enough to burn up a 1GB card in no time at all, so don't get too concerned with that unless you really,really need to shoot stuff at high speed.
Check the reviews on the XT, because according to the ones I read -- reviewers site problems with the XTi even though its the "next generation".
Good luck!
Nikon vs. Canon dSLR
by NeilFiertel - 1/6/07 9:50 AM In reply to: Nikon vs. Canon dSLR by Bozz5384Most of what matters between such quality cameras is the feel of the unit in one's hands. I seriously doubt that a skilled camera user could take perfectly equivalent images with any of those cameras that would be indescernible to any expert unless they went through serious analysis and very large image examination. The noise level on Canon cameras is lower but the detail level on the Nikon is very slightly higher but at the expense of some digital noise which looks a bit like film grain. The two cameras share anti shake tech invented by Canon and ring focusing motors also invented by Canon, by the way but Nikon can take essentially any lens it has made since I was 18 ( I am 65!) Canon works only with its auto focusing lenses. Nikon has a watersealed body but not a metal body unlike the Canon but unless you have waterproof lenses..who cares? I do not take pictures in the rain but if this is important, it is a consideration. In the end, it is about ergonomics. How do the different cameras feel? I like all of them in the right circumstances and you could do worse than either brand. For the money, get the Canon XTi which takes pictures as good as the others. If you want a solid albeit noisier camera go for the Nikons which are dependable and amazingly compatible with old optics. The Canon 30 D is a smooth operator, quiet images and good ergonomics also. It is a tough choice. The main thing is learn to do photography and stop suffering over brand choices...
Help with making decisions
by forkboy - 1/6/07 12:02 PM In reply to: CANON OR NIKON DSLR PLEASE HELP by purplebuttaflyI won't bother to interject with my preference as it's quite irrelevant. I would have thought a person moving from the Canon A620 to any of the entry-level dSLRs would have been quite happy with the results. However, if you aren't I would suggest looking at more reviews of your current camera, the D80 and the Canon and Nikon models above these. I have found that www.dpreview.com offers extensive reviews, but I do not know what, if any, connection they may have to the camera manufacturers.
An alternative would also be to check out Consumer Reports online. If a membership is required to read the relevant reviews for entry-level dSLRs (I'm already a member so I don't know if the information is available to the general public or just members) I would seriously consider spending the money to join. I think it's $20 and that seems like a pittance compared to the cost of the products you are looking at.
Digital SLR Primer
by rbuergel - 1/6/07 2:35 PM In reply to: CANON OR NIKON DSLR PLEASE HELP by purplebuttaflyTake a look at this article. I think you will find it helpful.
http://philip.greenspun.com/photography/building-a-digital-slr-system
I recommend that you give the whole matter some thought
by toddtee - 1/6/07 3:15 PM In reply to: CANON OR NIKON DSLR PLEASE HELP by purplebuttaflyBoth the Canon and Nikon cameras you are considering are cameras made with the professional photographer in mind. By your own account you are a long way from that status. For you to buy one of those would be much like a brand new driver buying a Lamborghini; way too much for you. Why not take a look at the new Nikon D40, designed with folks like you in mind?
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