** Official: End all, Be all, Camera discussion thread **

[JakeB.]

This thread will replace all future "which camera" threads. There is a small write up on how to start your camera search in the FAQ thread. Any direct comparison questions or camera specific questions can be asked and answered here. <FONT SIZE="3">New thread will start Friday, February 15.</FONT>

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[DJ MURDOK 818]

Good stuff jake
Always on top of things.

[ZacCarter]

Well for those of you wondering the differences on the canon line I will start.

__________________________________________________ ____________

EOS Rebel / 300D
EF-S or EF(*for more info on Lens look for a later write up) lens compatibility.

6.3 Megapixel

1.6 crop factor APS-C sensor

3 second power on time

ISO 100 to 1600

Pentamirror view finder

4 frames per second frame buffer

No pc sync terminal

Infrared remote terminal

Status LCD is on the back of the camera

Shoots RAW in a .CRW

Slow sync flash is first curtain

Weight without battery 1.2 pounds, 1.4 with battery. Takes a bp-511 or bp-512 battery.

BG-E1 battery grip is available.
__________________________________________________ _______________

Canon EOS 350D / Digital Rebel XT/ Kiss n

EF-S or EF* lens compatibility.

8.1 Megapixel

1.6 crop factor APS-C sensor

Digic II image processing

Instant power on. And 3.0 frames per second.

E-TTL II Flash mettering.

ISO 100 to 1600

Pentamirror view finder

14 frames per second frame buffer

No pc sync terminal

Infrared remote terminal

Camera now has custom functions that can be set. The most used ones being Mirror lock-up and 4-1. 4-1 moves the autofocus to the * button.

Camera now has black and white mode, and can use color filters just like using an old film camera.

Status LCD is on the back of the camera, Slight redesign from it's older brother.

Shoots RAW in a .CR2

Slow sync flash is first curtain or second curtain with a 1/200 sec Flash X-sync.

Shutter speed ranges from 30 seconds to 1/4000 sec. Also has Bulb exposure.

Weight is 17% lighter than original rebel with battery. Now uses NB-2LH battery which is 48% lighter.

BG-E3 battery grip is available.

USB 2.0 connectivity.

Luminosity Histogram.

__________________________________________________ ____________

Canon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTi

Major Changes noted in the XTi release.
* 10 megapixel CMOS sensor
* Separate low pass filter with ultra-sonic vibration to remove dust
* Anti-static coatings on sensor surface, software based dust mapping / removal
* Nine area Auto Focus sensor (same as EOS 30D)
* Picture Styles, larger range of image parameter adjustment (same as EOS 30D)
* Faster image processing
* Removal of control panel LCD display, now uses main LCD monitor
* Proximity sensor below viewfinder eyepiece to disable main LCD during composition
* Camera settings made on main LCD (such as metering, white balance, ISO, AF area etc.)
* Setting adjustment saved with half-press of shutter release
* Continuous shooting buffer up to 27 JPEG and 10 RAW images
* Large 2.5" LCD monitor with 160° viewing angle
* Image magnification available in record review
* Histogram available as brightness (Luminance) or RGB (Red, Green, Blue)
* Traditional Chinese language (in addition to Simplified Chinese)
* Up to 9999 images per folder on storage card
* Lower introductory list price ($100 lower)
* Now has a cleaning mode

--------------

Plastic body material.

10.1 megapixel

RAW .cr2 output

Digic II image processer

1.6 crop factor aps-c sensor.

ISO adjustable from 100-1600

30-1/4000 shutter speed also has bulb.

Flash X-sync is 1/200

Pentamirror viewfinder

New larger 2.5" view finder, does not have a status LCD any longer.

Uses same BG-E3 battery grip as Rebel XT.

ETT-L II Flash metering.

No pc sync terminal.

__________________________________________________ ____________________

More to come I will edit this as I do more cameras.





Modified by ZacCarter at 10:07 AM 6/8/2007

[JakeB.]

Awesome Zac, thanks

[ZacCarter]

In light of the sony minolta deal. All the alpha series DSLR cameras are compatible with the Minolta lens system that Minolta was using.

Sony, Minolta, and Nikon now all offer in camera stabilization. While this is an advantage for beginners it does have it's downfall, the IS is not near as good as what it could be on all the different lens lengths.

Having on lens stabilization means the lens is calibrated for its focal length.

Just more food for thought.

[tonezilla]

i was considering buying a new camera and my budget is only $300. i am kind of stuck between the canon s3, fujifilm s6000, or the sony h2. i was looking for a point and shoot camera with at least 5mp and i really like the fact that it has a large zoom. and i also wanted something that would be able to record some movies. i dont really know what the big difference is between the cameras, so i was wondering if someone could give me some pros and cons between these cameras so i can make a decision? thanks.

[JakeB.]

Of those I like the Fuji the best... once you've used a camera with a manual zoom ring you never want to go back to a toggle zoom again.
Consider also the Panasonic FZ-50 or a used FZ-30.

If you decide the manual zoom isn't important, the S3IS is a very nice camera... a lot of people use it and are happy with it.
I'm sure the same could be said of the Sony, but I dont' have any experience with that one.

I think the biggest thing is, you should go somewhere and personally look at them and see which one feels better.

[jdmDAsix]

im debating whether to get the canon rebel xt with the EF-S 18-55mm lens or just the body itself and get a better lens for it. which one should i get? and what lens should i get if i just get the body itself?

[JakeB.]

kinda depends on your budget... I would recommend skipping the kit lens if you can afford a nicer one.
post up your budget so people can recommend something

[jdmDAsix]

my budget's $700. i have just purchased Canon Digital Rebel XT Digital SLR Camera Body - Black
CAN EOSDIGIREBXTK from http://www.circuitcity.com. total current purchase: $576.48 i am now looking for a lens.


Modified by jdmDAsix at 7:38 AM 6/11/2007

[JakeB.]

Depending on how into photography you see yourself getting:

You might just want to buy a 50mm f/1.8 to start.
It'll give you an excellent understanding of aperture and its effects on depth of field and low light shooting capabilities.
It's not the most versatile lens you can buy by any means, but it's a quality piece of glass for a great price.

Once you've had that for a little while, you'll have a better idea of what other lens you need.
You'll take note of whether you wish you had a longer or wider lens and know exactly what to start looking for in a lens.

[.Kevin.]

Alright well back in February I went and bought an s2 and thought it would be fairly easy to use. Boy was I wrong! This camera is just to much for me as far as learning the options and what they are best for. I read through the manual many times and always carried it with me when taking pictures but it is just to much. So I have been thinking about selling it and getting something a little more tamed down. I was looking at the a710 as a decent camera and still has the IS. I want to spend around 270ish. Now I do not know if this camera has the options I want because I really do not know camera talk but if you know if the a710 has: My colors, adjustable shutter speed, and that option where you can pick one color and just have it show.

Also what about sony. Do they have any decent cameras with the options I am looking for?


Modified by Ep_Kevin at 9:39 PM 6/12/2007

[Doctor X]

Ok here's the deal...

Originally I wanted to get a D80 because it's basically a less-hardcore version of a D200... however I really want a camera that feels like a camera, not an expensive toy. All the comparisons online were comparing it to a Rebel XTi, and when I played with the Rebel that's exactly what it felt like - an expensive toy. I know that for my needs a D80 would probably be best but honestly I don't like how small the thing is. I held it in my hands and yeah it was comfortable, but it was really small! The D200 isn't much bigger but my next door neighbor has one and I liked the weight and feel of it when I was playing around with that camera. Why I might not choose the D200 over the D80 is the price difference. Seeing that the D80 is like 500 dollars cheaper makes me not want to get the D200, but the look and feel of the D200 is really nice! Even Ken Rockwell said that the D200 feels much more professional than the D80.

Originally Posted by Ken Rockwell

The difference is mechanics: the D200 is solid, heavy and mostly metal. The D80 is plastic like the D70s. My D200 is a solid tool while the D80 is a very high quality toy.

Aritcle found here.

So what do you guys think I should do? I know my reasoning isn't exactly smart, quite frankly it's kind of stupid reasoning but it really has been bugging me for the past month!

[JakeB.]

Well... first of all I think Rockwell is a douche.

On topic, the D200 does have weather sealing and the magnesium body would hold up better if treated roughly.
The question is, do you find yourself being particularly tough on your camera or plan on using it in inclimate weather?

I bought the D80 instead of saving up for the D200 because I want two of them with grips and that would definately add up...
I'm used to the D70, so the size is identicle and not a problem.
I just think the money can be better spent elsewhere.

Just think, for the price of a D200, you can get the D80 and the grip + 35 f/2, or 50 f/1.4, or SB-600 and some memory and extra battery...
Just my thoughts

[JakeB.]

Originally Posted by Ep_Kevin

Alright well back in February I went and bought an s2 and thought it would be fairly easy to use...

You don't want to just use the one you have in auto mode?
That way, as you use it more or find yourself curious, you can still play with the settings...

Just a thought.

I find that P&S cameras with IS... the IS doesn't work all that well anyway.
My wife has a Fuji F30 that I like pretty well, but that's about all the P&S experience I have.
Maybe someone else can help.

[Import Driver]

I honestly think that the IS works really good on my S3-IS. Shutter speeds seem to commonly be in the 1/10th - 1/50th range without shake. But maybe I'm overlooking something?

I would also like to mention that Nikon and Canon are not the only SLRs out there. I recently read an article about the Pentax K100D which is the digital predecessor to the film K1000 (a gimmick really). Anyway I think street price on the K100D is around $450. It might be something to look into for some.

[JakeB.]

yeah, I don't have much experience with Canon prosumer IS cameras... my statement comes from using the Nikon and Panasonic versions.

I've also heard some really nice things about the Pentax... I know there are a couple users on here too.

[bg-33p]

Didn't know where else to put this to ask if this is a good deal or not?
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Nikon-...wItem
If i'm the the wrong place sorry.

[ZacCarter]

Originally Posted by bg-33p

Didn't know where else to put this to ask if this is a good deal or not?
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Nikon-...wItem
If i'm the the wrong place sorry.

I wouldn't buy and camera kits off ebay, The morons doing these so called "good deals" are just selling pieces of crap. Most of the time they do not have the OEM warranty and just come with a bunch of useless stuff.

[C4st0r_Tr0y]

okay..

Nikon D50 w/ kit lens 18-55mm w/ 2 year extended warranty - $540
OR
Canon Rebel XT w/ kit lens 18-55mm - $500

?/

[JakeB.]

Originally Posted by C4st0r_Tr0y

okay..

Nikon D50 w/ kit lens 18-55mm w/ 2 year extended warranty - $540
OR
Canon Rebel XT w/ kit lens 18-55mm - $500

?/

It's really kind of a toss up with that one...

Both cameras are extremely capable. It's even a toss up when you look at your future with the system.
Nikon and Canon both make great cameras and have excellent glass.

I think with this comparison, you have to go somewhere and actually handle each camera to see which one you like better.

[tommyten]

I'm torn between a XTI and a used D70 (after 4 months)...or maybe saving up for a D80. I feel like I've out done my point and shoot

[ZacCarter]

Originally Posted by tommyten

I'm torn between a XTI and a used D70 (after 4 months)...or maybe saving up for a D80. I feel like I've out done my point and shoot

Go handle the cameras, the lower end canons feel like toys to some. But a battery grip solves this problem.

[tommyten]

I done so twice, but since I cant find any new D70s anywhere. I just mess around with the D80 which feels alot better than the XTI


Modified by tommyten at 9:05 PM 6/17/2007

[ZacCarter]

Originally Posted by tommyten

I done so twice, but since I cant find any new D70s anywhere I just mess around with the D80 which feels alot better than the XTI

D70s is discontinued.