Digital SLR Owners: What Camera do you have? (Full Version)

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Digital SLR Owners: What Camera do you have?


Pentax
  11% (2)
Nikon
  27% (5)
Sony
  5% (1)
Canon
  38% (7)
Sigma
  0% (0)
Konica/Minolta
  0% (0)
Fuji
  0% (0)
I own more than one brand
  0% (0)
I have not moved up to SLR yet, but want to
  11% (2)
Still using my old SLR film camera
  5% (1)
Other
  0% (0)


Total Votes : 18
(last vote on : 8/18/2008 8:19:38 PM)
(Poll will run till: -- )


Message

bluestone -> Digital SLR Owners: What Camera do you have? (6/6/2008 2:20:16 PM)

For those who own digital single lens reflex cameras
NOT point and shoots.

Are you pleased with your camera?
Do you own multiple brands? if so, what is your favorite?
Do you have trouble finding lens that you like and can afford?
Talk about your camera!



uncabeeil -> RE: Digital SLR Owners: What Camera do you have? (6/6/2008 3:50:27 PM)

I haven't upgraded to digital yet, but I know what I want already.
My dream camera.
A bit more realistic.

What I'll probably wind up with.



PolarBear -> RE: Digital SLR Owners: What Camera do you have? (6/7/2008 11:46:19 AM)

I'm drooling over the Nikon D300, but spending that kind of money will be a hard sell to the wife. Any suggestions? [:D]

Might settle for a Canon 30D or 40D or something, or maybe even a Pentax.



PreserveWildlife -> RE: Digital SLR Owners: What Camera do you have? (6/7/2008 9:10:31 PM)

Nikon D300
I personally believe Nikon has the best overall product but I also believe Canon produces good stuff
I have multiple lenses. Currently I have a Tokina 12-24 f/4, and 50mm f/1.8, 105 f/2.8 VR, and a 200-400 f/4 VR from Nikon. Lots o' money.
www.nikonians.org is the best community for Nikon enthusiasts
My photography mostly centers around nature although I'll branch out and do other things now and then.

Micah, the D60 is likely a good option for you or wait a while for the Nikon D90 which may be out by year's end (rumor).



PolarBear -> RE: Digital SLR Owners: What Camera do you have? (6/7/2008 9:51:14 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: PreserveWildlife

Micah, the D60 is likely a good option for you or wait a while for the Nikon D90 which may be out by year's end (rumor).

Perhaps .... but I'm a little hesitant to get an entry-level camera because I'll wish I had something better, likely sooner rather than later. When I finally decide I want to buy a gadget, I generally don't skimp with it. [:)]

I like the idea of TIFF images from the D300. I suspect that would give very sharp results. But I wonder how much that gives you in practicality over RAW or JPG with little compression?

I'm also hoping for good low-light capabilities/high ISO, and it looks like the D300 scores well there.

Realistically, what kinds of things could you do with the D300 that you could not with the D60? That might help me decide.

I likely won't need it before next spring, so waiting out the D90 may be good. Thanks!



PreserveWildlife -> RE: Digital SLR Owners: What Camera do you have? (6/8/2008 8:44:17 PM)

When it comes to quality it goes in this rough order for the D300:

14 bit raw
12 bit raw
TIFF
JPEG

I always use 14 bit lossless raw for my pictures. The main advantage is that I can still change around camera settings -- something you cannot do with TIFF or JPEG.

Realistically, the D300 is a lot of camera and is too much for some based on the forums I read. Its biggest advantages are tied into the high ISO performance and autofocus. With proper exposure and shooting technique the high ISO thing isn't always needed and the complexity of the AF is daunting to learn as there are many options. It's a premier action camera.

There are many small things the D300 can do that the D60 cannot but the relevance of them is going to vary based upon the subjects. But they include things like two programmable buttons, more options on the body (so you don't have to go into menus), more latitude for bracketing, AF screwdrive motor for older lenses, HDMI output, no scene modes, etc.



PolarBear -> RE: Digital SLR Owners: What Camera do you have? (6/9/2008 3:44:25 AM)

Looking at both of their reviews on dpreview.com, I see the D60 only has 12-bit RAW. How much better is 14-bit? Would you consider it necessary for photos that would be used in, say, professional printing?

Other than that, you're probably right. I suppose I should learn a cheaper camera well before springing for the big-time.



PolarBear -> RE: Digital SLR Owners: What Camera do you have? (6/9/2008 6:46:32 AM)

Actually the new Canon Rebel XSi might fit the bill really nicely. Comparison to the Nikon D60:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos450d/page23.asp
Overall summary:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos450d/page34.asp

Looks like it's a good step up from the 60D for a hundred or two bucks, something I could probably swing. 12 megapixels (vs the D60's 10), 14 bit processing (vs 12), a bigger LCD, live view, and some other stuff.

Neil, you said that good wildlife shots need a better performing camera. What would you look for on the spec sheets for this kind of thing?



mutinywxgirl -> RE: Digital SLR Owners: What Camera do you have? (6/9/2008 7:03:34 AM)

I'm like Neil - Nikon all the way. [:)] I only have the D70, but it does what I need for now. My dream is the D300.



bluestone -> RE: Digital SLR Owners: What Camera do you have? (6/9/2008 9:20:32 AM)

I debated back and forth between several before settling on a Nikon. A big plus for me was the ergonomics..it just "feels" right in my hands.

Plus, I get to sing that Simon and Garfunkel song. You Canon and Pentax people don't have one.[:D]



bluestone -> RE: Digital SLR Owners: What Camera do you have? (6/9/2008 9:23:29 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: PolarBear

Might settle for a Canon 30D or 40D or something, or maybe even a Pentax.



I have a freind with a new Pentax, and he has taken some brilliant photographs with it. It also has metal housing, not plastic. Very heavy, but not a problem for him.



PreserveWildlife -> RE: Digital SLR Owners: What Camera do you have? (6/9/2008 11:29:36 AM)

I think Nikon has the best ergonomics of all the cameras but that is such a minor thing. When it comes to the finished image, it's very difficult to tell what brand you used (next to impossible, usually). Micah, the difference between 12 bit and 14 bit is exceedingly small. It's mostly useful for pulling detail out of the shadow areas. Here's a great article showing in detail the differences.

>Neil, you said that good wildlife shots need a better performing camera. What would you look for on the spec sheets for this kind of thing?
Number of AF points, speed of the AF system, lenses available (for my kind of wildlife, it's 400mm and longer), how quickly you can switch between camera settings, max shooting speed, and similar.



bluestone -> RE: Digital SLR Owners: What Camera do you have? (6/9/2008 3:53:19 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: PreserveWildlife

I think Nikon has the best ergonomics of all the cameras but that is such a minor thing.



I am a small woman with very small, child size hands, so it is a big thing to me, to be able to hold the camera steady, and reach everything as needed.



OLEEguacamole -> RE: Digital SLR Owners: What Camera do you have? (6/9/2008 4:13:54 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: PreserveWildlife

I think Nikon has the best ergonomics of all the cameras but that is such a minor thing. When it comes to the finished image, it's very difficult to tell what brand you used (next to impossible, usually).

Actually that is why ergonomics is THE thing. I have often seen the advice to go hold both cameras (dif brands equal camera) and pick the one that feels good in your hands.



uncabeeil -> RE: Digital SLR Owners: What Camera do you have? (6/10/2008 8:57:47 AM)

quote:

I have often seen the advice to go hold both cameras (dif brands equal camera) and pick the one that feels good in your hands
Advice that I've given too many times to count. Online shoppin is fun, and sometimes cheaper, but if I'm going to spend a month's salary on something, I wanna see it, feel it, and even try using it.



bluestone -> RE: Digital SLR Owners: What Camera do you have? (6/10/2008 9:10:28 AM)

I have a D40. I figured after I had it a while, I would upgrade. Well, other than ISO not going down to 100 (200 is the low) I am still very, very, pleased and not looking to upgrade at all. Some people balk at the 6 mega-pixels, but I have clear, sharp images and am completely satisfied.

Of course, I am not a professional, and I don't take pictures of things that may decide to attack and eat me. ( bears, rock singers, etc.)[8D]
For the hobbyist, the D40 is a very affordable camera that does more than I would have ever expected from an entry level model.

And, as much as people gripe about kit lens, I think the ones Nikon produces are rather good. All for the price of a high end point and shoot!



Technophile -> RE: Digital SLR Owners: What Camera do you have? (6/13/2008 4:56:27 PM)

I have a canon 30D, and it is a fine camera. i first started with a powershot a70, and then upgraded to SLR a couple years later. my first SLR was the Rebel XT, a great starter SLR. the body of the rebel XT is very small compared to the 30D. the 30D is just easier to hold and better balanced with some heavier lenses on.

PolarBear,
i would advise you to buy an entry level SLRs, especially if you have very little experience with SLRs and photography in general. if you go with a model that is a step or 2 up from entry-level, you may just be frustrated that you dropped so much money on something that you cant figure out how to use well, or you may just not like it much (ergnomics, etc).

besides, the camera body isnt the most important part of the camera, it is the lens. if you buy a less expensive body, you can have money to spare to buy other lenses. however, i would not recommend buying extra lenses immediately after your first SLR purchase.

basically, start with basic photo gear. when you start using your new camera, you will discover what you really want in photography, and go from there.

also when comparing models, dont concern yourself over megapixels. the difference between say 8 and 10mp is not worth changing your decision in a camera. my 30D is 'only' 8MP, but i never find a time when i wish i had more megapixels. if you want sharper, more detailed images, buy a sharper lens and learn how to sharpen in post-processing.

btw, canon just announced the new Rebel XS, a step below the Rebel XSi. i imagine the XS would be at a good price point for people looking to get started in digital SLRs.



TMeeks -> RE: Digital SLR Owners: What Camera do you have? (6/13/2008 10:03:56 PM)

I own the Canon 400D (XTi) and the Canon 450D (XSi). I owned Olympus digital SLRs before switching to Canon.

When purchasing an SLR, one of the factors is that lenses get more expensive over time while camera bodies get less expensive over time. So, you are really choosing a SYSTEM that best fits your needs over the long term. I chose Canon over Nikon (Which I sometimes use at work) because the upper end models offered the best long term goal... full frame, Live View and LARGE pixels.

The basic strategy that I would suggest one consider is to compare the top offerings of a brand and the quality of the glass (lenses) that are available for that brand and work backwards from there to the body that you can afford right now.

The pictures that you will get from the most basic SLR, once you become comfortable with it, will be WAY better than a point & shoot. In fact, I have been so pleased with the 450D (Canon XSi) that I plan to replace my daughter's point and shoot later this summer. Canon has just introduced a new camera called the 1000D that is a step up from the 400D (Xti) and a slight step down from the 450D (XSi) at a savings of around $200 list. From the specs, it looks to be a wonderful value for the money.

www.dpreview.com is a MUST place to visit if you are looking for any kind of camera.

Here is an image that I shot inside at Wilmington Christian School last week.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/27657433@N08/2572719177/in/set-72157605578892457/

You can view it in the original size to see the sharpness. It was shot at ISO 400, which was very noisy in my previous cameras. There is some noise in this image, due to the ISO. But, not enough to be annoying. The AF-S 55-250mm IS, that was used is not an expensive lens. Canon has MUCH sharper lenses than this. And, that is the beauty of an SLR. I can get BETTER shots than this (which is more than adequate for now) by simply investing in better glass... that can be used with future camera bodies.

quote:

ORIGINAL: bluestone

For those who own digital single lens reflex cameras
NOT point and shoots.

Are you pleased with your camera?
Do you own multiple brands? if so, what is your favorite?
Do you have trouble finding lens that you like and can afford?
Talk about your camera!



PolarBear -> RE: Digital SLR Owners: What Camera do you have? (6/16/2008 7:30:20 AM)

Here's another criterion: the openness of RAW image formats. According to this article:
http://lwn.net/Articles/227852/
Nikon is rather snobby in this regard. Quote from Nikon:

quote:

As a proprietary format, Nikon secures NEF's structure and processing through various technologies. Securing this structure is intended for the photographer's benefit, and dedicated to ensuring faithful reproduction of the photographer's creative intentions through consistent performance and rendition of the images.


In other words, mangling RAW files such that only its tools can process them is to my benefit. This goes against everything I stand for. Any important data MUST be in a format I have access to and can write programs to manipulate.

Of course, according to the same article, someone has cracked it and written an open source program to manipulate these RAW files, but still, I would infinitely prefer that the camera maker itself be more reasonable in this regard. According to comments attached, both Canon and Pentax are more open.

Assuming this is still accurate, Nikon gets crossed off my list for this reason alone. I think I will be debating between the Canon XSi and the Pentax K20D.



TMeeks -> RE: Digital SLR Owners: What Camera do you have? (6/16/2008 3:27:41 PM)

Hi PolarBear,

For what it's worth, with the XSi, I am FINALLY getting the quality of image that I have been striving for in years of using digital imaging with people shots under flash conditions.

It has been a long and expensive quest, since I began shooting digital in the late 1990's with an Olympus 500L. The 450D (XSi) is the least expensive of the cameras that I have owned and, by far, the best. While some might argue, I see a significant difference between the XSi and my 400D. And, it's not just in the difference in pixel count. The processor is better.

And, I am not using the best glass, as yet. Both of my walk-around lenses are EF-S 'KIT' lenses, the 18-55mm IS and the 55-250mm IS. The only primes I have, so far, are a EF 50mm 1.8 and the EF 100mm 2.8 macro. Things will only get better as I augment my lenses with 'L' type over time.

That is the beauty of even a 'starter' SLR system. You always have the option to step up the quality.

quote:

ORIGINAL: PolarBear
Assuming this is still accurate, Nikon gets crossed off my list for this reason alone. I think I will be debating between the Canon XSi and the Pentax K20D.



OLEEguacamole -> RE: Digital SLR Owners: What Camera do you have? (6/16/2008 3:42:40 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: PolarBear

Here's another criterion: the openness of RAW image formats. According to this article:
http://lwn.net/Articles/227852/
Nikon is rather snobby in this regard. Quote from Nikon:

quote:

As a proprietary format, Nikon secures NEF's structure and processing through various technologies. Securing this structure is intended for the photographer's benefit, and dedicated to ensuring faithful reproduction of the photographer's creative intentions through consistent performance and rendition of the images.


In other words, mangling RAW files such that only its tools can process them is to my benefit. This goes against everything I stand for. Any important data MUST be in a format I have access to and can write programs to manipulate.

Of course, according to the same article, someone has cracked it and written an open source program to manipulate these RAW files, but still, I would infinitely prefer that the camera maker itself be more reasonable in this regard. According to comments attached, both Canon and Pentax are more open.

Assuming this is still accurate, Nikon gets crossed off my list for this reason alone. I think I will be debating between the Canon XSi and the Pentax K20D.

i would think any article that old is outdated. it also seems perhaps linux is on the table for you?

here's one bit of info that might help.
http://www.recgroups.com/a/26/321484

if you google , linux and NEF (nef being the name for nikons raw files) you can probably find up to date info.



PolarBear -> RE: Digital SLR Owners: What Camera do you have? (6/17/2008 1:06:08 PM)

TMeeks: Cool, thanks for the info. I think I am really leaning towards the XSi -- it looks like a fantastic camera at a price I can stomach. Your picture posted above is very sharp, I agree!

I know at some point I will want a good macro lens, telephoto lens, wide-angle, and general purpose. Hopefully some lenses can do two or more of those well. Buying only two would be great.

Will still have to wait even for the body -- my wife thinks saving for a house down payment is more important! [:@] (And truth be told, she's probably right.) However, she is also the kind of person who used a disposable camera before she met me, and was perfectly happy with it. She thinks my Canon A95 is "way more than we need." [8|]

OLEE -- right, I use Linux exclusively. It looks like the tools are there to deal with most RAW formats, but I definitely want to lean towards camera manufacturers who don't purposefully obfuscate stuff.



TMeeks -> RE: Digital SLR Owners: What Camera do you have? (6/24/2008 10:39:54 PM)

The more I work with my camera, the more I have come to admire the work of wedding photographers. They have to shoot in all sorts of challenging conditions and it can only be done once. My own experience is that each new situation has the potential for being great or not so great and I have not been able to nail down why that is.



mutinywxgirl -> RE: Digital SLR Owners: What Camera do you have? (6/25/2008 6:11:53 AM)

I've only got a D70. I'm shooting a wedding (for a friend) in Aug. It's going to be great - old church with tons of natural lighting. The reception location has a GREAT area too. My co-worker just got married, so she's letting me go through their proofs to get other ideas.

I have shot with Nikon for most of my life. I want the D300, but it's going to be a while before I can afford that. Maybe now, with it coming out, I can get a used 200 at a decent price. [:D]

In reality, I shoot mostly professional soccer.



TMeeks -> RE: Digital SLR Owners: What Camera do you have? (6/27/2008 11:12:58 PM)

Are you going to be able to take some test shots before the wedding? I can't imagine the stress of shooting a wedding in an untested environment. I don't know how the wedding photographers do it and I shot professional video for 15+ years.

quote:

ORIGINAL: mutinywxgirl

I've only got a D70. I'm shooting a wedding (for a friend) in Aug. It's going to be great - old church with tons of natural lighting. The reception location has a GREAT area too. My co-worker just got married, so she's letting me go through their proofs to get other ideas.

I have shot with Nikon for most of my life. I want the D300, but it's going to be a while before I can afford that. Maybe now, with it coming out, I can get a used 200 at a decent price. [:D]

In reality, I shoot mostly professional soccer.



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