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General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: ZetaNine on June 23, 2008, 05:35:35 PM

Title: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: ZetaNine on June 23, 2008, 05:35:35 PM
I'm moving up from a point and shoot........and ready to pull the trigger on a new camera....and was wondering who may already own this one? and/or what you know about it..be it good or bad....

Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2-Megapixel Digital SLR



(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b12/al_oasis1/canon450d.jpg)
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: JB88 on June 23, 2008, 05:56:13 PM
from what i have seen it's very good for it's class.

here are a few test shots on dpreview (http://www.dpreview.com/gallery/canoneos450d_samples/)

 :)
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: midnight Target on June 23, 2008, 06:10:35 PM
I have one, love it.

You will need to buy at least 1 more lens, I suggest the 75-300.

Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: ZetaNine on June 23, 2008, 06:33:22 PM
I have one, love it.

You will need to buy at least 1 more lens, I suggest the 75-300.



exactly the lens I was looking at as a matter of fact. great sharpness in a short range I have read. also getting an additional battery and an 8 meg card.

question?  why does it come with a "video cable" when the camera does not shoot video?  it this simply the cable that is used to transfer images from the camera to other media?
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: ZetaNine on June 23, 2008, 06:53:01 PM
from what i have seen it's very good for it's class.

here are a few test shots on dpreview (http://www.dpreview.com/gallery/canoneos450d_samples/)

 :)

88........ great site.....thanks much !!
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: Sandman on June 23, 2008, 07:34:44 PM
IMHO, you should save your money on the megapixels and spend it on glass. The lens makes all the difference, not the megapixels.
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: ZetaNine on June 23, 2008, 07:39:29 PM
IMHO, you should save your money on the megapixels and spend it on glass. The lens makes all the difference, not the megapixels.

duly noted.....and that's one of the reasons I'm going with canon..their lenses are all interchangable...unlike sony.  as I learn my way around this camera....multiple lens purchases will follow.  one of the reasons I also chose THIS was not necessarily the pixels...but the live view option.
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: Sandman on June 23, 2008, 07:45:24 PM
...but the live view option.

Good luck with that. In my experience, the LCD screen is nearly worthless other than the histogram. Seems like a bit of a gimmick to me. I like the standard viewfinder much more than any of the LCD viewers I've used on other digital cameras. The one thing I am going to change is the focusing screen. The newer DSLRs don't have the same focusing screen as the older SLRs making it difficult to use manual focus.
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: ZetaNine on June 23, 2008, 07:48:15 PM
Good luck with that. In my experience, the LCD screen is nearly worthless other than the histogram. Seems like a bit of a gimmick to me. I like the standard viewfinder much more than any of the LCD viewers I've used on other digital cameras. The one thing I am going to change is the focusing screen. The newer DSLRs don't have the same focusing screen as the older SLRs making it difficult to use manual focus.

sandman......what's your camera of choice now?
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: APDrone on June 23, 2008, 07:59:10 PM
duly noted.....and that's one of the reasons I'm going with canon..their lenses are all interchangable...unlike sony.  as I learn my way around this camera....multiple lens purchases will follow.  one of the reasons I also chose THIS was not necessarily the pixels...but the live view option.

Um.. where did you hear that?

I have a Sony A700 and use my old Minolta lenses, as well as new Sony/Sigma/Tamron.

Upgraded from the Sony A100 after a year.. which also used the same lenses.

Built in Image Stabilization ( Anti-Shake ) in the body, so you don't have to see if it's in the lenses.

In almost 2 years I've burned well over 20,000 pictures.  I'm very happy with mine.

Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: JB88 on June 23, 2008, 08:05:33 PM
IMHO, you should save your money on the megapixels and spend it on glass. The lens makes all the difference, not the megapixels.

this is true. 

but the xsi has a great sensor as well, which is useful for color and image interpretation and control among other things.

which is also important.



Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: Sandman on June 23, 2008, 08:18:23 PM
sandman......what's your camera of choice now?

Nikon. ;)

I should add... I have a Nikon D50 that I bought 18 months ago. I could stand to upgrade it, but it works well for the most part. There are a few things that I dislike. The limited focusing zones, a more robust bracketing feature, backlit LCD on top, but no real show stoppers. It's just 6MP, but that's not been an issue at all. I spent some money on glass though. I've got a 18-200mm VR, a 12-24mm wide zoom, and a 50mm prime. All markedly better than the kit lenses.

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3283/2384726634_6473c9db47.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dotdoubledot/2384726634/)
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: Sandman on June 23, 2008, 08:30:25 PM
exactly the lens I was looking at as a matter of fact. great sharpness in a short range I have read. also getting an additional battery and an 8 meg card.

question?  why does it come with a "video cable" when the camera does not shoot video?  it this simply the cable that is used to transfer images from the camera to other media?

You can use it to do a slideshow on your television, I think.
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: DREDIOCK on June 23, 2008, 08:57:04 PM
IMHO, you should save your money on the megapixels and spend it on glass. The lens makes all the difference, not the megapixels.

LOL Unfortunately. there are some lenses out thare that cost as much and sometimes more then the camera itself
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: Sandman on June 23, 2008, 09:09:26 PM
LOL Unfortunately. there are some lenses out thare that cost as much and sometimes more then the camera itself

I have two that cost more than the camera... and when I upgrade to another camera body, these will work with that one too. ;)
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: midnight Target on June 23, 2008, 09:54:46 PM
duly noted.....and that's one of the reasons I'm going with canon..their lenses are all interchangable...unlike sony.  as I learn my way around this camera....multiple lens purchases will follow.  one of the reasons I also chose THIS was not necessarily the pixels...but the live view option.

That was good advice, the lens that comes with the camera is ultimately a disappointment. I wouldn't bother with a second battery. Mine lasts, well, I've never actually ran it down. Sucker can go for days and days.
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: Ripsnort on June 23, 2008, 09:57:31 PM
IMHO, you should save your money on the megapixels and spend it on glass. The lens makes all the difference, not the megapixels.
Jeez, that's all we have to do to draw your ugly donut out of the rocks in the California desert? Just mention Canon Cameras?

Noted.

 :aok :D
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: Ripsnort on June 23, 2008, 09:59:56 PM
Oh, and as far as the thread goes, go to a brick-n-mortar camera store, and hold both a Canon and Nikon (comparable models) in your hands.  Picture wise, not much difference, but the way it feels could be all the diff.  The Canons are made from smaller hands IMO. I have big feet, big hands, and big...well, you know. :D (HEAD)

Yeah, Canon makes more models of lenses, but really, how many are you really going to own? I have 6 lenses, and really only use 3. The other lenses are for special situations.
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: JB88 on June 23, 2008, 10:04:00 PM
what sort of special situations rip...and what exactly "is" a "sheep lens?"

 :D
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: VWE on June 23, 2008, 10:51:53 PM
For the money I like the Olympus Evolt 510 soon to be 520.
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: Dowding on June 24, 2008, 04:00:44 AM
Could anyone offer me any advice?

For our honeymoon we are going to Victoria Falls in Zambia followed by a safari in South Africa. I want to get a DSLR for wild-life and landscape photography. My funds are limited, and I like what I've read about the Sony A200, given I am a novice.

Lens prices are very expensive, but what would you suggest I buy to supplement the 18-70mm lens it comes with? I like the idea of a wide angle lens to capture the wide open spaces of Africa.
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: SD67 on June 24, 2008, 04:20:01 AM
We have an D400 (Xti) which is the 10MP version.
It is an excellent camera.
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: ZetaNine on June 24, 2008, 07:19:43 AM
Oh, and as far as the thread goes, go to a brick-n-mortar camera store, and hold both a Canon and Nikon (comparable models) in your hands.  Picture wise, not much difference, but the way it feels could be all the diff.  The Canons are made from smaller hands IMO. I have big feet, big hands, and big...well, you know. :D (HEAD)

Yeah, Canon makes more models of lenses, but really, how many are you really going to own? I have 6 lenses, and really only use 3. The other lenses are for special situations.



my big feet notwithstanding........photog raphy is a hobby mrs zeta and I share......so yeah...the canon is smaller and lighter...but I have to take one for the team. ;)
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: Ripsnort on June 24, 2008, 08:08:28 AM


my big feet notwithstanding........photog raphy is a hobby mrs zeta and I share......so yeah...the canon is smaller and lighter...but I have to take one for the team. ;)
The XSi 450D has a slightly smaller sensor than the Nikon D80 though it has a slightly faster shutter speed (3 fps to 3.5 fps) The Canon is 5 oz lighter, but cost more than the D80.

I'd do a serious side-by-side comparison of these two models before making your decision. You'll get a damn good camera either way.
Also, do some indepth reviews of the kits lens that comes with both. IMO, the camera body is not as important as the lens is, but you certainly don't want to outgrow the camera body either (like I did with the D70s, hell I only used it as my prime for 1 year before getting a D200)
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: APDrone on June 24, 2008, 08:38:41 AM
Could anyone offer me any advice?

For our honeymoon we are going to Victoria Falls in Zambia followed by a safari in South Africa. I want to get a DSLR for wild-life and landscape photography. My funds are limited, and I like what I've read about the Sony A200, given I am a novice.

Lens prices are very expensive, but what would you suggest I buy to supplement the 18-70mm lens it comes with? I like the idea of a wide angle lens to capture the wide open spaces of Africa.

I sent you a PM.. let me know if you didn't get it.
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: Dnil on June 24, 2008, 11:11:12 AM
I bought one about 2 months ago and love it.  I shot a friends 40 before I settled on the xsi.  the kit lense is actually a really good lense for a kit lense.  I was given the 75-300 and it takes a bit of post production to get what I want.  Its good short range but gets soft at max range. 

I have shot both nikon and canon most of my life and you really cant go wrong on both.  Get good glass when you can afford it.

Also the live view doesnt really work like the standard point and shoot.  Its a 2 step process to work it.  Push one of the image zoom buttons to lock the focus then shutter to take the pic, kinda different when you first try it.  Also in that mode you can move the focus spot around and zoom up to 10x digital to focus on an exact spot.  Plus with the camera connected to a laptop you can take pictures from the laptop and never have to touch the camera. 

If you like an easy dslr for the family members but has the power to shot professional you wont be dissappointed.
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: ChickenHawk on June 24, 2008, 11:26:51 AM
I wouldn't bother with a second battery. Mine lasts, well, I've never actually ran it down. Sucker can go for days and days.

I second that.  I bought a spare battery for my 20D over two years ago and have never had to use it.

Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: ZetaNine on June 24, 2008, 11:37:44 AM
I really appreciate all the fine posts here fellas.......I'm learning HERE......than from my in-store visits (who are usually idiot sales kids answering questions they do not understand) .....good stuff to read.  thanks.
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: Dnil on June 24, 2008, 12:30:09 PM
i had a salesperson tell me you could not autofocus in live mode,that you could only manual focus, so i should buy the sony.  He owned a sony.  I then showed him how to autofocus in live mode and bought from another store.
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: ZetaNine on June 24, 2008, 12:38:14 PM
i had a salesperson tell me you could not autofocus in live mode,that you could only manual focus, so i should buy the sony.  He owned a sony.  I then showed him how to autofocus in live mode and bought from another store.


:snicker:
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: Ripsnort on June 24, 2008, 12:40:02 PM
I second that.  I bought a spare battery for my 20D over two years ago and have never had to use it.


Shoot 1250 pics in one day while reviewing the histogram continuously for proper exposure and you'll wish you had a second battery. I bought a battery grip so I carry two.
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: APDrone on June 24, 2008, 12:42:12 PM
Shoot 1250 pics in one day while reviewing the histogram continuously for proper exposure and you'll wish you had a second battery. I bought a battery grip so I carry two.

AMEN!!    :pray
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: Ripsnort on June 24, 2008, 12:44:33 PM
AMEN!!    :pray

Not to mention continuous shooting mode, continuous-servo autofocus, image quality set to JPEG Fine, image size set to full, shutter-release pressed halfway for three seconds and focus cycled from infinity to minimum range three times with each shot. :)
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: Ripsnort on June 24, 2008, 12:47:14 PM
One thing to note, if you buy Nikon, you have to buy their software to process RAW format. I just use photoshop for processing.  I think Canon includes the software and subsequent ability to process RAW format.
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: ChickenHawk on June 24, 2008, 02:07:31 PM
One thing to note, if you buy Nikon, you have to buy their software to process RAW format. I just use photoshop for processing.  I think Canon includes the software and subsequent ability to process RAW format.

The RAW 4.4.1 update supports all these Nikon cameras in CS3:

    Nikon
    D1
    D1H
    D1X
    D100
    D200
    D2H
    D2Hs
    D2X
    D2Xs
    D3
    D300
    D40
    D40x
    D50
    D60
    D70
    D70s
    D80
    Coolpix 5000
    Coolpix 5400
    Coolpix 5700
    Coolpix 8400
    Coolpix 8700
    Coolpix 8800

You can download it here:  http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/cameraraw.html

Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: SD67 on June 24, 2008, 04:25:44 PM
Pornoshop CS3 and PSPX both have the ability to import RAW data. :aok
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: Ripsnort on June 24, 2008, 04:32:36 PM
The RAW 4.4.1 update supports all these Nikon cameras in CS3:

    Nikon
    D1
    D1H
    D1X
    D100
    D200
    D2H
    D2Hs
    D2X
    D2Xs
    D3
    D300
    D40
    D40x
    D50
    D60
    D70
    D70s
    D80
    Coolpix 5000
    Coolpix 5400
    Coolpix 5700
    Coolpix 8400
    Coolpix 8700
    Coolpix 8800

You can download it here:  http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/cameraraw.html



I guess I miscommunicated. Nikon Software, with the ability to import/process RAW costs extra. Yes, I use a 3rd party app to process RAW photos.
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: ChickenHawk on June 24, 2008, 05:00:46 PM
I guess I miscommunicated. Nikon Software, with the ability to import/process RAW costs extra. Yes, I use a 3rd party app to process RAW photos.

Ah, you mean when you buy Nikon, you can't do anything with the RAW photos you shoot without paying extra.

<in best Johnny Carson voice>  I did not know that.

Doesn't seem right.
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: Ripsnort on June 24, 2008, 05:15:42 PM
Ah, you mean when you buy Nikon, you can't do anything with the RAW photos you shoot without paying extra.

<in best Johnny Carson voice>  I did not know that.

Doesn't seem right.
Exactly. And it ain't right, Johnny! :)
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: Sandman on June 24, 2008, 08:16:20 PM
One thing to note, if you buy Nikon, you have to buy their software to process RAW format. I just use photoshop for processing.  I think Canon includes the software and subsequent ability to process RAW format.

If you have PhotoShop 6 or later, it'll process NEF files.
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: Sandman on June 24, 2008, 08:18:14 PM
One thing to note, if you buy Nikon, you have to buy their software to process RAW format. I just use photoshop for processing.  I think Canon includes the software and subsequent ability to process RAW format.

I'm not sure this is true. I have a friend with a Canon and he bought PhotoShop to do RAW processing.
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: ramzey on June 24, 2008, 10:48:04 PM
PS can do it, but nikon software do it better/easier.

Adobe Camera raw is not that good in that. Due to lack of cooperation between nikon and adobe, nikon don't give any specs to adobe. So any softwer from adobe only guess what nikon meant.

Rips only 1250 shoots with grip? this old D200 are eating batteries like crazy, man.
I recharge my nikon once every  3 months/  3.5k clicks.  and i have only one nikon battery.
Actually i recharged only cuz my battery bar drop to half.

One advice to anyone who is considering buying DSLR, buy ONLY one of those 2,  Nikon or Canon.
Sure , sony, panasonic,pentax................ are nice BUT, when it comes to buy better lenses, they are more expensive then same/better quality lenses from those 2 brand names.
Also its hard to get any good lenses for them. You can buy 1 nice lens for good price for them, usualy 50mm f1.8, everything else is crazy expensive.
Not mention Flashes, accessories and other.
Of course there is several lens maker brands doing their lenses for many mounts, but only couple of those lenses are good or excellent. Mostly not match brand one./with couple exceptions/ Price of those lenses  is moderate /usualy around half price of brand lens/, fit to quality.

So, if someone like to buy DSLR and stick to 1 kit lens, better buy good DSLR-like powershot, sony or konica-minolta.



Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: Dowding on June 25, 2008, 05:40:24 AM
Quote
Sure , sony, panasonic,pentax................ are nice BUT, when it comes to buy better lenses, they are more expensive then same/better quality lenses from those 2 brand names.

Sony bought out Minolta so all Minolta's lens fit them - which are believe are decent lenses?

New to DSLRs, I've bought the Sony A200 and plan on picking up a Minolta 75-300mm lens if I need to.

Does anyone know anything about memory cards? I notice I can get a Sony Memory Stick Duo Pro-HG 4GB and a Sandisk Extreme IV CF card for roughly the same price - my worry if I buy these expensive cards is that my camera won't be able to take advantage of the 30-40MB/s transfer rate.
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: Obie303 on June 25, 2008, 09:35:51 AM
I purchased a Nikon D80 last winter and I love it.  Many features to utilize and plenty of room to experiment.  Especially if you are a novice photographer.

My grandfather's old International truck sitting in a field since the 70's.  Photo taken in January after a snowstorm.  (note the sunset in the window)
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff186/obie303/truck.jpg)

Last week in the wife's flower garden.
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff186/obie303/flower.jpg)

(Sorry, the pictures are so big.  I haven't figured how to shrink them down yet.)
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: Fulmar on June 25, 2008, 09:51:49 AM
That flower show it excellent.  But that truck in the snow photo is pretty under-exposed.  You generally will have this problem with snow pictures as the light meters try and 'gray' everything out against heavy white backgrounds.
(http://www.derstuhl.net/images/truck_redo.jpg)
See the difference?
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: Obie303 on June 25, 2008, 09:57:21 AM
Fulmar, thanks. :aok  Yes I see the difference.  I didn't do anything to the photo before I posted it.  I should have used photoshop to lighten it.  That's the great thing about the D80 I love.  The chance to experiment and take lots of pictures of everything!
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: Fulmar on June 25, 2008, 10:07:36 AM
Fulmar, thanks. :aok  Yes I see the difference.  I didn't do anything to the photo before I posted it.  I should have used photoshop to lighten it.  That's the great thing about the D80 I love.  The chance to experiment and take lots of pictures of everything!
You can also use the histogram on your Nikon's LCD to help tell if the output will be over/under exposed etc.  There are a lot of tutorials on the histogram via google.
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: Torque on June 25, 2008, 10:18:29 AM
the only thing nikon has over canon is in the flash department... that's why most serious sports shooters use canon and most wedding photographers use nikon.
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: ZetaNine on June 25, 2008, 10:23:01 AM
the only thing nikon has over canon is in the flash department... that's why most serious sports shooters use canon and most wedding photographers use nikon.


what do I use if I want to shoot a soccer game at a wedding reception?

seriously though.......I had heard about canon flash issues.......and I'm planning on grabbing the 580 EX II Speedlite.......anyone have one of these?

(http://www.livingroom.org.au/photolog/canon-speedlite-580EX-II.jpg)
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: Ripsnort on June 25, 2008, 11:47:59 AM
the only thing nikon has over canon is in the flash department... that's why most serious sports shooters use canon and most wedding photographers use nikon.

LOL, now there is a stereotype if I ever heard one!  :lol
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: ZetaNine on June 25, 2008, 12:23:10 PM
OK.........I pulled the trigger and just ordered it from circuit city (soon to be Blockbuster).  got the camera and 2 gig card, and extra batt..as well as the 4 year damage plan.  gonna pic it up tomorrow.  I'm stoked......and thanks again everyone for your help.
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: Ripsnort on June 25, 2008, 12:36:21 PM
OK.........I pulled the trigger and just ordered it from circuit city (soon to be Blockbuster).  got the camera and 2 gig card, and extra batt..as well as the 4 year damage plan.  gonna pic it up tomorrow.  I'm stoked......and thanks again everyone for your help.
Congrats!  :rock
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: ZetaNine on June 25, 2008, 12:38:32 PM
Congrats!  :rock

thanks pal.....I'm stoked.
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: Ripsnort on June 25, 2008, 12:41:15 PM
Get a telephoto and hit the coast soon, post pics!  :rock
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ed/Delicious_bikini-girl.jpg/399px-Delicious_bikini-girl.jpg
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: ZetaNine on June 25, 2008, 12:45:25 PM
Get a telephoto and hit the coast soon, post pics!  :rock
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ed/Delicious_bikini-girl.jpg/399px-Delicious_bikini-girl.jpg

I'm looking at telephoto and macro glass now.  n/p with the coast thing here in fl.  I'm going after marlin in the keys in a few weeks.....prepare to be inundated with photo's...
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: Boroda on June 25, 2008, 02:07:02 PM
One advice to anyone who is considering buying DSLR, buy ONLY one of those 2,  Nikon or Canon.
Sure , sony, panasonic,pentax................ are nice BUT, when it comes to buy better lenses, they are more expensive then same/better quality lenses from those 2 brand names.
Also its hard to get any good lenses for them. You can buy 1 nice lens for good price for them, usualy 50mm f1.8, everything else is crazy expensive.
Not mention Flashes, accessories and other.

Hmm I have bought a Samsung (Pentax) kit for only $400, and I can use a huge number of M42/K-mount manual lenses, including Soviet and East-German. Some of them are quite interesting. You have to get a body above amateur class (like D200 that works fine with AI lenses) to use MF lenses with metering, if you can use them at all.

Anyway, popular lenses like 70-300 or 18-70 cost the same for any brand. Even here in Moscow you can buy almost any brand.

Flashes from Sigma cost absolutely the same for any brand. So do Sigma lenses. Third-party battery packs usually cost much cheaper.
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: Ripsnort on June 25, 2008, 09:10:35 PM

Anyway, popular lenses like 70-300 or 18-70 cost the same for any brand. Even here in Moscow you can buy almost any brand.

Flashes from Sigma cost absolutely the same for any brand. So do Sigma lenses. Third-party battery packs usually cost much cheaper.
You can thank Ronald Reagan for that.  :rock
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: Torque on June 25, 2008, 11:08:37 PM
LOL, now there is a stereotype if I ever heard one!  :lol

hardly rip...

(http://static.flickr.com/45/152386454_fa67e5da89.jpg)

Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: ramzey on June 25, 2008, 11:18:10 PM
the only thing nikon has over canon is in the flash department... that's why most serious sports shooters use canon and most wedding photographers use nikon.


o really?????????
How about autofocus? canon AF sux compared to nikon
High ISO? Canon cannot stand nikon

what do I use if I want to shoot a soccer game at a wedding reception?

seriously though.......I had heard about canon flash issues.......and I'm planning on grabbing the 580 EX II Speedlite.......anyone have one of these?

(http://www.livingroom.org.au/photolog/canon-speedlite-580EX-II.jpg)

its good flash, cannon dont make batter flashes then this one.


Hmm I have bought a Samsung (Pentax) kit for only $400, and I can use a huge number of M42/K-mount manual lenses, including Soviet and East-German. Some of them are quite interesting. You have to get a body above amateur class (like D200 that works fine with AI lenses) to use MF lenses with metering, if you can use them at all.

Anyway, popular lenses like 70-300 or 18-70 cost the same for any brand. Even here in Moscow you can buy almost any brand.

Flashes from Sigma cost absolutely the same for any brand. So do Sigma lenses. Third-party battery packs usually cost much cheaper.

Pavel, nikon can use old lenses, canon as well. But when come to pro grade  and new lenses other brands are rare or very expensive.
If you have time you can play woth old manual lenses, but when timing is important MF cant beat good AF.
Sigmas are not that good as brand flashes, special when comes to canon and nikon.( i had sigma for pentax) For amateur  they are fine.
Show me zooms for pentax witch can stand 70-200 f2.8, 80-200 f2.8, 18-200 vr, 24-70 f2.8  or canon L series.
 
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: ramzey on June 25, 2008, 11:22:41 PM
hardly rip...

(http://static.flickr.com/45/152386454_fa67e5da89.jpg)



Last friday i lend my camera to the guy who have most of white canons, next day he bought nikon.
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: moot on June 25, 2008, 11:25:57 PM
If you go Canon, FYI, YMMV: http://www.hackaday.com/2008/05/27/how-to-expand-your-camera-with-chdk/
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: BUG_EAF322 on June 26, 2008, 05:50:17 AM
[quoteNikon.

I should add... I have a Nikon D50 that I bought 18 months ago. I could stand to upgrade it, but it works well for the most part. There are a few things that I dislike. The limited focusing zones, a more robust bracketing feature, backlit LCD on top, but no real show stoppers. It's just 6MP, but that's not been an issue at all. I spent some money on glass though. I've got a 18-200mm VR, a 12-24mm wide zoom, and a 50mm prime. All markedly better than the kit lenses.
][/quote]

I got this camera also almost 3 years now and i still love it 2
Dough i got about the same cons like u.

U cant beat the rigid feel and ergonomics of a Nikon.

Canons have a plastic feel

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3180/2608219907_496b9cf872_o.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3291/2608211893_4e04d9f3ae_o.jpg)


http://www.slide.com/r/mB63LxMOxD8pqpM-zyJOU_ixdOymYuX2?previous_view=lt_embedded_url
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: BUG_EAF322 on June 26, 2008, 06:00:18 AM
BTW the NIKON D3 beats CANON in high iso and everything
these story about better CANONS are just past time.

If u look good u see more and more nikons along the line
And who wants to get up in the mass anyway

Im not a sheep :) I love NIKON :rock :rock :rock
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: ZetaNine on June 26, 2008, 06:03:18 AM
BTW the NIKON D3 beats CANON in high iso and everything
these story about better CANONS are just past time.

If u look good u see more and more nikons along the line
And who wants to get up in the mass anyway

Im not a sheep :) I love NIKON :rock :rock :rock


I hope it does........I spent $850 on the canon.......the Nikon D3 is five grand.  ;)
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: BUG_EAF322 on June 26, 2008, 06:09:08 AM
The new D300 is also very good.
But hell all the technique, hardware is wortless without a good eye and feel for moment.

Both brands are good even pentax is, these days but i like the Nikon just best.
The have just better ergonomics and also look better and last but not least are more rigid especially in the consumer models.

The Iso talk is a fairy tale already unfolded by the D50
3 years ago.


Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: Ripsnort on June 26, 2008, 07:51:53 AM
hardly rip...

(http://static.flickr.com/45/152386454_fa67e5da89.jpg)


Oh yes, that photo is convincing (and has been used/abused on the web for years). That event was sponsored by Canon.   :rofl And, Canon gives a discount to the media on their prime long lenses that Nikon will not match. (A good majority of sports photographers used equipment that is owned by the company they work for, thus the discounts to those companies, I personally know an ex-Sports Illustrated photographer who is retired and has mentored me. FWIW, he shot Canon because its what they issued him.  He shoots Nikon now. His opinion is both are excellent products and their camera owners compete like the Chevy/Ford debate)

Here is alittle history on the debate, consider yourself, once again, educated by Ripsnort  :devil :
http://www.camerahobby.com/Vignettes_Nikon-Canon2.htm

Quote
There is an extraordinary emphasis on the sports and PJ market because it is so high profile and it ignores the fact that a majority of professional photographers outside this highly visible group are Nikon shooters, if they are not using medium and large format systems. I’m talking about the fine art photographers, nature and landscapes, and mostly the stock photographer. However, you do not see these photographers on TV every weekend at various sporting events or in the scrums around newsworthy subjects.

Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: BUG_EAF322 on June 26, 2008, 08:02:45 AM
Oh and white lenses are gay i love the military black looking Nikon gear.
 :rofl

really white bwah!!

Ripsnort  :aok :salute

Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: Ripsnort on June 26, 2008, 08:09:40 AM
Oh and white lenses are gay i love the military black looking Nikon gear.
 :rofl

really white bwah!!

Ripsnort  :aok :salute


Careful now, not all canon lenses are white! But don't tell that to Torque. He's dribbin' Kool aid on his chin.

(http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/nikkoresources/AFNikkor/AF2870mm/NikonAFZM2870mmf28DIFEDGray.jpg)

(http://static.flickr.com/52/171525878_e7a200c8bf_m.jpg)

(http://regex.info/i/IMG_5148.jpg)
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: BUG_EAF322 on June 26, 2008, 09:18:36 AM
Still i like them in black better.
Those colors seems to do good on the asian market.

btw did u know that in Japan Nikon always had a bigger share on the market.
Because Japanese know quality.

Good thing both brands use stabilisation in the lens IS or VR

not like Sony or Pentax and Samsung

Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: ramzey on June 26, 2008, 09:23:21 AM

Good thing both brands use stabilisation in the lens IS or VR

not like Sony or Pentax and Samsung



how come is that good thing???
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: Ripsnort on June 26, 2008, 09:30:20 AM
I personally have no use for IS or VR.  An ideal shutter speed shooting sports is above 1/500 and at this shutter speed or higher, image shake rarely occurs unless your Catherine Hepburn. Motion blur will show up before the image shake will in the photo.

Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: RTHolmes on June 26, 2008, 09:40:36 AM
I should have used photoshop to lighten it.

better to use exposure bracketing and then post-process with a HDR utility (ive used Photomatix and the results were amazing) :aok
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: BUG_EAF322 on June 26, 2008, 09:58:32 AM
Quote
how come is that good thing???

because it doesnt break the SLR Philosophy
U still see what u are doing because u don't look through the sensor.

In the tele it does matter also.
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: Boroda on June 26, 2008, 10:22:14 AM
Pavel, nikon can use old lenses, canon as well. But when come to pro grade  and new lenses other brands are rare or very expensive.
If you have time you can play woth old manual lenses, but when timing is important MF cant beat good AF.
Sigmas are not that good as brand flashes, special when comes to canon and nikon.( i had sigma for pentax) For amateur  they are fine.
Show me zooms for pentax witch can stand 70-200 f2.8, 80-200 f2.8, 18-200 vr, 24-70 f2.8  or canon L series.

Nikon below x00 series doesn't meter with old Ai or Ai-S lenses. But I can't afford such a body only to use my old Nikon MF lenses, some of them from old Kiev-19. I am no profi, just a lame amateur. I need an SLR mostly because I hate point-and-shoot lag, can't take "genre" pictures. And I am definitely not rich for Canon L series, or 80-200 f2.8.

Is there any way to use old FD-mount lenses on modern Canon DSLR?

Can anyone tell my why Nikon DSLRs can't use old TTL flashes? F80 could, D70 can't... Maybe just to make you buy an SB-800? I have a 1981 Nikon FG with TTL flash, 50mm 1.8, 100mm 2.8 Kaleinar-N and 28-200 Soligor zoom (surprisingly good). Now my co-worker bought a used D200 and uses my 50mm and 100mm a lot, but a body cost him (even used) two times more then I paid for Samsung kit plus Sigma 70-300APO. I think of buying something like 18-200 or 18-250 now, or maybe just a Sigma 17-70 2.8-5.6, and my bag will still be cheaper then his body alone. Does an Ai metering lever cost like $300? If I only could buy something like D70 with Ai lens and TTL flash support - I'd never even think of buying anything but Nikon. But now I can use Zenitar 50mm 1.7 with a $10 adapter ring, plus all K-mount lenses.

As for manual focusing - sometimes it's easier for me to focus manually or even by scale (my Samsung failed to focus fast only at night at the campfire when I was shooting through the smoke). Auto-focusing a 18mm lens at 10m is a nonsense, isn't it? ;)
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: straffo on June 26, 2008, 12:30:20 PM
I love nikon/canon taliban match except it's the photographer 1st !

A blind man with the latest Nicanon won't be the best photographer of the world
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: Boroda on June 26, 2008, 12:52:08 PM
I love nikon/canon taliban match except it's the photographer 1st !

A blind man with the latest Nicanon won't be the best photographer of the world

Agreed completely. But you know, we all like comfort. Though my best pictures were made on a B/W film with a 1964 Soviet rangefinder camera with a flash that had a battery hanging across my shoulder.

You know, holding an ancient 1981 Nikon after a state-of-the-art Soviet SLR gives you a strange feeling that you are all-mighty now :) And a zoom lens is a substitute to printing B/W cards yourself. Last time I printed cards myself was in 1996, I gave my magnifier and all developing/printing accessories to a friend who still is a photo-freak just as I was at school.
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: straffo on June 26, 2008, 12:57:03 PM
you know my 1st 2 slr were a zenith and next a praktica :)
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: ChickenHawk on June 26, 2008, 01:57:30 PM

Is there any way to use old FD-mount lenses on modern Canon DSLR?

I don't know if Amazon ships to Russia, but this should point you in the right direction: Canon EOS to FD lens mount adapter digital (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-lens-mount-adapter-digital/dp/B000PIB6DW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1214506342&sr=8-2)
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: Torque on June 26, 2008, 02:37:15 PM
well... guess i struck a nerve with the nikonistas... sure after being shutout for years nikon is now trying to make head way into the sports sector with the D3... i guess that's why for the first time they're now making white lenses and have a body that can match the 1D series... if you don't know the reason why the lenses are white that pretty much tells all.

but the truth still holds... go to any pro event and it's dominated by white lenses... i'm not talking aboot a bunch of guys at some little league game soaking parents for their egos tho.

but the proof is in the final product... so i'll start first... with the easy stuff... like birds in flight.

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3042/2549303951_1420957f4d_o.jpg)

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3240/2537266995_7db2d93313_o.jpg)

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3296/2441558094_3ecf6bb043_o.jpg)

(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2146/2366412013_cb51a0c460_o.jpg)

(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2189/2441558720_1665c591c7_o.jpg)

so should i post some easy stuff like sports panning shots... maybe something from the le mans... or drag racing... or bmx... or maybe some air show stuff...and we can compare?
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: APDrone on June 26, 2008, 02:45:09 PM
NNNNNNNNNNNIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIIIIICCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCE EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE shots, Torque..

 :rock
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: ChickenHawk on June 26, 2008, 03:03:12 PM
Torque, those shots are stunning.
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: ZetaNine on June 26, 2008, 03:05:44 PM
ya know......ya make the jump and start by finally getting a descent starter camera like I did........and then a cat like torque walks in here and instantly brings you back down to sub moron level.

torque ........those shots are un ******* real.......

do tell what you can as far as the actual camera used.........the owl shot is nothing short of stunning......and do an old guy but a photo newbie a favor and please explain the reasoning for the white (cream color) lenses.......I was actually wondering and I'm not too proud to admit it.

ps: to answer your question.......please post whateverthehell you like.
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: Ripsnort on June 26, 2008, 04:06:40 PM
Well Torque, birds are pretty, don't know if they pay well though. Parent's ego's brought in $12,000 for me in Sept/Oct/Nov alone, so I'll stick to what I enjoy shooting, kids having fun. The way I look at it is that the hobby is paying for itself. It's free camera equipment for a hobby I love.  :rock

I might add, professionals don't care what the other guy shoots, they respect each other and their respective equipment and they certainly don't stereotype each other based on the camera they shoot with.
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: BUG_EAF322 on June 26, 2008, 04:14:52 PM
Splendid shots only possible with a good lens :)
And offcourse a good cameraman

I have  seen these shots with both brands having a good 300/400/600MM f4 helps alot
But these are to expensive for me i still do with a cheap 70-300G for maybe 90 dollar.

My dream lens would be the 200-400 F4 VR its an amazing lens especialy for a zoomer


Actualy i do believe the camera doesnt matter as much as the lens
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: straffo on June 26, 2008, 04:53:12 PM
Splendid shots only possible with a good lens :)

nope, you can't judge the quality of a lens with such a low resolution photos :)

Quote
And offcourse a good cameraman
this time you're right

Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: Sandman on June 26, 2008, 04:57:18 PM
I personally have no use for IS or VR.  An ideal shutter speed shooting sports is above 1/500 and at this shutter speed or higher, image shake rarely occurs unless your Catherine Hepburn. Motion blur will show up before the image shake will in the photo.

The biggest reason to use IS or VR is that it's worth almost a full stop compared to non-stabilized gear when you're dealing with low light. If you're shooting at 1/500, you won't notice.
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: BUG_EAF322 on June 26, 2008, 05:39:35 PM
Quote
i guess that's why for the first time they're now making white lenses and have a body that can match the 1D series... if you don't know the reason why the lenses are white that pretty much tells all.

Oh i do know the reason but its not neccesary to protect for sun influence these days
And here i dont see white pro nikon lenses either.

they are all black and work just as well.

BTW the pro DX bodies where always good and super rigid

oh and here a famous dutch nikon photographer :)
http://www.lanting.com/

Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: ZetaNine on June 26, 2008, 05:42:13 PM
Well Torque, birds are pretty, don't know if they pay well though.






ouch!
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: BUG_EAF322 on June 26, 2008, 05:56:20 PM
(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1161/544826807_57acf28231_o.jpg)
(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1081/1235210804_f0d2224ff0_o.jpg)
(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1125/1367303653_cac9f02486_o.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2039/1518575692_5896220ae6_o.jpg)

some work of an infamous dutch photographer (me)
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: ramzey on June 26, 2008, 09:19:07 PM
because it doesnt break the SLR Philosophy
U still see what u are doing because u don't look through the sensor.

In the tele it does matter also.

Seriously i don't get that.
How different is  shaking  glass from shaking sensor if you still look true the prism-mirror-lens in both??????
Are you sure you not meant live view?

@Pavel, you cant use old nikon flashes with digital nikons due to lover triggering voltage in digital camera. You can still use them in manual mode if you put safe hot shoe between camera and flash.
Im positive all brands have same "problem", including pentax.
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Question
Post by: Boroda on June 27, 2008, 04:09:09 AM
@Pavel, you cant use old nikon flashes with digital nikons due to lover triggering voltage in digital camera. You can still use them in manual mode if you put safe hot shoe between camera and flash.
Im positive all brands have same "problem", including pentax.

Nikon TTL flashes that appeared together with FG are low-voltage, that's not the issue. TTL flash with rotating head will satisfy 99% of what an amateur needs, all this "computerized control", "digital interface" etc are just marketing slogans. The problem is that film cameras with Nikon hot-shoe, like F65 or F80 work exellent with plain TTL flashes introduced in 1981, while DSLRs simply refuse to recongnize any flash except maybe SB-800 and later. Why should I pay hundreeds of dollars for the same result that I can achieve with a $30 piece of plastic and wire made in China?

Hmmm... Just understood that I tried my Vivitar TTL flash only on D70, there is a chance that it may work on D200.