Digital SLR's

[beerbaron]

Anyone had experience with one of these units
i have a film SLR ( Nikon ) but now want to go to digital

I like the specs of the Nikon D70
anyone recommend another brand ?

Much appreciated

[KrisEz]

why bother changing from nikon. theyve got a good rep.

[muga]

I have used the Nikon D70 and it's a bloody fantastic camera!
I highly recomend it if you have the funds.

I was going to get it, but ended up getting a Nikon CoolPix 8700 (8.0MP) because of the price. It's a great camera aswell, highly recomend it as well.

[Benwah]

I highly recomend it if you have the funds.

If you have the means, I highly recommend it... plus... I love driving it.

[spurr]

The D70 is a nice camera, I don't think you would be too disappointed at all.

Not to mention that if you've already got Nikon lenses, you can use them with the digital as well which means big savings sticking with Nikon.

[Kyle]

They kind of screw you on some of the digital features though, and the 200 dollar price tag extra for the kit is worth it for the digital lens anyways, it's very nice. :D

[beerbaron]

ive got a Tamron 28 - 200 Zoom
i was hoping to use that on the D70

[BSS]

I dare not recommend a Canon, because all of you appear to be Nikon people and I don't want to die young.

[StygiaN]

I have used a canon 300D (I think) and it was amazing to use. I have never played with an SLR until I played with that an I was just amazed at how awesome you can get the shots to be with it.

Play with one first though!

[berserk]

I've tried a friend's D70 a few times & that camera is insanely good. About the compatibility of the Tamron lens, try asking the people at dpreview (http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1034).

I've heard good things about Canon DSLRs but I can't comment as I haven't tried one.

[jak]

If you are after a digital SLR, then you can't go wrong with either a Canon or Nikon. I wouldn't bother with anything else. Which one? Well, its like comparing BMW or Mercedes. Or Ford or Holden. etc. (please dont start up a car debate please :) ).

I personally use a Canon 10D (model above the 300D) and this is perfect for me. Its the Canon equivalent of the Nikon D70. I see you already have a film Nikon SLR, so your choice is obvious - Nikon. (I am assuming you already have a selection of Nikon mount glass).

I came from a Nikon 5700. I upgraded to a DSLR, cos the Nikon 5700 was too limiting (eg can only close down the aperture to f/8). I will only buy (in terms of DSLRs) a Nikon or Canon. With my investments in lenses - only Canon.

Oh, and next time you are at a sporting event or watching a sporting event on TV (eg the Australian Open) have a look at all those white lenses you see lined up. Yep, thats right, all Canon. ;)

Note: My girlfirend is a professional photographer and she shoots with Canon personally, but her partner shoots Nikon. I have used the Nikon gear and I think both brands are as good as each other.

Go to www.fredmiranda.com and have a look at both the Nikon and Canon forums for real world experiences with these cameras (I find dpreview to be too bitchy/argumentative).

[Kyle]

ive got a Tamron 28 - 200 Zoom
i was hoping to use that on the D70
I'm pretty sure you can use a tamron lens as long as you get the right adaptor for the job.

Just be warned if you do plan on adapting the lens, a few features won't be available to you because the D70 uses a special digital lens (check it yourself because I'm not exactly sure myself).

[criminy]

If you have the means, I highly recommend it... plus... I love driving it.
.. it is so choice.

[beerbaron]

Well ive got a few prices on the nikon d70

cheapest was $1500 but without a zoom lens
most expensive was 2000 but came with a Nikor zoom lens,( at $500 though ? )

[lowededwookie]

I too am keen on this thread.

I've been looking at upgrading my ancient Olympus C-1400XL (1.4Mp) but not sure which way to go.

I've heard good things about the Nikon D70 and so will be tempted to check it out.

One thing I'd like to know though. Can you get a waterproof case for it? If not, what SLR cameras can you get cases for? And don't say Sony because they are the crappiest cameras I've ever seen. How could anyone use a Sony video camera let alone their stills? Worst of all how could anyone rate them so highly?

[Lord_Phat]

i am upgrading from a nikon 4500 to a canon 20d... 20d should be here this week, and i cannot wait

a mate (http://iced.vanillashots.com) of mine takes some very tasty shots with his nikon d70... i was tempted to go for it... but the larger print size offered by the extra MP of the canon won me over... :fag:

[jak]

If not, what SLR cameras can you get cases for? And don't say Sony ...

Can't say I've heard of a Sony SLR. :)

[Merudo]

Just remember -

"you can on a canon"


but i don't hear any such guarantees for Nikon.

Case closed.

[SGT_R_LEE]

Over the summer I had to chance to work with 3 Nikon D70s for the purpose of photogrammetry.

I loved it and ended up getting my own. It's a great camera and I highly recommend it.

I'd show you some of the pics I took this weekend with it, but I submitted one to the photo contest.

[jak]

If you want to see some examples of pics taken with a Canon 10D, then have a look at www.angstrom.com.au. All the pics there are taken with a 10D except the NZ pics, which are taken with a Nikon 5700.

Excuse the very poor layout - in the middle of a revamp and getting my *good* pics online.

[lowededwookie]

If you want to see some examples of pics taken with a Canon 10D, then have a look at www.angstrom.com.au. All the pics there are taken with a 10D except the NZ pics, which are taken with a Nikon 5700.

Excuse the very poor layout - in the middle of a revamp and getting my *good* pics online.
Sold.

Those photos have clinched it for me. That's the camera I'm going for.

Anyone using a Mac to get their photos with one of these cameras?

[Nikon]

why bother changing from nikon. theyve got a good rep.

Your a fucking liar, i gots no rep whatsoever.

[StygiaN]

i gots no rep whatsoever.

oh but I think you do!

[muga]

If you want to see some examples of pics taken with a Canon 10D, then have a look at www.angstrom.com.au. All the pics there are taken with a 10D

Wow!
I think you've twisted my arm into taking my caera to the rally :D
Great photos!

Did you use a standard lense?

[jak]

Wow!
I think you've twisted my arm into taking my caera to the rally :D
Great photos!

Did you use a standard lense?

Thanks muga!

The rally shots were taken with a Canon 28-135mm f/3.5 to f/5.6 with IS. Its a quite a versatile lens and relatively cheap. The hardest part of taking those photos was getting a clear view!

I have some shots from Rally Australia 2004 - I shall try and find some time to post them up (although they aren't as good - too many people).

[spurr]

Three thumbs up for the cleavage shots on the bride too.....perve!

[jak]

Three thumbs up for the cleavage shots on the bride too.....perve!

Its surprising the amount of comments I get for those shots. But I can't take credit for the wedding shots. They were taken by my girlfriend - she shoots weddings every weekend. They are on my website as they are personal friends of mine.

:)

[muga]

The rally shots were taken with a Canon 28-135mm f/3.5 to f/5.6 with IS. Its a quite a versatile lens and relatively cheap. The hardest part of taking those photos was getting a clear view!
It's making me wish I didn't buy the Nikon 8700 now. I think I might have to see if I can check out one of these cameras and if the user functions are as good as the Nikon.

[Canalien]

Is the Canon 350D any good?

It's the most inexpensive of their DSLRs and I'm just a beginner...

[Hairyman]

It is an improvement on the 300D which I use (and am still very happy with). My 300D produced all the shots in my ZGeek gallery with the kit lens.

The review on DP Review can be found here (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos350d/).

I've been happy with Canon and they are a slightly better price point than Nikon.

Nikon make very nice kit too, although the D70 specs are not quite up to the 350D specs. The supplied lens with the Nikon kit is a nicer lens.

I'm waiting for the Canon 5D to mature a bit before moving to a full frame sensor digital SLR.

My strategy has been to get a reasonable entry-level DSLR with changeable lenses. I'll kit it out with good, technologically mature accessories, (the latest being a 580EX speedlite) and then get a decent body once my skills and knowledge justify it.

Have a look in the Equipment thread (stickied in this forum).

[dozer]

the biggest thing is what you like. pickup the nikon and the canon and see which one feels best in your hand. some people say the canons feel a bit more plastic than the nikons, its all about preference.

the 350 is a nice camera and the canons also have the advantage of being able to take zeiss lenses.

[Solo man]

I have a Nikon film SLR system and an old Nikon digital camera (Coolpix 885, 3.2 Mp) with which I am quite happy. However, the biggest problem that I have with the digital camera is the slight delay between the time that I press the shutter button and the time that the photo is taken. It often causes you to miss the critical moment that you would capture with the film cameras. The photo of the rallycar going through the water is a good illustration.

Do the digital SLR's overcome this problem?

[jak]

I have a Nikon film SLR system and an old Nikon digital camera (Coolpix 885, 3.2 Mp) with which I am quite happy. However, the biggest problem that I have with the digital camera is the slight delay between the time that I press the shutter button and the time that the photo is taken. It often causes you to miss the critical moment that you would capture with the film cameras. The photo of the rallycar going through the water is a good illustration.

Do the digital SLR's overcome this problem?

yes, it does - pretty much instantaneous (well my Canon 10D is anyway - I am sure they all pretty similiar). There is a very very *slight* difference when comparing to a film SLR, but you would never even notice.

It has always felt like its instantaneous to me anyway. I used to own a Nikon 5700 (not a dSLR) and I did notice a slight delay with that camera.

[smellycat]

I wouldn't just consider nikon and canon...
olympus has a great digital slr system with awesome quality lenses and great value...
the one area where i'd maybe pick canon or nikon would be for long exposures and higher iso shots......
i love my e300 and have gotten some great shots with it.....
(see attached shot)

[jamf]

Unless you have an formidable investment in nikon glass, I would suggest canon. They seem to be the top dog when it comes to digital.

[Solo man]

Nikon has another model, the D50, which is also 6.1megapixils. It is currently on special at Domayne in Sydney for $1399 which also includes a Nikon 70-300mm lens or a Nikon 600 flash as an additional bonus. I guess that the D50 is probably aimed more for the point and shoot photographer, but it still seems a very good deal

[anothe]

cannon = best I think.

they were the first camera company to break the $3000 mark for digital SLRs and then the $2000 mark, WITHOUT cutting corners.

[dozer]

nikon lenses are superior to the canons, this is also reflected in the price. i dont mind the canon bodies but they are too small for my large manly hands.

i dont really buy into the canon/nikon ford/holden style of arguments.

[reykjavik]

I use my Nikon for my 35mm photos obviously, which is mainly for taking some more sophisticated photos, especially with my black and white film. I've never had any major issues with it, but knowing my luck now, I'll probably drop it off the side of an oceanliner into the Atlantic ocean. But, still, woo!

[fbleagh]

I would have to say go with the d70s. I have played with both the D70s and the Canon 300D. While both are nice cameras the Nikon was nicer to use.

I got my D70s from Harvey Norman for $1800 because I wanted the 24 months interest free.

http://www.europeancameras.com/ have the D70s with Kit lens ( which is very very nice ) $1850 or $1395 without the lens.

www.Dirtcheapcameras.com.au also have it for $1850.

BTW - I would stick with either Canon or Nikon even if only for the avaliability of cheap lenses etc.

[jak]

nikon lenses are superior to the canons, this is also reflected in the price. i dont mind the canon bodies but they are too small for my large manly hands.

i dont really buy into the canon/nikon ford/holden style of arguments.

You are not actually serious are you?

Tell me why 90% of sports photographers use 'white' L lenses?

The 1D/1Ds etc (pro) bodies is almost identical in size to the pro nikon bodies. I know I have handled them.

Personally, I think they are both comparable - stick with what you already have. I shoot Canon as both my girlfriend and I have canon glass. But, they are both very similiar.

I don't think anyone can categorically state nikon glass is superior to canon glass (unless you compare pro nikon glass to std canon glass or vice versa - but that would be stupid).

[dozer]

if you have the money for L glass then sure, just compare the 350d kit lens to the d70, or apples with apples so to speak.

i dont think we are talking pro here but comparing the bodies of the prosumers.

pro kit is of course a different story.

[HAL]

now, now, boys and girls. lets keep this a nice clean thread with lots of usefull unbias information for the budding digital photographer. lets not degrade to the level of bogans hooting for our favourite car :P

[jak]

Yeah, fair call. I just thought it was a misleading statement and wanted to voice my disagreance.

Otherwise, I think dozer has much too say about photography (good things too). :)

[dozer]

is this where i now recommend the new hassy with the 39mpix back?

[jak]

:) yes please.

In all seriousness, I have been looking for a mamiya 645 1000s. They can be had for a reasonable price and take fantastic photos.

Old school.

[dozer]

throw a hassy cf528 back on it, at $30k US they really are the dogs danglies.

not really old school as most pro fashion/advertising guys use the same now, 35mm equiv is shite for enlargements.

[jak]

yeah, I have seen some landscape and portrait enlargements from a Hasselblad (6x6). Incredible.

The mamiya seems to be a cheaper alternative (and still produces beautiful images).

[asdfjkl]

Ive used a few Mamiya RB-67s and 645's and i love them.

Just waiting for a reasonable second hand RB67 to come along.

I bought an old 1955 Zeiss Ikonta folding 6x9 a few weeks ago for $30 and it takes a pretty good picture still!