Looking at getting a new digital camera

[barryf1fan]

I searched for this already and didn't find any "recent" info. If you more knowledgable types could give me your opinions I would appreciate it a ton.

I would like to get a digital camera and have narrowed it down to two models, the Nikon D70s and the Canon Digital Rebel XT. I'm positive that I want to go dSLR because I want the advantages of multiple lenses and other features that come on these cameras. I plan to shoot anything from my kids sports to family type pictures to racing photos. Right now I'm leaning towards the Canon, and not because I think Nikon stinks or anything... just that I have heard that you can use some models of lenses for the film cameras on the Canon. I also have read that the lens that comes in the (Nikon or Canon) kit is not that impressive and that an upgrade to a lens with a aperture of f/2.0 or f/1.4 would be the way to go, especially if lighting was an issue.

I know lenses are expensive and end up being the bulk of cost when you start getting in to multiple lens photography. I am very amature, but would like to get better at it. I have already been to several things and thought, "damn, I wish I had that good digital camera"! So let it flow, all opinions are welcome and needed.

thanks,
Barry

 

[CDailey]

Deffinately check out the sample photos for each camera over at dpreview.com

Compared to other lenses, the kit lens for each camera isn't very impressive, but that doesn't mean they aren't good "all-around" lenses. The dRebelXT is also 8mp compared to the 6mp D70. That doesn't necessarily matter, though. Both camers can put out some amazing images. What you really need to look at is if you already have some Canon EF mount lenses, then you should go with the dRebelXT. If you've got some Nikkor lenses, you should probably go with the D70.

Hope I helped. 👍

 

[barryf1fan]

What you really need to look at is if you already have some Canon EF mount lenses, then you should go with the dRebelXT. If you've got some Nikkor lenses, you should probably go with the D70.

Hope I helped. 👍

Nope, I have a Minolta (film) SLR right now and would prefer to go with either Nikon or Canon, mainly because they seem to be the "heavy hitters". I know that there are a ton of nice digital cameras out there... heck the point-n-shoot ones are even really feature packed.
I was just thinking that maybe to pick up some lenses second hand or refurbed may be easier for the Canon... don't know though.

Thanks for your input (and I wished I had got the Canon 7 years ago might have some lenses for the dig)

Barry

 

[Pebb]

I agree go with the D70, its prices are droping now. Since the D200 or D2000 (What ever it is called), is now the main pro DSLR from Nikon for Pro Photographers.

 

[240Z]

Canon 20D, no contest. It's about the same price as the D70s if you shop around, and loads better than the Digital Rebel. This is the camera that is more directly comaprable to the D70s, and it beats out the D70s in almost every are on dpreview.com (a good site for research, like Integra Type R said). I've known a couple pro photographers who have used the 10D, the predecessor to the 20D (the 20D is a significant improvement, from what I've heard).
If you do go with the 20D, definitely DO NOT GET THE 18-55 EF-S Lens kit. Reviews I've heard (the-digital-picture.com has extensive reviews of all current canon lenses) say that it is very poor quality, esp. build quality. The 20D will work with all Canon EF (film) and EF-S (I think these are only for digital SLRS) lenses. I have the 28-135 EF IS USM 3.5-5.6 lens on my 20D and I have no complaints. It is an excellent all purpose "starter" lens. The USM motor is a must-have, and the image stabilization is useful, but not a deal-maker if you have a good tripod. Eventually I'm planning on getting a 70-300 L series lens to complement it, but it is fine for 80% of situations.

Anyway, hope this helps.

 

[barryf1fan]

Canon 20D, no contest. It's about the same price as the D70s if you shop around, and loads better than the Digital Rebel. This is the camera that is more directly comaprable to the D70s, and it beats out the D70s in almost every are on dpreview.com (a good site for research, like Integra Type R said). I've known a couple pro photographers who have used the 10D, the predecessor to the 20D (the 20D is a significant improvement, from what I've heard).
If you do go with the 20D, definitely DO NOT GET THE 18-55 EF-S Lens kit. Reviews I've heard (the-digital-picture.com has extensive reviews of all current canon lenses) say that it is very poor quality, esp. build quality. The 20D will work with all Canon EF (film) and EF-S (I think these are only for digital SLRS) lenses. I have the 28-135 EF IS USM 3.5-5.6 lens on my 20D and I have no complaints. It is an excellent all purpose "starter" lens. The USM motor is a must-have, and the image stabilization is useful, but not a deal-maker if you have a good tripod. Eventually I'm planning on getting a 70-300 L series lens to complement it, but it is fine for 80% of situations.

Anyway, hope this helps.

The cheapest I have seen the 20D is around the $1400 mark... maybe a little less. I can find the digital Rebel almost anywhere for less than $1000, usually around $940-$960.

Do you think since we're talking $1k anyway to go ahead and get the Canon 20D? I'm not a pro photographer but was planning on spending around $1000-$1200 for a dSLR (didn't want a point-n-shoot and wish later I had got the slr), you think, for an enthusiast, that the 20D is the better "deal"??

[I'm off to dpreview.com ]

 

[barryf1fan]

Oh, and yes, thanks for the input. I do appreciate it.👍

 

[240Z]

I'd say the 20D is definitely the better deal. bhphotovideo.com has the body for $1200. They're a great place and have everything you need, including the full line of canon lenses at fair prices. I've seen the 20D for as low as $1000 at Frys Electronics (on sale) and lower on amazon.com.

 

[skylineGTR_guy]

Yes go with the 20D, it is better to get more than go with the digital rebel and realize later that your missing features you wanted. I suggest you check ebay, they have quite a few packages with the 20D and several lenses, tripod, case, flash, CF card etc. I've been looking at getting a new camera for a while now and the 20D is by far the best one I've come across for its price range.

 

[240Z]

Yes go with the 20D, it is better to get more than go with the digital rebel and realize later that your missing features you wanted. I suggest you check ebay, they have quite a few packages with the 20D and several lenses, tripod, case, flash, CF card etc. I've been looking at getting a new camera for a while now and the 20D is by far the best one I've come across for its price range.

I'd be wary of purchasing the packages off of ebay. I was looking at these when I was shopping around for my camera as well. They usually have the non-OEM lenses in them or Sigma lenses. Although it may cost you more, getting the better lenses, tripod etc. is well worth it. Getting a higher quality tripod is definitely worth it, as the lower quality plastic ones are unstable and break easily. I have a Manfrotto 190Pro and it's great, although a little pricey ($200 for tripod body and head). But, if you find one with everything you want at a decent price, go for it.

 

[TB]

Taking my usual peek through GTP while at work, I came across this thread. I looked to my left, and saw that I had yet to bring the Nov. '05 Consumer Reports home. On page 20, it has ratings for DSLR's, including the EOS Digital Rebel XT, EOS 20D and Nikon D70. All are rated very well, but the XT came out on top. I'm assuming mostly because of the price. The XT is lighter (by 10oz.) but the ISO stops at 1600. The other two go up to 3200. Battery life is very comparable among the three, also.

 

[240Z]

I don't know what 20D consumer reports has, but mine only goes to 1600. Although image noise is greatly reduced compared to my other cameras, there is stil enough noise at that level to make me rarely use it.

Also, the reason the XT is lighter is that the body has many plastic pieces, which break easily. The 20D is slightly heavier, but it has a body made of magnesium alloy (I think, I don't have the specs right in front of me). It is a lot sturdier feeling and is not overly heavy. I can carry it around my neck for hours without strain or aches.

 

[TB]

All it says is Canon EOS 20D. Other than that, I can't say.

And I completely agree with you about the weight. I'd rather pay more for metal instead of plastic.

Interesting. I just took a look at the specs on dpreview and it says 3200 also.

 

[240Z]

All it says is Canon EOS 20D. Other than that, I can't say.

And I completely agree with you about the weight. I'd rather pay more for metal instead of plastic.

Interesting. I just took a look at the specs on dpreview and it says 3200 also.

Hmm... There's an (H) by it, so maybe it only switches to it occasionaly when using the highspeed mode? The ISO is unchangably set to "AUTO" in that mode, and in the manual modes it only goes up to 1600. It could only be avaliable in different lenses or something else, I'm not sure. dpreview gives no indication to what the (H) means. , indeed.

 

[skylineGTR_guy]

Hmm... There's an (H) by it, so maybe it only switches to it occasionaly when using the highspeed mode? The ISO is unchangably set to "AUTO" in that mode, and in the manual modes it only goes up to 1600. It could only be avaliable in different lenses or something else, I'm not sure. dpreview gives no indication to what the (H) means. , indeed.

+

You need to unlock ISO expansion to unlock ISO 3200

Its under the Setup > custom function menu > #08 turns the option on or off

 

[skylineGTR_guy]

I'd be wary of purchasing the packages off of ebay. I was looking at these when I was shopping around for my camera as well. They usually have the non-OEM lenses in them or Sigma lenses. Although it may cost you more, getting the better lenses, tripod etc. is well worth it. Getting a higher quality tripod is definitely worth it, as the lower quality plastic ones are unstable and break easily. I have a Manfrotto 190Pro and it's great, although a little pricey ($200 for tripod body and head). But, if you find one with everything you want at a decent price, go for it.

Yeah I just talked to my photographer freind and he suggested I avoid it too.

Here is the new setup I'm looking at:

Canon EOS 20D $1,199.95 (B&H)
550EX Flash $289.95 (B&H)
Spare Battery $34.95 (B&H)
80X 1GB CF card $58.99 (newegg)
Canon 70-200 F2.8L IS $1,659.95 (B&H)

Total: $3,243.79

and I'll still need a tripod and bag, filters etc.

 

[240Z]

+

You need to unlock ISO expansion to unlock ISO 3200

Its under the Setup > custom function menu > #08 turns the option on or off

👍 👍 Thanks.

The 70-200 2.8L lens is a -worthy lens, and will probably be the next one I'm getting. I'd be interested to know how you feel about the 550EX if you decide to get it. That would be another prospective purchase for me, but I don't know if it'd be worth it.

 

[skylineGTR_guy]

👍 👍 Thanks.

The 70-200 2.8L lens is a -worthy lens, and will probably be the next one I'm getting. I'd be interested to know how you feel about the 550EX if you decide to get it. That would be another prospective purchase for me, but I don't know if it'd be worth it.

The 550EX is what my friend suggested (Dino Dalle Carbonare, he occasionally takes pictures and writes for various magazines, including several aticles in modified mag, you can see his blog here: http://blog.gtroc.com/dino/ )

and yes the lens is -worthy which is probably why it costs more than the camera. I was wondering if the IS version was worth the 600 extra bucks but from what I've gathered so far it is. I'm still developing my skills so this may seem overkill but atleast I can grow into it I'm looking at expanding into automotive photography and portraits instead of just nature shots.

Do you have a site with any of your pictures? I'd love to see them. I have a few of mine on my pic site www.gtr.siteburg.com Let me know what you think

 

[240Z]

I don't currently have anywhere where I've posted my pictures. I'll probably eventually post some stuff either here on GTP or on the other forum that I frequent (the crappy link in my sig). I haven't really looked into finding some place for my pictures because 90% of the time I'm on dialup at my house. But, if I find a quick enough way I'll eventually get around to it. I've got a ton of automotive stuff and architectural photos (my two main subjects).

I have the same "overkill" idea to when I buy my camera stuff. I think the IS is worth it for auto show situations, where light is variable and lugging around a tripod is a pain. I don't know if I'd spring for the IS on the 70-200, but if money is not a problem then I'd say go for it.

I've been browsing through your site and it's pretty good. Two of my favorites are "G35" (awesome color!) and "strong reflections."