cameras?

[kjao]

I have got a couple of Pentax film bodies (ME Super and MZ-5), a Pentax dSLR (*ist DS) and a Canon A630 P&P.

[UncasMS]

UncasMS - How does it compare to the Rebel? I am almost ready to buy a new camera and am torn between the Rebel and the Nikon D40. I know the Canon is less expensive and is almost as good as the Nikon, but I hadn't considered what you have.

Since we have different names for the Canon models over here I'd like to know which "Rebel" you were referring to:

Rebel - 300D
Rebel XT - 350D
Rebel XTi - 400D

The EOS 400D is a fine camera but i'd not go for a 350 or 300 because they only provide you with:

- a 1.8" display with 118.000 pixel instead of 2.5" / 230.000
- only a 7-point autofocus as opposed to 9 (inside 400D or other Canons)
- only 14 Jpegs / 5 Raw pictures in a row as opposed to 27/10-400D or 30/11-30D
- no digital noise reduction when using longer shutter times
- no zoom for displaying picutres

only to name those differences i consider most important but there are many more


despite the fact that the 400D has very good features i decided against it because:

- the grip is way to small for my taste and being used to a bigger grip on my T-90 for more than 20yrs i didnt like the handling with the 400D

- i wanted a magnesium body and not a plastic one

- spotlight meatering, which i was used from my T-90

- faster startup time and faster drive

- shorter saving times for the images (with decent CF cards)

- better finder

- different power supply which last approx. 2x as long

- display on the top right part of the body (old T-90 habits die hard )

- higher shutter speed and more durable shutter (1/8000 + 1/250 flash sync for the 30D vs. 1/4000 + 1/200 for the Rebel/400D and 100.000 exposures for the 30D



A Nikon D40 would be my last choice - if at all a D40x


And please dont let anyone tell you that 8mp is always better than 6 or a 10 megapixel will natively make better pictures than a 8mp camera - this is marketing and far from true!



Having listed so many points I consider important/better in camera X compared to Y let me add:

a good pictures is made with your eye and brain primarily and much later comes your equipment with feature xxx

moreover, the personal touch is very decisive - i for one cant cope with small grips for example so please try to take the different cameras of your choice and touch them, view at and through them, listen to their sound and consider their weight

last but not least think about your lens twice!
most people take pictures with lenses from 17-50mm when talking about digital SLR with a crop factor of 1.5x / 1.6x which would be something like 28-80mm in the old non-digital SLR world.
The telephoto 80-200mm (digital) range is used less often with most users.

I decided to go for a 1:2.8 lens for the 17-50mm range and not a 1:4-5.6 because i like Available Light photography and 2.8 makes a difference to 5.6

on the other hand i dont use the telephoto that often and thus i wasnt willing to spend too much money on that lens.

[Kabuchan]

I had been looking at the XTi. And yes, I heard that 10 MP isn't necessarily better than 8. I wanted something fairly user friendly, versatile, and durable. I also would like something that isn't too heavy.

I plan on taking pics of the kids, pets, etc. But I plan on taking macro shots and also landscapes/scenery. Will the Canon do what I need? I know I will need to research lenses but does the Canon fit this profile? And which one?

Only asking for the moon and stars! LOL

[UncasMS]

Canon just like other manufacturers will fit that profile of yours as they all have user friendly cameras, which make life easy and all brands have their set of lenses which make the proper counterpart to a camera body.

If Canon go for the XTi - 400D. it is light (too small and light for me) and has very good features for the price range.

Concerning Nikon, Pentax, Sony, Olympus, Sigma etc i can't say much as i never used any of it and i'm not up2date with the specs but maybe other users can be of help but i guess you should define a price range first for camera only or complete kit in order not to compare apples to oranges.

[Kabuchan]

I take a good long look at the XTi. Thanks UncasMS!

I have an Olympus right now which takes great photos, but I don't have the option to change lenses. I'd really like to take some macro shots. I'll post a couple of pics in the Picture thread.

[UncasMS]

another reason why i personally would not opt for the d40/d40x:

this nikon can only be used with lenses that have a build-in AF motor and there aren't too many of these lenses around yet.

[Fluk_Fluk]

Sony T5 but it sucks !!! I need to buy another cam

[delex]

I personally own Canon EOS-3 & am very-very satisfied...

[UncasMS]

hi delex and welcome to the forum

if you like, let us see some of your pictures in the "post your pic" thread

[Sasha87]

I have Canon EOS 40D. I think this is the best digital camera all times!

Some of its features:

* 10.1 Megapixel CCD (CMOS)
* 6.5 frames per second
* Superb image quality: 10.1 Megapixel CMOS Sensor, extensive noise reduction technology, and 14-bit conversion for outstanding color tones and gradations.
* Outstanding performance: 6.5 fps, burst rate up to 75 consecutive JPEGs or 17 RAW images and DIGIC III Image Processor.
* Strong, rugged build quality: magnesium-alloy exterior, shutter durability-tested to 100,000 cycles, top speed 1/8000, top x-sync speed 1/250.
* New AF system with 9 cross-type sensors, and world’s first diagonal high-precision cross-type AF at center point with f/2.8 and faster lenses.
* EOS Integrated Cleaning System, Picture Style settings, Spot metering, and Highlight Tone Priority for advanced in-camera image control.
* Large 3.0-inch LCD monitor and advanced Live View Function with new options for reduced shutter time lag and quiet operation.
* Wide range of accessories, including interchangeable focusing screens, extensive remote control options, new battery grip BG-E2N, and new dedicated wireless file transmitter WFT-E3A.

[paglamon]

Just bought the Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ28. Will be spending the vacation at hill resorts(in Himalayas) soon(22nd Dececember to 31st December). Will surely post some pics of the tour.

[ger@co]

I finally decided to go digital and bought this set-up. I stuck with Canon because I was pleased with my old set-up (that I haven't used for about 15 years) which is a Canon EOS 650, several lenses, namely, a standard 50mm, 50-200mm Telephoto and a 28mm wide angle.

Here are some pics of my new rig. I just bought the basics so any thoughts about what I should add would be appreciated. I do have the usual filters and a lens hood.

<a href="http://usera.ImageCave.com/geraco/canon-eos-rebel-xs.jpg"><img src="http://usera.ImageCave.com/geraco/icth_canon-eos-rebel-xs.jpg.jpg" alt="Canon EOS Rebel XS 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens"></a>

<a href="http://usera.ImageCave.com/geraco/canon-battery-grip-BG-E5.jpg"><img src="http://usera.ImageCave.com/geraco/icth_canon-battery-grip-BG-E5.jpg.jpg" alt="Canon BG-E5 Battery Grip for Canon E0S Rebel"></a>

<a href="http://usera.ImageCave.com/geraco/canon-efs55-250mm-zoom.jpg"><img src="http://usera.ImageCave.com/geraco/icth_canon-efs55-250mm-zoom.jpg.jpg" alt="Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS Telephoto Zoom Lens"></a>

<a href="http://usera.ImageCave.com/geraco/canon-speedlite-430EX%20II.jpg"><img src="http://usera.ImageCave.com/geraco/icth_canon-speedlite-430EX%20II.jpg.jpg" alt="Canon Speedlite 430EX II"></a>


I also got into video with the JVC Everio. However, I'm afraid I've been driving my family nuts, so I'm going to have to find other subjects. When it warms up somewhat, Wascana Park (our local summer retreat within the city) will have a new part-time resident.


<a href="http://usera.ImageCave.com/geraco/JVC%20Everio%20GZ-MG330%20Camcorder01.jpg"><img src="http://usera.ImageCave.com/geraco/icth_JVC%20Everio%20GZ-MG330%20Camcorder01.jpg.jpg" alt="JVC Everio Camcorder (Model GZ-MG330)"></a>



The camcorder came with it's own DVD burner, or Share Station as they call it. It's actually a sweet set-up.


<a href="http://usera.ImageCave.com/geraco/JVC-Everio-Share_Station-CU-VD3U-01.jpg"><img src="http://usera.ImageCave.com/geraco/icth_JVC-Everio-Share_Station-CU-VD3U-01.jpg.jpg" alt="JVC Everio ShareStation DVD"></a>



Later.

[UncasMS]

nice setup you got yourself, ger@co

those battery-grips really make a difference for my taste not even with the canons which have a smaller grip but even for those 10-50d models or the eos5 i must say that they feel much better and can be better handled due to a bigger handle/grip and the second release for "portrait" of the camera.

in addition to that being able to insert two batteries one can take way more pictures without having to change the batteries

concerning the 55-200mm is lens: - this is a very good value for money!

i have tested it against my 70-300 is usm last year and must say despite the fact that it is half the price it is more than half as good as my 70-300 - a very good deal.


let us see some of the results from your new equipment in the picture thread!

[ger@co]

@ UncasMS

Yes, the battery grip is more comfortable than the small grip on the camera. It also came with two cartridges: one holds two rechargable batteries and the other holds 6 AAs, which I find very handy.

I considered the USM lens, but I decide on the 55-250mm IS lens simply because of the image stabilizer. I get a little shakey now and then and need all the help I can get.

Once I get used to this set-up, I hope to contribute some photos. I've been checking out the pictures thread, and you guys are all very good, inspirational in fact.

Thanks for your input.

Later.

[ger@co]

I see your 70-300 IS USM does have image stabilization. I missed that the first time around. When I was checking lenses, none of the USMs I saw had IS, that's why I chose the one I have. Still, because of the price difference, I probably would have chosen the one I did anyway. Until I know what I'm doing, I'll just have to stick with what I have.

Later.