Camera Talk.....

[Discrover]

Luke...Todd.....I would like to keep this constructive.


In my research today, I found lots of different packages for the Canon 20D; for example:

Canon 20D via Bizrate and Costco

An example package for the Nikon D70:

Bizrate

It seems as though the Nikon is a bit less expensive compared to the 20D. So my question to you pros is: is that extra 2 MP and burst capability worth the additional expense?

I am going tomorrow after work to go "touch and feel" some cameras.

Paul I learned a long time ago buying computers to always get as much as you can possibly afford. Going for the cheapest computer that is being closed out isn't always as good of deal in the long run as you think it is. I use this same philosophy buying camera's. I want to get the most camera I can possibly afford....even if I have to save a little longer.

Looking and reading reviews about the new Nikon D-200 it looks like Nikon might have finally gotten it right with their new pro-sumer release...but if you don't have Nikon glass already then Canon 20d is a better deal...even though the D-200 will come down in price over the next few months I'm sure.

The D-70 as an avid amateur will more than meet all your requirements though...this I can pretty much promise you. Even the thing I was bitching about the sync-cord and battery grip cord can be over come very easy with a $40 dollar adapter for studio strobes.

The Nikon D-70 is a starter SLR that simple and would be an awesome camera to learn digital on. If you have the money go with a Canon 20d or a Nikon D200...if not than again a D70 is plenty of camera for the price.

 

[barefoot]

2 megapixels is a BIG deal....however, it would depend on what you intend to do with it. if your paying bills with it or making very large prints...spend the extra moolah or youll hate yourself later. as far as the faster fps...i wouldnt worry too much about that unless you are doing sports or animals...emphasizing sports.

as stated above...make sure you get the best lenses you can afford. the lens is where most of image quality comes from. all of it, minus technique, with film cameras. if you go nikon stick with the ed lenses. if you are not now...or planning on making money with the camera...get the nikon and spend the extra on lenses, tripod, lens hoods and a shutter release.

 

[RBBailey]

The most important advice I can give for whatever camera you buy, is to learn actually how to use the camera you bought, learn about WB, color space, and how to use the RAW file format to it's potential.

When I first bought the D70 I was actually disappointed with it for the money. I was thinking like a 35mm Film/Slide shooter. That is to say, I knew how to use the camera as a film camera, but with high-end digital there is so much more to learn. You are opening your horizons, basically bringing the ability to do ANYTHING into your laptop computer. With film, most people wouldn't dream of doing anything but learning how to change the shutter speed to fit the situation, let alone going through the trouble of editing their own prints.

I had been shooting very happily for years, even printing my own stuff in my own darkroom. But when I got the D70 it literally took me 3 months to feel like I had mastered most of what the camera could do. And now I am finally starting to feel like I have got a good hold on what RAW and PS can do.

 

[Pitsteelrsfan]

After reading much of this thread - i agree with most - i do think a person should get what they can afford and a person needs to remember - EVEN if you buy the most expensive camera -- IT DOES NOT MAKE YOU A BETTER PHOTOGRAPHER - i am NOT a professional photographer - but think i have some great stuff

www.pbase.com/pitsteelrsfan

i shoot with a 6mp digital rebel - one of canon first dslr's - i have several lens - expensive and some not -- again i stress that photography is in the eye of the photographer - i have some pro friends that have mega buck equipment and think that some of their shoots are no better than mine -

So i would say -- get what you can afford -- then learn to be a better photographer - once you have mastered that - then upgrade

just my $.02

Thanks

 

[barefoot]

hey todd...who built your website? i ask because i would like one as well...

 

[F18Guy]

Todd,

I have visited your gallery before. Very nice.

 

[Pitsteelrsfan]

Anthony - as far as who built my website....... pbase is a standard photo sharing site - i am currently working on my own site through betterphoto.com

Paul - thanks for comments - how did you come across my site previously?? just curious - i always appreciate feedback - good or bad

Todd

 

[F18Guy]

Todd,

Normally on Pbase, I just click on recent galleries. Once on that page I just click on the links and look at all the photos to see what people are doing. I like your photos and I like how you have them presented on your root gallery page.

 

[F18Guy]

Just ordered a Pelican 1524 case with Adjustable Padded Divider System. Here's a pic:

 

[Pitsteelrsfan]

Paul - thanks

PS - nice case

Todd

 

[JamesWyatt]

Paul, you forgot a Power Mac G5 to run PS.

And this to go with it...

http://www.apple.com/aperture/

 

[F18Guy]

Today after work I stopped by a local camera chain here. I performed the "pepsi challenge" by putting the D70s against the 20D. The 20D is definately gourmet compared to the D70s.

 

[RBBailey]

Well, to each his own. Although, I probably would have tried the 20D if I had the money. As it was I had to sell every last bit of photo equipment that I had just to fit a D70.

 

[RBBailey]

You can probably tell the difference when you go to a place that the pros use like Pbase -- if it is up and running -- and you can look at hundreds of random example photos from any camera. Usually, the D70 photos are of peoples yippy little dogs and their cousin's 13th birthday. The Canon examples usually make you cry they are so good.

But seriously, the Canon IS better, WILL take better pictures out of the box. Like I said before, I had to learn the Nikon.

http://www.millhouse.nl/iceland2004.html

 

[F18Guy]

Well Ben,

I appreciate all or yours and everyone elses comments. I am on Pbase everyday reading the forums and looking at what people are illustrating in their galleries. Good Stuff.

 

[RBBailey]

I'm serious about the Canon 20D being a better camera -- all else equal, you will get better photos. You get what you pay for. The Nikon D200 is Nikon's answer to the 20D, not the D70.

Anyway, I have had three people tell me I'm stupid for having a D70. In public, in person. One guy actually stopped me while I was talking to a friend and said, "I'm sorry. Excuse me. But I just have to say, you really made a big mistake buying that camera." Then walked away with his DReb. ???

It's the same feeling you get when a guy in an H2 asks you to roll your window down at a stop light, then flips you off and says, "I wouldn't know you were a f-g if it weren't for the gay car you drive." Then drives off with his girlfriend also flipping you off. Which, happened to me also, while driving the DII.

 

[Ho]

Then walked away with his DReb. ???

Digital REBEL??? the plastic piece of shit? LOLOLOLOL

 

[curtis]

Paul,

Quit driving yourself batty and go get you a 20D. NOW!

In the long run the body will not cost you what the lenses will (or should). Did you ever see Eddies gourmet L-Series 200mm tele with Image Stabalization? Ooohhh so nice.

I got my Canon D30 three and a half years ago and average about 1200 - 1500 frames per month. Yes - that is over 50,000 frames...90% of which are of the kids. It has never given me any kind of trouble. I paid about $2500 for the body, and battery grip (retail at the time was about $3500) and even at that it was a steal. It has been worth every penny.

So go do it. Get er done and then plan on making our Moab trip in the spring.

 

[F18Guy]

Anyway, I have had three people tell me I'm stupid for having a D70. In public, in person. One guy actually stopped me while I was talking to a friend and said, "I'm sorry. Excuse me. But I just have to say, you really made a big mistake buying that camera." Then walked away with his DReb. ???

Ben, I just don't get people sometimes. That one guy is a total ass. Probably goes home at night and hugs his precious star trek collection. LOL. During the "pepsi challenge" I thought the D70s was a very nice camera. The three main reasons I chose the 20D was" 2 additional MP, the menu display / menu control, and finally the feel. Yes it just felt good

On another note Ben, I grew up about 1.5 hours north of you in a little town called Chehalis. Next time I go home to see the parents, we should hook up for a beverage.

Quit driving yourself batty and go get you a 20D. NOW!

Curtis,

I beat you to the punch. Last night after dinner, I pulled the trigger. Here is the grocery list:

Canon EOS 20D Digital Camera w/ EF-S 17-85mm IS USM Lens w/ 2GB 80x CF Card
Canon CABGE2 BG-E2 Vertical Grip/Battery Holder
Canon CA2818EF Wide Angle EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Autofocus Lens
Canon CAUV67 67mm UV Haze-1 Glass Filter
Canon CAUV58 58mm Haze UV-1 Glass Filter
Canon CADT200 Deluxe Tripod
Sandisk SAU2CF1GB 1GB Ultra II CompactFlash Card
Mack MAEWPDC1 3-Year Extended International Warranty

Get er done and then plan on making our Moab trip in the spring.

Yes I need to get back out there. Right now Spring looks good and the Pig has a CDL...LOL!

 

[montanablur]

Ben, I just don't get people sometimes. That one guy is a total ass. Probably goes home at night and hugs his precious star trek collection. LOL. During the "pepsi challenge" I thought the D70s was a very nice camera. The three main reasons I chose the 20D was" 2 additional MP, the menu display / menu control, and finally the feel. Yes it just felt good

On another note Ben, I grew up about 1.5 hours north of you in a little town called Chehalis. Next time I go home to see the parents, we should hook up for a beverage.



Curtis,

I beat you to the punch. Last night after dinner, I pulled the trigger. Here is the grocery list:

Canon EOS 20D Digital Camera w/ EF-S 17-85mm IS USM Lens w/ 2GB 80x CF Card
Canon CABGE2 BG-E2 Vertical Grip/Battery Holder
Canon CA2818EF Wide Angle EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Autofocus Lens
Canon CAUV67 67mm UV Haze-1 Glass Filter
Canon CAUV58 58mm Haze UV-1 Glass Filter
Canon CADT200 Deluxe Tripod
Sandisk SAU2CF1GB 1GB Ultra II CompactFlash Card
Mack MAEWPDC1 3-Year Extended International Warranty



Yes I need to get back out there. Right now Spring looks good and the Pig has a CDL...LOL!

Good work you won't be dissappointed.

When you are ready some other must haves are The following:

Canon EF 24-70 2.8

Canon EF 70-200 2.8

Canon EX 550 Flash two if possible...

A couple of tips given by some well known photographers to me..

Compose more shoot less.

Never shoot full frontal light. Always at least 15 degrees off axis.

Never shoot from standing up. (This one is funny, 99% of photographs taken are from an average of 5'7". It's amazing how great composition changes when you squat down or get just a little elevation. You will never see a true professional photographer shoot from that level it is either at waist level or an apple box higher.)

Cheers and good luck!