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Quick thoughts on D SLR's....

Cody

Cody

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Gastown
I know a fair amount about digital photography, being that I did it for a living for almost 5 years, but I'm a little indecisive about what camera to buy.

I previously was using a Canon 20d, and have always shot with Canon cameras. I no longer have easy access to that camer and I've decided to pick up one of my own.

So here are my choices....what say ye camera nerds (milner, seth in particular)

Canon 30d body (new) $495
-good deal, but still need to buy a lense which would almost double the cost. Worth it for somewhat outdated technology?
Canon XSI kit w/ 18-55 3.5/5.6 lens: $680 Good deal, updated processor and better speed vs. XTI, but doesn't have as many advanced features. new enough that I haven't had a chance to pick one up or do much reasearch on it.
Canon 40d kit w/ 28-135 4.5/5.6 lens: $1150
-this is the camera I want (other than the 5d) but the XSI uses the same sensor and processor for $400 less. Do I need to bracket and shoot 6.5 fps?
Nikon d80 kit with 28-80? lens: $750 don't know much about Nikon, but most reviews compare this camera to the rebel XTI which I've always thought was a little lower grade than I wanted. Does it still incorporate the commercial imaging and color gizmo that the commercial Nikon's use like the d50 did?

Anyway, I'm kind of leaning towards the new XSI as I doubt right now I would need more than 3.5 fps and I seldom use the bracketing feature (which it may have--haven't looked into it enough). I thought I would seek the advice of the gallery before I make this investment.
 
Tacoma

Tacoma

Et incurventur ante non
Location
far enough away
The XSI sounds like the best deal out of those, providing you don't need those "extra features". I haven't looked into digital SLR's that much though.
 
Cody

Cody

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Location
Gastown
I've played with the XTI's and they are pretty nice...just feel kind of, uhh, plasticy? I think part of me is an elitist because I was spoiled by access to really expensive equipment for so long and now I think I need that to take good pictures.

My thought is to go with the XSI and invest in glass over the next few years, then pick up a higher end camera a couple years down the road...something along the lines of the 5d.
 
mbryson

mbryson

.......a few dollars more
Supporting Member
Location
Bountiful, land of rocks
Cody said:
I've played with the XTI's and they are pretty nice...just feel kind of, uhh, plasticy? I think part of me is an elitist because I was spoiled by access to really expensive equipment for so long and now I think I need that to take good pictures.

My thought is to go with the XSI and invest in glass over the next few years, then pick up a higher end camera a couple years down the road...something along the lines of the 5d.
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It's a good camera for an amateur. I'm not sure what else I'd want that it doesn't have. I do want some better glass, though. The Pentax-Canon stuff is a little different, but it's been so long since I've been an active picture taker, it kinda doesn't matter at this point.
 
Seth

Seth

These go to 11
Location
2 weeks from everywhere
Cody said:
Canon 30d body (new) $495
-good deal, but still need to buy a lense which would almost double the cost. Worth it for somewhat outdated technology?
Click to expand...

I think waiting for the processor would get would before too long.

Cody said:
Canon XSI kit w/ 18-55 3.5/5.6 lens: $680 Good deal, updated processor and better speed vs. XTI, but doesn't have as many advanced features. new enough that I haven't had a chance to pick one up or do much reasearch on it.
Click to expand...

For what you want to do and how much you will use it I think your fine with this.

Cody said:
Canon 40d kit w/ 28-135 4.5/5.6 lens: $1150
-this is the camera I want (other than the 5d) but the XSI uses the same sensor and processor for $400 less. Do I need to bracket and shoot 6.5 fps?
Click to expand...

I love the fast mine shoots and processes. But how often are you going to need to shoot a roll over or other sequence? The speed is nice to have but is it necessary? No. You can tow with a gas engine and get to that same destination as my diesel, eventually.

Bracketing. With how much correction you can get in photoshop I never bother with brackets anymore. The Raw image dialog is crazy effective in correcting minor exposure misses.

Cody said:
Nikon d80 kit with 28-80? lens: $750 don't know much about Nikon, but most reviews compare this camera to the rebel XTI which I've always thought was a little lower grade than I wanted. Does it still incorporate the commercial imaging and color gizmo that the commercial Nikon's use like the d50 did?
Click to expand...

My sister shoots with a Nikon. I don't know them at all. I am sure they are nice. But I know she wants my 40.

In short, buy the 40 if you like to have bad ass stuff. Buy the XSI for what you are going to actually use.

BTW I am not a fan of the kit lenses. They are okay but you get far better image quality form the fast (2.8) lenses. Save you money and buy glass.
 
Milner

Milner

formerly "rckcrlr"
Location
Hiding behind a camera
XSI a great camera and great value, but you know you want the 40d. The 40 has a lot of nice features and the speed is nice. Many I did not think I would use, but now don't want to ever be without them. Highlight recover, and high iso noise reduction are the biggies. Also being able to shoot raw and jpg together. I like the jpg for quick proofing and the raws to work with....(not sure, but I don't think xsi will shot both at the same time.

No point in a 30d, no real improvement of the 20d, and used 20d's are cheaper.

Unless you go with the high $$ Nikons, noise is a big issue above 400. The new pro nikon bodies are on par with Canon for noise. Some nikon glass is cheaper, but you have to do the research.

I debated 5d/40d, but 5d is due for replacement and older tech. You can find reviews saying that one is better than the other, but for the most part 5d and 40d are equal on IQ and the 40d is newer tech and has the speed. Fullframe vs crop body has never been an issue for me. I like the ultra wide lens on the crop bodies better, because there is less vignetting.

Besides, you can't barrow glass if you buy a nikon:D

There's a reason the sidelines of all those games are a sea of white lenses:greg:

But you already knew my answer! Your welcome to come play with my 40d.
Also consider renting a nikon and see if you like it. Shooting Canon for as long as you have, nikon my seem a little uncomfortable. In the end they are ALL GREAT camera's and you will be happy with any of them.
 
Seth

Seth

These go to 11
Location
2 weeks from everywhere
Cody said:
I've played with the XTI's and they are pretty nice...just feel kind of, uhh, plasticy? I think part of me is an elitist because I was spoiled by access to really expensive equipment for so long and now I think I need that to take good pictures.

My thought is to go with the XSI and invest in glass over the next few years, then pick up a higher end camera a couple years down the road...something along the lines of the 5d.
Click to expand...

Yep.

I would love to get a 5. They will most likely be released in late september. Even with how much I shoot I really don't need anything more then the 40. The 5 would be hella nice but I have other bills I have to take care of.
 
Cody

Cody

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Location
Gastown
2.8 lenses are spendy...and deffinately on the menu. Just need a body to work with in the meantime.

I know I want the 40, but I think with the 450 i would save with the XSI, I could pick up a second lense and/or a better flash to give me more versatility.

I think the XSI and the 40 use the same processor and would think they could both do jpg/raw simulaneously. I'll have to look into that because that is something I want.

Olympus? I think Milner said it best

There's a reason the sidelines of all those games are a sea of white lenses
Click to expand...

I used a Nikon 50d, and my pictures all turned out dark. I think the camera may have been set to expose 2 stops below, but I didn't check it. I wasn't familiar with the menus and didn't care to play with many settings while I had it.
 
Cody

Cody

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Supporting Member
Location
Gastown
Medium format is fun...but I'm not luggin around that equipment.

Building a dark room. Isnt' that like buying a vehicle with a carburator these days?
 
Caleb

Caleb

Well-Known Member
Location
Riverton
I don't have much to add other than I ended up getting a Nikon D40x (I know, much lower end than you are looking at) but the big deciding factor for me was my brother has Nikon as well so I get twice as many lenses :D

If it would help you at all, you are welcome to borrow my D40x to see how you like the Nikon.

If I were in your position though, I'd likely go for the XSI. You have access to Canon lenses and it's what you're used to.
 
mbryson

mbryson

.......a few dollars more
Supporting Member
Location
Bountiful, land of rocks
rckcrlr said:
What are you looking for....I have seen some pretty good deals lately....
NPS has a couple 24-70 2.8L lenses listed on their ebay.
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Very tempting, but I'm out of spending cash for a month or two. That trailer killed me (and then I bought Equalizer brackets, airbags and some chains for tie downs...).
 
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