DarthV
05-20-2004, 12:03 PM
Well I have a decent pile of money sitting in the bank that's probably going to be used to buy my own digital camera (right now I use a nikon coolpix 995 from work). And I guess my big question...is going out and dropping a good chunk of change on a Canon digital rebel 300d or Nikon d70 going to be worth it? :P
And if they are... is the d70 kit really worth the extra money over the rebel kit? I know the Nikon will do a better job buffeing quick sequences and is more silent... but here in Canada, the price is around $500CAD more expensive! And will either of these cameras be semi-immune to upgrade-itis? :)
I'd be tempted to wait and see what the new Canon Powershot S60 will be like... but I'd almost want to get into a SLR system just for the instant shutter reaction...I hate the shutter lag associated with P&S style cameras. I'd like to get into doing some lightning photography as well... which could end up being a shocking experience [smilie=oops2.gif]
Here are a couple examples of pics that I have taken in the past:
With the Nikon Coolpix 995:
http://executor.hil.unb.ca/craig/images/fish/GT/GT035.jpg
and with a friend's Canon Powershot S30:
http://executor.hil.unb.ca/craig/images/fish/carpinte/carpinte016.jpg
ccplim
05-21-2004, 4:20 PM
One thing you might want to take into consideration is that, with a camera like the coolpix, you take the shot while looking at the LCD screen. While on a DSLR, everything will be on the viewfinder (I know some people hate to look into that little hole [smilie=lol.gif] ).
DarthV
05-21-2004, 8:10 PM
The LCD screen is handy, but I don't mind going through the viewfinder...that's what I usually do with the coolpix.
benny
05-21-2004, 11:42 PM
If you are considering between Nikon's D70 and Canon 300D, then this might be useful for you.
Nikon shoots back
http://www.nikon.com.sg/PRODUCT/DigiSLR/IMAGES/D70_big.jpg
The battle of the camera giants has led to improved features and performance as well as better prices. And the trend is set to continue
By Geoffrey Pereira
WHEN Canon introduced its EOS 300D late last year, it took the photographic world by storm.
It was the cheapest digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera, lauded for bringing the cost of SLR photography down to levels affordable to the hobbyist.
The hot-seller was also, by many accounts, the best device in its class.
The big question then was how Nikon would respond.
Now, the response is here in the form of the D70. Some have called it “Canon killer” alluding to what it might do to the EOS 300D.
The new Nikon has a plastic body and 6-megapixel-resolution, just like the 300D.
While the Canon lists at $2,017 with a lens, the Nikon is a little pricier at $2,288, also with lens.
The price difference is not great, considering how the Nikon outshines the Canon in specifications, features and performance. For instance:
The Canon shoots at up to four frames, at 2.5 frames a second; the Nikon can shoot up to 12 frames at three frames a second.
The Canon takes a few seconds to power up; the Nikon does so almost instantly.
The Canon’s shutter release is fast, but the Nikon’s is faster.
While the Canon has restricted metering and focus control, the Nikon offers much better control including spot, centre-weighted and average exposure metering.
The two cameras are equally good in the quality of photographs they produce, but it cannot be denied that the Nikon is technically superior.
It is the model to desire if you are shopping for a DSLR camera in the “about $2,000” price category now.
But don’t expect this lead to last too long.
Canon and Nikon have been leap-frogging each other with improvements, and Canon will surely respond to the D70.
Last year, Nikon introduced its 4-megapixel D2H camera, which can do up to 40 frames at eight frames a second, and took some shine away from Canon’s also 4-megapixel 1D, which could shoot only up to 21 frames at the same rate.
But now, the latest Canon in this class – the Mark II – is an 8-megapixel camera, which shoots up to 40 frames, at eight frames a second. It is currently the world’s fastest DSLR.
It will be interesting to watch how the competition unfolds, especially considering the different approaches that the two camera makers took in arriving at their consumer DSLRs.
Canon restricted some of the features in its EOS 300D, presumably so that it would not eclipse its 10D ($3,128 without lens).
Nikon appears to have chosen to allow the D70 to kill off its own up-class model, the D100, in terms of features.
So the question is: What now, Canon?
The answer must be an improved model that is priced competitively.
And the ultimate winner in the ongoing competition? Well, you, the consumer.
Source: Streats, Thurs May 20 2004
Personally, I will always prefer a DSLR over a compact digital camera. It's just more versatile, with different lens and flash options.
One point to note. Do not go into the upgrading frenzy that's always plaguing photographers using digital technology. The honest truth about the pixel chase is that even with a 3 megapixel camera, you can get a good 8R photograph printed from it. You don't need 5 or 8 mega pixels for that.
Know your equipment and get the best out of them.
Cheers,