canon vs. nikon

[chut]

i know posting a subject like this is prone to starting a gangwar, but...

i'm looking to switch from my leica digilux to a dslr. i've always used nikon film slrs so i have a bit of a nikon bias, although i only have one 28-70 lens that i won't be using with a dslr because of the 1.5 conversion. my last slr was a nikon n90s which i was very happy with.

can i get some OBJECTIVE opinions on the merits and shortcomings of each brand?

my use will definitely be as a prosumer. i shoot architecture and interiors for articles that i write. i sometimes go on photo safaris and plan to do so with philBug. i'd also like to have a fairly professional camera for travel.

i'm seriously considering a nikon d70. any advice would be appreciated.

[randytamayo]

Chut,

May I suggest you hold it out until the end of this month? Its PMA Feb 20-23 so I would think it's best to see what both companies you are considering will come up with new. Canon (canon boy ako e, hehe) may have something new up its sleeves. But you get the gist :evil:

And you can use that time (3 weeks) to do some more research and finally make a decision.

Randy

[Edited on 2-1-2005 by randytamayo]

[totolabradog]

Photoworld will be opening this Thursday at G4, If you're thinking of getting a camera, some dealers may have special rates at the event.

Chut, It will be a good idea to get a hold of both systems and see which interface suits you. Maybe at the next PhilBug meeting you can demo both.

Rumours for PMA are circulating na at some photo forumns about Canon's 300D replacement and Nikon's D100 replacement, both suited for prosumers, 8 - 10 mp. But like anything tech related, if you keep waiting you're never going to get anything.

For architectural work, maybe a Canon will be a better option, cleaner long exposure files!

As for what's in the market now. I'd still recommend the D70 over the 300D. Just a better value, for all around shooting
:2cents:

[Edited on 2-1-2005 by totolabradog]

[mgd]

Photoworld would be a good opportunity to see what the camera makers have to offer. It's also a chance to touch base with suppliers to try and get good deals. Your budget will also play a big role in determining what camera to buy. Sites like dpreview.com offer in-depth analysis on almost all models and provide "easy-to-understand" conclusions that take price into consideration. Personally, my decision to get a D70 was model specific, not brand specific. I felt it provided the most value for my budget.

Since your looking at a prosumer dslr from Canon or Nikon, you would be looking at Canon's 300D, 10D (2nd hand?), and 20D (is this still considered prosumer?). For Nikon it's basically the D70, D100 (2nd hand) and, potentially, the rumored D90.

Here are some personal points on the D70:

- The wireless flash thingy (aka commander mode) is fun.
- The balanced fill flash (and flash metering in general) is spot on.
- I like the build quality (well, I also like the build of the 20D).
- Near instant "ON" (the 20D has this also).
- I like how how the buttons are laid out. Metering mode, exposure compensation and AE/AF lock are right at my fingertips.
- I like having 2 "wheels", one for aperture and one for shutter (Manual mode). Canon has one "wheel" in front but uses a "scrollwheel" design at the back that I just can't get, probably because I'm used to Nikon's system.
- I wish it had ISO 100 and provision for a vert grip.

For architecture and interiors, I hear a tripod is practically a must (long exposures). If you don't have one, you might want to allot some of your budget for a good sturdy tripod as well as a remote control or trigger.

You probably know this already, but it should be mentioned that Canon has better local support. Also, the Digic II processor used by Canon is reputed to be one of the cleanest sensors on the market at high ISOs.

[Edited on 2-1-2005 by mgd]

[randytamayo]

Originally posted by totolabradog
Rumours for PMA are circulating na at some photo forumns about Canon's 300D replacement and Nikon's D100 replacement, both suited for prosumers, 8 - 10 mp. But like anything tech related, if you keep waiting you're never going to get anything.

Rumours (british a)...

check this out:
http://www.upcdatabase.com/item.pl?upc=055132587462
and
http://www.upcdatabase.com/item.pl?upc=013803049626

But wait...i think you can edit the fields...

350D / Digital Rebel XT (akala ko pa naman 300D Mark II, para cool)

ooops, sorry, very off topic na ako...

rt

miguel and toto are right, check out photoworld this weekend and have a feel of most of the cameras currently being offered...

[Edited on 2-1-2005 by randytamayo]

[ayRiz]

i'd go for canon

[Reggie]

Most of the time, your loyalty boils down to what you get to use and get used to first. My opinion is, there's no 'better' brand really. Flip a coin.

[docnap]

A agree with MGD. Both brands are good. The only difference is that at any point in time, each one has a better camera, although this is very much budget-dependent. The 300D of course was the start. When the D70 came out, it had slightly better features than the 300D, although a little more expensive, was still the better deal. Currently, the 20D of Canon has better features, but it is more expensive than the D70. I used to own a Canon SLR before and I am very happy with it. What made my "model-specific" switch easier was the fact that I did not buy any lens, other than the kit lens...This time, I think I have no choice, after I contracted the "lens-lust" bug. Now, I am planning to buy a 70-200 VR.

docnap

[vicicasas]

Chut, my only advice is ... don't pull the trigger on that D70 until a little later this year.

You never know what's coming at PMA. It's like buying a PowerBook right before Macworld.

[chut]

Thanks for the advice folks. I'll definitely hold off until after PMA to make a decision.

If there's a d100 replacement, that'll be what I'll aim for.

Btw, what would be the equivalent of a d100 in Canon's lineup?