A Tought Decision.. (DSLR Related)

[Kalfireth]

Hello all,

Firstly I feel I should apologise for starting what is probably quite a done to death subject. But I like to think that my questions are unique, so hopefully it's alright.

I'm looking to move from point-and-shoot digital photography into owning a D-SLR camera. Being a student, I can't afford to be carefree in my decision and throwmoney at the first +£1000 I read about. So I'm setting my sights on the lower starting end of the market.

I've ruled out the Canon 10D, 20D and 300D as well as the Nikon D70.

I'm currently stuck between the Canon 350D, the Nikon D50 and the Nikon D70s.

Having read reviews of these cameras I was inclined towards the greater capabilities of the 350D. However I recently handled the 350D and the D50 in a store and have to say that the 350D didn't feel quite right in my hands. I prefer something a bit more substantial and the 350D felt quite small and light. The D50 on the other hand felt nice and rugged to hold. I assume the D70s is similar.

My question (essentially) boils down to which of these cameras is most appropriate. This primarily concerns the D50 and the D70s. The 350D is more or less out of the equation now as I didn't find it comfortable to use.

I note that the D70s has a variety of features that the D50 doesn't, but also suffers from a couple of mild image issues that the D50 doesn't as well. On the other hand, the D50 has no capability for an additional battery holder and only accepts SD memory cards while the D70s can accept the battery/grip as well as CF cards. Unfortunately as I've never worked with a DSLR before I'm not sure how essential the grip is to me, or the extra features, or the difference between SD/CF cards (I do have an CF card but it's not really a major issue in my decision. I don't mind switching to SD if it's necessary).

I'd be greatful if I could hear peoples thoughts, opinions and experience on this one. It's such a close call that I feel it's worth asking around before being certain of my choice.

Thankyou all :)

[Rex914]

What is driving you away from the D70? It's as cheap as the D50 if not cheaper. But ultimately, the D70/s, D50, and 350D are all within $50 of each other so that's not really a factor. If you are deciding between the D50 and the D70/s, it's really to your advantage to go for the D70/s as it's a more powerful camera.

If the "image quality" issues you are referring to are moire, I wouldn't bother worrying. It rarely occurs, and you have to shoot certain things to have the camera exhibit that effect.

The D70/s doesn't accept a battery grip. I don't know where you read about that. The 350D's ergonomics problem can be solved by adding the $150 grip, but that's an extra $150 spent to solve that problem.

As you've read a lot, it comes down to choosing which system you're going to go with. The Canon and Nikon systems are by the far the largest and best supported, so you can't go wrong with either, but they both have their strengths and weaknesses in the lens lineups and accessories. Don't forget that you're buying into a system and not just buying a camera.

[Kalfireth]

I think what's driving me away from the D70 is that it's that much older than the other contenders. That's the same reason I'm not considering the Canon 10D either. Both have been updated and considering the pricing - it makes sense to go with the D70s.

At this stage I think the D50 is now out of the equation as well. As you say the price is very close together and if I go with the D70s then I should have everything I need (body wise) for quite some time.

Regarding camera grips... this is the one I read about: http://harbortronics.com/detail.php?id=2
I must say, I like the idea of having backup batteries with the camera. It's a handy security feature when it comes to shooting a lot.

You have also hit on my other problem with choosing between the 350D and a Nikon. Buying into a system. In choosing a camera now I'll be deciding what to go with for quite some time. Regarding the pros and cons of each system... I don't suppose there's an easy way to list them is there? I quite enjoy macro photography for instance, so if Nikon is quite really isn't up to par there then it's worth knowing about it as far as I'm concerned.

Thanks for helping out :)

[Rex914]

To make your decision tougher, I'll say that macro photography (especially on a budget) is best done with Sigma lenses as the first party ones are either really good but expensive or inferior to their Sigma counterparts.

[Kalfireth]

I'm guessing that would complicate things because I could get a Sigma lense for a Canon or a Nikon.. right?

In which case I think I'm more or less sold on the D70s, unless someone wants to convince me otherwise...

[Rhys]

I'm guessing that would complicate things because I could get a Sigma lense for a Canon or a Nikon.. right?

In which case I think I'm more or less sold on the D70s, unless someone wants to convince me otherwise...


I went for the Canon D350/XT over the D70 because the camera was lighter and smaller and had two extra megapixels.

Why don't you also consider the Pentax *ist Ds? That's cheaper and takes MF lenses (dirt cheap) as well as AF.

[Kalfireth]

I've read a few magasines on the subject with huge four or five page articles on "the difinitive DSLR supertest" for entry level DSLRs.. while I'm sure each magasine would like to portray their test as better than others, they all had something in common. Nikon and Canon were the top two in each case.

Generally speaking I think I'd rather go with one of those two systems than something else :)