Which DSLR

[Rhys]

I'm curious to see which DSLR brands is most popular

[erichlund]

D200. Neener Neener. ;)

[coldrain]

How can you be curious about that, you already know it. Must be christmas boredom setting in, Rhys :p

[George Riehm]

It's nice to see Pentax well represented...

[Rambler358]

Well, I voted for Minolta but don't have it just yet - very soon though! :)

[ktixx]

I think the only real contenders are Canon and Nikon, as this is pretty much what 99% of the pros use (outside of Hassleblad, Mamiya, Rollei etc.). I mean yes, you could include all the other brands (Minolta, Pentax, etc) but it is similar to asking what is the best car, Honda, Chevy, Ferrari, Bently or Toyota...Honda makes a great car, but when was the last time you saw a millionaire driving around in a civic? Cut and Dry if we all had the money we would be buying the Nikon D2x or the Canon 1ds Mark II as they are the leaders in the business. If you need proof of this, look at a professional sporting event, at least 50% of the photographers will have white lenses on their cameras.
Just my opinion...
Ken

[zdzislaw]

hi all

ken, let me say very stright forward and interesting point,
it should be made a compulsory read, before anyone enters the forum,
but people still want to buy 300$ camera with top lens, no shuter lag,
123 megapixels and so on,
you can read about it every day,
but i think i was there too,(i was one of them)
i rather say i dont remember that (damn lie) but it must be a cycle
that the fellow named god or the other one darwin or so are the ones to blame, (just kidding)
all to it :another day, and few cents wise...
once again nice take ken
may your god bless you,;)
kepp well
kind regards
zdzislaw:)
ouh,almost forgot to mention "mine equipment" fuji that is s9500
feel better now,

[Rex914]

Just an interesting observation, and your mileage may really vary depending on where you are located and who you are in contact with.

It's fairly clear to most of us that Canon is the most prevelant brand, at least represented online. To my knowledge, there is only one major Nikon community while there are several Canon communities on top of major sites like DPR and FM which are dominated by Canon users. Sales don't lie either. Nikon's doing well, but Canon still holds the lion's share of the market.

Despite everything I said, if I never checked online, I would really be under the impression that Nikon is the most popular brand. This baffles me, but of all the photographers I've come across whether in person or just seeing on the street or at the occasional wedding, 4 out of 5 were Nikon users using a D70 or D100. The other 1 out of 5 would be a Canon Rebel or Rebel XT user. I have almost never seen a 20D or pro-level camera used on the street except in 1-2 rare cases.

To go even further, most of these people, except the wedding photographers and the people I know personally used the kit lens or something along those lines. Only in rare cases did I ever see anything pro-grade or even prosumer (70-200 f/4, 17-40 f/4). When I traveled to Las Vegas, I actually saw more varied glass, but around here, almost everybody seems content with the kit lens and consumer glass.

Maybe I'm just bumping into all the Nikon users, but maybe there's a trend here. Just an interesting observation...

[cdifoto]

Rex you drive an interesting point...and I can relate. I've met 4 Canon shooters locally. That's it. All the rest were Nikon.

Oddly enough, at the high school sports, they all used Nikon except one guy who was using the 100-400L. The ones shooting for the paper, however, referred to the Nikon gear they were using as "The newspaper's junk." and went on to say how they had Canon at home. I didn't make that up. 2 shooters on 2 separate occasions referred to it as junk. Although I don't know whether they meant that those cameras were so heavily used that they were beyond decent, or if they seriously hated Nikon altogether.

I saw 2 other Canon shooters covering the state cross-country meet. They had wide glass on though because they were covering the awards ceremony.

Everyone else with canon was a parent like this one:

[coldrain]

While most wedding photographers are glorified hobby photographers (hears a 1000 screams of all the toes just now stepped on), when you look at real day to day photographers like sports photographers, news photographers, paparazi types, it is always Canon that you see. Wildlife photographers often too, but that is more mixed. Traveling documentary photographers seem even more mixed, and thats where you see Minolta pop up too.

That is my observation, the Nikon gear I see mostly is used by the more "serious" holiday photographer.

[zdzislaw]

hi all

i am reading your posts with great interest,
all i remember is that nikon use to be the first one to deal, reckon with
once you started to earn some money on photography,
but i was younger than and it was way back,
now the choise widen and it is really knittpicking, between bodies,and lenses,
and perhaps for some 50 or 100$ dollars difference in price,
ok you say two or three big once it is a lot (difference i assume),
yes, it is but are you getting the same thing for it?
more i read this more i see the ford and gm battle,
one still hase corvette, the other stuff up the mustang and try to come back with it,
hasselblad went to the moon, minolta done some travell too,canon and nikon keep flying, some where,
so once again what do i use and what my neighbour is using?
how about the guy around the corner?
how far are we prepare to go? and what are we going to proove?
now we will go from facts to gossiping,
who wants to be a photographical impotent?
hands up, why dont we take our nikons canons minoltas pentaxes or whatever is left on the market and walk away,perhaps to the street,
park, see people, take some pictures and forget the issue,
what are we talking about, a river that change direction and flows up the stream now?:confused:
no point to prove anything, on average you getting what you are paying for,
more or less,
want to prove me wrong? good, go for it, but i will not have time to read that today because i am taking mine minolta,canon,nikon and fuji with me and will be happy snappy, and you guys can keep counting cameras to create your happines,
i am not bitter old man, only i believ that this is pointles exercise,
at least for me and every common joe,
if i buy nikon or canon, i believ i will be capable of making my mind based on mine expirence, and common sense,
ok let start new thread:what cameras ford and chevy drivers use most?
what? some one already started it? shoot...was i late!
but seriously
keep well,
kind regards
zdzislaw:)
list of equipment on request, ha,ha,ha
my apology if i offended someone
and this represents my personal point of view,
did not make a dime on it,

now,another thing;(new!!)
full frame sensor or not?
more quality?
more noise?
(started to read it just)

[cwphoto]

While most wedding photographers are glorified hobby photographers.

Thanks for the compliment, over AUD100k worth of camera gear is a pretty serious hobby then...

[ktixx]

Thanks for the compliment, over AUD100k worth of camera gear is a pretty serious hobby then...

I think the Operative word here is most...
But, $73k US yikes :eek: ! What else do you have in your arsenal that isn't listed in your signature!?

[acepho99]

Perhaps you should group us Fuji users with the Nikon group. After all, it's built on a Nikon body and uses Nikon's lenses and flashes. (But, imho, has better image quality than the D100 or D70s it competes with. Now the D200 -- that may be a different story.)

[ktixx]

Perhaps you should group us Fuji users with the Nikon group. After all, it's built on a Nikon body and uses Nikon's lenses and flashes. (But, imho, has better image quality than the D100 or D70s it competes with. Now the D200 -- that may be a different story.)

In that case you would have to group the Sony (which I don't see above) and Nikon category together as well because Nikon uses Sony Sensors.
Ken

[Rhys]

Perhaps you should group us Fuji users with the Nikon group. After all, it's built on a Nikon body and uses Nikon's lenses and flashes. (But, imho, has better image quality than the D100 or D70s it competes with. Now the D200 -- that may be a different story.)

No because although the Fuji is based on a D100 body, it has a different sensor and different software. The Fuji sensor has a greater dynamic range and the camera seems to work better in jpeg mode while the D100 seems to work better in raw mode.

[coldrain]

No because although the Fuji is based on a D100 body, it has a different sensor and different software. The Fuji sensor has a greater dynamic range and the camera seems to work better in jpeg mode while the D100 seems to work better in raw mode.
Not a D100 body... its either an F100 ot F80 body it is based on (the older of the 2 anyway)

[cwphoto]

I think the Operative word here is most...
But, $73k US yikes :eek: ! What else do you have in your arsenal that isn't listed in your signature!?

Medium Format (Rollei 6008 with four Zeiss PQ lenses, 120/220 backs, bellows unit) and Large Format (Horseman 45FA with four Rodenstock and one Nikkor lens, three 120 rollfilm holders), six Elinchrom monoblocks (four 500s and two 250s) with assorted accessories, lightstands, bags to hold it all.

I ran out of room in the sig...

[Rhys]

Medium Format (Rollei 6008 with four Zeiss PQ lenses, 120/220 backs, bellows unit) and Large Format (Horseman 45FA with four Rodenstock and one Nikkor lens, three 120 rollfilm holders), six Elinchrom monoblocks (four 500s and two 250s) with assorted accessories, lightstands, bags to hold it all.

I ran out of room in the sig...

Whatever happened to wedding photographers that owned a single Rolleicord, a single light meter and a flashgun?

[cwphoto]

Whatever happened to wedding photographers that owned a single Rolleicord, a single light meter and a flashgun?

Competitive advantage. Although one of the most awarded wedding photographer from down here uses a simple Leica M7.

My LF stuff isn't for weddings but I miss using the MF gear.

[George Riehm]

Competitive advantage. Although one of the most awarded wedding photographer from down here uses a simple Leica M7.

My LF stuff isn't for weddings but I miss using the MF gear.

There's always the P45...;)

[cwphoto]

There's always the P45...;)

That's a bit over the top for glorified hobby photography don't you think George?:cool:

[George Riehm]

That's a bit over the top for glorified hobby photography don't you think George?:cool:

Ok, you're right. Since it's hobby photography, I suppose that a P30 would suffice. ;)

[Fred]

My vote went to Minolta, as I'm a long time Minolta user (SRT-101, 102, 7000, 700si, and 7) so my choice of a digital SLR was obviously flavored by my experience and lenses I own. I just bought a D7 as a Christmas present for myself and so far really enjoy using it.

[cwphoto]

zdzislaw, let me save you the effort of your threat to post this on the forum; here it is:

hi cwphoto
just went back to my old post and done some reading
on your guys comments,
what i wrote is 100$ dollars difference in between prices,not a equipment in value of 100(us,can,aus)$
goes like this 600-700,700-800,1600-1700,
cant put it any simplier,can i?
shame, man with such impressive list of equipment, is looking for bending my post,
cant believe is no butter,
almost forgot,
you know whats missing on your list?
brain,
may go to your locall meat shop and ask for one,
may even pay in us $,
dont try to make fun out of something that you should not, looking for ammunition or what?
write something smart instead,something that people can learn from, believ me there is plenty of good things to write about...
if you can, so can i, just give it a go...wont hurt...

i intend to put this on the forum, so people can see what to expect from guys like you,
keep well
kind regards
zdzislaw
list of equipment on request,(film thou,)
smaller the list, smarter the one behind it

It took me about an hour to try and make sense out of your attack, and I still can't work it out. Care to explain in front of the whole audience or would you prefer the cowardice of a PM?:mad:

Apology expected pronto.

[coldrain]

zdzislaw, let me save you the effort of your threat to post this on the forum; here it is:



It took me about an hour to try and make sense out of your attack, and I still can't work it out. Care to explain in front of the whole audience or would you prefer the cowardice of a PM?:mad:

Apology expected pronto.
Haha, he can be a bit odd and I am guessing there is a language barrier to be taken too. Don't get mad though, I think he must have misunderstood something that was written. I can never figure out his real points either.

[insertnamehere]

zdzislaw, let me save you the effort of your threat to post this on the forum; here it is:



It took me about an hour to try and make sense out of your attack, and I still can't work it out. Care to explain in front of the whole audience or would you prefer the cowardice of a PM?:mad:

Apology expected pronto.

Now now now, let's all play nicely children. Jeez - they're only cameras! :cool:

[ReF]

Haha, he can be a bit odd and I am guessing there is a language barrier to be taken too. Don't get mad though, I think he must have misunderstood something that was written. I can never figure out his real points either.

well, i can't really see how the part about the missing brain wouldn't be an insult, even with the language barrier. i hope attacks via pm are isolated to just this one instance. i would expect stuff like that to only be where others can see it.

zdzislaw: "list of equipment on request,(film thou,)
smaller the list, smarter the one behind it"

to zdzislaw: a list of equipment may just look like showing off, but it goes beyond that (in a positive way). you'll just have to think about it from a different perspective to find out. when you can give us the answer, it'll go a little toward proving you're smart beyond just having a short equipment list and saying that you are.

[ReF]

Just an interesting observation, and your mileage may really vary depending on where you are located and who you are in contact with.

It's fairly clear to most of us that Canon is the most prevelant brand, at least represented online. To my knowledge, there is only one major Nikon community while there are several Canon communities on top of major sites like DPR and FM which are dominated by Canon users. Sales don't lie either. Nikon's doing well, but Canon still holds the lion's share of the market.

Despite everything I said, if I never checked online, I would really be under the impression that Nikon is the most popular brand. This baffles me, but of all the photographers I've come across whether in person or just seeing on the street or at the occasional wedding, 4 out of 5 were Nikon users using a D70 or D100. The other 1 out of 5 would be a Canon Rebel or Rebel XT user. I have almost never seen a 20D or pro-level camera used on the street except in 1-2 rare cases.

To go even further, most of these people, except the wedding photographers and the people I know personally used the kit lens or something along those lines. Only in rare cases did I ever see anything pro-grade or even prosumer (70-200 f/4, 17-40 f/4). When I traveled to Las Vegas, I actually saw more varied glass, but around here, almost everybody seems content with the kit lens and consumer glass.

Maybe I'm just bumping into all the Nikon users, but maybe there's a trend here. Just an interesting observation...

i've actually seen more canon users than nikon users. it's like a 3 to 2 ratio. it's easy to recognize the back LCD panel of nikon dslrs. i don't know the specifics of nikon gear and what expensive lenses are supposed to look like, but i've never seen anyone with a large or long lens on their nikon bodies. surprisingly, i see more 20D's than any other canon dslr. i run into a good amount of 300D's but i can't say for sure i've seen one XT in use. i also spotted a canon 1D series with a 24-70L mounted, but other than that the only L glass i've seen in use was a 300 IS f4 L. the rest were kit lenses (even on the 20D's) and EF-S 10-22's (surprising for such an expensive lens, eh?).

oh yeah, and i have not seen any other brand dslrs in public, except 1 minolta!

[insertnamehere]

I see more Canons as well... interesting.

[Rhys]

I see more Canons as well... interesting.

Yup. From online surveys it looks like more Canons are used than Nikons. I also notice that the fewest users seem to favour Pentax, Minolta and Olympus. Could it possibly be that while Nikon and Canon users are sitting at home waiting for their batteries to charge the others are thumbing in AA cells and taking photos?

[George Riehm]

Yup. From online surveys it looks like more Canons are used than Nikons. I also notice that the fewest users seem to favour Pentax, Minolta and Olympus. Could it possibly be that while Nikon and Canon users are sitting at home waiting for their batteries to charge the others are thumbing in AA cells and taking photos?

Nope...

... Just not the case, as most of us are smart enough to have 2 or more batteries. Nikon EN-EL3 users have a nifty little 3 cell CR2 (MS-D70) battery pack for emergencies.;) If you are using a Nikon or Canon you only need to change/charge the battery about once every 800-1200 shots anyway.

After owning a camera that used 4 AA rechargables, I was happy to switch to a single, easy to change, charge, and carry, LiIon battery. Carrying 2 sets of 4 AA's is a real pain, and I really hate fumbling around with 4 batteries. Picture changing 4 AA's (paying attention to polarity) on a cold windy winter evening with gloves on.

Minolta uses an NP-400, Olympus uses a BLM-1 (both OEM LiIon). Pentax is the only one on your list using AA's (Fuji S series does as well).

I know that you are a big fan of AA's because they are readily available, but with the long shooting battery life of dSLR's I think it's a moot point. If you like AA's and a choice of dSLR's... get a grip.;)

[coldrain]

well, i can't really see how the part about the missing brain wouldn't be an insult, even with the language barrier. i hope attacks via pm are isolated to just this one instance. i would expect stuff like that to only be where others can see it.

zdzislaw: "list of equipment on request,(film thou,)
smaller the list, smarter the one behind it"

to zdzislaw: a list of equipment may just look like showing off, but it goes beyond that (in a positive way). you'll just have to think about it from a different perspective to find out. when you can give us the answer, it'll go a little toward proving you're smart beyond just having a short equipment list and saying that you are.
I meant zdizislaw's language barrier in reading something, triggering his weird response. Often he posts really odd posts, mostly in the Fuji thread... no idea what makes him write the way he writes (I do not want to speculate on that) but I would just ignore it, since his posts always follow this hard to understand path. This is what I meant, I did not mean cwphoto was understanding things wrong. :o

[Rhys]

Nope...

... Just not the case, as most of us are smart enough to have 2 or more batteries. Nikon EN-EL3 users have a nifty little 3 cell CR2 (MS-D70) battery pack for emergencies.;) If you are using a Nikon or Canon you only need to change/charge the battery about once every 800-1200 shots anyway.

After owning a camera that used 4 AA rechargables, I was happy to switch to a single, easy to change, charge, and carry, LiIon battery. Carrying 2 sets of 4 AA's is a real pain, and I really hate fumbling around with 4 batteries. Picture changing 4 AA's (paying attention to polarity) on a cold windy winter evening with gloves on.

Minolta uses an NP-400, Olympus uses a BLM-1 (both OEM LiIon). Pentax is the only one on your list using AA's (Fuji S series does as well).

I know that you are a big fan of AA's because they are readily available, but with the long shooting battery life of dSLR's I think it's a moot point. If you like AA's and a choice of dSLR's... get a grip.;)

I did actually suggest to one manufacturer that they made a dSLR with AA batteries and a battery pack that took the space of 4AA batteries so that the option then existed. Canon's grip has a problem in that it takes 6 AA batteries. I know of no charger (as I told Canon) that takes 6 AA batteries. They either take 2, 4 or 8. By the time you're getting to 6 anyway, things are getting very bulky. Pentax is a clear winner for most amateurs as their dSLR takes AA batteries and uses prior MF lenses.

In many ways, I like the Pentax *ist but it was never on my list of cameras to investigate because of prior lousy Pentax experience and because nobody locally will stock it. I don't buy pigs in pokes (online shopping).

[Rhys]

I meant zdizislaw's language barrier in reading something, triggering his weird response. Often he posts really odd posts, mostly in the Fuji thread... no idea what makes him write the way he writes (I do not want to speculate on that) but I would just ignore it, since his posts always follow this hard to understand path. This is what I meant, I did not mean cwphoto was understanding things wrong. :o

Where does Zidizslaw come from? Perhaps he's using an online translator and misinterpretations are abounding?

[George Riehm]

Where does Zidizslaw come from? Perhaps he's using an online translator and misinterpretations are abounding?

From what I have read, that is exactly what zidislaw's prose (?) remind me of. I used to use a Japanese translator and it turned out exactly that way.

Good observation Rhys.

[Ray Schnoor]

I did actually suggest to one manufacturer that they made a dSLR with AA batteries and a battery pack that took the space of 4AA batteries so that the option then existed. Canon's grip has a problem in that it takes 6 AA batteries. I know of no charger (as I told Canon) that takes 6 AA batteries. They either take 2, 4 or 8. By the time you're getting to 6 anyway, things are getting very bulky. Pentax is a clear winner for most amateurs as their dSLR takes AA batteries and uses prior MF lenses.

In many ways, I like the Pentax *ist but it was never on my list of cameras to investigate because of prior lousy Pentax experience and because nobody locally will stock it. I don't buy pigs in pokes (online shopping).
Thomas Distributing sells a Maha charger which takes any combination of AA batteries from 1 thru 8.

http://www.thomas-distributing.com/maha-mh-c801d-battery-charger.htm

[ktixx]

I could never understand the benefit of AA for Cameras. If you are prepared then you will never have a problem. The only times AA's come in handy is when you are trecking to everest or don't remember to charge your proprietary Li-Ion batteries.
Ken

[Rhys]

I could never understand the benefit of AA for Cameras. If you are prepared then you will never have a problem. The only times AA's come in handy is when you are trecking to everest or don't remember to charge your proprietary Li-Ion batteries.
Ken

I can't be bothered with proprietry lion batteries. I end up with two wall sockets used to charge 6 AA batteries. I know that if my AAs die I can use lithium AAs. Proprietry batteries are a real PITA. I never use them (mobile phone aside, which hardly ever gets used aside from playing tetris anyway).

[cwphoto]

Where does Zidizslaw come from? Perhaps he's using an online translator and misinterpretations are abounding?

It says Melbourne on his Profile, which I presume is Melbourne, Aus. However we are vert multicultural over here so the language barrier is more than likely.

He has apologised (I think) in a PM - which in true balanced reporting I shall show thus:

hi cwphoto,
first and foremost i would like to apologise for my behaviour and my posts,
they created vacuum, and they where unjust,
please forgive me and one day i hope we can have a coffe and a cake, i do know some good shops for it,
i try to come to terms to understand your anguish,
yes it was the bad, dark side of me,
of course i understand that while you wrote the post you did no read neither mine post or the one you claim you wrote directly under, thats fair,
and your comment was directed to someone else who in turn directed his silly comment toward my post, how could you know that?
of course i understand,
another thing i try to come to terms with is your sadnes about your dream of having better camera,
and how your familie come first,
i remember putting my pennies together to get mine first f5, ouh, what a joy, but it was hard and long ago,
since i slowly unveiling my self i would like to know you better, althou there is one issue that i am not sure of,
the way you under sign your last post?
is thi your real name?
i mean is this how your mama calls your?
see, i can not rewrite your assuming name because it means a bad thing and my mama tought me not to use such words once i want to become a friend with someone, i am an adult now but still my mama remindes me about mine foul language, may be one day ,( once we will become friends) i be able to call you this, but for time been i rather call you the way i started ,
almost forgot please disregard comments about garlic and walnuts ,they may not be good for your stomach,aspecially after the stress your are going thru,
so you can call me any names and all i can do i will call you your nickname since the other name(real i thing) is very repulsive,
so in conclusion i do not expect any answer from you,(night school, many children,mama calling you bad name and so on)
but if you really find the urge i be gladly waiting for your post,
meantime dont forget to write something positive as well (not for me) i was rather thinking about the forum, because i read your posts and you have a lot of knowledge that you can share in positive fashion,
looking forward to it,
keep well,
kind regards
zdzislaw

Rant over, apology excepted, returning you to your original programming - sorry for the hijack.

[ktixx]

I know that if my AAs die I can use lithium AAs.
But as George said (and I agree) dSLR proprietary batteries last around 600 shots (including LCD review) If you have a minimum of 2 batteries thats around 1200 shots. Unless you are doing weddings or events (where I would hope you would have more than 2 batteries) that is more than enough for most people. If you matched AA's to Unique Li-Ion's and bought 4 AA's for every 1 Li-Ion, would you rather have 2 charged Li-On's or 8 AA's, 3 Li-Ion's or 12 AA's. Just my opinion. If you like AA's use AA's it won't matter to me :D
Ken

[Rhys]

But as George said (and I agree) dSLR proprietary batteries last around 600 shots (including LCD review) If you have a minimum of 2 batteries thats around 1200 shots. Unless you are doing weddings or events (where I would hope you would have more than 2 batteries) that is more than enough for most people. If you matched AA's to Unique Li-Ion's and bought 4 AA's for every 1 Li-Ion, would you rather have 2 charged Li-On's or 8 AA's, 3 Li-Ion's or 12 AA's. Just my opinion. If you like AA's use AA's it won't matter to me :D
Ken

Everything takes AA batteries and you can always find AA batteries in just about any shop if you run out.

Funky manufacturer's special batteries are rather irksome to use. They need to be specially charged and need special chargers. We always have AA batteries on charge so why not simply run the thing on AA batteries? It's no problem to shove a handfull of charged AA batteries in your pocket as you run out of the door to take photos of the governator being mugged by militant feminists :p

[Geoff Chandler]

I could never understand the benefit of AA for Cameras. If you are prepared then you will never have a problem. The only times AA's come in handy is when you are trecking to everest or don't remember to charge your proprietary Li-Ion batteries.
Ken
I agree - mostly!!
Except on 2 occasions when I was at zero degrees or just below -
my KM A-200 just stopped like the battery was flat - until I held it in my
hand for 5 mins then it came back to life - meanwhile my little C-740UZ
with 4 AA's carried on oblivious of the problem...:rolleyes:

[George Riehm]

Everything takes AA batteries and you can always find AA batteries in just about any shop if you run out.

Funky manufacturer's special batteries are rather irksome to use. They need to be specially charged and need special chargers. We always have AA batteries on charge so why not simply run the thing on AA batteries? It's no problem to shove a handfull of charged AA batteries in your pocket as you run out of the door to take photos of the governator being mugged by militant feminists :p

I find that carrying and changing AA's irksome. They need to have a special charger, that in most cases, don't come with the camera. I always have 2 spare EN-EL3's in my TLZ mini, so there is no need to shove AA's in my pocket or have to fumble with them later.;)

You must have a really long lens to shoot Sacramento from South Carolina...

[coldrain]

You must have a really long lens to shoot Sacramento from South Carolina...
And live on a veryyyy high mountain (you have to take the curvature of the Earth into account!).

[Rhys]

Actually, one of these is quite handy....

http://gravityshots.com/bigimages/12-12-04_joker.jpg

[George Riehm]

Actually, one of these is quite handy....


Now that... IS handy.

[coldrain]

Actually, one of these is quite handy....


Strange, I had you figured out all wrong... I always thought of you more as a man with one of these:

http://studyshare.net/kz/photos/life_in_kz/dscn3719.jpg.sm.jpg/photo/xlarge

[LuvMySuper]

Cut and Dry if we all had the money we would be buying the Nikon D2x or the Canon 1ds Mark II as they are the leaders in the business.

Not me. If I had "the money," I would not buy a Canon. I had money and I bought a Pentax. Why? Because it fit my hand and was light enough to take as many pictures as I wanted. I tried out Canons - we have a stable of Canon lenses - but they were all too heavy and too big for my hands.

To be honest, I only tried one Nikon, and it was not as bulky as the Canons. But I didn't like the controls as well, and it didn't fit my hand as well as the Pentax.

I read quite a few threads here before making my decision - I posted last year under another user name (forgot my password) and I got a lot of good advice. If I'd shopped more, I might have ended up with a Nikon, but I would not have ended up with a Canon. And I can honestly say I couldn't be more pleased with my Pentax *ist DS. Even my Canon (film) totin' husband likes it. Maybe it's not a camera for a "professional" but it sure works for me.

[George Riehm]

Maybe it's not a camera for a "professional" but it sure works for me.

And that... is the bottom line. Although, you might be one of the few people I would have advised to try the Canon XT.

Water under the bridge. Sounds like you are enjoying the Pentax.

[Rhys]

And that... is the bottom line. Although, you might be one of the few people I would have advised to try the Canon XT.

Water under the bridge. Sounds like you are enjoying the Pentax.

There's lot to like about the Pentax. It's a pity that Pentax doesn't seem to want to offer anything other than a cropped 6mp sensor.

[AnalogueToDigital]

for me pentax *ist DS was a good choice, because

it fits my old lens
it will fit an old second hand 50mm F1.4 MF that will be my next addition
it runs on AAs - and I travel to some remote places with dodgy electricity
it handles nicely
it is the cheapest DSLR on the market by a long way here in AUS
image quality is much the same as other DSLRs (entry level)

[jeisner]

There's lot to like about the Pentax. It's a pity that Pentax doesn't seem to want to offer anything other than a cropped 6mp sensor.

Well like Nikon and KM they were dependant on Sony....

BTW the 1.3x crop 20MP medium format 645d will be officially announced at PMA.. (has been announced just not full specs and final design pictures yet)..

Interestingly Samsungs K mount rebdged DS2 is rumoured for a March release??... A bit of a shame there are no improvements, but Samsung will break a new low price point in SE Asis with it I imagine... Funny they rebadged two Pentax lenses as Schneider lenses? I wonder how that works?

http://www.digit.no/wip4/detail.epl?id=84138

http://www.photographyblog.com/index.php/weblog/comments/samsung_gx_1s_dslr/

From what I have been told the next two Pentax offereings (DS3 and DL2) will be 8mp and will have Pentax SR (shake reduction) like the KM and Pentax's latest point and shoots.. Seems a bit strange to me I am not sure where they would get the 8mp sensor from, I would have thought maybe the 9mp Cypress if they dumped Sony...

[DonSchap]

When I went shopping for my DSLR in October, 2005, I was a newbie to all that had been going on for the past five years. My experience with film SLRs circulated around Minolta's early line of AFs (7000/9000) back in 1985. I refused to cave in and buy the latest electronic film offerings, basically making due and getting the mileage out of what I had invested in with my early cameras. Let's face it, this was cutting edge technology, back then. Canon, Nikon and Pentax were struggling to even get close. I happily ran rings around the "manual focus crowd" who marveled at these fabulous cameras and their apparent ability to "see in the dark." (IR focusing)

But, being a babe in the woods when it came to DSLR last year, I wanted to get the impressions of the guys who actually sell this stuff on a regular basis... and what they would suggest for themselves and the "average joe" shooter who had a few extra bucks and wanted to dive back in to some all-round photography. After twenty different shops around the country, almost to a man, the Canon EOS 20D was the choice of those who wanted a seriously good, but still relatively inexpensive tool to take photos.

I offered up the Nikon D70s as an alternative and the reply, more often than not, was: "Get real!" :rolleyes: The infamous "they" told me that if the EOS 20D hadn't been out there, the D70s would be the choice... but since the Canon now existed, the Nikon was simply last year's technology with this year's pricing. They said, "Spend the extra hundred or so bucks and don't look back." Honestly, after the past few months and in my humble opinion, I have to agree... they had a point. This 8.2 megapixel camera is just the final word in shooting, at this price.

I hear it echoed time and again, and why fight success? The darn thing works... and works well. 'Nuff said, I suppose. Sure, the other companies will doggedly struggle to maintain the line with Canon, but when it comes to purchasing that first DSLR, why settle for second rate? The investment in Canon glass... well, that's going to be another story. I've got my sights set on that Canon Telephoto EF 85mm f/1.2L USM Autofocus Lens. It looks mighty snappy!

Don... "I'm just getting warmed up"
_______________________
"What's in the bag?"
Canon EOS-20D, 8.2 Megapixel SLR Digital Camera w/ 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens Kit
Tamron Zoom Super Wide Angle 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di-II LD Aspherical (IF)
Tamron Zoom Super Wide Angle SP 11-18mm f/4.5-5.6 Di-II LD Aspherical (IF)
Canon Zoom Telephoto EF 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 III USM Autofocus
Vivitar 500/1000mm f/8 Mirror lens
Canon 420EX Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash
Bogan Manfrotto tripod 3021 w/ Grip Action Ball Head 3157N

[George Riehm]

When I went shopping for my DSLR in October, 2005, I was a newbie to all that had been going on for the past five years. My experience with film SLRs circulated around Minolta's early line of AFs (7000/9000) back in 1985. I refused to cave in and buy the latest electronic film offerings, basically making due and getting the mileage out of what I had invested in with my early cameras. Let's face it, this was cutting edge technology, back then. Canon, Nikon and Pentax were struggling to even get close. I happily ran rings around the "manual focus crowd" who marveled at these fabulous cameras and their apparent ability to "see in the dark." (IR focusing)

But, being a babe in the woods when it came to DSLR last year, I wanted to get the impressions of the guys who actually sell this stuff on a regular basis... and what they would suggest for themselves and the "average joe" shooter who had a few extra bucks and wanted to dive back in to some all-round photography. After twenty different shops around the country, almost to a man, the Canon EOS 20D was the choice of those who wanted a seriously good, but still relatively inexpensive tool to take photos.

I offered up the Nikon D70s as an alternative and the reply, more often than not, was: "Get real!" :rolleyes: The infamous "they" told me that if the EOS 20D hadn't been out there, the D70s would be the choice... but since the Canon now existed, the Nikon was simply last year's technology with this year's pricing. They said, "Spend the extra hundred or so bucks and don't look back." Honestly, after the past few months and in my humble opinion, I have to agree... they had a point. This 8.2 megapixel camera is just the final word in shooting, at this price.

I hear it echoed time and again, and why fight success? The darn thing works... and works well. 'Nuff said, I suppose. Sure, the other companies will doggedly struggle to maintain the line with Canon, but when it comes to purchasing that first DSLR, why settle for second rate? The investment in Canon glass... well, that's going to be another story. I've got my sights set on that Canon Telephoto EF 85mm f/1.2L USM Autofocus Lens. It looks mighty snappy!

Don... "I'm just getting warmed up"

Welcome to the amazing world of dSLR's, and the DCRP. For those of us shooting the second rate equipment...

...Thanks.

[coldrain]

Welcome to the amazing world of dSLR's, and the DCRP. For those of us shooting the second rate equipment...

...Thanks.
Now now, George... just because you feel you have second rate equipment does not mean you have to shoot it...:eek:

[cdifoto]

My camera bodies are second rate but my glass is premium. I get by.

[George Riehm]

Now now, George... just because you feel you have second rate equipment does not mean you have to shoot it...:eek:

Keep in mind that you are among the "those of us" group.;) The 20D was the only camera excluded from the second rate equipment list.

Now that I know... guess I'll just give up shooting until I can afford a D200.:( Wow, then I'm going to have to recall and replace all of the prints, and retake 15,000 images. Damn! Why did I buy that second rate equipment...

[coldrain]

Keep in mind that you are among the "those of us" group.;) The 20D was the only camera excluded from the second rate equipment list.
Still, you do not see me shoot my camera ;)

[George Riehm]

Still, you do not see me shoot my camera ;)

Good point.;)

Personally, I'm looking forward to seeing shots from that 85 f/1.2 L.

[George Riehm]

Sorry Don. Just having a little fun.

Enjoy the 20D. It's as good as any, and better than many.

I just took all my Nikon gear to Goodwill.;)

[George Riehm]

My camera bodies are second rate but my glass is premium. I get by.

Sure you do (wink, wink...nudge, nudge).

[aparmley]

Sure you do (wink, wink...nudge, nudge).

uhoh. George is getting fresh with Don. Aah! :D

[George Riehm]

uhoh. George is getting fresh with Don. Aah! :D

No offense to Don, but Uhhhh...No.

[coldrain]

No offense to Don, but Uhhhh...No.
Just tell him he is too young still.. no feelings hurt that way :D

[cdifoto]

Just tell him he is too young still.. no feelings hurt that way :D


Hey I ain't feeling offended. This monkey doesn't swing on that vine.

[George Riehm]

Hey I ain't feeling offended. This monkey doesn't swing on that vine.

No 21st century cinema cowboys on this ranch either. Our local mountain is Camelback, and it ain't broke.:D

[DonSchap]

Please don't suggest that any photography work is not without merit. I have enjoyed this hobby for the better part of thirty plus years. Basically, my contention is that if you are going to step into a project, more often than not, the best choice is to use the most current and up-to-date equipment.

Since I had a decision to make concerning what was the best to shoot and maintain a relatively reasonable budget, you really should not be surprised that it turned out to be the Canon product. Judging by the performance of the prior A1 Camera, I'm not.

"Second rate" was really not a comment of quality, but more one of timing. Every dog has his day. Today it is the Canon 20D's. Tomorrow... the Canon 30D? LOL :rolleyes: (see pictures of non-existant equiment). It is my sincere hope that we all meet with very successful efforts with whatever equipment we have chosen to use. I plan on using mine extensively, in an effort to appreciate all the technological and painstaking improvements that have been aquiired in the past 20 years.

I sense that the Photographic World lost a step with the demise of Minolta. Oh sure, Sony gets the pieces, but the integrity and pride of name brand has suffered. Philosophically speaking... in a world that seems to be changing, even with silly cartoons taking center stage, this lack of continuity appears just another erosion of quality for the sake of the almighty buck. I often wonder if the price we pay is ever the price we truly feel.

Anyway, here's mud in your iris... keep shooting!

Don

[derekinla]

Although Nikon/Canon dominate the camera market, don't feel bad for Olympus, Pentax, and Fuji. They make plenty of $$$ dominating other "imaging markets." In fact, they do good business selling $20,000 to $30,000 cameras with "really long & flexible" zoom lenses to take pictures of places that only you and your Gastroenterologist know about. ;) Yes, each hand made endoscope costs 20 to 30k a pop and the optics on a Fuji/Pentax scope are phenomenal. Olympus, is the 800# gorilla in this field as they are the biggest manufacturer of scopes in the world. For those of you 50 and older...... it's time for you to get to experience first hand the beauty/clarity of Olympus/Fuji/Pentax glass :)

http://www.olympusamerica.com/msg_section/msg_gastro_colon.asp

http://www.fujinon.co.jp/en/products/medical/400/ec450zw5ml.htm

http://www.pentaxmedical.com/Products/Lower%20GI/70KSeriesLowerGI.asp

And now, for the most expensive digital wireless disposable $450 camera in the world......that takes 57,000 images, at a rate of two frames per second with a CMOS sensor.....

[George Riehm]

Please don't suggest that any photography work is not without merit. I have enjoyed this hobby for the better part of thirty plus years. Basically, my contention is that if you are going to step into a project, more often than not, the best choice is to use the most current and up-to-date equipment.

Since I had a decision to make concerning what was the best to shoot and maintain a relatively reasonable budget, you really should not be surprised that it turned out to be the Canon product. Judging by the performance of the prior A1 Camera, I'm not.

"Second rate" was really not a comment of quality, but more one of timing. Every dog has his day. Today it is the Canon 20D's. Tomorrow... the Canon 30D? LOL :rolleyes: (see pictures of non-existant equiment). It is my sincere hope that we all meet with very successful efforts with whatever equipment we have chosen to use. I plan on using mine extensively, in an effort to appreciate all the technological and painstaking improvements that have been aquiired in the past 20 years.

I sense that the Photographic World lost a step with the demise of Minolta. Oh sure, Sony gets the pieces, but the integrity and pride of name brand has suffered. Philosophically speaking... in a world that seems to be changing, even with silly cartoons taking center stage, this lack of continuity appears just another erosion of quality for the sake of the almighty buck. I often wonder if the price we pay is ever the price we truly feel.

Anyway, here's mud in your iris... keep shooting!

Don

Don (#2) No offense taken, and no photographers were hurt in the making of this part of the thread.;)

Thanks for joining the fray. We look forward to your results with that 85mm f/1.2.