HELP!! Canon vs. Nikon DSLR

[llofford]

I'm hoping I can get some good opinions and advice from some experienced users. I'm planning on buying a DSLR camera and I've narrowed it down to two choices. The Canon Digital Rebel XT (8 MP) or the Nikon D70s. Price is a concern and that's why I'm debating between a couple older models. What are the pros and cons between each model? The main reason I'd like to buy a DSLR is because I'm going on a cruise to Antarctica and would like to get some better pictures than what my standard point and shoot camera will take. I'll mostly be taking pictures of scenery and wildlife (penguins mostly). Also, if anyone has any input on lenses and filters and such that would be fantastic!! I greatly appreciate any input. Thanks in advance. Lora

[DonSchap]

Lora, penguins, huh?

Have you considered a B&W camera? :rolleyes:

19657

[RichNY]

Lora- I think you should consider a Canon S3 v. a point and shoot considering your budget.

If the little critters are going to be at a distance away from you a long focal length lens will be required to capture them up close and in detail. DSLR lenses that do that are expensive- you will probably pay $600+ just for a lens that will get you to 300mm effective focal length, plus another few hundred for the body, and another $100-$500 for a normal-wide focal length lens. In any case you will need to spend at least $1000.

A Canon S3 (Sony H2/H5, etc) will cost you a little over $300 and give you a focal length over 400mm- much better for your application and its lighter to pack and you're likely to have it with you at all times.

I believe you will be very happy to have a nice small camera every time you get into a raft from the main boat to the ice.

To answer your question about the differnces between the Canon and the Nikon for your purpose- there really isn't going to be that much of a difference- both are nice cameras that will allow you to spend lots of money on great lenses.

[CptOfGondor]

Why not a Pentax dSLR? Or even Olympus 4/3rds? You get the biggest telephoto advantages with 4/3rds whos older cameras like the E-1 can be had second hand for a mere $400-500? Of Go Pentax. You'll have decades of backwards compatibility and can scope up second hand KMount telephotos for very little $$.

[Honest Gaza]

Lora- I think you should consider a Canon S3 v. a point and shoot considering your budget.

If the little critters are going to be at a distance away from you a long focal length lens will be required to capture them up close and in detail. DSLR lenses that do that are expensive- you will probably pay $600+ just for a lens that will get you to 300mm effective focal length, plus another few hundred for the body, and another $100-$500 for a normal-wide focal length lens. In any case you will need to spend at least $1000.

A Canon S3 (Sony H2/H5, etc) will cost you a little over $300 and give you a focal length over 400mm- much better for your application and its lighter to pack and you're likely to have it with you at all times.

I believe you will be very happy to have a nice small camera every time you get into a raft from the main boat to the ice.

To answer your question about the differnces between the Canon and the Nikon for your purpose- there really isn't going to be that much of a difference- both are nice cameras that will allow you to spend lots of money on great lenses.


Lora...I think this sums it up pretty nicely :)

[Rhys]

Both the D70 and the XT are fine cameras. I would go for the D70 over the XT because of the D70's superior focussing.

In terms of battery power, you might benefit from an AA battery grip loaded with Lithium batteries. As far as I know only the XT has such a grip.

Somebody else suggested the Pentax. Seems a good choice to me. If you go for the K100D then all your lenses are stabilised and it takes AA batteries. In fact a friend of mine has just bought one. i'm waiting for his verdict.

[Riley]

the more extreme weather/temperature might be an issue. Batteries dont work much beyond 0C.

So just something to think about, but I think if i wanted a dSLR i would be looking for sealed equipment. This because, unlike a compact, you would have to carry the camera outside of your clothing. You wont find that in cheap dSLRs, other than as someone suggested the Olympus E1 bought second hand (they no longer manufacture them). They dont come with on board flash so you would need to acquire one.

If i thought i could get away with using a point and shoot type, i would prefer that road, as there are compacts, even weather proof ones, that will fit in your pocket, where your body heat will keep the batteries warm and keep the camera alive.

Perhaps there are people at the Antarctic Commission, or compatriots that can tender more advice ?

[D Thompson]

the more extreme weather/temperature might be an issue. Batteries dont work much beyond 0C.

Perhaps there are people at the Antarctic Commission, or compatriots that can tender more advice ?

I would definitely check the operating temperature. Most Canon specs show low side of 32F, 0C.

Good advice to check the Antarctic Commission or someone that's been there/done that.