All pixels are not the same

Geary Wootten · 04-21-2004, 11:53 AM

G'mornin Mike,

Back to camera shopping this fine day.

I'm really liking the D-70.........today. <sigh> Lordy I hate fluctuating. However, my fluctuation is now in the range of the ONLY two contenders in this "under a thou" ring. But, for the bucks mentioned, I think the Nikon is SO strong. I mean the ability to have RAW+Jpeg at the same time, even less "shutter lag" than the D100, 1/8000 th shutter speed (over Canon's 1/4000), and the fact that it's got a stainless steel chasis w/graphite wrapped around it makes it pretty hard to not seriously consider the investment. I know, it is a few bucks more than the Canon.....but..... I guess it's especially hard for me to choose, since I've never owned any auto focus lenses. So....all of this will be a MAJOR step up for me.

Any further thoughts from your snooping around this one?

Thanks,
Gear

Mike McCarty · 04-21-2004, 12:09 PM

One other thing which seems to be a quantum leap is that the D70's flash will sync at 1/500 of a second compared to the D100 at 1/180. The quickest I have seen historically have been 1/250, and the majority at 1/125.

I don't know for sure what this will do for me since I try and swear off flash, but, maybe this very quick flash sync will open up other possibilities. I'll have to read the manual I suppose, I hate that.

Of course to get one you'll have to go on someone's wait list.

Jean Kelly · 04-21-2004, 12:57 PM

Okay, I'm trying to figure out what size pixel I have (coolpix 5400) and am now totally confused. I've read the articles referenced and gone to dpreview for more info on my camera and still don't really know what I have. I even read the book, help!

Jean

Garth Herrick · 04-21-2004, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geary Wootten

G'mornin Mike,

Back to camera shopping this fine day.

I'm really liking the D-70.........today. <sigh> Lordy I hate fluxuating. However, my fluxuation is now in the range of the ONLY two contender in this "under a thou" ring. But, for the bucks mentioned, I think the Nikon is SO strong. I mean the ability to have RAW+Jpeg at the same time, even less "shutter lag" than the D100, 1/8000 th shutter (over Canon's 1/4000), and the fact that it's got a stainless steel chasis w/graphite wrapped around it makes it pretty hard to not seriously consider the investment. I know, it is a few bucks more than the Canon.....but..... I guess it's especially hard for me to choose, since I've never owned any auto focus lenses. So....all of this will be a MAJOR step up for me.

Any further thoughts from your snooping around this one?

Thanks,
Gear

Geary, I'll be so jealous of you if you get the D70. I love my D100, it's one of the best investments I've ever made. 50,000 pictures in a year and a half, and I'm still learning new ways to use it. A main reason I got it was the incredible absence of shutter lag. I have NEVER detected any!

At half the price a D100 was, and so many upgrades and improvements -go for it!

Garth

Linda Nelson · 04-21-2004, 02:24 PM

I can't afford it myself, but my dad's Olympus E1 is so awesome, I use it instead of my own E20, which is just the version older. The best part of the E1 is that it can take 12 - TWELVE! - continous shots before having to stop to put them into memory, and usually it has already put half into memory before you're done shooting the 12, so you can actually shot 15 or so shots in rapid succession. It's just great for capturing the right expression and keeping the situation relaxed.

Digital rocks.

Mike McCarty · 04-21-2004, 10:46 PM

Jean,

You might try the Nikon home page .

Linda,

I've held the Olympus E-1 in my hands and it is a serious piece of machinery. It has a lot of heft and doesn't feel plastic and light like some of the new cameras. However, I think it's going to have a hard time competing from this point on because it's price is $1799 body only.

The new competition D-SLR's with comparable features, like the Nikon D70 is $999 body only. And the Digital Rebel by Canon is $999 with a lens. The Nikon also comes optionally as a kit that includes a very fine zoom lens for a total of $1299.

This stuff is always in a constant state of flux.

Jean Kelly · 04-22-2004, 12:07 AM

Thanks Mike, I went there earlier and got lost in the maze of info, I'll check again when my brain is clearer (if ever)!

Jean

Michele Rushworth · 04-22-2004, 12:45 AM

A note of caution on the Canon Digital Rebel: if it's the "EOS" model you're looking at, check and see if it comes with the spot metering function. My sister just bought one (she's a pro landscape photographer) but hers doesn't have spot metering. (She doesn't use that feature.)

I find that the spot metering function is essential for metering off of a subject's face when they're standing in front of sky, water or when the subject is dramatically lit in a dark room.

Mike McCarty · 04-22-2004, 09:00 AM

Quote:

I find that the spot metering function is essential for metering off of a subject's face when they're standing in front of sky, water or when the subject is dramatically lit in a dark room.

I completely agree with that Michele. I assumed all cameras of of that caliber would have that feature. I wouldn't want to conduct business without a spot meter.