I am planning on purchasing either a Canon 350D or the Nikon D70. I have used Canon before but I dont really have much invested in lenses so I am not really concerned about it. I tend to favor the Nikon for the feel of the camera. I used to use the Rebel film camera and I always felt it was a little small, and the 350D is even smaller. But when comparing the two cameras I had a few questions.
1. I was reading another site that ran down a list of the two side by side, and under the high speed sync for the flash it said the nikon didnt have any and the canon was available through external speedlights. I am not really sure what that means. Can you not use esternal flashes with the Nikon at high speed??
2. Hss not having the mirror lock-up feature on the nikon bothered anyone? Has it affected your images?
3. Do Nikon lenses offer any IS like the canons do? I searched a few sites and looked at some lenses but I didnt notice anything like that mentioned, unless they use different terminology.
4. Do nikon lenses cost more? As i was comparing lenses it also seemed that the nikons cost more.
Sorry for asking so many questions. I have tried searching for most of the answers, but these were the ones that I have had trouble finding answers to.
1. High speed sync means a very fast shutter speed with flash. You can use the excellent Nikon SB-800 remote wireless flash with the D70s, which is reason enough for some to buy the Nikon.
2. If you often shoot off a tripod at shutter speeds less than 1/15 second, mirror lock is nice to have. Don't forget there is a tiny bit of shutter lag with digital cameras that helps counter mirror slap.
3. Nikon calls their system "VR." It works as well as the IS.
4. Yes, they do.
You can check more detail at www.photodo.com and see an in depth review of both cameras. The D70s has some advantages. One thing I'll mention is that most cameras are pretty close in their price class. Too many beginners make the mistake of only looking at the camera instead of the whole system. Some of your questions show you are on the right track asking about lenses & flash.
The two systems (Canon vs. Nikon) are very similar and definitely at the top of the heap. Though the megapixel wars are essentially over, I would pick the Canon at 8 megapixels over the Nikon at 6. Wildlife photographers tend to do a bit of cropping to adjust their composition and make their subjects fill the image, and having 33 percent more material to start with is good thing.
Good glass is expensive no matter which system you choose. Good glass for nature photography can cost as much as a nice used car.
Darren - What type of photography are you anticipating? For wildlife mirror up capability may not mean much, but for landscapes I feel it's essential. Just the opposite for IS/VR. Try to figure what you'll be shooting the most, and then design your system around those needs.
Thanks everyone for the replies.
I think I am definately (sp?), leaning toward the Nikon, but i have one more question. How big of a difference is there between the D70 and the D50. I will probably not be doing alot of landscapes, but more wildlife. I am trying to find the best camera body for a good price, but really try to spend the most of my cash on good glass. I can save a hundred or few dollars on the D50 and then put that money toward a tele lens.
Darren - You sound like you've really on the right path, especially if you're going to be shooting wildlife. IMO, putting your money into glass is much more important than into body. Keep plugging away and asking questions and you'll end up with a great system for your needs.
I would definitely go for the Canon 8 MP over the Nikon 6 MP. ESPECIALLY if you are shooting wildlife. If not, you will really be limiting yourself to the size of your printable image. Also, I don't think many stock agenicies accept anything smaller than an 8 MP image. Just something to consider before making your final decision. Good luck.
The mirror up capability is one reason I really want the D200. I have missed it on the D70 and feel that ocassionally my images suffer from not having it. Especially when shooting macros.
Discussion
7 replies1. I was reading another site that ran down a list of the two side by side, and under the high speed sync for the flash it said the nikon didnt have any and the canon was available through external speedlights. I am not really sure what that means. Can you not use esternal flashes with the Nikon at high speed??
2. Hss not having the mirror lock-up feature on the nikon bothered anyone? Has it affected your images?
3. Do Nikon lenses offer any IS like the canons do? I searched a few sites and looked at some lenses but I didnt notice anything like that mentioned, unless they use different terminology.
4. Do nikon lenses cost more? As i was comparing lenses it also seemed that the nikons cost more.
Sorry for asking so many questions. I have tried searching for most of the answers, but these were the ones that I have had trouble finding answers to.
Thank you all for your time!
Darren
2. If you often shoot off a tripod at shutter speeds less than 1/15 second, mirror lock is nice to have. Don't forget there is a tiny bit of shutter lag with digital cameras that helps counter mirror slap.
3. Nikon calls their system "VR." It works as well as the IS.
4. Yes, they do.
You can check more detail at www.photodo.com and see an in depth review of both cameras. The D70s has some advantages. One thing I'll mention is that most cameras are pretty close in their price class. Too many beginners make the mistake of only looking at the camera instead of the whole system. Some of your questions show you are on the right track asking about lenses & flash.
Kent in SD
Good glass is expensive no matter which system you choose. Good glass for nature photography can cost as much as a nice used car.
I think I am definately (sp?), leaning toward the Nikon, but i have one more question. How big of a difference is there between the D70 and the D50. I will probably not be doing alot of landscapes, but more wildlife. I am trying to find the best camera body for a good price, but really try to spend the most of my cash on good glass. I can save a hundred or few dollars on the D50 and then put that money toward a tele lens.