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Hi,

I'm Nexxus. Just for conistancy with other usernames floating around at other forums, thought i'd change to Miliux.

Anyways, since i got my camera stolen 3 weeks ago, i'm thinking of purchasing a replacement camera in 2 months time. Are there any rumours around where they'll release a camera competing against Canon 20D?

First of all, why didn't you PM Leigh or myself? We can simply change your username and you'll keep all of your old posting credits.

Second, the D70s already competes very favourably against the 20D, but yes, the D200 is rumoured to be announced very soon. Just when it actually apprears is anybody's guess; I'd be suggestign March next year were I into that sort of game, but I'm not, so I won't.

And don't overlook the Canon 5D.

Or perhaps the Canon 1Ds MKII, It's not bad at all

It's a fine brick alright. Does a good arm endurance workout with that machine.

I'm only a student and have no ambition to become a full-time photographer. Just want a camera where i can continue where i left off....D70s. 20D is within my pricerange but certainly not 5D.

Umm.. we can fix your original name. Just give me a PM and we'll get you back in the game. In fact, if it's all back to restore, you should have the same settings there. Try logging in. If you can't, just message me and I'll sort it out for you.

Aside for administration & moderator test purposes, I'm not too big a fan of users having multiple accounts and would prefer you to pick one.

Nexxus,

A great influence on your decision will be any remaining kit that can still be pressed into service such as lenses or other accessories.

As a student with no professional aspirations either of the entry level cameras should be fine: if your preferences lean towards Canon, however, why leave the 350D out of the equation? I notice that the street price for a 20D at several Sydney stockists is now around the $2,200.00 mark without a lens whereas that amount would possibly kit you out with a 350D and a couple of lenses.

Despite the frequent tribalism over the Holden/Ford (sorry Nikon/Canon) debate around certain websites, there is little wrong with either - or any number of other players for that matter - and it should be a matter of what best suits your taste and your pocket. Subject matter might also influence your choice: Canon has acquired something of a reputation for a smoother creamier skin tone and is the choice of many fashion, beauty and portrait shooters for instance.

Cheers,


If my demands were purely recreational as yours appear to be I would have a damned good look at the Minolta.

Cheers,

Not a debate here as well,
If heading down to the store for the 350D, why not taking the D70s as alternative, it's still better concept and value then.
If you go over to Canon, then 20D, 5D, 1Ds MKII and another 2Ds xxx is on the horizon.

Nexxus,

It would seem that essentially what has just been said is that going with the Nikon there will be no new models on the horizon despite all the speculation of D200 and full frame?? Perhaps Nikon have produced a product of such technological refinement and quality that there is no longer a need to progress whereas Canon are still trying to get it right.

I hear this sort of rhetoric from dealers who are not franchised to sell Canon Pro gear all the time and frankly it sways me further and further from choosing Nikon. I repeat, there are many brands ALL of which will meet your needs most admirably. Shop about, get a feel for the gear and go with what best suits YOU.

This seems to be 'reasonable'

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Canon-EOS-20D-Bo ... dZViewItem

Canon 20D with 17-85mm IS lens. I'm staying clear from the kit lens. I wonder if i can get this system cheaper in Harvey Norman coz i know a mate who works there. I got the Nikon D70 + 512k Ultra II Sandisk for around 1800 bucks back in August '04.

This price will only continue to depreciate as my set purchase date hovers around Christmas Day.

350D sounds a bit more of a 'toy' than anything else. I'll just leave that comment as that.

Miliux wrote:Canon 20D with 17-85mm IS lens. I'm staying clear from the kit lens.

Actually, this IS the kit lens.
More accurately, there are two kits. One with the 18-55mm piece of plastic, one with the very good 17-85mm IS lens.

Be aware that this lens does not come with the matching hood as standard (grumble, grumble) and it's not listed in that auction description. You should factor in the purchase of an EW-73B hood at the same time. The same eBay merchant has it for AU$43.

Miliux wrote:Canon 20D with 17-85mm IS lens. I'm staying clear from the kit lens.

This is the rarely quoted but correct kit lens for the 20D, and it's comparable with the kist lens that comes with the D70/s. Most dealers opt to quote for the significantly cheeper 300/350 kit lens, and thereby pick up an apparent price advantage through the apples to oranges comparison that thy're perpetrating on the unsuspecting sucker - er, I mean mark.

NO, I mean customer, dammit!

But as Sheethooter points out, unless you have an existing investment in Nikkor glas - which you may still have, despite the recent five-fingered discount perpetrated upon you - there may be benefits to be gained by looking at the other brands available.

Sheetshooter mentions Minolta specifically, and I note that Hardly Normal are currently selling the Olympus E300 for PP999. I'm perhaps a little bit wary of their marketing spin on this one though, as they're describing the camera as being "as used by professionals".

IS system is a must because i'll be taking shots in a very low-light situations. (i.e. indoor nightclubs/bars). The only camera parts i have no after the burglary are CP filter and UV filter....both useless without lens.

Miliux wrote:IS system is a must because i'll be taking shots in a very low-light situations. (i.e. indoor nightclubs/bars). The only camera parts i have no after the burglary are CP filter and UV filter....both useless without lens.

20D + few other IS lenses will be set!!!!!

So what are the differences between VR and IS?

Miliux wrote:So what are the differences between VR and IS?

It's similar:
Nikkor = VR
Canon = IS

Miliux wrote:IS system is a must

Minolta has AntiShake in the body (and thus it applies to ALL lenses, not just the expensive ones ). I have some friends who shoot with Minolta gear (including a 7D), and from the little I've used it and from the images they get it's very nice.

Miliux wrote:because i'll be taking shots in a very low-light situations. (i.e. indoor nightclubs/bars).

Whichever you use (IS, AS, VR, or Sigma's OS) it only helps combat YOUR movement. Not your subjects'. It sounds like you'll be shooting subjects that move, and the only technical things that can help you there are high-ISO performance and fast (ie. heavy and expensive) lenses.
Maybe you should try quantifying the EV levels you're going to deal with (so you have an estimate of ISO/aperture combinations to aim for in your equipment).

Miliux wrote:The only camera parts i have no after the burglary are CP filter and UV filter....both useless without lens.

So what thread size are those? Maybe that should guide your choice of lens. No, I'm just being silly.
Sounds like you're starting from a completely clean slate.

I agree 100% with your responses DaveB.

VR/IS/OS will help you handhold slower (than usual) shutter speeds, but it won't perform miracles....especially in very low light (such as nightclubs). With moving targets in low light, I imagine you'll have your work cut out for you.....and I don't see nightclub patrons or management being happy with a huge flash going off all the time (so I guess you'd be limited in that aspect as well

For the type of photography it sounds like you're interested in, you will need to consider fast, quality lenses (for whichever camera body you choose). As these won't be cheap, perhaps this is also something to consider.

VR or IS is not a real critical factors in taking tack sharp photos, they're good in some cases but almost not good if you rely on it 100%.

Aussie Dave wrote:For the type of photography it sounds like you're interested in, you will need to consider fast, quality lenses (for whichever camera body you choose). As these won't be cheap, perhaps this is also something to consider.

24-120 Nikkor VR was a great lens when i was casually shooting for a club magazine. Good zoom as well as above-average quality (better than 18-70). The only negative aspect of 24-120 is the lack of wide angle. Meaning i'll need to get the 10-22mm as well as 17-85.

I won't be taking photos from 9pm to 7am continuously, just maybe one hour blocks...depending the accessibility and the atmosphere of it. 2 hours most and 160 shots was my usual output (only around 40 i selectively pick to be published). Most of the time i'll be leaving the camera inside the backpack (Samsonite) while dancing.


*sigh* brings back the memories.

Who knows. I may take up a position as a photo journalist in conflict areas. I currently study B International Studies (majoring Globalization & International Relations) so it comes handy.

Miliux,
So now what's your choice at the end? Back to Nikon or jump over to other camp Canon?

Birddog114 wrote:Miliux,
So now what's your choice at the end? Back to Nikon or jump over to other camp Canon?

I really haven't made up my mind yet. Still couple of months to my initial purchase and i haven't done the thorough research yet.

It's back to square one.

Miliux wrote:

Birddog114 wrote:Miliux,
So now what's your choice at the end? Back to Nikon or jump over to other camp Canon?

I really haven't made up my mind yet. Still couple of months to my initial purchase and i haven't done the thorough research yet.

It's back to square one.

So, what do you take photo with atm?

The only camera i have is my Nokia 3230. 1.3 mp camera with high noise level.

What a plunge....D70 to a miney Nokia 3230.

I informed my company that i won't be taking photos until i get a replacement. He was unhappy because the photos i've taken were more artistic/abstract than just cheesy portraits. Couldn't put my hands up for major events.

I'm sure you understand how difficult it is just completely suspend taking photos after years of progress. Knowing that i'll get a replacement just makes it a bit more easier.

Miliux wrote:The only camera i have is my Nokia 3230. 1.3 mp camera with high noise level.

What a plunge....D70 to a miney Nokia 3230.

I informed my company that i won't be taking photos until i get a replacement. He was unhappy because the photos i've taken were more artistic/abstract than just cheesy portraits. Couldn't put my hands up for major events.

I'm sure you understand how difficult it is just completely suspend taking photos after years of progress. Knowing that i'll get a replacement just makes it a bit more easier.

Why don't you asked the company who you're working with buy the gears and yo do the shoot for them.

it's a completely voluntary thing. I contribute to the website/mag for a non-profit but i get access to all areas. It's for my personal benifit as well so i can improve my photography in different lighting conditions. There are only few DSLR photographers in the company and not all can be at most of the events.