i'm about to jump into the dslr world. can anybody give me opinions on cannon vs nikon. the specs seem similar, but i was leaning towards the cannon xti over the nikon d40x. The nikon doesn't have the motor for autofocus on the body. I'm not sure how much of a difference that will make?

 

nikon and canon are good choices, but don't overlook some of the other brands out there. i use the Sony DSLR A-100, 10.2mp, in camera image stabilization, etc, etc. there are enough lenses out there to pick from, although unless you like ordering from the internet (which i do) they are hard to find in stores. Pentax and Olympus also make some nice cameras as well. most people jump to Canon or Nikon based on the name, but in all honesty you can get a camera that is comparable if not better for less money. and before any fanboys knock Sony camera, keep in mind that the newer Nikons are now using Sony image sensors.

jim

 

yea, i didnt even look at the pentax or olympus models.

i'll have to check those out

 

dont forget the Sony.

jim

 

I like Nikon because they have better choices on lenses and accessories. I like Canon because is more user friendly.

 

Canon and Nikon lenses are generally more abundant, especially when shopping for used equipment. I'd suggest doing research on the available lenses to help determine what system you buy into. You'll invest a small amount the body but much more in the lenses and accessories.

 

true statement.

however also keep in mind, how often will you need to buy lenses? i purchased two other lenses along with the lens that came with my camera. it's all anyone really needs. now things like fish eye lenses, prime lenses and super duper mega zoom lenses are cool, but you're better off getting them online anyway, less money.

jim

 

right now my Nikon set up consists of

Camera:
Nikon d70.

Lens:
Nikkor 18-70mm lens
Nikon 50mm f1.8
Sigma 70-300mm
Sigma 105mm macro lens

Flash Unit:
Nikon sb-800 speedlight
and some no name brand studio set up consisting of two soft boxes, and one umbrella with all wireless strobes... i got what i payed for... they stopped workin after the first shoot lol

and then of coarse a variation of filters including my most used one.. circular polarizer filter for my 18-70mm lens... if you dont have one ... get one... world of a difference with escaping glare.

what is in everyone elses collection?? dont post up your aintique cameras , i wanna know what you guys mostly shoot with now...

i also had a Canon 20d 2 years ago but sold it due to the fact i had so much money invested into nikon i couldnt start off new with canon just yet so i sold it...

 

Here's my gear

Camera: Canon 350D

Lenses:
Canon 18-55 (kit lens)
Canon 85 f/1.8 w/ PL
Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 w CPL

Planning on getting a 30D soon along with a Canon 70-200 f/4L
-GP-

 

nice... 350d is what? its the digital rebel or slong those lines right??

anyways goodluck gettin a 30d... you'll love it... i want one...

i play on both sides of the fence i guess haha... there is no darkside for me im a canon and nikon guy

 

i just purchased the EOS 20d, with a 50 f/1.8. loving it so far, but still researching a decent zoom, with a decent price tag.

 

Tamron 17 50 f/2.8 or Canon 17 40 f/4.0L are mid-price wide angle zooms that are worth buying.

 

+1

gr? steered me towards the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8, i got it and love it, great lens for the money.
-GP-

 

oh yeah? when i went to henrys, the local camera store, i was playing around with it, and although it was a really nice lense, the zoom and focus rings felt almost too stiff for comfort.

and the 17-40 L is definitely a lens i'm looking to invest it.

 

Right now I have a 30D

Canon 10-22
Canon 18-55
Canon 28-135 IS
Canon 70-200 F4L

Sigma EF500DG Super flash

next on the list is two strobes and a car rig =)

Any suggestions on the wattage for the strobes when it comes to shooting cars?

 

i can vouch for the 17-40L lens. i have it on my XTi and it's been great to me

 

i decided to not go for the 30D and ordered the 70-200 f/4L IS, should be here monday!
-GP-

 

What strobes are you looking at in particular? It really depends how many you plan on using, also... 2, 3, 4, 5?

If you're looking to overpower the ambient light, you can get by with 3-4 speedlites but if you want to use strobes, the Alien Bees B800 should suffice with 2.

I use the Alien Bees for studio-type shots but for on-site assignments, I prefer the flexibility of speedlites. I use the 580EX as a master with a 420EX as a slave. I'm always on the look out for cheap speedlites, though.

 

my new xti showed up today ... now it's time to learn how to use it

 

Canon crew +1