Canon or Nikon?

Elessar

Hi guys,

I'm thinking of getting myself a digital SLR and after careful research it has come down to two models: Canon's EOS 300D and Nikons D70.

The 300D is a bit cheaper than the D70 but lacks some functions. As far as I can tell, picture quality is almost identical. Does anyone have any experiences with either of these cameras? What would you recommend between the two?

Any help appreciated.

DotOrg

The 300D is a bit cheaper than the D70 but lacks some functions.

I use the 300D and I love it. What functions does it lack that you would use on a regular basis that the Nikon has.

Do you have any Canon or Nikon lenses because after a while you'll realise that your lenses are the most important piece of equipment.

Valentia

If it was just a choice between the D70 and the 300D i'd go for the D70 for build quality alone. But you have another choice. The Canon 10D has dropped a lot in price since the 20D came out and beats the socks off both the 300D and the D70. I have one and it is robust and great to use. The 300D is very plasticky and I wouldn't feel happy that it could cope with any hacking around.

I think you could get the 10D for less than the D70. That's some bargain!

I'm presuming you don't have any Nikon or Canon lenses.

I've just checked www.7dayshop.com and you can get the 10D for €1,079. Great value!

DotOrg

the 10D doesn't have that much that an amateur photographer really needs over the 300D

The 300D is very plasticky and I wouldn't feel happy that it could cope with any hacking around.

I've done around 20,000 shots with mine in the past 6 months and it's still in perfect condition. If I dropped a camera I'd be more worried about breaking a lens than the camera body itself.

elderlemon

DotOrg wrote:

the 10D doesn't have that much that an amateur photographer really needs over the 300D


I've done around 20,000 shots with mine in the past 6 months and it's still in perfect condition. If I dropped a camera I'd be more worried about breaking a lens than the camera body itself.

Absolutely - also you can install the Wasia firmware and it will give you almost all the features (well a lot of them) of the 10D at no additional cost. This also makes it way better than the D70.

gmt

Hi Elessar,

You are looking at this the wrong way. The question isn't really Nikon D70 or Canon 300D. Look at the lenses the systems offers and make your choice based on that.

I was where you are now about 8 months ago, deciding between Canon and Nikon. First I looked at the bodies (10D, 300D, D100, D70). Doesn't really matter too much, they are all great. Some better than others, though Then I looked at the glass and made up my mind.

The general opinion is that Canon is better on the tele end where Nikon is better on the wide end. I personally think they are pretty much on par.

You will spend between €1000 and €1500 on a body or body+kit lens (obviously you could just as well spend a tenner on a body, depending on your needs and wallet). Then the fun beginns. A nice wide angle lens, something tele, something light for travelling, a flashgun, bags...

I bought the Nikon D70+kit (18-70mm) when they released it back in March. Then I got a VR 24-120 (A-grade, ex demo). Then a used 70-210 and a VR 80-400 (love it). Next thing on my list is a SB800 flashgun. You see where the money goes, glass, not camera body. But keep in mind that the glass is an investment thats going to stay for years/decades. After a couple of years you will replace it for a better one.

Also, spend a little bit more on the glass in the first place. Don't buy the cheapest.

I personally would get the Nikon D70 again over the Canon 300D and 10D. Not sure if the 20D is better or worse than the D70 but I believe they are pretty much equal. Both allow you to make great photos.

Hope my babbaling helps you make a decision.

Michael

Elessar

Hi guys,

Thanks for the replies so far. The reason I thought of getting a DSLR was for superb image quality with more interesting artistic options than my compact digicam. I have little to no knowledge on photography let alone SLR photography. The 300Ds lense that comes with the kit is really all I would use (or the Nikon kit) because I've heard good reports about it and the pictures I've seen where it has been used are amazing.

Yes I agree the Nikon D70 is a better build quality and many reviews seem to choose it over the 300D, but I was thinking it might be a bit too complicated. The Canon 10D is another option but it has the same CMOS sensor as the 300D and there is a hacked firmware you can get for the 300D that adds some features to it the 10D boasts.

After some more careful research, I found out I can get a 300D with lens kit for about €800 from Ebay, add an extra €100 for a 1GB memory card. The Nikon kit is definately dearer, around €1000-€1100.

Although I would want to take some great artistic photos with the DSLR, I think it will be mostly a point and shoot affair for me, with perhaps some photoshop editing afterwards (If I ever figure out how to use it!). Although saying that I may get into the nitty gritty of photography if my interest becomes large enough. So have you guys any more opinions/ideas?

gmt

Elessar,

I was coming form a point and shoot as well. I am glad that I went for the more complicated one. It doesn't take that much effort, it's actually nice to learn yourself into it.

Whatever you go for, you will enjoy it. Did you go to a shop already to try them out side by side? Try Berminghams or Conns (even though Conns are a bit pricey for the service they provide but they have a prime location). Camera Exchange on St Gorges Street is good as well but make sure you deal with the oldish guy with the grey beard, Billie or Bobby or something like that

Valentia

You wont be disappointed with any of the cameras mentioned. The 300D kit seems to be the best option in your case. Getting your first SLR is a bit like getting your first computer. Initially you may feel that you will only be using it as a point and shoot but I guarantee you that will change very quickly as your curiosity and your skills increase

Good luck with it! There are hundreds of sites around that will help you with Photoshop. Have a look at Digital Photo magazine. They have tutorial videos on their CDs every month. You can also order back catalogue CDs. They are a great way of learning how to use Photoshop.

gmt

dpreview.com and fredmiranda.com are my favourites.

Have fun with your new camera, whichever one you go for.

DotOrg

once the body has options to change the shutter speed and the aperture and doesn't fall apart you have all you need to take absolutely amazing photos.

both cameras have very good sensors, better than the vast majority will need. if you get to the point where the sensor quality on these cameras isn't enough for you then you'll probably be a pro photographer.

if anyone who's not a pro can show me an example of one or other of these camera bodies limiting them i'd be amazed

nikon users will probably all recomend nikon, canon users will say canon

though you say you probably will only use the one standard lens, if this really is the case you may be just better off buying a cheaper point and shoot camera in my opinion

nutkase

gmt wrote:

Hi Elessar,

You are looking at this the wrong way. The question isn't really Nikon D70 or Canon 300D. Look at the lenses the systems offers and make your choice based on that.
The general opinion is that Canon is better on the tele end where Nikon is better on the wide end. I personally think they are pretty much on par.
Also, spend a little bit more on the glass in the first place. Don't buy the cheapest.

I personally would get worse than the D70 but I believe they are pretty much equal. Both allow you to make great photos.

Michael

Abseloutely, while I have not made the jump do a DSLR yet (I use an Olympus C4000) my SLR is a Nikon N50 (I use a scanner) the lenses I use are Nikon 28, a Nikon 35-80mm and Sigma 70-300mm to reinforce Michael's point about glass, care all of the lenses have filters UV for the smaller ones and a Poloraizing Filter on the 300. always clean the lenes after each shoot with disposable cloths (you change the oil in the car before the oil light comes on). With the brand name issue the only reason I would buy the Nikon over the Cannon is glass compatability just like I bought photoshop for windows. A great photoshop book: "the photoshop book for digital photographers" by Scott Kelby the editor of Photoshop user Magazine.

tribble

Elessar wrote:

Hi guys,
The 300Ds lense that comes with the kit is really all I would use (or the Nikon kit)

Smiles spot the newbie

Elessar wrote:

Yes I agree the Nikon D70 is a better build quality and many reviews seem to choose it over the 300D, but I was thinking it might be a bit too complicated.

Why didn't you look at the Pentax DS?

It's WAAAAAY smaller and ligher but better build than both the D70 and 300D.
Yet is based on the *ist which dpreview rates as high as a 10D.

tribble

chewy

wsa looking in shops today, saw the olympus u-v (stupid name thingy), what does anyone think of it as a mid range digital camera not thinking of buying it just seemed different to the canon and nikons

Valentia

Quote "Try Berminghams or Conns"

Do not, I repeat, do not go within a mile of Conns cameras. I don't know what Birmingham's are like on prices but I suspect that you will be ripped off if you buy any camera in this country. I bought the 10D on the net from the states, paid duty & vat and it still worked out €500 cheaper than Conns. If you know anyone going to New York they might drop into B & H for ya!

gmt

Let me clarify this. Go to Conns and play around with the gear. Buy somewhere else.