DSLR: Canon or Olympus or Nikon - choices, choices, choices!!!!

Kanedmick

Hi there!


I need some advice, please!!!

I have 4 DSLRs in mind, but cannot choose.

-Canon EOS 400D
-Olympus E-410 (got a very good review in this months "Digital camera buyer")
-Olympus E-510
-Nikon D40X


Which one is the best for the following:

-noobie
-indoor - lowlight most likely, interiors, portraits
-outdoor - landscape, action - team sports, buildings


Camera will be used regularly.

Any ideas?

dpreview comparative link:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_eos400d%2Coly_e410%2Coly_e510%2Cnikon_d40x&show=all

The E-410 is slightly ahead of the others.

All comments welcome and thank you in advance!

Paulw

I'd certainly recommend the Canon 400D. A very good film, very good at higher ISO, good FPS, and great selection of lenses.

But, more than anything, go in to a shop and feel the cameras. Hold them, look at them, see how they fit in your hands.

ThOnda

Don't forget Pentax K10D! Please... I really like controls of Pentax cameras. Or am I just used to it by having and using two of them?

Spyral

go the d40 not the x 6 megapixels is more than enough. if you are worried about megapixels shoot film (~22mpx)

get a d40 and a 55-200 lens. you will not look back

MysticalSoul

I have being using Canon cameras for years, and prior to Canon I used Olympus. Canon far outweighs Olympus any day. If you can, I would suggest going for the 350D Canon rather than the 400D. I started with an EOS300 and now have EOS 5D - no comparison. The lower the number in Canon, the better the quality.

Fionn

you'll find that there's as many opinions as camera makes, but i think it's fair to say that the majority of users on this forum use Canon with and far less using Nikon and other brands.

Dunno if there's such a thing as a perfect camera!!

Thrill

I've a Canon EOS 350D and have no complaints. It's a good camera.

As Paulw said, go to the stores and get your hands on them. You get a better idea of what they are really like than you would looking at the glossy pictures of them in magazines.

Stephen

^^ Yeah, I'm one of the Nikon outcasts

I use a Nikon D50, which has been discontinued and replaced with the D40. I just couldn't recommend the D40 series though, because of the whole no-AF-motor thing. The lack of a status screen on the top of the camera irks me too - you have to use the battery-hungry LCD display to do all that stuff on the D40 now. Do Sigma and the like make lenses that will autofocus on the D40/40X yet? I don't think even Nikon have a 50mm prime that will AF on the D40 series.

Bear in mind that your choice now is going to lock you into that manufacturer pretty much forever, unless you go and sell all your stuff in the future. If you thought vendor lock-in was bad in the IT business, you ain't seen nothing yet!

I think the low light/outdoor etc performance will come down to your choice of lenses more so than the camera body.

5uspect

Stephen wrote:

The lack of a status screen on the top of the camera irks me too - you have to use the battery-hungry LCD display to do all that stuff on the D40 now.

Thats something that worries me about the 400D too. The 350D has a split screen which I much prefer.

TBH Nikon and Canon have a great range of lenses. That should be a big factor to consider. Perhaps look at the D80 over the D40.
EDIT: D80 for €620 on Kea,

melekalikimaka

a d50/d70 s would be a better choice than the d40x, its a bit of a red herring

Stephen

Unfortunately both the D50 and D70/70s are discontinued, leaving the rather expensive D80 as the next choice. Something of a large gap in Nikon's product line now I think!

soccerc

Stephen wrote:

Unfortunately both the D50 and D70/70s are discontinued, leaving the rather expensive D80 as the next choice. Something of a large gap in Nikon's product line now I think!

Another Nikon outcast here.

Moved from a Fuji 2800Z to a Nikon D50 then to the D200.

You can still pick up a new D50 but you'll need to search.

Played with a d40 in the shop recently and was disappointed in it considering wha tit was replacing.

Sebzy

Kanedmick wrote:

Hi there!
-Canon EOS 400D
-Olympus E-410 (got a very good review in this months "Digital camera buyer")
-Olympus E-510
-Nikon D40X

Hmmm which to choose I'm an olympus man myself (E1,E300,E500)but not going to try convince you to but one.

Best thing would be walk into any well stocked camera shop and ask to see all the above have a play around and see which one suits you best.

The power is in your hands use it wisely.

Kanedmick

Thanks a mil folks!!

I really appreciate the input!

The voting stands as follows:

Canon certainly seems to be the fav. for the majority followed by the Nikon, but not the model I mentioned.

While the latest Olympus models are getting good reviews as we speak, they seem to be arriving a little late on the scene and therefore don't have much of a fanbase.

So, as it stands with the comments so far and further internet research, the Canon 400D would seem to be the more solid, less risky choice.

But, I will go and check these out in a shop to get a "feel" for them before making a final decision and also wait and see if there are any further interesting insights posted on this thread.

Thanks again folks!

5uspect

good luck!

bp_me

Stephen wrote:

^^ Yeah, I'm one of the Nikon outcasts

I use a Nikon D50, which has been discontinued and replaced with the D40. I just couldn't recommend the D40 series though, because of the whole no-AF-motor thing.

This is really only going to be an issue for someone who want's to use no AF-S lenses, and the way things are going, the nikkor lenses are slowly going AF-S and there are some great ones already anyway.

Stephen wrote:

The lack of a status screen on the top of the camera irks me too - you have to use the battery-hungry LCD display to do all that stuff on the D40 now.

agreed

Stephen wrote:

Do Sigma and the like make lenses that will autofocus on the D40/40X yet? I don't think even Nikon have a 50mm prime that will AF on the D40 series.

Sigma HSM should af on the d40(x). No, there arent currently any nikon AF-S primes (at the lower end anyway) that I am aware of.


Some said to get the d40 over the d40x.... dont listen.. the d40x is worth the extra just for the iso100 setting imo. The main reason I waited for the d80 instead of getting a d70.

melekalikimaka

all hsm but the 400 prime with IS i think work...i THINK

Thirdfox

I got to say that the D40 is a pretty good camera (I own one).

All the cameras you mentioned will probably get the job done...but I like the feel of the Nikon. Paired with the 55-200 VR and it's a great camera.

Pic below taken with the kit lens (18-55):

m_stan

Thirdfox wrote:

I got to say that the D40 is a pretty good camera (I own one).

All the cameras you mentioned will probably get the job done...but I like the feel of the Nikon. Paired with the 55-200 VR and it's a great camera.

Pic below taken with the kit lens (18-55):

niiiice shot !!!

Sebzy

Hey Thirdfox thats a very bad nearly useless example of what the kit lens can do how about showing us what came out of the camera before it was processed.

5uspect

Whatever about the D40 I wouldn't judge a body based on its kit lens.
(That is a very nice shot BTW)

Kanedmick, for me it would be beteen the D80 and the 400D. I'd go for the D80 personally. Here the links to Kea in Hong Kong.
http://cgi.ebay.ie/Nikon-D80-Digital-SLR-Camera-Body-IR-Remote-NEW-5G_W0QQitemZ200127639191QQihZ010QQcategoryZ31388QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem
and with the kit lens:
http://cgi.ebay.ie/Nikon-D80-Digital-SLR-18-135mm-Lens-KIT-Brand-NEW-CM_W0QQitemZ200127661211QQihZ010QQcategoryZ31388QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

thebaz

does anyone here use the Sony slr , it got great reviews when it came out, i nearly went for it, and a year later regret not getting it instead of the nikon d 50.

The d 50 is fine , kind of middle of the road !!!

Thirdfox

Sebzy wrote:

Hey Thirdfox thats a very bad nearly useless example of what the kit lens can do how about showing us what came out of the camera before it was processed.

Lol, in many ways true - I suppose I should have made myself clearer for posting that photo - it was meant to convey that most dSLRs nowadays is adequate for most people (and more advanced than many require). You don't need a Mark 1 with a E16,000 lens hanging off it to take "good" photos - even the lowly kit lens, when proper post-processing has been applied to it can yield results that are pleasing to the eye.

I just wanted to remind that for all the talk of technological improvements etc. the photographer is still the most important part of the creative process. The camera is just a tool

5uspect: Many people don't buy more lenses for their camera...if one is stuck with the kit lens I wanted to show that you can still take great photos. Investment in fast/expensive lenses may not be a necessity.

Oh and I chose the D40 for its small size and great feel. Remember to actually see the cameras in the flesh before making a decision.

Any camera in your list won't have you disappointed!

5uspect

Thirdfox wrote:

5uspect: Many people don't buy more lenses for their camera...if one is stuck with the kit lens I wanted to show that you can still take great photos. Investment in fast/expensive lenses may not be a necessity.

Oh I know, I both Canon Kit lenses!
Tho as soon as this PhD is finished I'm getting me some shiny stuff!

duffarama

If you're looking for the best lens and body package I'd say try get one of the twin kit's from olympus, both lenses are very good quality, much better then the kit lenses on the nikon and the canon in particular.

I myself have the twin kit of the e-410, haven't used it much so far but i've been impressed with some shots i took even though i'm still learning the ropes! Also with an adapter you can use old nikkor lenses and old OM lenses.

Sebzy

duffarama wrote:

If you're looking for the best lens and body package I'd say try get one of the twin kit's from olympus, both lenses are very good quality, much better then the kit lenses on the nikon and the canon in particular.

I myself have the twin kit of the e-410, haven't used it much so far but i've been impressed with some shots i took even though i'm still learning the ropes! Also with an adapter you can use old nikkor lenses and old OM lenses.

Well if your looking at Olympus consider the following

E-510 Dual lens pack for €999 (this is high street retail price)

10MP E510 Body with Anti-Dust, IS and LiveView
14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 ED Lens
40-150mm 1:4.0-5.6 ED Lens
High Capacity 1500mAh Lithium battery

E-410 Dual lens pack for €899 (this is high street retail price)
10MP E410 Body with Anti-Dust and LiveView
14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 ED Lens
40-150mm 1:4.0-5.6 ED Lens
High Capacity 1500mAh Lithium battery

The advantages over the other DSLR brands are
- ALL lenses are interchangeable from the consumer grade bodies right up to the Pro models.
- Interchangeable bodies from Panasonic and Leica.
- Proven Anti-Dust system over the last 4 years. (Sensor never needs to be cleaned)
- IS in body on the E510 that means all your lenses are Image stabilised even the cheap ones.
- 2x crop factor this gives you small lenses with lots of power

Now the disadvantages
- Pro and Top Pro lenses are expensive
- Canon and Nikon users may not be nice to you.
- Image noise over ISO1600 is hard to manage but usable.

mhoward

ThOnda wrote:

Don't forget Pentax K10D! Please... I really like controls of Pentax cameras. Or am I just used to it by having and using two of them?

Why do pentax use AA batteries ?

mathias

Really sorry but I cant let these two points go ,

Proven Anti-Dust system over the last 4 years. (Sensor never needs to be cleaned)

While its probably better than most , it will still get dirty , no anti dust system is perfect and not all dirt that gets in there is dry , which is where it falls down , since I let it be known that I have a cleaning kit , two of these babies have come to me for a clean.
One from a beach shoot and one from a racetrack. If you change lenses , dirt gets in there , simple as !!

- 2x crop factor this gives you small lenses with lots of power

A pro on the long end , and should also have been included in the Cons for killing the short end , getting a good wide angle for a 2 X crop is a killer , so if you like shooting landscapes this is really bad.

Spyral

the EU parliment, done by my self its not modded or anything so that's it with the d40 kit lens.

Sebzy

mathias wrote:

Really sorry but I cant let these two points go ,
While its probably better than most , it will still get dirty , no anti dust system is perfect and not all dirt that gets in there is dry ,

True if I was to stick anything more than just dust inside the body the Anti-Dust would not get it clean it works by shaking the sensor with ultrasonics and only works with dry particles. So to be clear it wont clean fingerprints, muud,oils not blood. Well now that that's all clear I've used my 3 bodies now for nearly 4 years and taken over 80K shots between them and to date you can test them all to find a crystal clear sensor. Mind you do have a spec of dust inside my 50-200.

mathias wrote:

A pro on the long end , and should also have been included in the Cons for killing the short end , getting a good wide angle for a 2 X crop is a killer , so if you like shooting landscapes this is really bad.

True true true all you have to choose from is the following

ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 8mm F3.5 Fisheye
ZUIKO DIGITAL 11-22mm F2.8-3.5
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 7-14mm F4.0

Have the 11-22mm myself and it's very wide and I'm very happy with it.

Shot taken at 11mm last weekend


Oh wait a sec that was taken with the standard lens 14-54mm sorry thought I had the wide lens on

stereoroid

mhoward wrote:

Why do pentax use AA batteries ?

I normally use NiMH AAs in my *ist DS, but you can pop in some Alkaline AAs for a few more shots if they run out.

However, the K10D uses a custom battery, not AAs. Or two, if you add the optional Battery Grip.

Arciphel

i went through this process myself not so long ago and plumped for a d40x with the nikkor 18-135mm lens. bought it off e-bay, got both for about €700 which i think was a very good deal (new, not second hand) along with a 4GB SD card. Have only been playing around with it this week and am new to the whole photography thing but so far i am very happy with the camera. bit of a hassle importing the RAW NEF files though, until Adobe come out with a RAW update you will have to convert to DNG but you don't loose anything in the process in any case. when i get home later i will post some un-altered shots i took last night. Sharpness is excellent but i find a lot of vignetting at the edges of the 18-135mm lens, but you can remove this when you import in DNG anyway in Adobe ImageReady or Lightroom.

foxtail

thebaz wrote:

does anyone here use the Sony slr , it got great reviews when it came out, i nearly went for it, and a year later regret not getting it instead of the nikon d 50.

The d 50 is fine , kind of middle of the road !!!

hey i had a sony alpha a100 until a couple months ago when a burgler thought he could find better use for it:rolleyes: . it was my first dslr so factor that into my opinion. i loved it. downsides:
- low light performance not terrific but i good results with free noise-reduction software.
positives important to me:
- battery lasts forever (modified camcorder battery)
- great user interface
- great sharpness, image quality
- in-body image stabilisation very useful
- anti-dust shake

having said that i'll probably replace it with pentax K10d since prices have come down to what i originally bought the alpha for, and the k10d has more features i would use (all-weather body sealing, for example).

5uspect

foxtail wrote:

hey i had a sony alpha a100 until a couple months ago when a burgler thought he could find better use for it:rolleyes: . it was my first dslr so factor that into my opinion. i loved it. downsides:
- low light performance not terrific but i good results with free noise-reduction software.
positives important to me:
- battery lasts forever (modified camcorder battery)
- great user interface
- great sharpness, image quality
- in-body image stabilisation very useful
- anti-dust shake

having said that i'll probably replace it with pentax K10d since prices have come down to what i originally bought the alpha for, and the k10d has more features i would use (all-weather body sealing, for example).

I always wondered about the sensor based IS in the alpha. Is it really good?

StephenC_IRL

irishamethyst wrote:

I have being using Canon cameras for years, and prior to Canon I used Olympus. Canon far outweighs Olympus any day. If you can, I would suggest going for the 350D Canon rather than the 400D. I started with an EOS300 and now have EOS 5D - no comparison. The lower the number in Canon, the better the quality.

yeah sorry to say your wrong there, i understand the 5d , 1d, 30 d bit but the 400d is the better replacment to the 350d, and the 30d is better than the 10d , so i have to say your wrong, but

EOS 400d double lens kit (camera, battery grip, 18-55mm, 55-200mm) all under 1500 and you get 80 euro rebate back

mathias

It would be more accurate to say that the lower the number of digits , the better the camera , within any group of digits , ( hundreds , tens , singles , the higher number is supposedly better ) , though in the case of the 400D versus the 350d , the setup LCD was removed , which would be a big minus for me !

foxtail

5uspect wrote:

I always wondered about the sensor based IS in the alpha. Is it really good?

the difference was definitely noticeable, i didn't study it but i'd say you'd be close enough to the 3-stop difference sony claims.
the eye-start feature was really good too, a sensor just below the view finder that turns off LCD and starts the AF when you come up to it - probably helps to get that awesome battery performance

5uspect

Its a clever idea alright, I wonder if Canon or Nikon would follow suit with similar body based IS. I'd imagine they're happy to keep it lens based and charge for the pleasure.

Does the autofoucs focus when you eye it up automatically without any button press? That sounds a bit weird! Next thing we'll have gaze tracking focus points.

foxtail

mmmm don't know if it's equal in performance to having IS lenses but definitely adds value to the non-IS ones.

the eye-start is a bit wierd but you get used to it, i'll definitely miss it if i move to the k10d. initially annoying since anything within the distance triggers it but got used to holding it facing away from me, and you can turn it off altogether