Digital SLR opinions?

[Ext User(Bob Milutinovic)]

G'day, folks.

I've fought the photography bug for far too many years, and have decided to
get back in with some caution. I've still got a bevy of decent 35mm cameras
from "back in the good ol' days," but am looking to weigh in at the shallow
end of the digital SLR field.

Currently looking at these cameras;
Canon EOS-350D
Nikon D-50
Olympus E-300
Pentax *ist DS (or DL)

Each of these cameras has its own benefits; though I'm not too fussed on the
difference between 6Mp and 8Mp sensors (6Mp'll do just fine for me), I'd
like to ask people here who've had experiences with at least one of the
above, on their opinions and recommendations.

I'm trying to keep my budget below the $1500 mark.

Thanks in advance for any and all replies :-)

- Bob.

[Ext User(Sandgroper)]

"Bob Milutinovic" <someone@somewhere.on.the.inter.net> wrote in message
news:43979eac$1@dnews.tpgi.com.au...
> G'day, folks.
>
> I've fought the photography bug for far too many years, and have decided
to
> get back in with some caution. I've still got a bevy of decent 35mm
cameras
> from "back in the good ol' days," but am looking to weigh in at the
shallow
> end of the digital SLR field.
>
> Currently looking at these cameras;
> Canon EOS-350D
> Nikon D-50
> Olympus E-300
> Pentax *ist DS (or DL)
>
> Each of these cameras has its own benefits; though I'm not too fussed on
the
> difference between 6Mp and 8Mp sensors (6Mp'll do just fine for me), I'd
> like to ask people here who've had experiences with at least one of the
> above, on their opinions and recommendations.
>
> I'm trying to keep my budget below the $1500 mark.
>
> Thanks in advance for any and all replies :-)


This web page may be helpful , it has quite a lot of camera reviews.

http://www.steves-digicams.com/hardware_reviews.html


--
------------------------------------
True Multitasking is having three computers and a chair with wheels.


Sandgroper
------------------------------------
Remove KNICKERS to Email
steveray@KNICKERSiinet.net.au

[Ext User(schmierer2@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au)]

Bob Milutinovic wrote:
> G'day, folks.
>
> I've fought the photography bug for far too many years, and have decided to
> get back in with some caution. I've still got a bevy of decent 35mm cameras
> from "back in the good ol' days," but am looking to weigh in at the shallow
> end of the digital SLR field.
>
> Currently looking at these cameras;
> Canon EOS-350D
> Nikon D-50
> Olympus E-300
> Pentax *ist DS (or DL)
>
> Each of these cameras has its own benefits; though I'm not too fussed on the
> difference between 6Mp and 8Mp sensors (6Mp'll do just fine for me), I'd
> like to ask people here who've had experiences with at least one of the
> above, on their opinions and recommendations.
>
> I'm trying to keep my budget below the $1500 mark.
>
> Thanks in advance for any and all replies :-)
>
> - Bob.

Hey Bob. They'll all take great photos. If you've got a bit of 35mm
equipment then go with the body that will be compatible with your
existing lenses.

And yes, 6MP is fine. I got a 20" x 30" print done recently from my
D70 and it looks terrific.

[Ext User(Matt Richards)]

<schmierer2@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au> wrote in message
news:1134016401.323346.34480@z14g2000cwz.googlegro ups.com...
>
> Bob Milutinovic wrote:
> > G'day, folks.
> >
> > I've fought the photography bug for far too many years, and have decided
to
> > get back in with some caution. I've still got a bevy of decent 35mm
cameras
> > from "back in the good ol' days," but am looking to weigh in at the
shallow
> > end of the digital SLR field.
> >
> > Currently looking at these cameras;
> > Canon EOS-350D
> > Nikon D-50
> > Olympus E-300
> > Pentax *ist DS (or DL)
> >
> > Each of these cameras has its own benefits; though I'm not too fussed on
the
> > difference between 6Mp and 8Mp sensors (6Mp'll do just fine for me), I'd
> > like to ask people here who've had experiences with at least one of the
> > above, on their opinions and recommendations.
> >
> > I'm trying to keep my budget below the $1500 mark.
> >
> > Thanks in advance for any and all replies :-)
> >
> > - Bob.
>
> Hey Bob. They'll all take great photos. If you've got a bit of 35mm
> equipment then go with the body that will be compatible with your
> existing lenses.
>
> And yes, 6MP is fine. I got a 20" x 30" print done recently from my
> D70 and it looks terrific.
>

I've got an A3 print from my 5MP Kodak P&S that looks great too.

I really like my 350D, which you can get for less than $1500 these days. You
need to think about lenses - the kit lens isn't the only lens you'll ever
need. I've spent as much on lenses as I did on the camera (and I've only
bought 2 additional lenses - 50mm f/1.8 and 70-200 f/4L).

If Bob's old 35mm film lenses are compatible with any of the current DSLRs,
then that would be the obvious one to get.

Matt.

[Ext User(Pete D)]

"Bob Milutinovic" <someone@somewhere.on.the.inter.net> wrote in message
news:43979eac$1@dnews.tpgi.com.au...
> G'day, folks.
>
> I've fought the photography bug for far too many years, and have decided
> to
> get back in with some caution. I've still got a bevy of decent 35mm
> cameras
> from "back in the good ol' days," but am looking to weigh in at the
> shallow
> end of the digital SLR field.
>
> Currently looking at these cameras;
> Canon EOS-350D
> Nikon D-50
> Olympus E-300
> Pentax *ist DS (or DL)
>
> Each of these cameras has its own benefits; though I'm not too fussed on
> the
> difference between 6Mp and 8Mp sensors (6Mp'll do just fine for me), I'd
> like to ask people here who've had experiences with at least one of the
> above, on their opinions and recommendations.
>
> I'm trying to keep my budget below the $1500 mark.
>
> Thanks in advance for any and all replies :-)
>
> - Bob.


Bob,

All of them will take great shots, personally I don't like the handling of
the 350D, you may. The Pentax Ds may not be available, mind you they are so
good that I bought one, get onto CR Kennedy to find out where one may be
available. The D50 is very nice and by all accounts takes better shots than
the D70. You may find the E300 lens choice limiting, check this out before
commiting. Also worth pricing what accessories you may want to buy, some
flashes will cost over half the cost of the camera and lenses can be more.

I cannot recomend enough that you go into a shop and play with each camera.

www.dpreview.com will let you do a side by side comparison of all the
features of all these cameras but keep in mind that some features may have
been improved by firmware upgrades.

Cheers.

Pete

[Ext User(Jasen)]

"Bob Milutinovic" <someone@somewhere.on.the.inter.net> wrote in message
news:43979eac$1@dnews.tpgi.com.au...
> G'day, folks.
>
> I've fought the photography bug for far too many years, and have decided
> to
> get back in with some caution. I've still got a bevy of decent 35mm
> cameras
> from "back in the good ol' days," but am looking to weigh in at the
> shallow
> end of the digital SLR field.
>
> Currently looking at these cameras;
> Canon EOS-350D
> Nikon D-50
> Olympus E-300
> Pentax *ist DS (or DL)
>
> Each of these cameras has its own benefits; though I'm not too fussed on
> the
> difference between 6Mp and 8Mp sensors (6Mp'll do just fine for me), I'd
> like to ask people here who've had experiences with at least one of the
> above, on their opinions and recommendations.
>
> I'm trying to keep my budget below the $1500 mark.
>
> Thanks in advance for any and all replies :-)
>
> - Bob.
>
>

They're all pretty good cameras, but why didn't you include the Minolta
line-up? Just curious.
I've got the 7D and its great. The anti-shake is fab, but there is probably
a newer version of it coming out next year......but isn't that just the case
with everything!

[Ext User(BigPix)]

Hey Bob..
I have several Olympus E300 cameras I bought since October for the Santa
concessions. These cameras are pretty slick things and you might still find
one of the model runouts for $940. These cameras don't need to have their
"kit" lenses replaced to take good pictures. The lenses are first class out
of the box. Here are some pictures I shot in RAW mode:
http://www.auspics.com/RAWs
And here are the very first shots I took with the first E300:
http://www.auspics.com/rainforest
If you want a really good value deal, I have that one for sale. It has done
4 or 5 hundred shots (or thereabouts). I bought it intending to get a
shopping centre concession I missed out on so I have no use for it other
than as a Christmas gift for someone - no, you don't qualify, sorry!.

It is a complete "kit" for digital photographers. The camera with a 14-55
lens (35mm = 28-110) and a 40-150 lens (35mm = 80-300). this is known as the
"twin lens kit" plus I have a battery grip and Olympus flash to go with it.
This lot cost me over $2200 less than 2 months ago. If you are interested,
$1600 and it's yours with 10 months warranty and a guarantee it's in
pristine condition. Email me privately if you are interested.
canvaspix@yahoo.com.au and I'll send you the pictures of it.

--
----m0o0m
"Bob Milutinovic" <someone@somewhere.on.the.inter.net> wrote in message
news:43979eac$1@dnews.tpgi.com.au...
> G'day, folks.
>
> I've fought the photography bug for far too many years, and have decided
> to
> get back in with some caution. I've still got a bevy of decent 35mm
> cameras
> from "back in the good ol' days," but am looking to weigh in at the
> shallow
> end of the digital SLR field.
>
> Currently looking at these cameras;
> Canon EOS-350D
> Nikon D-50
> Olympus E-300
> Pentax *ist DS (or DL)
>
> Each of these cameras has its own benefits; though I'm not too fussed on
> the
> difference between 6Mp and 8Mp sensors (6Mp'll do just fine for me), I'd
> like to ask people here who've had experiences with at least one of the
> above, on their opinions and recommendations.
>
> I'm trying to keep my budget below the $1500 mark.
>
> Thanks in advance for any and all replies :-)
>
> - Bob.
>
>

[Ext User(Julian)]

Hey Bob,

Definitely agree with the others regarding lens choice... after all,
the SLR is a "system" which you extend with lenses and accessories.

I would say that the best lens offerings are from the Canon and Nikon
stable, although I'm sure the others have pretty good ones too.

I just recently bought a Nikon D50 - very happy with it...

Jules
--
http://www.shuttertalk.com
The friendliest digital photography forums on the net!

[Ext User(Rusty Gunn)]

Hi Bob

You might also want to look at the new Olympus E-500.


--
Regards

Rustry Gunn

(please remove yourjacket when replying)


"Bob Milutinovic" <someone@somewhere.on.the.inter.net> wrote in message
news:43979eac$1@dnews.tpgi.com.au...
> G'day, folks.
>
> I've fought the photography bug for far too many years, and have decided
> to
> get back in with some caution. I've still got a bevy of decent 35mm
> cameras
> from "back in the good ol' days," but am looking to weigh in at the
> shallow
> end of the digital SLR field.
>
> Currently looking at these cameras;
> Canon EOS-350D
> Nikon D-50
> Olympus E-300
> Pentax *ist DS (or DL)
>
> Each of these cameras has its own benefits; though I'm not too fussed on
> the
> difference between 6Mp and 8Mp sensors (6Mp'll do just fine for me), I'd
> like to ask people here who've had experiences with at least one of the
> above, on their opinions and recommendations.
>
> I'm trying to keep my budget below the $1500 mark.
>
> Thanks in advance for any and all replies :-)
>
> - Bob.
>
>

[Ext User(kosh)]

Rusty Gunn wrote:
> Hi Bob
>
> You might also want to look at the new Olympus E-500.
>
>

saw a series of test shots printed from Steves-digicams.com

d50 , 350D, istDL, E500

the performance drop from the Nikon and Canon was a long drop indeed. I
was actually quite surprised... the E-500 was woeful when compared.

I was shown the prints.... I did not source them myself, however if the
comparisons were correct..... it's a 2 horse race only .... canon-nikon

the samples were of a standard scene with Steve's M&M guy and a american
flag..... the close-crop on the flag was where the biggest difference
was..... also a pic of a baboon was pretty starling. You could hardly
make out it's eyes with the pentax shot.


kosh

[Ext User(Pete D)]

> was..... also a pic of a baboon was pretty starling. You could hardly make
> out it's eyes with the pentax shot.
>
>
> kosh

That is very annoying, the RAW output is very good but the jpeg suffers
somewhat from what appears to be a poor conversion algorithm, it's silly
because the D70/s and the Ds/l use the same Sony sensor.

[sir_bazz]

You'll never know the difference between any of the entry level dslr's in prints up to 8 x 10.

Forget about reviews with 100% crops because no one ever prints them and hangs them on their walls.

bazz.

[Ext User(Pete D)]

"sir_bazz" <sir_bazz.1ztfh3@no-mx.phorums.com.au> wrote in message
news:sir_bazz.1ztfh3@no-mx.phorums.com.au...
>
> You'll never know the difference between any of the entry level dslr's
> in prints up to 8 x 10.
>
> Forget about reviews with 100% crops because no one ever prints them
> and hangs them on their walls.
>
> bazz.

Agree, I have had some printed at A3 size and was extremely pleased with the
results from jpeg.

[Ext User(kosh)]

sir_bazz wrote:
> You'll never know the difference between any of the entry level dslr's
> in prints up to 8 x 10.
>
> Forget about reviews with 100% crops because no one ever prints them
> and hangs them on their walls.
>
> bazz.
>
>
agreed... but before shelling out a grand or more...... why not get the
best?!? unless of course your a commited to a lens system.... then it is
really splitting hairs.

kosh

[sir_bazz]

agreed... but before shelling out a grand or more...... why not get the
best?!? unless of course your a commited to a lens system.... then it is
really splitting hairs.

kosh

Because unfortunately the best sensor, at entry level anyway, is housed in the worst body.

cheers,
bazz.

[Ext User(Pete D)]

"kosh" <akoshn@spamhotmail.com> wrote in message
news:hJUmf.17454$ea6.4519@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
> sir_bazz wrote:
>> You'll never know the difference between any of the entry level dslr's
>> in prints up to 8 x 10.
>>
>> Forget about reviews with 100% crops because no one ever prints them
>> and hangs them on their walls.
>>
>> bazz.
>>
>>
> agreed... but before shelling out a grand or more...... why not get the
> best?!? unless of course your a commited to a lens system.... then it is
> really splitting hairs.
>
> kosh

When it comes down to it and you are shooting RAW the difference is
absolutely minimal and you really need to look at other features, I did and
the cheaper Canons fail for me in a number of areas. When you have a closer
look that initial investment of "a grand" is pretty minimal in the scheme of
things, pick the camera that you are happy to use rather than the one that
some reviewer likes.

[Ext User(Pete D)]

"Pete D" <no@email.com> wrote in message
news:Apknf.18446$ea6.11321@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
>
> "kosh" <akoshn@spamhotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:hJUmf.17454$ea6.4519@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
>> sir_bazz wrote:
>>> You'll never know the difference between any of the entry level dslr's
>>> in prints up to 8 x 10.
>>>
>>> Forget about reviews with 100% crops because no one ever prints them
>>> and hangs them on their walls.
>>>
>>> bazz.
>>>
>>>
>> agreed... but before shelling out a grand or more...... why not get the
>> best?!? unless of course your a commited to a lens system.... then it is
>> really splitting hairs.
>>
>> kosh
>
> When it comes down to it and you are shooting RAW the difference is
> absolutely minimal and you really need to look at other features, I did
> and the cheaper Canons fail for me in a number of areas. When you have a
> closer look that initial investment of "a grand" is pretty minimal in the
> scheme of things, pick the camera that you are happy to use rather than
> the one that some reviewer likes.

And feature for feature the little Canons get beaten by pretty much all the
others.

[Ext User(kosh)]

Pete D wrote:
> "Pete D" <no@email.com> wrote in message
> news:Apknf.18446$ea6.11321@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
>
>>"kosh" <akoshn@spamhotmail.com> wrote in message
>>news:hJUmf.17454$ea6.4519@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
>>
>>>sir_bazz wrote:
>>>
>>>>You'll never know the difference between any of the entry level dslr's
>>>>in prints up to 8 x 10.
>>>>
>>>>Forget about reviews with 100% crops because no one ever prints them
>>>>and hangs them on their walls.
>>>>
>>>>bazz.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>agreed... but before shelling out a grand or more...... why not get the
>>>best?!? unless of course your a commited to a lens system.... then it is
>>>really splitting hairs.
>>>
>>>kosh
>>
>>When it comes down to it and you are shooting RAW the difference is
>>absolutely minimal and you really need to look at other features, I did
>>and the cheaper Canons fail for me in a number of areas. When you have a
>>closer look that initial investment of "a grand" is pretty minimal in the
>>scheme of things, pick the camera that you are happy to use rather than
>>the one that some reviewer likes.
>
>
> And feature for feature the little Canons get beaten by pretty much all the
> others.
>
>

also agreed.... saw quite a few ixus shots.... anytime it had a bright
backlight situation.... there seemed to be chromatic abberation. for the
price they are charging...... it's all about the looks and name.

and while I'm at it...... another 2 pissed off customers because Canon
can't seem to get their shit together.. failing to supply stock becuase
of a monumental stuff up..... and not botherering to advise they were
simply sitting on the stock... because nobody could be bothered to pick
up a phone or send an e-mail.
grrrr

kosh

[Ext User(Bob Milutinovic)]

"Jasen" <jasen1970@ozemail.com.au> wrote in message
news:43982057$0$22296$5a62ac22@per-qv1-newsreader-01.iinet.net.au...
>
> "Bob Milutinovic" <someone@somewhere.on.the.inter.net> wrote in message
> news:43979eac$1@dnews.tpgi.com.au...
> > G'day, folks.
> >
> > I've fought the photography bug for far too many years, and have decided
> > to
> > get back in with some caution. I've still got a bevy of decent 35mm
> > cameras
> > from "back in the good ol' days," but am looking to weigh in at the
> > shallow
> > end of the digital SLR field.
> >
> > Currently looking at these cameras;
> > Canon EOS-350D
> > Nikon D-50
> > Olympus E-300
> > Pentax *ist DS (or DL)
> >
> > Each of these cameras has its own benefits; though I'm not too fussed on
> > the
> > difference between 6Mp and 8Mp sensors (6Mp'll do just fine for me), I'd
> > like to ask people here who've had experiences with at least one of the
> > above, on their opinions and recommendations.
> >
> > I'm trying to keep my budget below the $1500 mark.
> >
> > Thanks in advance for any and all replies :-)
> >
> > - Bob.
> >
> >
>
> They're all pretty good cameras, but why didn't you include the Minolta
> line-up? Just curious.
> I've got the 7D and its great. The anti-shake is fab, but there is
probably
> a newer version of it coming out next year......but isn't that just the
case
> with everything!
>

Thanks, Jasen.

Pursuant to your recommendation, I popped into a local camera store and had
a "touchy-feely" session with a Dynax 5D. Not quite up to par (nor price)
with your 7D, but an admirable unit nonetheless - and the reviews I've found
subsequently on the internet confirm that it'd most likely be the choice I
should go for.

Now comes the hunt for accessories, pricing and bundles. I think a trip down
to the city would be the order of the day, as that's where the highest
concentration of dealers is, and one would assume the most cut-throat
competition price-wise.

- Bob.

[Ext User(Bob Milutinovic)]

"Bob Milutinovic" <someone@somewhere.on.the.inter.net> wrote in message
news:43979eac$1@dnews.tpgi.com.au...
>
> ...
>
> Currently looking at these cameras;
> Canon EOS-350D
> Nikon D-50
> Olympus E-300
> Pentax *ist DS (or DL)
>
> ...
>

Many thanks to you all for your replies; a number of points were brought up
which I hadn't even considered earlier (most notably the image processor
performance in compressing to JPEG), and collectively you've managed to
steer me in the (what I would hope to be "right") direction of an
appropriate purchase.

Ultimately the choice for me seems to be balanced between the Nikon D50 and
the Konica-Minolta 5D, with the latter having a healthy lead at the moment.
The Canon and Olympus had (per your suggestions and my subsequent
investigations) less-than-perfect performance when it came to JPEG
compression, whilst the Pentax inspired absolutely no confidence in me with
a sub-standard Sigma lens (yes, I could source the body only and get a
decent lens separately, but that'd jack the total price over what it's
worth).

What an excellent excuse to take the kids out for an excursion 'round the
city this weekend ;-)

Thanks again,

- Bob.