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Help,
I want to buy a digital SLR early next year but dont know what to go for. I think I will have to stick with Nikon, and I have been waiting for the release of the D200, but it never seems to appear. Incidentally, has anybody heard anything about this?
I am primarily a landscape photographer, and so dont need it to be super fast or lots of continuous frame shooting etc. But I want it to be the best quality for the price. I have had reservations about the D70 - Ive heard its an excellent camera and great value, but will the picture quality be as good as something of say, the quality of the Canon 20D? I keep reading that the mp count does not matter that much, but I want to be able to print my pictures at 300dpi, A3 size. Can I do this with a 6mp camera? Also, whats the biggest file size that you can save your pictures to on the D70. I thought it was only about 4mb (but I could be wrong). I scan my slides at 28mb and thats pretty small thesedays, so why are digital file sizes so small.
I suppose my options are the D70, the Fuji S3 pro or await the D200, whenever that is.
If anybody can provide any guidance for somebody who knows very little about digital cameras I would be very grateful.
Thanks,
Adam.
Adam, with the quality of your work, I would be inclined to go for broke and get the D2X. Due out in the new year, it has 12mp and will do the fast stuff as well.
The only alternative, as you do not need speed of operation would be the Kodak SLR/n which has a full frame sensor.
Ian
Combining Nikon and landscapes, then you only have the two options mentioned by Ian. Sadly, I wouldn't put my confidence on the durability of the Kodak out in the rough and tumble of the field.
But I just think that you'll be let down when you lose the full effect of wide angle.
You know you want a Canon.
Please can somebody explain why I should have a Canon. Is it just because of the full frame thingy, or is the quality of the cheaper Nikons letting them down, as far as landscapes are concerned. If it is just the full frame issue, then that would mean I would need to buy a 1DSmk2 which would break the bank (plus the Canon lenses to go with it - arrrgghh). I really dont think I can justify spending thousands on a camera I really dont know how all you guys afford to! Are you all rich? Can you buy me one? I would be very grateful!
How much will the D2X be? Im guessing it will be a lot of dosh? Will it be much cheaper in the US? Please dont tell me about the tax man etc. My fianc will buy it she lives in the US at the moment, and is returning home to live in March so it will be exempt from import tax etc.
I must admit, I really would like a full frame sensor so I dont lose the wide angle capabilities that I love. But that issue aside, are there any other differences in image quality between the high-end, mid-range and budget slrs?
To be fair, a 6mp camera is going to produce a decent A3 print. It really is a case of how serious you want your work to be. Outside of MF, then DSLR landscape work at the top end is, in the main, captured on the 1DS.
But even at A3, the level of detail captured in the foreground of 11mp plus can be eye opening to say the least and I used the 1DSII over a couple of days and was gobsmacked. Also, you'll get the files for stock, if that's your thing, and in landscape, interpolation is a real no-no.
My guess with the DX2 would be around the 3500 mark...could be proved wrong.
There are a limitted number of sensors out there and the image quality is of course set by the sensor, lenses and software. To my knowledge, unless the sensor is bigger(i.e) full frame, you get the same image quality for a given generation of camera.
So for the Canons the 300D and 10D for example have the same image quality, and I believe the D70 is in the same ball park. What you pay for is features (usualy frame rate or improved focusing) and sometimes a more robust body.
The D70 will be capable of good landscapes. You know about lenses and what focal range you need. The crop factor may be a problem for you. A full frame is probably best for you, but it is a cost trade off issue.
To take the Canon range as an example shooting landscape.
10D and 300D no difference
20D higher resolution, lower noise.
1D MKII as 20D but less of a crop factor and more robust body.
I have omitted other features as they are not the biggest issues for landscapes. The 20D and 1D are capable of producing very similar quality images. The 1D can cope with a wider range of conditions and may be better for sports. The question is, do you need the extra.
So, my advice, take a closer look at the D70, you may be surprised. But do not expect it to survive bouncing down the hill side!
Adam, the D70 is 6mp and I can vouch for the quality of the camera. I suppose if you compare it with a 12mp camera costing 3500 then it will not stand up but with the right glass on the front it is capable of stunning photos.
It all comes down to what you are prepared to pay and what you require, but if you decide that the D70 has the spec and pricetag you are after you wouldn't be disappointed.
Ian
Keith, you are doing a great job in convincing me. Keep going this is exactly the stuff I need to hear. I was just concerned that there was no difference in picture quality between the cheaper and more expensive cameras it was just that they had added features etc. But, from what you are saying; as good as a standard DSLR is, the image quality in a 11mp plus SLR is noticeably better. I am intent on building up my photographs for stock purposes, so I think maybe I should be going for the best quality. Question now is, how can I afford one :-(
Adam - I'm sure you've done a load of soul searching on this topic already. Have you asked yourself the following questions?
Why digital - why not MF?
How serious am I? Will I be going pro one day?
Do I understand digital workflow and am I going to have the time to invest in getting it right?
I've seen your site and followed the links and seen the company you are mixing with . . . you must know now that your next step is going to be a big one and time for some serious investment.
As a Nikon man you really should think about the DX2.
ahh, thanks for your replies all. im confused again. i dont know what to do! but this is all helping, so keep going, please.
adam.
Hi Adam ... I love my D100 .. its 6.3mp and I can get A3+ images from it without any problems at all. Have a look at me website ..
http://www.reverseimage.co.uk
Only a small number of these shots are film based.
I have intalled a custom curve and shoot at the cloudy -1 white balance setting and get what I think superb images.
Treat exposing it like using slide film and you wont go far wrong
Hi Edward,
Thanks for your reply. To answer your questions:
Ive thought about MF long and hard. Its not for me. I am absolutely sure that digital is the way forward, and for me to invest in mf equipment and scanner, will in the long run be money that I could have put to better use elsewhere. As much as anything, I want to get away from scanning. Im absolutely convinced that scanning loses so much quality or at least the scanning that I do. I see digital images and they look so much cleaner. So I have decided not to go MF.
I am serious about turning pro. Maybe Im being nave, I dont know. But I have a passion which I have to follow and see where it leads. I am hoping to take some big steps next year.
As for understanding digital, I dont see that as either an option or a problem. I need to get to grips with it its the future. And I dont see it as any different from learning film its just a new technique that I will get used to.
I have never been big on equipment etc I have always focussed my attention on the picture taking - composition, light etc. But for the reasons mentioned above, thats why Im being extra cautious about this move. I want to make the right move, for the direction I want to take, and thats why I want to understand as much as possible.
You guys are really helping me to understand. Thanks for your replies, and pleasekeep on convincing me!
Adam.
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