Travel Technology - Anyone bought/using a digital SLR?

Has anyone bought a digital SLR (thinking of the Canon EOS and Nikon lines) and have any feedback on either?

I just made decisions/purchases in this area.

For everyday snapshots, pictures of the kids/family events, and general purpose stuff, I picked up the Minolta DiMage XT (http://www.minoltausa.com/eprise/main/MinoltaUSA/MUSAContent/CPG/CPGProducts?cname=dig&fname=dig_ps&Mname=DiMAGE_Xt).
Here's the Steve's Digicams Review (http://www.steves-digicams.com/2003_reviews/dimagext.html). The XT is small enough that you can carry it in your pocket without knowing it is there. It is just over 3mp, and takes great pictures, as well as mpeg movies. About $300 on Ebay

For my more "serious" stuff as a amateur photographer, I also just bought a Canon EOS 10D (http://web.canon.jp/Imaging/EOS10D/). It is without question, the best digital camera that I've used. Fabulous color, quick response, great autofocus, and configurable as all get out. Only downside is that it is big (which is why I think you need two cameras). $1400 + cost of lenses (I bought a 28-105mm and a 75-300mm)
Review is here (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos10d/).

I've heard great things about the Canon EOS Digital Rebel. Just coming out now, and should run $800-900. It uses the same internals as the 10D, with a few of the customizable edges knocked off. More can be found here (http://www.canoneos.com/digitalrebel/index.html).

A good chunk of the above was paid for through the liquidation (on Ebay) of all of my film cameras (Canon A1 35mm, Canon EOS Rebel 35mm, Canon APS Elph, Nikon Pronea 600i APS), and my old digital Sony Mavica FD81. Given the current quaility of online picture printers (like snapfish.com, ofoto.com, etc) and the high quality of HP and Epson inkjets, I really don't see the need for film cameras anymore.

Regardless of your camera, I cannot recommend Adobe Photoshop Elements (http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshopel/main.html) enough. It does 90% of what Photoshop does for about 10% of the price. Truly a "digital darkroom" for the amateur. Well worth it!

Let me know if you have any questions...

[This message has been edited by skofarrell (edited 09-29-2003).]

I think you've convinced me. More importantly, I've convinced the wife! http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/biggrin.gif

Goodby EOS Elan, hello EOS 10D.

Now to shop for the best price ...

Terenz--- seek no more, here is the answer:

http://www.kodak.com/global/en/professional/products/cameras/dcsPro14n/dcsPro14nIndex.jhtml

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Gaucho100K:
Terenz--- seek no more, here is the answer:

http://www.kodak.com/global/en/professional/products/cameras/dcsPro14n/dcsPro14nInd ex.jhtml (http://www.kodak.com/global/en/professional/products/cameras/dcsPro14n/dcsPro14nIndex.jhtml)</font>

An excellent camera, but a). the amateur does not need 14mp, and b). its $4300! http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif

I'm also very happy with the Sandisk Ultra 1.0gb CF card. Coupled with a decent USB 2.0 reader, you're good to go.

Who says Terenz is an amateur....? http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/biggrin.gif

I've been eyeing the 10D for a while and just saw the digital Rebel out the past few days. I'm waiting for several reasons:

1. Don't really need the camera until middle of next year

2. Price will probably keep dropping

3. Capture area of the Canon digital SLRs (unless you go for the very pricey EOS 1D) is limited so lenses are all multiplied by a factor of .6 so a 20-100mm lense for example is effectively a 32-160. Cheap telephoto but not good for wideangle.

4. Trying to avoid/minimise paying sales tax so I want to buy it when I am down in the U.S. and have a C$750 duty-free exemption for Canada.

The Eos Rebel comes with a lense for that price (10D is body only) but the range is limited.

Yes, forgot to mention the 1.6 multiplier. My 28-105mm is the film equivalent of a 44-168mm.

I've been considering a ~15-60mm lens, but the Canon glass is too expensive right now. Maybe a sigma or Tamron will be in my future...

[This message has been edited by skofarrell (edited 09-30-2003).]

One note: The digital Rebel lense cannot be used on a 35mm EOS but the digital rebel can use all the 35mm lenses.

I use the EOS D60 and think it's a fantastic camera.

You need to make sure that you have enough storage, though. I use a PC Card hard drive with an iPAQ -- I can copy pictures from my CF cards directly onto the HD and that gives me the ability to have a couple thousand pictures in large jpeg format.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by bollar:
I use the EOS D60 and think it's a fantastic camera.
</font>

Is this the 12MB or so resolution one that has a capture area the size of 35mm film? or is that the Eos 1?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">
You need to make sure that you have enough storage, though. I use a PC Card hard drive with an iPAQ -- I can copy pictures from my CF cards directly onto the HD and that gives me the ability to have a couple thousand pictures in large jpeg format.</font>

Was thinking of a laptop(!) for the job. Could you tell me how this works? Does the iPaq have a CF reader? I use a Sony mavica currently and the storage advantage is the mini CD-R/CD-RW media but the lense sucks.

Keep in mind that decent 1.0gb CF cards are running $200 these days. My 10D in "large jpeg" mode (about 2.5-3mb per image) saves 360 pics to a 1.0gb card. I've got 2 of 'em and have yet to fill one up (even when on vacation for a week).

Bought a Canon D30 a few years back, will probably spring for a 10D and a D-1s early next year to replace it and my film cameras.

Note that the D-1s has a full-frame sensor.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by lensman:
Note that the D-1s has a full-frame sensor.</font>

I'd love one but not at $5,700+!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by birdstrike:
Goodby EOS Elan, hello EOS 10D.

Now to shop for the best price ...</font>

I know, bad form to quote oneself...

Looks like the camera is no new that there is no "best price" worth speaking about yet. It looks like it is $1499 just about everywhere except a few shops with very bad 'net reviews. I've got myself on the waiting list at two local camera shops so we'll see who scores first http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/biggrin.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by terenz:
I'd love one but not at $5,700+!</font>

The D1 is more expensive than the Kodak...!!?????!!!!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by birdstrike:
I know, bad form to quote oneself...

Looks like the camera is no new that there is no "best price" worth speaking about yet. It looks like it is $1499 just about everywhere except a few shops with very bad 'net reviews. I've got myself on the waiting list at two local camera shops so we'll see who scores first http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/biggrin.gif</font>

$1079 at A&M Photo Word http://www.amphotoworld.com/product.asp?id=cneos10d&l=Froogle

$1200 at Sell.com http://www.sell.com/2FHWJ

$1349 at HoT Buy Electronics http://www.hotbuyselectronics.com/item_detail.php?item_id=104725

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Gaucho100K:
The D1 is more expensive than the Kodak...!!?????!!!!</font>

Its a better camera...

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by skofarrell:
$1079 at A&M Photo Word http://www.amphotoworld.com/product.asp?id=cneos10d&l=Froogle

$1200 at Sell.com http://www.sell.com/2FHWJ

$1349 at HoT Buy Electronics http://www.hotbuyselectronics.com/item_detail.php?item_id=104725</font>


Thanks for doing the legwork, but A&M and HoT Buy don't seem to be reputable shops, according to on-line reviews. Sell.com is a classified ad and there were some focus issues with early D10s so I don't want to buy one without a warranty.

I'll just bite the bullet and make my local mom & pop shop very happy http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/biggrin.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by birdstrike:
I'll just bite the bullet and make my local mom & pop shop very happy</font>
You could pay with either the Amex or Chase cards that provide price protection and see if you can get them to price match the ads from the shadier dealers.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by terenz:
I'd love one but not at $5,700+!</font>
Where did you see it for $5700? I was thinking the best I could find it for would be around $6400 plus tax.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by birdstrike:

Thanks for doing the legwork, but A&M and HoT Buy don't seem to be reputable shops, according to on-line reviews. Sell.com is a classified ad and there were some focus issues with early D10s so I don't want to buy one without a warranty.

I'll just bite the bullet and make my local mom & pop shop very happy http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/biggrin.gif</font>

Canon 10D is $1499 at Adorama (looks like that is with a US Warranty) and the same price at B and H. The Rebel is $899.95 at B and H.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by GadgetFreak:
Canon 10D is $1499 at Adorama (looks like that is with a US Warranty) and the same price at B and H. The Rebel is $899.95 at B and H.</font>

I've done business in the past with both Adorama and B&H. Like all the other mail order houses they try to upsell the accessories, but they seem to be fair dealers.

In this case, it is a shipping vs. tax situation. The local photoshop will also take my Elan off my hands, saving me the hassle of dealing with ebay.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by lensman:
Where did you see it for $5700?]</font>

Cursory glance at the webshopping sites (bestedeals.com?) That's why I qualified it with a "+". Definitely way too much for me right now so I shall wait (for a cheaper camera with full, or closer to full 35mm film capture area).

I use a Sony F707. I used to use a Nikon 995 which was the flagship in 2000 for the Nikon line. I just sold it on ebay last week for $500CDN. Next camera should be maybe the F828 8 megapixel.

If you want a good DSLR get the Nikon D100 or look at the new Canon Digital Rebel (300D). Try ebay, the prices there are great, even if the camera is a bit used. BTW: If your going to be buying the Rebel for real photograph as a hobby, just get the body since the lens in the kit is useless unless your just taking pics of the family.

If you need some help just send me an email and I will answer your questions. I am really good with Digital Photography. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif

terenz, since your in Vancouver, maybe try Vistek(I believe they have a location there and in Toronto). I bought my Nikon there as well as my accessories for my other cams.



[This message has been edited by fromYYZ_flyer (edited 10-06-2003).]

Canon drops the price of the 1D to $3000

http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/content_page.asp?cid=7-6395-6426

Hmmm. Maybe they'll drop the price of the D1s one day... Probably 31 days after I buy it.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by skofarrell:
For my more "serious" stuff as a amateur photographer, I also just bought a Canon EOS 10D (http://web.canon.jp/Imaging/EOS10D/). It is without question, the best digital camera that I've used. </font>

I finally picked mine up last Thursday. I will second your opinion of this camera. It is awesome. Between the 10D and the Powershot S400 (with underwater housing) I'm covered. As God is my witness I will never use film again. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif

My only regret is that a search of eBay shows my mint EOS Elan 35mm body to be worth only $100 or so.

So is the Digital Rebel the same thing as the 300D? All I can point to seems to indicate so.

Currently, I have a Minolta Dimage 7, and at 5.2 mp, I have been able to shoot some incredible photos over nearly the past two years. But, as I move towards either the end of this year - or next year, I'd like to finding something along teh lines of the 300D or 10D - basically move into a true Digital SLR.

Also, what's a good "starter" lens. Something versatile, that gives me a broad range.

[This message has been edited by mymiles2go (edited Nov 16, 2003).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by mymiles2go:
So is the Digital Rebel the same thing as the 300D? All I can point to seems to indicate so.

Currently, I have a Minolta Dimage 7, and at 5.2 mp, I have been able to shoot some incredible photos over nearly the past two years. But, as I move towards either the end of this year - or next year, I'd like to finding something along teh lines of the 300D or 10D - basically move into a true Digital SLR.

Also, what's a good "starter" lens. Something versatile, that gives me a broad range.

[This message has been edited by mymiles2go (edited Nov 16, 2003).]</font>


Start with a D60 or 10D. If you want a good res. but not an SLR maybe the F-828 by Sony. They seem to have good advanced cameras (F707,F717)

A good lens if you have the money is a 28mm-135mm. Its very good range.

Just a thought.

Average speed film is about 18 megapixels. And it shows in digital v conventional pictures. Not only in terms of sharpness but in terms of color rendition.

A conventional SLR is about half the price of a digital SLR.

If you want pictures that you can manipulate on your computer, you can have cd's made of your conventional pictures.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by traveler123:
Average speed film is about 18 megapixels. And it shows in digital v conventional pictures. Not only in terms of sharpness but in terms of color rendition.</font>

I don't think it is that clear. Take a look at this site:

http://www.codesta.com/knowledge/technical/digital_photography/page_04.jsp#film_vs_digital

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by birdstrike:
I don't think it is that clear. Take a look at this site:

http://www.codesta.com/knowledge/technical/digital_photography/page_04.jsp#film_vs_d igital (http://www.codesta.com/knowledge/technical/digital_photography/page_04.jsp#film_vs_digital)</font>

interesting...

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by traveler123:
Just a thought.

Average speed film is about 18 megapixels. And it shows in digital v conventional pictures. Not only in terms of sharpness but in terms of color rendition.

A conventional SLR is about half the price of a digital SLR.

If you want pictures that you can manipulate on your computer, you can have cd's made of your conventional pictures.</font>

For me, it's all about the "I want it now" principal. Meaning, I want to see my pictures, and I want to see them now. It's actually very helpful on vacation where I'm trying to get the perfect shot, I can go back, look at the shots, see what I need to change and move on. But... I don't want to get into a digital vs. film debate here.

And, as far as changing pics - I never change/modify them. It's one of those personal things I suppose, once I take the picture, either I took it good the first time, or I didn't. Simple as that.

Anyways... after all the reading I've been doing, I'm thinking the 300D is the right camera for me. If I see a good deal on it (yes, I'm aware of a dang good deal this past weekend that I missed out on, and yes I'm annoyed at myself for it), then I'll get it.

I just got my long awaited Nikon D70. My father has a D100 and I must say I'm very impressed by the D70. For 2/3rds of the price it has mostly the same functions and an even better CCD. And its much faster... O.K., the D100 has a bit more options if you work in manual mode, but when do you need that...

Now I'm waiting for the new Sigma 18-105mm zoom lens...

I have the Cannon Digital Rebel with the 1GB lexar media card. I bought as a kit with the 18 - 55 mm lens. My Tamron 28 - 200 works well with it, too.

I am enjoying it. It does not read as fast as the 10D. I might break myself of the habitl of always shooting with the largest file size ...

But what a dream compared to lugging the big ol' EOS 35mm, multiple rolls of film and not being able to change film speed except by changing rolls.

Also, not having to think about film supply, cost or processing costs, I find I am shooting a lot more and bracketing a lot more and editing later.

Great fun.