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bayphotoclub
Forum Admin
Canada
19 Posts |
 Posted - 10/01/2006 : 09:06:26
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Here is a link to a great article on IS (Image Stabilization) by Ken Rockwell:
http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/image-stabilization.htm
I have recently receive a link to his website from Martin J (D80 vs D200) and really like how Ken goes WAYYYYY into the details. He also provides good examples of what he is talking about.
In this article, Ken concludes with the following:
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"IS and VR are critical to sharp hand-held images up to about 1/60 second with normal lenses, and up to about 1/500 with telephoto lenses.
At exposures of more than a few seconds IS and VR are no help - you need a tripod or rest your camera on something solid.
Personally my best shots are grab shots made outdoors in fading light. Therefore I LOVE VR and IS!"
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He also says that if you are going to get a D-SLR (Digital SLR) the best investment is in the lens. Why? A good lens will be useable for probably a decade while the bodies go out of 'style' each year.
Presently, I am on the 'horns of a dilemma'. I may be purchasing a DSLR camera but what to get? I really like the D80, but it is new and at a premium price. The comparable Canon XTi is very good but has a slightly more plastic and unrefined feel. Then again, I could pick up a used Nikon D70 or used Canon XT at a low price and afford to get a really good IS lens (this is the most economical choice and one I am seriously considering). How does this relate to this article? Well, I could get a less expensive body (as Ken suggests) and invest the money into a very good lens - what is a good lens? One with IS of course. Or, I could get a camera body with IS built into it! What to do?
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KevinM
Starting Member
Canada
32 Posts |
Posted - 10/05/2006 : 18:43:52
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What to do - What to do?
Well, let me start by saying I have been a Canon user since I bought my first film SLR (Canon AT1) back in '77. In '85 I bought my wife a P&S Canon SureShot; in the mid-90s I inherited my father-in-laws AE1 when he switched/upgraded to an advanced Nikon; and in '01 I got the Canon A1 SureShot underwater P&S. All my Canons are still going strong and have taken a licking. Almost forgot - we have a Canon videocamcorder also.
Having said that - when I make the jump to a DSLR - I will probably get either a Nikon or a Pentax. As long as the camera has the features I want, a decent reputation, and a decent price point - I will go for it.
I have no intention of buying another Canon product again.
Why?
Emotion! And a bit of practical annoyance.
I spoke with John Gabrielle last year about why he was no longer carrying Canon. Without discussing it in-depth with their stand-alone retail suppliers Canon signed an agreement giving exclusive rights to distribute Canon cameras in Canada other than to chain stores to one wholesaler. Each year John would buy (and resell) a not insignificant dollar amount of Canon Cameras and accessories. Then in one notice he was told as an independent he had to go through the new wholesale dealer. Why? My understanding if memory is correct - Canon wanted to increase their profit margin by not supporting a large number of independent dealers. They we already making money - they just want to make more by doing less work. Of course the end result has been that most independents dropped the Canon product. Apparently the cost for an independent to buy from the wholesaler is the same or more than you or I would pay to buy online from Henrys or Tiger Direct.
OK, that is the emotion - now the practical part.
A friend is a pro and shoots with Canon DSLRs. Started with a 10D (pro); got a Rebel (consumer) as a back up. Did not like the Rebel and sol it almost as soon as he got it. Bought a 20D so he could use the 10D as the back up. Finds the 20D is too much for close in portrait work but fantastic for groups and scenics. Discovered backward and forward compatability issues with the Digital lenses from each body series.
The Canon consumer DSLRs (Rebels) are primarily plastic and have a very poor reputation as having a glass jaw. Some other users I have spoken with "know someone" who dropped it once and it stopping working right. Warranty did not cover it because it was abuse. The pro cameras (10D, 20D, 30D, 5D) have a titanium chassis and you can almost use the thing as a weapon. I know my buddy has dropped his 10D numerous times and it still functions flawlessly.
Canon introduced the first DSLR with a full size sensor. Scuttlebutt has it (if you know better please advise) the previous Digital lenses don't fit it because they are meant for the smaller size sensor. So you have to buy the new digital full size lenses. Also - supposedly the old EF series film lense are not really compatible (with the new full size sensor DSLR) due to electronics issues.
Hmmm.
From what I have heard, good old Nikon just plods along issuing one or two new DSLRs a year with no compatability issues and excellent functions and features.
So, my two cents: avoid Canon, put your money into a good solid, well supported DSLR body - then start buying excellent quality lenses.
KevinM |
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Tech: Image Stabilization
