lmfao!

Very diplomatic. I think (IMHO) that Loz

Hmm, I keep looking at a nice Sigma lens lately, the 70-200 f2.8. Funds dont permit unfortunately.

Still think it is dodgy to choose a camera by review, or by recomendation. Really really important is that you like how it sits in the hands and how it handles in the field. These will be very personal choices. If the camera does not feel right to use, it will stay at home.

Image quality is lens dependet and thus budget dependent. I think that it is down to what you prefer, same with camera image quality. I know Canon and Nikon have their officianados, and that both make very good gear. One also needs to consider at which price point you are likely to buy lenses. For some people buying a first DSLR, the lens investment is far larger then the body, so perhaps the best way to approach the question is to start with the lens you would most use and work backward from there. I know which I would buy, but would not recommend it to anyone but me.

Chris

I bought the Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 for taking shots at Wimbledon. I love it! Sharp, great colours, fast and half the price of the Canon equivalent (and nearly as good, I

Tamron af55-200 DiII lens was quite cheap and good (comes top in most lens tests at the moment TAMRON AF55-200mm F/4-5,6 Di II LD MACRO EOS Wokingham Photographics ) ...two batteries for the 400d from 7 day shop were

Have a guess what make of camera this lot are using :eek: :eek: :eek:

Well the stealer messed up and I'm now not getting my Fabia till the new year :( but I may as well throw in my two cents here while I'm waiting.

Personally I would not allow myself to be swayed by ANYTHING other than the way the camera feels and operates, this is BY FAR the most important aspect to DSLR purchasing and ownership. To be honest the specs of almost all cams out there these days will be more than adequate for anyone who feels the need to ask advice . If you have small hands the Canon may be more comfortable but watch out for the handgrip, it is very thin and you may find the smaller gap between the grip and lens uncomfortable (especially if your fingers haven't been on a diet for a while ). The new Nikon D40, while being just about as small as the 400D (confusing isn't it:confused: ) has a far more substantial grip which makes a lot of difference if you're not a Japanese lady LOL. I mention the D40 as opposed to the D80 simply because I consider it 90% of the camera for a little over 50% of the folding :cheers: . Anyway the body's nothing in comparison to the lenses and I reckon you could pick up something rather smart for the few hundred you'll save.

If you, or anyone else reading, needs further help you could do a lot worse than visit the site I work for: Digital Camera Reviews and News: Digital Photography Review: Forums, Glossary, FAQ especially the forums. Just don't go posting Canon vs Nikon threads in the Canon or Nikon areas unless you're wearing Nomex overalls, they get a bit touchy at times!

Gordon Solomon

ps. I wish our forums were as swish as this. When oh when is Phil going to give us a decent engine?

Hello Gordon

That site of yours has been partially responsible for an awful lot of my spending (and a fair bit of forum time it has to be said). A most invaluable resource for any would be DSLR purchaser and as suitable for the novice as for the hardened digital photography nut. Excellent forums that prove beyond all doubt that every brand has its firmest of advocates and its never buy one of these agains. Good to see you going Skoda.

Chris

PS Have to agree 100%, how it feels is top priority.

Oh and if you fancy the Sigma, there are some great deals on the non-macro model about at the moment

I wish you hadnt said that:rolleyes: Can you point me toward said deals?

Chris

Now Chris, you know I can't be held responsible for your loose wallet

To be honest I've been a Skoda fan since the days of the Estelle and (especially) the Rapid. I read on the forums tonight that there are around 100 'stelles and less than 50 Rapids in the UK these days...criminal. I'm hoping that the Fabia's going to be as good an M11 workhorse as the A2s I've been driving for the last 6 years. Reckon it's gotta be the best bang-for-the-buck diesel around at the moment, especially with 0% :boing:

Gordon Solomon

Ok, heres a bit of advice from someone who knows literaly nothing about DSLR's:rolleyes:

From watching friends using these cameras both for exploring old buildings (inside and out) and and capturing memorable moments at parties, I have noticed that the Canon seems much easier too use than the nikon and that changing settings and getting ready for the next shot also seems quicker on the Canon.

The Battery life is also something that struck me, the Nikon owners are forever changing batteries, whereas I've never seen a Canon owner change them despite hours of shooting.

Sounds like a Canon whitewash, but as I said, I know nothing about DSLR's these are just observations i've made in the field as it were, because i'm thinking about getting one (and some lessons).

Yeah I've heard that about Nikon battery life but yet to experience it - I can easily get over 800 shots out of my D50's battery before it needs a charge and as far as I know it's just a bog standard battery. Most of my photos use the flash too

Chris

John,

The ease-of-use IMO seems to favour Nikon, but I'm a 15 year Nikon user so I may be biased LOL.

Battery-life wise, there's not much between them. My D1 (1999) struggles to get more than 200 shots out of a hulking NiMH pack. But everything post D100 has been Li-Ion so no real issues there. I must say I've got nothing against Canon (certainly wish I had usable ISO 3200) I just seem to gravitate toward Nikon.

Gordon Solomon

It's wierd isn't it, I guess it could be just down to the user and if they turn it off between shots etc but the Canons definately last longer.

I personally dont like flash photography, (assuming a static target) I prefer long exposures and perhaps the help of a bit of torch light!

I personally dont like flash photography, (assuming a static target) I prefer long exposures and perhaps the help of a bit of torch light!

Yeah I'd agree, a long exposure with a tripod mounted camera gets better results. Sadly my littl'un insists on never being static so I have to resort to using a flash

Chris

There's definitely going to be flame-war going off here soon

Yeah, you're probably right. Due to the lower power-consuption of the CMOS sensor in the Canons they may squeeze a couple more shots out of a charge but there isn't much difference believe me. Maybe the Nikon owners were too excited to charge their cells eh?

Just joking BTW, Peace out

Gordon Solomon

Now Chris, you know I can't be held responsible for your loose wallet

To be honest I've been a Skoda fan since the days of the Estelle and (especially) the Rapid. I read on the forums tonight that there are around 100 'stelles and less than 50 Rapids in the UK these days...criminal. I'm hoping that the Fabia's going to be as good an M11 workhorse as the A2s I've been driving for the last 6 years. Reckon it's gotta be the best bang-for-the-buck diesel around at the moment, especially with 0% :boing:

Gordon Solomon

Hi Gordon

Unfortunately, I am also not responsible for my loose wallet. I should be. I think you will find the Fabia vRS to be a very competent motorway tool. I have a V6 Omega which I should use on my fairly regular trips up the A1 to the Leeds / Manchester areas, but I find I always take the Fabia. Fuel consumption is pretty good too.

Chris

Chris,

How the heck can you let learners drive a vRS? A 1.0 Micra was more than enough for me...

I guess that explains the 121mph I clocked up in my Dad's Alfa 33 three days after my test :shocked:

Must sleep now...

Gordon Solomon

Hi Chris, Warehouse express on line-

http://www.warehouseexpress.com/

and Walters photo-video- http://www.waltersphotovideo.co.uk/usedlistings.php?secid=canaf

are both doing the Sigma for a clearance price of

Have a guess what make of camera this lot are using :eek: :eek: :eek:

Even the TV camera is Canon. Poss one of the newish IS lenses too. think they come in at around

Have a guess what make of camera this lot are using :eek: :eek: :eek:

But that's a bit like saying have a guess at what make of car this chap is driving.......

Just because the top-of-the-range no-expense-spared one that pro's use is the best (FIA World Rally Champions 2006), doesn't mean that the brand is the best or would suit everyone

Chris

I don't have problems with my Canon battery, it lasts quite a long time. I also have 2 pattern batteries, from Sterlingtek, here Canon NB-2LH 1500mAh Equivalent Batter. They are loads cheaper, arrive real quick and last much longer than the genuine Canon battery. I also have bought 2 batteries for my Olympus MJU300, and they were very cheap and again last longer than the genuine thing.

If you need batteries, you could do no worse than look them over.

But that's a bit like saying have a guess at what make of car this chap is driving.......

Just because the top-of-the-range no-expense-spared one that pro's use is the best (FIA World Rally Champions 2006), doesn't mean that the brand is the best or would suit everyone

Chris

I expect that was taken with a Canon - if not just think how much better it would have been!!!!

Just kidding

lol omg, what have I started??

Scuff, you have uber cameras - are you supporting canon then? lol

lol omg, what have I started??

Scuff, you have uber cameras - are you supporting canon then? lol

Think there's going to be a fight soon

I expect that was taken with a Canon - if not just think how much better it would have been!!!!

Just kidding

:rofl::rofl:

Touche!

Chris