Cannon verse Nikon

[meitzler]

Any opinions (pros/cons) on the Cannon Reb sti verses Nikon D60 specific to taking pictures of corals?

 

[returnofsid]

Rebel Sti just came out...Nikon D60 is a couple years old. It'll be hard to find anyone who has the Rebel Sti to get an opinion from. I think it was just released this week. Unless of course, you're referring to the Canon Rebel Xti.

Either way, they're both great camera frames. They're both at the higher end of consumer DSLR cameras, though not at the top. When it comes to corals, the quality of the picture will come from the lens used and the person taking the pictures. With either camera, you'll get great photos if used properly and with adequate lenses.

 

[edwing206]

The Nikon D60 just came out on February 28 2008. It's not a couple years old. And between those two brands it's really just a preference. They both produce great pictures.

 

[Scooterman]

Nikon is screwing with you Sid, they had the D40 & soon after D40x last year, they also came out with the D80 last year which was the next generation from the D70 that was about 4 years old, Then released the D300 Early this year that replaced the D200 & Now the D60 just recently & It all started with the D50 many years ago! Not to mention their Pro Cameras D1, D2 & Now the D3 & all of the little extras in between.
Cannon does the same crap also but maybe not as bad.

 

[returnofsid]

LOL Nikon's not screwing with me...I'm getting confused with their D70 I think. I almost purchased the D70 a little over a year ago, and decided to go with the Rebel Xt, because of a great deal I got.

 

[Scooterman]

D70 came out late 2003 early 2004. I got a D70 last year, love it, almost got the D80 but not enough difference to justify the cost. Regardless both manufacturers make awesome cameras. Spending money on the Lenses IMO is where you can make the difference.

 

[returnofsid]

I totally agree with Scooterman. Keep in mind, once you've entered the world of DSLR, it's just as addictive, and sometimes even more expensive than reef keeping!!! For good quality lenses, you'll spend much more than you did on your initial camera purchase...lol. I currently use a 50mm 1.8, the kit lens and a Tamiron 70-300mm Macro on my Rebel Xt. I really want, and would recommend for reef pictures, the 100mm Macro. I know this lens is available for Cannon and Nikon. With either camera, you can't really go wrong. I know I've been salivating over the new Rebel Xsi ever since I heard about it.

 

[Scooterman]

One other note to add to Sid's post, the camera above those mentioned, like the D300 & up, your talking not only lots more money but differences a professional would use or need, at some point you have to shut it off. When you get to the DSLR level you can take almost any picture a pro can with the 3K camera but just takes a little more time & maybe a little more patients, you don't have all of the external controls, alloy housing that can be beaten up & speed but that quality lens will equal them.

 

[Skimmy]

i wonder how these new digital cameras hold up against a nice old school medium format swedish hasselblad...i wish to hell i still had mine.
i spend a year learning how to load the film into the damn thing so i didnt ruin it, or the exposure, but man, it took the best pictures!!!!
i agree with what everyone has said above...
working at yuen lui for a couple years as a lab manager and as a asistant photographer at weddings, i learned that the trick to a good pic is first learning how to take a good maual pic, ie; film speed, f stops, lighting, etc, and then, lenses,...lenses,...lenses!!!
and it is subjective, it is the picture taker as well which can make the pic good, it's the kinda thing that you either have or you dont, imo.

 

[meitzler]

OK, if they are both good cameras, which lenses in the kits are better with the vibration reduction. The Nikon D60 lense kit (Costco 18-55 and 55-200) or the Canon Sti (18-55). Do I still need the 100 macro if I have the 55-200?

 

[returnofsid]

Neither of these lenses have Vibration Reduction or as Cannon calls it, Image Stabilization. Once you get into IS lenses, plan on spending over $1000.00 each. The 55-200 probably doesn't have Macro capability. This is the ability to be zoomed far and and still focus at a very close range. You don't HAVE to have the 100 mm Macro...but it's sure a sweet lens that incorporates itself very well into our hobby.

Another camera to look at, especially if the image stabilization is important to you, is the Sony Alpha. It's a very high quality DSLR camera as well. Whereas other DSLR cameras use the lens for IS or VR, the Sony Alpha has it built into the body. This probably isn't as effective as a Cannon or Nikon with an IS or NR lens, but is probably more effective than the Cannon or Nikon without an IS or NR lens. Does that make any sense at all? LOL

Keep in mind that our tank pics should be taken with the use of a Tri Pod, which elliminates the motion caused by us humans.

IS or NR also allows you to shoot at a slower speed, allowing more light, without having to worry as much about camera shake.

 

[edwing206]

If you get the D60 with the 18-55mm & 55-200mm both of the lenses have VR(vibration reduction). From what I've read the Nikon kit lens is better than the Canon. Also, with the 55-200mm, zoomed all they way out you will be able to produce 1:4. Meaning it will produce 1/4 lifesize images.