Sony or Canon SLR?

**What?** · 18th January 2007, 06:17

Topical subject. I am thinking similar thoughts, but tossing up between Canon and Nikon (Prob D50).
Reading reviews is an interesting and confusing pasttime. Generally, the Nikon D50 is rated slightly better than the EOS350/400 as far as I can make out, and the D80 comes out far superior (albeit at a price)
One thing that worries me a little is that the NZ Canon distributors do not have a good reputation for service or support - I've even had a few dealers tell me that - whereas the Nikon people are rated reasonably highly.

**Beemer** · 18th January 2007, 10:39

We used Canon digital cameras at work (I worked on a daily paper as a photographer) and I found the cameras took great shots, but I was used to Nikon so they never felt instinctive to use. As for service, can't really say, but I did email Canon about a year ago to ask about the 5D and I'm still waiting for a response! Whereas with Nikon, my emails get answered usually the same day.

Both Canon and Nikon make good cameras, but price is a factor in the quality. The lenses are the same (unless you go for really expensive, wide aperture pro lenses) but the camera build quality varies significantly. I had a Nikon F301 many years ago and upgraded it to the F90X when I got into rallying photography in a big way. I wrecked two of them in six months (one was a loan camera while mine was being repaired!) because the latching mechanism to close the camera got filled with dust. I ended up upgrading again to the F5 and I've never had any problems with that.

I was seriously considering the 350D from the reviews it got, but as soon as I picked it up, I knew it wasn't the camera for me - it felt really cheap and not very durable. I did like the 5D but as I had Nikon lenses and a flash unit (although I upgraded the flash and bought an 18-200 digital lens), it would have meant buying a whole new kit, which is why I went for the D200. Its layout is very similar to the F5 and it is quite a rugged camera. The lens is okay, but if you are photographing objects close to the ground (like flowers or similar), the zoom does slide a bit. And the best thing, the new flash can still be used on the F5, and the remote control I have for the F5 fits the D200, as do all the lenses I already have.

**Kendog** · 18th January 2007, 16:20

Originally Posted by idleidolidyll

Spend a few extra bucks on a dedicated speedlight though. There's nothing like a good flash mated to the right body.

Would the flash make a difference taking track photos?

**The_Dover** · 18th January 2007, 16:22

Originally Posted by Kendog

Would the flash make a difference taking track photos?

only if it was dark.

**Kendog** · 18th January 2007, 16:25

Originally Posted by The_Dover

only if it was dark.

blindingly obvious really

**beyond** · 18th January 2007, 16:56

Nikon D80 by miles mate.

Megapixels aren't everything either. How the camera calculates it's information with the brain is far more important for good all around images.

NIKON!!!!

**Street Gerbil** · 18th January 2007, 20:04

I have a Canon 20D w/ 17-85IS and I can't stop drooling over it.
Anyhow, whatever you buy, invest some money in a decent polarsing filter (and don't forget to tune it). The difference is breathtaking.

**idleidolidyll** · 18th January 2007, 21:45

Originally Posted by Kendog

Would the flash make a difference taking track photos?

yes it would, it would help by providing a fill light and help to stop the action

**What?** · 22nd January 2007, 06:22

Originally Posted by beyond

Nikon D80 by miles mate.

Agree, but it's a substantially bigger investment than I can justify.
Right now, it's looking about 90% likely to be a D50 (funny that the replacement model seems to be a lower spec??).

**Krusti** · 25th January 2007, 19:28

Just bought me a Canon 400D, came with a 18-55 lens and a 90-300 plus a 2gb card.

Is replacing my G1.

Stupid part is that it is way cheaper than my G1 was a few years ago. Progress eh?

Will see how it goes.......all we need now is to win the mx5 we went into the draw for.