Pitch Tent... Camp Canon or Camp Nikon?

[philmaloy]

This whole conversation doesn't even make sense...comparing an $1800 D200 with a $7000 1D. Can someone grab a reality check. If anything the comparison should be between a D2X and a 1D, and even then its a stretch. Fine, Canon makes a great camera, but so does Nikon.

Fundamentally, each person needs to find the camera that works for them. For instance, I'm a novice photography just getting started. Will I notice the differences between a Nikon D50 and a D70s? Probably not. Now, does that mean anything to a more seasoned photographer? Not really. Someone of a greater skill will notice subtle differences between cameras and lenses.

The bottom line is that such extreme claims and debate about cameras that don't even compare is a waste of time relative to the original question of what options there are in the $2500 range. The 1D is definitely not even in the ballpark. The D200 is a definite consideration as are the various Canon cameras. I've got a brother-in-law who just purchased a D200 and the samples he sent me are simply amazing. That said, I can't afford a D200, but have friends who use the Nikon D50 and are very happy with their purchase. Thus, the discussion about D50's is on target for ME.

Thus, how about some of you experts out there take a breath and speak on topic so the rest of us can learn and not just waste our time reading about two people's strong opinions about cameras that don't even compare to one another. Canon makes great cameras and Nikon makes great cameras as do Minolta and Pentax.

Now that we've got that settled what are some things to keep in mind as ejlatstl looks for a way to blow $2500? I don't have $2500 to blow, but the conversation, as long as it is relavant, is good use of my time and I'm sure some others'.

[ken1953]

hahaha...ok...I have just moved into the dslr camp...I was using the Nikon Coolpix 8400. Great camera and will continue to use it for many things. That said...I recently purchased the Pentax *ist DL for the wife. The decision for her came down to the wire. I went to the camera shop and put the Nikons, the Canons, the KM's, and the Sony's in her hands. She played with all of them and chose the Pentax. I have since had the opportunity to start playing with it as well. I just ordered one for me. The decision came down to whether or not we wanted to have to learn 2 camera systems and purchase 2 different types of lenses each time we made camera purchases. Now we will be a one system family. We can share lenses and help each other to learn. My point is...any camera you choose will be great in the price range you are talking. As it was said earlier in the thread, go play with the cameras, consider the future, and make an "informed" decision on what you already know. Put the cameras side by side, shoot them, put different lenses one each one and HOLD them. The camera that is right for you will jump out at you. If it doesn't...then I'm sure either one that you choose will be right for you.
Ken

[JSPhoto]

This whole conversation doesn't even make sense...comparing an $1800 D200 with a $7000 1D. Can someone grab a reality check. If anything the comparison should be between a D2X and a 1D, and even then its a stretch. Fine, Canon makes a great camera, but so does Nikon.
.

Ummm, speaking of reality checks.... the 1D is NOT $7000, that is the 1DS. The 1D MKII N is anywhere from $3400-$3999, Second, you can get a good used 1D (original) for under $1600, which does put it in the price range. And it's an excellent choice for someone needing a good fast, quality camera that is also weather sealed. Thats also $200 or more for lenses

JS

[JSPhoto]

In fact, one sports forum shooter just picked up a 1D (original) for $900, and thats $900 more for lenses!

JS