New DLSR (Canon 5D vs Nikon D300)

[Abstract]

His tests seem somewhat "backyard", but he takes the time to do them and shares his results. Real world or jackass, it's still time and work.

Thanks Ken.

But he tests lenses he doesn't own, and has never used.

If you like him, then OK. He makes a lot of points that I agree with. Just don't give him credit for his "tests".

 

[seattle]

Well I got the Nikon D300 for my birthday and a class to learn how to use it. I got it with the 18-200 VR lens and so far it has been working great for me. Thanks for all the advice everyone. I did go to the store and checkout the Canon 40D as well and I decided to go with the Nikon.

 

[Hmac]

Well I got the Nikon D300 for my birthday and a class to learn how to use it. I got it with the 18-200 VR lens and so far it has been working great for me. Thanks for all the advice everyone. I did go to the store and checkout the Canon 40D as well and I decided to go with the Nikon.

It's a nice camera. Now that you're in the Nikon camp, I'd suggest heading over to Digital Photography Review and follow the D300 forums. There is also a Nikon-specific lens forum on that site as well. You could also look at Nikonians.org -- there is less contentiousness at Nikonians, due IMHO to oppressive moderation. I've never cared for Nikonians.org, but many people like it.

 

[vtimagemaker]

When I shot film for a million years, I shot Canon and Nikon and was always very happy with the qualithy. When I moved up to a DSLR, I started with a Nikon D100, and I've shot a lot of commercial work with it and like another poster has commented...never heard any complaints about quality. I've just recently moved up to the D300 and the quality is superb. I find it hard to imagine any situation where I feel it couldn't do the job.

Others make a good point about lenses and accessories. I think a high quality flash (one that's programmable), a GOOD tripod, and a real bag (like a Domke f2) are a must and should be considered. If you spend all of your money on the camera alone, you really limit yourself.

If I had to make a choice (which I have with the D300) I'll spend less on the camera body and more on lenses and accessories that help me expand my capabilities as a photographer.

Steve

 

[Plymouthbreezer]

Not gunna lie... A D300 is kinda overkill for someone who didn't know how to use it...

 

[seany916]

If I had to make a choice (which I have with the D300) I'll spend less on the camera body and more on lenses and accessories that help me expand my capabilities as a photographer.

Agreed.

And yes, a D300 IS overkill for a beginner, but he also won't feel the need to purchase a "better" camera as skills improve, AND some people see $2,000 as basically nothing in the larger scheme of things.

I was tutoring a friend's niece in writing when the parents asked which laptop to buy her. I recommended an iMac for her or an iBook if they felt a laptop was necessary. After listening to my recommendations, they got her a large Powerbook and a huge ACD for it. They told me the iBooks looked "plasticky and cheap".

Yeah, that D300 feels pretty plasticky too...

 

[mactastic1971]

My wife wants to buy me a new digital camera but I cannot decide what to buy. She first wanted to get me a EOS-1Ds Mark III but I thought that was overkill. I have read good reviews about the Nikon D300 and I like the Canon 5D but it is getting to be an older model. Does anyone have either one and how do you like it.

I've been putting off upgrading from my 10D for about a year now since the Canon 5D is way way overdue for a facelift. You might want to keep track of the north lights rumour page. Its like macrumours for Canon.

Here is the link:- http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/cameras/Canon_5d2_3d_7d.html

Cheers
M.

 

[Kebabselector]

I wouldn't pay any attention to Northlight rumours, they are basically guess work. You'd be better off attempting to predict them yourself.

The site had a 50D rumour page before the 40D turned up. Also they've failed to predict the 5D replacement for 2 years now.

 

[mactastic1971]

I wouldn't pay any attention to Northlight rumours, they are basically guess work. You'd be better off attempting to predict them yourself.

The site had a 50D rumour page before the 40D turned up. Also they've failed to predict the 5D replacement for 2 years now.

The site mearly pulls in all the rumours across the net into one site - irrespective of if they are valid or not...

Sounds a bit like THIS WEBSITE to me ... (page2)

 

[zdobson]

5D for sure. 1.5x crop is stupid. This is coming from a guy who shoots with two 1.6x cameras. I would've bought a 5D myself if it wasn't for the fact that I desperately needed a new computer.

Side note: no full frame cameras existed when I bought my cameras. Well, the 1Ds might've first came out at that time, but I couldn't afford that right out of college.

Image quality is probably equal. Compare samples a dpreview.com

 

[Grimace]

Also they've failed to predict the 5D replacement for 2 years now.

Umm...it hasn't been released, so how does that mean that they have failed? That's like saying MacRumors failed to predict the Powerbook G5.

 

[Kebabselector]

Indeed it hasn't but for the last 2 years sites like that have been predicting something which didn't happen. A failure I guess.

 

[djejrejk]

I was looking at the d80, but it seems like a bad time to buy a d80 as a replacement is due in the next few months. I checked out the d300 today and I must say, it is a very, *very* impressive camera. Captures great pictures and the body feels great. While I wish it was slightly less expensive (always!), it seems like a steal at $1799 for the body.

I might pick one up in the next 2 months. I would advise you to check both camera's and choose the one that feels best, remember, ultimately both are great cameras.