Home Forums Gear Photography Camera Question, NIKON D80 or D300 vs Canon 40D

Gotta love it when the "box" arrives...I am waiting on mine, should be here today or tomorrow

Looking forward to seeing some pics Redneck...I am sure you will be happy with the Nikon.

I'm an idiot when it comes to cameras, and enjoy reading threads like this...where some of you guys offer a bit of a lesson.

On a side note, I prefer vid capability remain housed in vid cameras...seems like no one gets it right on still cameras...

I've enjoyed the Canon vs Nikon debate ever since we bought our D70, at which time we were asking the same questions....

To take off on your truck analagy I think a good comparison here might be suggesting to someone who drives in the city daily and primarily uses their truck to carry groceries buy a 3500 dually because they might tow something someday. They could buy an F-150 for 30k or the dually diesel for 55K. Which is better? Or which is better for THAT driver?
I do agree that it is important to buy a body that is comfortable and has a user friendly interface. You have indicated several times that you like the technical edge of the D300 so that gives the impression that was a primary factor in your choice. In a P&S style shooting you won't be utilizing any of that ability any more than the person using the 3500HD for shopping. I'm sure you will be thinking.....Yes but I can grow into it. The caveat there is *will* YOU learn to use it and utilize it before that technology becomes dated. The tecno twist can really get you you wound up and spending a lot of cash that is not necessary. While you may in fact out grow a P&S I think it unlikly you would out grow any of the bodies listed by the OP. Canon still has the best range of high end glass. Most noteably primes. However Nikon is really stepping up their game. Competition for the consumer is a beatifull thing. In the next few years we will see even better bodies and lower prices but I personally hope they stop the MP wars. The last thing I need is larger files draining my HD.

I'll try to be as clear as I can be here. This statement is utterly false. The truth is EXACTLY the opposite. At this point it makes no difference to you since you're tied to a system, but I want to be clear in case others are in the same position you were previously in and are reading this thread for information. It is VERY well known in the photography world, that Canon is VERY superior in the glass dept. Now, I'm speaking as a whole line up here. On a particular basis, Nikon has some nice pieces of glass, that are extremely spendy and very hard to find available. The remaining lenses in their line are not that impressive at all.

This is why when Nikon comes out with a nice SLR body, Canon still keeps it's consumer base BECAUSE of the excellent glass line up, and continues to sell many, many times more slr's. THis fact is certainly not because nobody has "discovered" Nikon yet

You are correct in your assumption that glass is what a system is all about, SLR bodies come and go. In that regard, Canon is HANDS DOWN superior. This is why at major sporting events, such as the NFL, NBA or the Olympics, 8 or 9 out of 10 (can't remember the exact stat, but it's one of those 2) photographers are shooting Canon. Trust me, Sports Illustrated is not shooting Canon to save a few bucks. Now, that's not to say a few photographers scattered in there don't prefer Nikon, of course theres some. But as a general rule, pro sports photography is dominated by Canon, and this fact is important when comparing systems (even though it may seem uninteresting to you) because they are no compromise photographers, and what they choose carries a lot of weight.

Just as a side note: I've been wanting a 200-400 VR/IS lens for a long time, just like Nikon's version. I wish Canon would produce this lens, and so do many other photographers. Well, when the D300 came out I bought one, and the 200-400VR to basically use as an isolated system. This is where I learned a lot about the new Nikon system. It was a total DOG compared to my 1DmkIII + 300/2.8IS combo, which is roughly the same money give or take a bit (both are expensive combo's). The focus is nowhere near as fast, the image quality is nowhere as good. I wish it was. I'd love to have that combo slung over my shoulder while shooting the big glass, for times when the subjects move in closer. I'll continue to use my 300/2.8 as the compromise with the Nikon system was just too great for me. Some decent images can be had, no question, but not even near the same league as the 300/2.8IS combo. Take that for what it's worth, but is't being as truthful as I can be.

"To clear the air fully, I never (except for my retort to Stetson), ever intended any of my comments to come across as sarcasm."

REALLY? So when you said "Actually he stated exactly that a few posts above. But, whatever... " in the very same post you seriuosly didn't think that was sarcastic.

Understood..

Redneck:

Ok, so since that D300 really isn't going to do you much good without some glass , what lenses were delivered along with the dSLR? I know you didn't spend $1800.00 on a dSLR and not get some great glass to go with her.

What did you end up deciding on?

I just want to know how Will is making out with the 40D!

Warning, slight detour ahead......

I've been following this thread and others, and learning a LOT. I've got near-zero knowledge of the DSLR world, but am itching to upgrade from my 6mp Canon Powershot. Prior to going digital I used a Canon EOS A2 for about ten years and loved system and the substantial size and weight. I only had two Sigma lenses for it, a 70-300 and a 28-105 Aspherical.

My Canon's AF died, and the body is worth pennies on the dollar now, so with some sadness I'm moving on. I'm amazed with the image detail of DSLRs, and I also know that high quality lenses play a huge part in the quality of the image. My question is, are my Sigma lenses compatible with the Canon DSLRs, and if so, am I kidding myself with their quality for that application? I can walk away from them too and start from scratch if need be.

I'd like to stay with the same body and lenses I start with, rather than play the upgrade game. Currently I'm leaning towards a 5D body, and a pair or trio of L lenses as I can afford them. I'll admit to being a little scared at the prices vs. the rapidly advancing technology and changing market. I knew my film SLR setup wasn't top of the line, but I'd never have guessed that it would be extinct in only ten years.

Is the used market a wise place to shop for lenses, or do the high-end lenses get so much use that by the time they're for sale the AF or IS systems are mostly used up? Same situation with the pro and semi-pro used bodies? It doesn't seem like good photo gear depreciates as rapidly as snowmachines, and so maybe I'd be ahead to buy new. I'm very easy on my gear, but maybe most photographers are too.

Thanks in advance.

222Rem -- First of all welcome to the world of dSLR, you won't be disappointed with the quality of digital files today. Outstanding results can be had, with very modest gear in most cases.

It seems like you're leaning towards Canon at the moment, and that's definitely the correct choice in your situation, starting from the ground up.

The 5D is a great camera, and it would be a very long time before you felt it was dated. Sure new bodies will come out, but unless you're the type of fellow that must be on the very cutting edge of technology, your 5D will not NEED to be replaced with a newer version for many years. Canon customer service is second to none, which is important in your situation since over the course of MANY years with a dSLR, a small repair may be needed here and there. You'll be out of commission for a very short period of time, as Canon's turnaround time is very fast in this regard.

What are some of the type of images you're looking to achieve?, and we'll can help direct you toward some lenses. You'll be much happier with Canon glass, as this is the reason most people go with Canon to start with. No doubt Sigma and others make some very good lenses, and you may want to look at a couple, but in general Canon glass is the best there is and the 5D really deserves it and can make it shine.

Sorry forgot to address the used gear issue. I'd personally look for a new 5D at this point. That is a piece of gear that is coming down in price with the anticipation of the new version.

Used Canon lenses are a fine purchase to make, as they are very durable and really takes a lot for the AF or IS mechanism to go bad. However, the only problem is that they hold their value so well, you usually see most Canon professional lenses sell for within 10% or their original cost. In that regard, I usually just feel it's worth it to buy them brand new. That's just my opinion, and there are some good deals out there, but for the most part you won't save a ton of cash.

Well, I am enjoying the debate of Ford vs. Chevy vs. Dodge etc. here. Seems I asked a hottly contested question.

I am pleased to say my 40D is functioning properly, but with my work load so far this week, I have not had a chance to mess with it much--moving into a new house while all of this was going on.

So will have more to report after the weekend.

Thanks all.

Will

Great Will, look forward to hearing back from you. If something is unclear regarding the function of your new baby, please speak up.

I'll second what VTi said about used. If you are patient and wait for Canon rebates that happen twice a year you can often get new glass less than used if you are able to combine the rebate with a B&H code. This depends on which L glass you have your eye on. Some glass is never ever going to be on rebate.
I don't know about your Sigma lenses and compatability. I very much doubt they would work on a crop camera due to the mirror. They *may* work on the 5D but if you can sell them and buy a few pieces of L glass I'd sure be inclined to head in that direction.

Did I miss it or or is my memory getting that bad?
What did you order?

Thanks VTi and Stetson. Yes, I'm only considering Canon products. I'll go ahead and buy new as I can afford the pieces, and watch for rebates and sales. I remember you mentioning a new Canon being released soon, so hopefully that drops the price of the 5D a little. I'm not in a huge hurry, so I think time is on my side in this game.

My photography interests are all over the map. I love photographing scenery throughout the seasons, but also enjoy trying to capture decent wildlife images. Both have their challenges, but I really can't see any down-sides to the digital approach that allows me to bracket, then cull and sort once I get home. While I'm amazed at the portability of my little shirt pocket Canon, I'd like to make room in my pack for a bigger camera that does justice to some of the subject matter I find. I'm not much into photographing people, and can continue to use my Powershot for holidays and informal events. Once I have children my feelings may change on the subject however.

VTi, the images you've shared here are an inspiration, and are a benchmark for me to aim for. I realize that you're using the very best equipment, a solid tripod, and a vast foundation of knowledge and experience, but why should that deter a little guy like me, right?

I ordered the Canon 40D, grip and the Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM lens to start with and then the next one with be the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM lens in a couple months when I get my tax return...and if I can sqeeze it I would like the Canon 100mm macro (that might be a stretch for now)

That should get me going...I just finished purchasing a new tripod because my old one was real cheap/unsteady. For that I went with the Manfrotto 055XPROB, Manfrotto 468 hydrostatic head, Kirk Acra-style plate and Real Right Stuff L Plate.

I am guessing it will be 6 mths or so before the next rebate is out on Canon stuff?

I got the AF-S DX 17X55 F/2.8G IF ED.. Nearly $1250 smackeroos.. When I can afford it (hah) I want to get that new 70X200 F/2.8.. But that's another $1650..

One thing I just thought of.. My BIL finally had his Canon SLR film camera go blooey about a year ago.. His fault, he dropped it.. He's going to make the plunge to digital very soon. Since he's already familiar with Canon he definately should stay with them..

I'll talk to him soon and mention the 30 or 40 series and see what he says..

No, but then everything I've said you've taken as sarcastic.. IT'S NOT INTENDED THAT WAY..

Now drop it... I have.

It sure dosn't look like you've dropped it! That statements a little overly dramatic don't ya think? I notice that you left out half the post in your quote. Maybe it's just minutia but when a grown man makes a statement that ends in "but, whatever" I do think that's rather condescending and sarcastic. I take it you were unable to find a single statement I made to support your accusation that I allegedly said Nikon was a "POS".