Starting from scratch - which system?

[Stephen]

Once you buy into a system its often the case that brand loyalty kicks in, not to mention that you don't want to lose out on the investment made so far. However suppose this wasn't an issue and something you have seen announced at PMA or before makes you wish you could change. What system would you choose?

[bigbob]

Re: Starting from scratch - which system?

I started off with a Practika 40 years ago , then slowly changed from that to Olympus and Canon , then in the early 70's bought a Nikon and have stayed with the F-Mount ever since , bought a Fuji because it's the same lense mount , and now use both .
But thats not the original question , if i had to start again from scatch i'd weigh up the choices and then decide on the best ALLROUND system , the Canon might have better bodies but weaker lenses while the Nikon has better lenses but even the D2X body is'nt up to the IDS 11 standard .
All this is assuming price did'nt come into it .
I'd proberbly buy into Nikon again .

B..

[Stephen]

Re: Starting from scratch - which system?

So the Canon 1D MkIII wouldn't attract you, money no object of course

[StuartR]

Re: Starting from scratch - which system?

I'd love to be able to go "full frame" (I don't need it, I just want it ) so I'd probably stick with Canon. I've never had a Nikon, had just about everything else including Chinon (remember those?), but not a Nikon, no reason why but I don't hanker after one - bit like BMW's never wanted one whereas others I work with would sell a kidney to get one.

[bigbob]

Re: Starting from scratch - which system?

So the Canon 1D MkIII wouldn't attract you, money no object of course

Hmm..Mk111 ?.
Difficult? but i've made a choice and honestly for what i'm shooting right now my D2X and S5 fit the bill .
Don't need a full frame and the noise levels i see from the Mk11 i can get with the S5 .
Money does'nt come into it for me either , if needed i could change camps completly overnight .
I've played with the Mk11 and i prefer Nikons VR system over Canons IS .
I suppose it's because i've been Nikon for over 30 yrs , much like you've been with Canon , don't think i'll change .

B..

[Archangel]

Re: Starting from scratch - which system?

Having quit the DSLR world lately since I got bored and uncomfortable carrying bags, lenses and always in danger to damage some expensive equipment, I found myself to be happy again with the more compact superzooms.

I have no brand loyalty. I would buy any DSLR from any manufacturer as long as I think it fits my needs and satisfies me with its image quality.

As of now, if I had to choose a DSLR that would be a Nikon, preferably the D200 and the D40X as an entry level SLR.

Though, just finished with this photographic exhibition I was participating and got some job offers from a couple of companies and I had to complement my little FZ5 superzoom with a brand new Panasonic FZ30 I just bought today.
In a the non DSLR world, my preference is only Panasonic as of now.

George

[Goatsmilkuk]

Re: Starting from scratch - which system?

I would stay with Canon I have found my camera to be reliable and good, but I would spend the main amount on lenses, with a basic body as I believe that it's the person behind the camera then the lenses then the body. But I keep looking at a 5D (maybe a 1D) and some L glass as there are things I want to do but my 300D won't let me, been a great camera to use though and still going strong. But then we will see what the 40D brings, may be enough.

The 300D would stay as a backup and for taking out and about especially if out cycling over the woods and canals, not so bad if dropped.

Reading various forums and reviews it seems you can get caught up in the advertising and talking yourself into believing you need the latest gear with all the whistles and bells on when really you don't. There are a good few features on cameras that start with must have, then would be useful, to how often would I really use it? Are they going a bit "Boys toys"?

[devilgas]

Re: Starting from scratch - which system?

for the stuff i shoot, the 1d mk3 would be high on the list, so, (blindly) based on the current crop, would probs go for canon again. i do like the idea of in-camera IS, but that wouldn't be my main reason for choosing a particular brand. i've never been able to fault the image quality on any canon body, and indeed, high iso image quality was my reason for going canon in the first place. that said, i've not really kept up with development - my main workhorse body is still the 10d as it does what's required other than having a slow burst rate - so don't have a great knowledge on specs etc outside of the canon range.
if starting again, i'd look at all the current offerings but would probably lean toward a canon or nik based on dslr track record, availability and price.

[Pol]

Re: Starting from scratch - which system?

Well ......... 'Gert' already has a camera for every day of the week and has various systems too.

The Pentax and KM are used the most, the Nikon D70 gets used only occasionally.

Once a Pentaxian, always a Pentaxian eh.

Pol

[Goatsmilkuk]

Re: Starting from scratch - which system?

Yes Pol but don't forget he gets it all out of the bargain bin Wink Wink

[Stephen]

Re: Starting from scratch - which system?

Well ......... 'Gert' already has a camera for every day of the week and has various systems too.

The Pentax and KM are used the most, the Nikon D70 gets used only occasionally.

Once a Pentaxian, always a Pentaxian eh.

Pol

But this is 'brand loyalty'
If money was no object and you could start again would the average Pentaxian jump ship and go for another make? I know you were on the brink not too long ago

[Pol]

Re: Starting from scratch - which system?

But this is 'brand loyalty'
If money was no object and you could start again would the average Pentaxian jump ship and go for another make? I know you were on the brink not too long ago

I suppose it's brand loyalty in one sense .. because I really, really like my kit. True enough I did get cheesed off waiting for an update for the *istD and considered another brand, though I'd have had 2 systems rather than abandon my Pentax kit.

However - a less headstrong mate persuaded me to hang on and wait a while longer for the new Pentax. He's a good lad who'd realised the kit I was considering just wouldn't have hacked it for a dedicated Pentaxian.

The bonus was when the K10D was released at a price considerably less than expected.

So the answer is "no" - I really don't think the "average Pentaxian" would jump ship.

Here's a link for anyone who might have missed it.


Pol

[Pol]

Re: Starting from scratch - which system?

Yes Pol but don't forget he gets it all out of the bargain bin Wink Wink

True ...... and I finally got around to using the same bargain bin myself now. I remind him none of it costs more than "about ten quid" so that's ok, eh.

Pol

[Bearface]

Re: Starting from scratch - which system?

...the Canon might have better bodies but weaker lenses while the Nikon has better lenses...

No disprespect intended, but as a former Nikon user (until summer 2005) turned Canon user, I'm unable to see how you've reached this conclusion. I've seen similar comments over at Photosig in the past, but they've always been expressed by Nikon users and when challenged, none of them has ever provided any sort of objective evidence in support of the claims. You'll always find a situation in which a particular Canon lens might slightly under-perform when compared to a similar Nikon lens (and vice-versa...), but overall I have never been aware of (or noticed) a perceptible difference in lens quality from the two makers.

...but even the D2X body is'nt up to the IDS 11 standard...

Actually, my primary reason for jumping ship to Canon was that the D2x didn't even match up to the 1D

[bigbob]

Re: Starting from scratch - which system?

As you're involved in a heated discussion with another member Tim , i won't give you a second one , suffice to say if your happy with Canon then good for you , brand wars have never bothered me , i've used every one going including the ID 11 and i'm more than pleased with my D2X .
I was disapointed with the low light shots i took using a Canon ID 11 + 70-200 IS lense , but i except it could have been either a faulty unit or operater error .

B..