Deciding on camera/lens...

[pixmedic]

Tailgunner, depending on the circumstances, that might just work out. I'll keep it in mind and if I'm still in need of a camera I'll contact you about it when Uncle Sam drops my money off again. Definitely within budget.

Raventrepes, I kinda figured that would be the case. I was talking about trade offs, and with that kind of versatile zoom, I figured I'd be losing something. The problem is I'll be acquiring primes galore for Hasselblad stuff (I have an Ektar 80mm f2.8, plan on snagging Zeiss Planar 80 2.8, Sonnar T* 150 4, Distagon 50 f/something), so I'd totally be covered there. And that stuff is cheaper to acquire (more of a pain in the ass to service though) than new Nikon lenses.


I got to Best Buy to play with the D7100 vs the 70D. The Nikon has some features that would really be great if I brought it with on vacation or something (the twin memory card slots). The dynamic range gives it a bit of an edge, but it all comes down to what I can get a better deal on when the time comes, I think.



So the 18-105 isn't that great. Is the 18-140 VR any good? I saw the results on the camera's screen... which totally helped. I'm guessing this is going to be a bit soft due to the longer range when blown up on a computer screen. Is that the case? It seemed to focus VERY fast in low light (keep in mind, this is a relative measurement compared to a 4/3 DSLR that won't focus at all) and on flat surfaces.

Thanks for all the help so far, everyone. Switching systems is a pain in the ever living a55. My advice: pick a system that's gonna be around for a while.... :meh:

dang. your going to have a lot of cameras and lenses....what are you going to put all that stuff in?

 

[Derrel]

Read what a disappointed Canon 7D owner has to say about the 70D's performance...

Canon EOS 70D: a brand new camera body with outdated image performances ? » Dominique Fleury Photoblog

Same old sensor as was used in 2009 when the 7D premiered. Canon has made it clear; go full frame. Or suffer through outdated performance limitations.

 

[minicoop1985]

Tailgunner, depending on the circumstances, that might just work out. I'll keep it in mind and if I'm still in need of a camera I'll contact you about it when Uncle Sam drops my money off again. Definitely within budget.

Raventrepes, I kinda figured that would be the case. I was talking about trade offs, and with that kind of versatile zoom, I figured I'd be losing something. The problem is I'll be acquiring primes galore for Hasselblad stuff (I have an Ektar 80mm f2.8, plan on snagging Zeiss Planar 80 2.8, Sonnar T* 150 4, Distagon 50 f/something), so I'd totally be covered there. And that stuff is cheaper to acquire (more of a pain in the ass to service though) than new Nikon lenses.


I got to Best Buy to play with the D7100 vs the 70D. The Nikon has some features that would really be great if I brought it with on vacation or something (the twin memory card slots). The dynamic range gives it a bit of an edge, but it all comes down to what I can get a better deal on when the time comes, I think.



So the 18-105 isn't that great. Is the 18-140 VR any good? I saw the results on the camera's screen... which totally helped. I'm guessing this is going to be a bit soft due to the longer range when blown up on a computer screen. Is that the case? It seemed to focus VERY fast in low light (keep in mind, this is a relative measurement compared to a 4/3 DSLR that won't focus at all) and on flat surfaces.

Thanks for all the help so far, everyone. Switching systems is a pain in the ever living a55. My advice: pick a system that's gonna be around for a while.... :meh:

dang. your going to have a lot of cameras and lenses....what are you going to put all that stuff in?

Not my current Sherpa bag, that's for sure. This is exactly why I put in for your bag.

Derrel, that didn't load, but basically, from what I've heard (even at a dedicated Canon dealer that doesn't sell Nikon), is exactly that: any Canon APS-C stuff is going to be a letdown unless you're a beginner these days. I'd love to go full frame, but my heart isn't in it enough to justify the extra money-I'd rather put that cash into medium format. The Nikon would make a pretty good workhorse, it would seem. I just need to decide on a lens/lenses. This whole new system thing is making my head spin

 

[JacaRanda]

I think it's the same blog here. Canon EOS 70D: a brand new camera body with outdated image performances ? » Dominique Fleury Photoblog Pretty much the same arguments, debates and points in the comments.

The admins final sentence "Conclusion: neither Canon nor Nikon is better, that is just a matter of choice regarding how you will use your camera body

"

 

[Derrel]

Derrel, that didn't load, but basically, from what I've heard (even at a dedicated Canon dealer that doesn't sell Nikon), is exactly that: any Canon APS-C stuff is going to be a letdown unless you're a beginner these days. I'd love to go full frame, but my heart isn't in it enough to justify the extra money-I'd rather put that cash into medium format. The Nikon would make a pretty good workhorse, it would seem. I just need to decide on a lens/lenses. This whole new system thing is making my head spin

Basically, the author pointed out what has become apparent ONLY with the passage of time, and multiple new Canon APS-C models: that Canon's strategy has been to focus on improving its VIDEO features, while Nikon has been focusing on autofocusing, flash control, AND sensor performance improvements. Canon has been using the same basic sensor since 2009. That's a loooooong time in "digital years".

Here's a screen capture I made, showing the slow trajectory Canon has been content with in its APS-C cameras.

 

[weepete]

Just a thought, but is the Canon vs Nikon sensor thing not somewhat moot here? Given that minicoop wants a camera mostly for product photography and most product photography is done under studio conditions with controlled lighting dynamic range and high ISO is somewhat redundant.

I don't have a lot of experience with this so I could be wrong

 

[pixmedic]

Just a thought, but is the Canon vs Nikon sensor thing not somewhat moot here? Given that minicoop wants a camera mostly for product photography and most product photography is done under studio conditions with controlled lighting dynamic range and high ISO is somewhat redundant.

I don't have a lot of experience with this so I could be wrong

yes but...
its more fun for people to butt heads and argue over whos lens is bigger.

 

[JacaRanda]

You are wrong weepete. ISO and dynamic range always matter. It's clear in every picture I see by amateurs and pros all over the www. You just have to read the charts and develop the eye. COME ON MAN!

 

[JacaRanda]

Just a thought, but is the Canon vs Nikon sensor thing not somewhat moot here? Given that minicoop wants a camera mostly for product photography and most product photography is done under studio conditions with controlled lighting dynamic range and high ISO is somewhat redundant.

I don't have a lot of experience with this so I could be wrong

yes but...
its more fun for people to butt heads and argue over whos lens is bigger.

Haaa, I was going to say something like a wenis competition.

 

[JacaRanda]

I just asked wifey what was more important; a wenis with more megapixels or a wenis with more dynamic range or one that can be seen in low light. She said none of that is as important as the man behind the wenis and how he uses it.............or how she uses it.

I'm leaving that one alone.

 

[minicoop1985]

I don't wanna know the ways she uses her weenis. That sounds like something you'd find in Bangkok. :shock:




That's where I am with all of this. I had kinda written Nikon off initially, but really, I don't think it makes all that much difference for what I want to use it for. Though dynamic range makes for more stamina, I've heard. The autofocus is pretty good though, so... GAAAH SOMEONE MAKE UP MY MIND!!!!!!!!! Or find me a digital back and I'll be even happier

 

[Jacaranda_wifey]

I don't wanna know the ways she uses her weenis. That sounds like something you'd find in Bangkok. :shock:




That's where I am with all of this. I had kinda written Nikon off initially, but really, I don't think it makes all that much difference for what I want to use it for. Though dynamic range makes for more stamina, I've heard. The autofocus is pretty good though, so... GAAAH SOMEONE MAKE UP MY MIND!!!!!!!!! Or find me a digital back and I'll be even happier

OMG! I see I need to put hubby on restriction!!! Dang clown !!! :Joker::Joker:

 

[robbins.photo]

I don't wanna know the ways she uses her weenis. That sounds like something you'd find in Bangkok. :shock:




That's where I am with all of this. I had kinda written Nikon off initially, but really, I don't think it makes all that much difference for what I want to use it for. Though dynamic range makes for more stamina, I've heard. The autofocus is pretty good though, so... GAAAH SOMEONE MAKE UP MY MIND!!!!!!!!! Or find me a digital back and I'll be even happier

OMG! I see I need to put hubby on restriction!!! Dang clown !!! :Joker::Joker:

Just show him all these graphs. He'll be sound asleep in minutes. Works like a charm for me.. lol

 

[xj0hnx]

First of all, approximately none of the "kit" type lenses will do for critical work as they're just not sharp enough (IMHO) for product photography. It's not to say it can't be done, or even done well. I've coaxed a few shots with passable results on the 18-105. Realistically, I'd stay clear of 18-XXX lenses for product photography though.

???

18-55mm kit lens



http://www.rottmerhusen.com/objektives/lensid/nikkor.html

 

[minicoop1985]

Hmm. That's no Sony 18-55 f3.5-5.6 SAM, that's for sure....

If I hold on to my Oly, would it be stupid to snag the 18-140 VR and see if I like it? If not, then I'm I could ditch it fairly easily and find something that works, like an 17-50 f2.8 Tamron or some of the other lenses I've seen chatter about on here. If I buy from a local camera shop, maybe they'll even take it back and let me trade for something else lens wise. I can't imagine it being worse than what I have now... Here's an example-ignore the horrid post processing and screwy lighting (I'm working on that), but this just doesn't seem sharp to me. Also, if there's dust on the front element on either lens, it apparently can cause some problems, as unlikely as it seems.


PC122543 by longm1985, on Flickr