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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
Help! Need digital NOW!
Jean Finley, Student/Intern
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Iowa City | IA | USA | Posted: 1:08 PM on 08.27.03 |
->> OK. I've been in my master's program two days now and it's painfully obvious that I need to go digital and I need to do it NOW.
Needed: one digital body and one all-purpose lens.
I'm not concerned at this point whether it's NIKON or CANON (my film stuff is nikon, but my lens are off-brand and slow).
Any suggestions? Can I do it for $2500?
Jean :) |
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Jason Miczek, Photographer
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Panama City | Fla. | USA | Posted: 1:13 PM on 08.27.03 |
->> You can buy a Canon 10D and, (if you can find a new one) a 17-35mm 2.8L lens for under $2500. Although you may want to look at used equipment because you'll need money leftover for batteries and memory and possibly the camera's vertical grip.
The same should work for Nikon's D100 and its 17-35 2.8.
If you've got Nikon gear already, I'd say stick to the Nikon.
Good luck. |
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Bob Gevinski, Photographer
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Minneapolis | MN | | Posted: 1:33 PM on 08.27.03 |
| ->> The D100 is going for about $1600 these days, which should leave you enough money to buy an off-brand 17-35, or 28-300 Zoom. |
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Nick Wright, Photographer
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Fort Scott | KS | United States | Posted: 1:45 PM on 08.27.03 |
| ->> Canon D2000 (~$700), Canon 24-85/3.5-4.5 (~$250), Canon 70-210/3.5-4.5 (~$150), Canon 550EX (~$300). Total cost= about $1,400. No, they're not the best lenses. But they are what I used for several months after I switched to Canon digital (from Pentax), and they served their purposes very well. I don't think you can beat that if you ~have~ to go digital. |
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Peter Russo, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Cambridge | MA | USA | Posted: 1:58 PM on 08.27.03 |
->> How about a 10D (less than $1500), and Sigma lenses: 17-35/2.8-4 (~$350) + 70-200/2.8 (~600). I just purchased a 10D, and these are the two lenses I'm considering... Has anyone had +/- experiences with these particular lenses on the 10D?
Jean: Are you at the U of Iowa? I'm from Iowa City.. awesome place :) |
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Steven E. Frischling, Photographer
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Amherst | MA | USA | Posted: 2:05 PM on 08.27.03 |
->> The Canon 10D is great, the Nikon F100 is great. If you don't mind the 2.0mp look into the Kodak/Canon DCS520/D2000 or Kodak (Nikon) DCS620 or 620x. You can find these cameras on E-Bay for $750-$1,000.
Yea, they seem old and heavy, but they have THE BEST colour managment ever created. Many photogs and publications have used the small 2.0mp old technology cameras to fill magazine covers, so 300dpi X 10". One of my clients has made a number of game day score glossy cards on heavy stock (300dpi X 14")from the DCS520 images.
But the 10D and D100 are also fine cameras, just not built on the EOS-1n or F5 bodies.
You can always find older lenses, or 3rd party lenses , in either Nikon or Canon. Both are great systems, but have extensive lens, flash, body selections to chose from.
So for $2,500 you can get a nice system started. |
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Nick Doan, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Scottsdale | AZ | USA | Posted: 2:06 PM on 08.27.03 |
->> There are some other costs involved, and you definitely want to consider what yuo are going to be shooting when choosing the lens.
I'm going to say go with the Canon 10D right now. I feel it's just a better all around camera than the D100. (I'm not trying to start a fight here, just my opinion.) If you have good credit you can get it from Best Buy at 12 to 18 months no interest financing. Also, Best Buy coupons for 10% off any digital camera over $400 is very common; check your mail. That would give you a 10D for $1350 with at least a year of no interest financing.
You are going to need a CF card or two. I'd suggest starting out with at least two 256MB cards. Mail order these from newegg.com, the Sandisk Ultra 256MB cards are $67 with free FedEx Saver shipping.
You want to get an extra battery for your camera. Walmart sells one I'm told for about $25. You can make do with one if you are careful... But, it's always good to have a back up.
That leaves you with lens decisions. If you are shooting sports, I'd suggest either the Sigma EX 70-200/2.8 You can get this for less than $700 a lot of places. But try the lens out before you buy it, you may not like it. (I didn't.) Or, you can get by with a Canon 70-200/4L for $580. Add the Canon 50/1.8 lens for $70 and the Canon 28/2.8 for $150. And the 420EX flash for $180.
$1500 for 10D, 2 CF cards, and possibly an extra battery.
$580-$700 for a 70-200 lens
$70-80 for the 50/1.8
$150 for the 28/2.8
$180 for the 420EX
That puts you at most abuot $2600. If you want help finding these prices on these items, let me know. The major one is getting a good deal on the 10D.
If you can take your time, you can buy secondhand and put this kit together for slightly cheaper.
Good Luck to you! Your drive and passion for this is inspiring. |
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Colin Corneau, Photographer
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Brandon | MB | Canada | Posted: 2:10 PM on 08.27.03 |
->> If you've already got Nikon lenses, they will be compatible with a D100 so it may save you a little expense. You need a wider angle lens, though, for the digital teleconversion factor.
Canon is a fine brand too, don't want to start any wars...I only suggested Nikon since you already have some equipment for it. |
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Jeff Stanton, Photographer
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Tucson | AZ | USA | Posted: 4:50 PM on 08.27.03 |
->> Jean ...
I think going used on lenses is the way to go. But if you do have $2,500 to spend, I would definitely buy a new body and here is why. THE WARRANTY!!!!!!
If you're in school and money is an issue, you don't need to put yourself in the position of buying a used body, then having it go down with little or no recourse.
Take the $2,500, buy a 10D, then get yourself on ebay and look at the Canon EF 20-35 2.8 used bodies. They're less expensive than the 17-35. They're not as wide, obviously, but you will get a great lens at a good price. Just do your research and ask the seller some questions, make sure he or she is in the U.S. and go from there.
Or.... you can phone places like Robert's, Samy's or Penn and inquire about used lenses. Good luck. |
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Jean Finley, Student/Intern
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Iowa City | IA | USA | Posted: 5:09 PM on 08.27.03 |
->> THis is great guys! Keep the ideas coming. I'm reading every one. Hopefully by this time next week I'll be digital.
Jean :)
ps. And be sure to remind me that spending money on all this new gear isn't a good enough reason to cancel my plans to attend the luau. That's just a mental hurdle at this point, since someone already bought me a ticket (NOte to self: Pay that guy back at the luau!) |
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Robert Hanashiro, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | USA | Posted: 9:19 PM on 08.27.03 |
->> Just one word of advice: Stay away from OLD technology.
The Kahuna. |
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Thomas E. Witte, Photographer
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Cincinnati | OH | USA | Posted: 9:27 PM on 08.27.03 |
| ->> Ditto, try to get something that's new, technologically speaking. |
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Sean Fillmore, Photographer
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Fort Stewart | GA | USA | Posted: 11:19 PM on 08.27.03 |
| ->> I bought a 10D, sigma 28-70 f2.8, lexar 512mb cf card, and a usb card reader from samy's for under $2200 about a month and a half ago, pretty sweet deal I think. |
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John Gwillim, Student/Intern, Photographer
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East Lansing | MI | USA | Posted: 11:23 PM on 08.27.03 |
->> Didn't know if you have looked, but there is a used Canon 70-200 f2.8 for sale in the classified section, I love that lens, may be a good way to go. Good luck,
John |
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Dave Burman, Photographer
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Waterloo | IA | USA | Posted: 11:55 PM on 08.27.03 |
->> The advice I'm giving my PJ students this year is this. Canon 10-D or Nikon-D-100 and spend for the best lenses you can get. New is good because of the warranties, but I've had exceptionally good luck with slightly used from e-bay.
When you get into a job and your employer is buying or at least paying a camera maintenance stipend (non-existant in education) you can upgrade the body.
The principles can be learned with a lesser camera, but image quality has to pass the glass first. And, your lenses are usable as you upgrade the body. I can't remember the last time I upgraded a lens. My 70-200 2.8 is one of the first generation out. But I seem to be shelling out for a new digital body every couple of years.
We're still teaching film, and darkroom as well as digital in our two year program, but we are noting trends and changing curriculum to meet the demands of our field.
Good luck in your studies, and maybe we'll meet on a field somewhere this year, or at the luau, if the school will let me go
("#!@%^& Budgets! ).
Dave |
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Doug Holleman, Photographer
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Temple | TX | USA | Posted: 1:43 AM on 08.28.03 |
| ->> If you have Canon stuff get a 10D. If you have Nikon stuff get a D100. There's not any significant difference between the two to make a switch. Both are fine cameras. I love my D100. |
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Debra L Rothenberg, Photographer
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New York | NY | USA | Posted: 8:46 AM on 08.28.03 |
->> I have said it before and i will say it again...I love my D100. I have the D1X as well but the D100 is awesome. The battery life is much better,(last weeks!) it's lighter. Doesnt focus as fast as the D1x but it is a GREAT camera. I have friends who have the 10D and they all hate it-they complain of back focusing and all of them say they would never buy it again.
Nikon all the way, and fo rthe money the D100 is worth it.
Debbie |
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Michael J. Treola, Photographer
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Neptune | NJ | USA | Posted: 9:11 AM on 08.28.03 |
->> I'd echo what Bert said " Stay Away from Old Technology!" Almost all of our DCS520 camera's are on there way out. The cost of the repairs is out of this world and since the camera has been discontinued the available parts for repairs are dwindling according to Canon support that is just a 1/2-hour drive from our office.
I think without a doubt that I would buy a new D100 or Canon 10D. First it's new, has a warranty, and whose picture quality will surpass any old camera you can buy. Since you already own some Nikon lenses it stick with a D100 if it were I. (Ok you lenses are slow but you still have some right?)
Lastly a NY Post photographer who owns the Canon 10D as a 2nd to his 1D and doesn't like the camera. He praised the picture quality, which was outstanding, but the camera was " slow and just good for features." Since he was already using a 1D as his primary camera this would have certainly swayed his opinion because they are just two very different tools. |
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Jay Abend, Photographer
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Framingham | MA | USA | Posted: 10:05 AM on 08.28.03 |
->> No offense to the opinions here- But If I had only $2500 and wanted to get rolling in digital I would definitely go for the cleanest, lowest actuation DCS 520 I could find for under $800-Please guys- a 520 isn't THAT old technology- a DCS 410 or 420 IS... then find a clean used 28-70f2.8L for $850, a 70-200 f 4 (WHITE!) for $550 and an offbrand 17mm f 3.5 to finish it off- Plus the camera takes EZ series strobes which are dirt cheap- and frankly a 285 works way better anyway- Then when Canon introduces their new 1d killer in time for PMA in January I'd look to upgrade to a clean used 1d (Which should be about a $2000 investment at that point)This of course assumes newspaper work- for everything else a 520 just won't cut it- That's the proper upgrade path- get some usable glass- upgrade your main body and have a capable backup...
I'd go with Canon only because their rate of new product introductions means that there are more and better used bodies in the marketplace at any given moment- same reason why a used DCS520 is worth $300 less than a 620 (Nikon mount)- There are just way more of them.
I picked up a Canon D2000(DCS 520) on Ebay for $600 that had 2,300 actuations, 2 new batteries, a half dozen cards, manuals, box etc.- It's a backup-to-the-backup-to-the backup... After looking at files from either my 1ds or 1d the d2000 files look sick- but I still find ways to use the camera- I'm a commercial shooter but I used the d2000 recently tethered to a laptop to capture 1300 small glass products on a month long project- the setup had to be locked down so I didn't want to dedicate one of the 1d or 1ds bodies to it for a month...the printed catalog looks excellent!! (Biggest image ran 7" across- which scared me- 200 lpi!!- but looked OK)
plus it's just friggin cool to buy a $17,000 camera for $600!!! |
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Kristen Conway, Photographer
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Charlottesville | VA | USA | Posted: 10:19 AM on 08.28.03 |
->> I have two D100s and love them. If you go for that, I would suggest getting the grip too. Without it, the camera is too light and small, but with it, it's a great camera. I have a friend with a 10D and all he does is complain about the lag.
As far as lenses, I have the Sigma 24-70 and I know everyone complains about Sigma, but I really like that lens. When I was shopping I looked at the Sigma 70-200 and hated it compared to the Nikon, but with the 24-70 compared to the Nikkor 35-70 I had been shooting, I was fine with the difference. It's a nice lens until you can afford more. (Which, if you're like me, given college loans, other equiptment you want, etc. could be a while.) |
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Christopher Nowling, Photographer, Assistant
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Santa Barbara | CA | USA | Posted: 11:49 AM on 08.28.03 |
| ->> A little of topic, but I just went digital on Wed. Got a new 1D from Calumet for $3200. I guess they had priced wrong in their computer b/c couldn't get B&H or Samy's lower then $3500 (I'm told that cost is $3289). Should I have waited for new model in 2004? Already have 70-200 2.8 and couldn't get used 10D for sports, way to slow. |
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Jean Finley, Student/Intern
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Iowa City | IA | USA | Posted: 2:49 PM on 08.28.03 |
| ->> Thank you all for the additional info. - more is welcomed if you have it. I already have a digital p/s, so I'm looking for a DSLR. I have 2 (slow) nikon-compatable lenses (28-80 and 70-300) so I think I might stick with Nikon on this one. |
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Sam Morris, Photographer
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Henderson (Las Vegas) | NV | USA | Posted: 2:59 PM on 08.28.03 |
->> Jean,
When I was a cash-strapped college student (now a cash-strapped father of three), I bought everything used from KEH. They are fantastic to deal with and very conservative in their grading. They have a D1 for about $1100 right now: http://www.keh.com/shop/product.cfm?bid=DN&cid=02&sid=newused&crid=5703451 |
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Jean Finley, Student/Intern
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Iowa City | IA | USA | Posted: 2:53 PM on 09.04.03 |
->> OK - here we go!!! I've decided on the 10D. Have the checkcard in hand. Where is the best place to buy?
Quick!!! Before I change my mind!! |
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Thomas E. Witte, Photographer
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Cincinnati | OH | USA | Posted: 3:01 PM on 09.04.03 |
| ->> Roberts. 800-726-5544 and ask for Jody. |
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Robert Hanashiro, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | USA | Posted: 3:04 PM on 09.04.03 |
| ->> Louis at Samy's: 800.321.4726. |
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Zack Uribe, Photographer
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Santa Clara | CA | USA | Posted: 3:05 PM on 09.04.03 |
->> If you are buying new, I would check with Jody at Roberts, Samys, Penn (all Sportsshooter sponsors) or as a last resort, BHphotovideo.com
Enjoy digital!!! |
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Robert Hanashiro, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | USA | Posted: 3:06 PM on 09.04.03 |
| ->> Jeff at Penn Camera: 800-347-5770 or Email: jsnyder@penncamera.com; AOL Instant Messenger: JeffPennCamera. |
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Robert Hanashiro, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | USA | Posted: 3:12 PM on 09.04.03 |
->> In other words: Call around to get the best "deal" you can. Prices vary. Shipping charges vary. The only way to get a good price is do your homework.
The Kahuna. |
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Dan Crawley, Photographer
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Cumberland | RI | USA | Posted: 3:32 PM on 09.04.03 |
->> Jean,
If you are planning on using your camera to shoot sports I would caution you against the 10D. I just spent 5 days shooting for a client over 1000 images a day per body and didn't want to use my bodies for the heavy shooting. I had the client cover rental bodies but all I could get were a 10D and a D100. The 10D was a big disappointment compared to the D100. I don't think either company is inherently better than the other, but some cameras perform better for certain applications. After using them side by side for the week, I can't urge you strongly enough to get the D100 over the 10D for sports. It's not necessarily a better camera overall, but it clearly outperformed its counterpart this week.
-Dan |
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