gstroupe:
Ok, I'll probably get killed for posting this but here goes.
I'm looking for advise on a Digital SLR for underwater photography. I've narrowed it down to Nikon and Cannon. What are the pros and cons for each manufacterer and which models are better for entry level?
thanks!
I use Nikon, and always have... except I've owned Contax, Hassy, Mamiya, Bronica, Cambron, and a few misc collectables over the years, so I'm not really much of a Brand Bigot like so many Nikon or Canon devotees.
Nikon, traditionally has focused on a complete system that is backward compatable. They generally produce less new bodies, and less techno stuff. Canon came out with a new mount when they went AF, and basically lost a LOT of their pro market. They also tend to push technology, and announce new pro bodies a LOT more often the Nikon. This has served Canon well in the age of digital.
Historically Nikon has remained on top, and that was true until Canon had three things... More IS lenses in the pro lineup, more mpix in the 1D with better low noise charasteristics due to CMOS, and in camera firmware noise reduction. These are benifits that pro sports shooters really can use, which is why one see's more Canon lenses in the pro sports catagories.
With the release of the D2x (CMOS based) and the release over the past few years of Nikons VR lenses, they have basically closed the gap in the sports arena. All that said, I'm not sure if any of that means much to an UW shooter.
As for lens qualilty, Nikon has historically had the optic quality edge. However one can NOT just say Nikon is better than Canon, one must evaluate EACH lens by the manufacture. Nikon wide lenses continue to outperform Canon. Some of the Canon lenses outperform Nikon. In low budget glass, neither is GREAT, but Canon cheap lenses have VERY poor build quality. One must evaluate THEIR lens requirements. It matters very little if Nikon offers a 300mm F2 EDIF VR lens (which they do, and Canon does not) if one is not going to shell out 4K for that chunk of glass.
Another big consideration is the camera layout. Nikon tends to take a more traditional approach. My D1x resembles my F4s in terms of where stuff is, and handles more like a traditional SLR. Canon long ago lost the aperture rings on the lenses, and has been using menu's and wheels even before digital came onto the market. Nikon did as well on some models, but lagged behind Canon. I personally don't like Canon's feel, but I'm sure that if I purchased a 1Ds MarkII, I'd quickly overcome the presentation of controls and features. I never thought I'd like using a dial over the aperture ring on the lens, but now, that is the only way I shoot with the D1x.
As far as MPIX, Canon continues to have bigger counts, but the real question is, does it matter? There has been enough head to head comparisons between the D2x, and 1DsMarkII to choke whale. And the end results are that it's next to impossible to tell much difference between the two. Mpix comes at a price, and the D2x is a much faster camera vs. the Canon in several area's, and becomes a speed deamon if one uses the 8mpix mode.
So even with the Canon having 4mpix more between the D2x and 1DsMarkII AND a bigger sensor, in the final image the results are both exceptional. There is less of a difference when comparing an 8mpix camera to a 6mpix camera.
There is SOOO much more to a digital camera then just mpix which is why the 4mpix Nikon D2H outperforms ANY PnS digital out there.
IMO the D70 or new Digital Rebel would both make great choices for UW. Now the big question becomes, can you afford the glass, ports, flash systems and housing. IMO putting junk glass on these bodies is like putting a Porsche engine in a Yugo.... at the end of the day you have a car that won't perform well dispite one component being top notch.
Another BIG mistake people make is they put 5K into a camera system, and don't bother to even read the manual much less actually get out there and take some classes, and purchase learning materials. Certainly good equipment is important in photography, however understanding a LOT about basic things like Aperture, Shutter, ISO, Exposure is just the tip of the iceburg!
Good Luck,
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