Starting research on Digital SLR to buy

[sarita75]

Bonjour all. Some of you might remember my last post regarding my dear A710 that went kaputz on my recent vacation(http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/canon-corner/228128-a710is-acting-up.html) . So, our final thoughts are to send the A710 to Canon to be fixed/replaced and begin researching SLRs in anticipation for making a good, well-informed (as much as I can be!) decision in the next month or two. I am looking to buy one in the $600-$850 range, so not the Canon 40D or whatever the gignormous (!!) one that is out now.

So, I turn to you all - in your infinite wisdom. My initial questions are:

(1) Canon v. Nikon - any user +/- thoughts that you can impart with
(2) Things that I should be considering that a new SLR buyer wouldn't think of
(3) Tweekings that would need to be made to the camera (diff batteries, cables, etc).

I will buy an ikelite housing for whatever camera I buy, with the intention of "adding on" strobes (more advanced than my Sealife strobe), etc.

So, ScubaBoarders - Let me have it! All your thoughts and infinite wisdom.

And .... thank you!!

 

[tjsdive]

I love my nikon d40. Very easy to use. But im too scared to take it under so i stick with my canon a710. Some say there isnt many lenses available for it b/c of no internal focus. But there are plenty to choose from.

 

[alcina]

Please don't get hung up on the Nikon/Canon. Both produce great cameras and glass.

If you can, head into a camera store and get a feel for the options. One is bound to feel better to you.

Check service in your area. This was one of the major deciding factors that pushed me to Canon when several of my friends were extolling the virtures of Nikon.

The biggest factor for me was low light capabilities. The Canons are simply better. The new Nikon range that just came out closes that gap considerably and so now Nikon has contenders if that is a major need for you.

Make sure the models you narrow it down to are supported by Ikelite, if that is your chosen housing manufacturer.

When it comes right down to it, you're going to be happy with whatever you end up with as long as it has the functions you need...and staying out of the bottom end of Nikon's range will give you that. Canon's entry level cameras have all the functions you need underwater.

If I was getting started now, with no current glass or whatnot, I'd be heading to Canon's 400D if I wanted to save some cash or the 40D if I had cash to burn.

 

[sarita75]

Thanks to both of you. I must admit that I loved the feel of the Canon's over the Nikons, and am generally accustomed to Canon's menu functions insofar as my point and shoots have all been Canon thus far.

And yes, low-light capabilities is a huge factor since we have such "great" viz here in Northern California -- all macro, all the time.

Thank you!!!

 

[Rynomar]

I agree that going to a store and looking and getting a feel for the cameras may help with the decision. I had a 30D and moved to a 5D and I ahve been very happy with the Canon cameras but Nikon and others also make good cameras.

Take a look at the types of pictures you plan on taking and the lens options available. I personally feel that Canon and Nikon have the best choices in lenses. I have several other Canon cameras and it is very easy to switch from one camera to another with the similar menu and controls.

Canon also has several nice macro lenses that could work well for you. Just remember that most of the dslr's out there have cropped sensors so the lenses are going to appear to have a different focal length than they would on a 35mm film camera.

It is a little scary taking a dslr diving the first few times but you won't regret it.

 

[krawdady]

I have a Nikon D70 and I can't say enough about it. I don't have the guts (or the money for a housing) to take it under water but the topside pictures are incredible.

 

[Diver Dennis]

I am still using the old 350D underwater and am thinking of moving up to the 5D. As alcina says, there is not much difference between Canon and Nikon but once you buy lenses you will stay with the one you choose probably. I have some L lenses that will keep me with Canon. The new 450D has a liveview back which looks interesting.

Don't scrimp on strobes, they can be used on any camera almost but housings are generally made for one type of camera and cost at least twice as much usually so you won't be changing too often. YMMV

 

[sarita75]

Part of the reason that I am looking at a mid-range ($) camera is so that if I have a "whoops" like I did with my A710, I won't feel "too" bad about it. I went tonight and check out the Nikons and Canons. I love the way that the Canon 400D Xti felt in my hands, but have only ever shot photos using the "live view" which is only available on the XSi which doesn't yet have an u/w housing (that I can find).

Curious if people find shooting using the view finder only to be an issue.

Some of the Nikons had a nice feel, although at the Best Buy we visited, they weren't functional, so I wasn't able to get a good feel of the zoom/focus features holding the camera in my hands.

As for the lenses - ..... that is great information as it is something I've not had to deal with up to this point (having only used p+s cameras). So much to learn!!!

 

[Diver Dennis]

You can get insurance for flooding so not to worry.

 

[alcina]

Forget about liveview imho. Learn to use the viewfinder - it's a bit of a switch but not too bad and you'll get it quickly.

I love the Canon 400D - it's excellent value for money, gives great images, has fast autofocus, the lcd is a great size and there are a selection of housings available. Just go for it and get shooting!

BTW - there's some dslr lens info in the sticky to get things rolling