View Full Version : Shall I or not?>
I am thinking of selling my canon 40D and my canon lens and flash and replace it with a Nikon D90 as I fancy trying nikon out for a change and a mate said it a very good camera as he just got one.
But am I doing the right thing?
What do you think you will get out of it?? the canon 40d is a very good camera as well;)
The Nikon seem to have some cool feature I believe such as scene reconginsation how ever it spelt etc. Also I been told the D90 is better camera and easy to use and easier to take picture with than the 40d
You need to go and try one out at a camera shop. They both take good pictures, your choice should be down to feel of the body, lenses required and ultimately personal preference.
Learn to use what you've got.
But will i see a different in picture quility and ease of use? I believe the nikon also got subject detection too god I am stuck or being a fool
not really. 40D is a very easy camera to use. I think you're being a fool of the top drawer!
Are you all saying my 40D is a better camera than the D90 or is just personal choice
d90 is a bit newer and has a few gimmicky features. doesn't make it a better camera, and doesn't suddenly make the 40d a bad one. its still the photographer and the optics that count.
arclight
17-03-2009, 07:50
I'll wager you'll be hard pushed to tell the difference between the results of the two cameras.
Once you get into the mindset of believing the only way to get better results is to buy a more expensive piece of kit then there is no end to the outward flow of £'s.
MJ Stebbings
17-03-2009, 08:02
not really. 40D is a very easy camera to use. I think you're being a fool of the top drawer!
:plusone:
Pointless argument. Why ask us when its your own personal choice mate? If you prefer the Nikon camera THAT MUCH then get it, but i bet you will be hard pressed to tell the difference really. As stated, its the user and the lenses that will improve an image... so spend your cash on new glass!
if you are getting bad pictures with a 40d then you will still get bad pictures with a d90. post a couple of pics and see what feedback you get.
in truth, once you have technique sorted etc.. you should be able to get decent pics with any dslr, regardless of make.:thumbs:
if you are finding the 40d hard to use as the settings are in the wrong place for you, then go have a feel of the other brands and checkout what they are, but i would rather invest the money in better glass myself.
if you want to see if the d90 is better, borrow your mates for a short while and have a go, if you prefer it then you you will know.
jerry12953
17-03-2009, 08:08
:plusone:
Pointless argument. Why ask us when its your own personal choice mate? If you prefer the Nikon camera THAT MUCH then get it, but i bet you will be hard pressed to tell the difference really. As stated, its the user and the lenses that will improve an image... so spend your cash on new glass!
If your mate's got one, borrow his for a bit and see how you get on with it.
Every time you change your equipment though, you go through a learning process. You'll start getting better results when you know your gear like the back of your hand and you can start really thinking about your subject matter.
dont believe everything youre told, just because someone things its the dogs danglies doesnt automatically make it so..
tbh i wouldnt be fussed about stupid features like scene recognition. i have that already, its called my eyes and brain lol.
Martyn...
17-03-2009, 08:32
tbh i wouldnt be fussed about stupid features like scene recognition. i have that already, its called my eyes and brain lol.
Scene recognition is part of the matrix metering system. I would imagine that Canon has something similar using a different name, and he already has it on his 40D.
The choice is the OP's, the problem is that the grass always looks greener on the other side, as someone said earlier he needs to learn to use what he already has.
Whilst the D90 is newer, and has its advantages over the Canon, most of these would not be evident unless you are pushing the things to their limits, most everyday images would look no different from either camera.
ShrubMonkey
17-03-2009, 08:40
My advice mate, would be keep you 40D and take more photos.
I've had a 350D since it first came out and having started doing a picture a day (365) I finding I'm really improving my photography skills. The real improvements for me have come from understanding light and composition, just understanding these kind of areas has helped me take better pics. After all this time I'm only now starting to hit the limits of the gear.
I think it's important to make a list of why you need a new camera. I've started doing this each time I encounter an issue that repeatedly comes up when I'm photo taking, for example, bigger and better quality screen (for checking shots in the field), faster focusing (now my subject matter of what I shoot has increased, i.e. nature shots and of my children at play), more AF points (when working on a tripod would help too). It's only now that I am seriously considering upgrading to a another camera (a D300).
a1ex2001
17-03-2009, 08:42
'Because my mate said' is not a good reason to change camera systems. Think about it way up the pros and cons objectively, go out with you mate and use his d90 see if you prefer it. You will inevitably loose money by doing the system swap so be sure it's what you want and it's going to offer your sufficient benefit.
Pseronally I'd say no keep you cash and get shooting, changing kit will not make you a better photographer and once you've got any DSLR your skill becomes the important factor.
Scene recognition is part of the matrix metering system. I would imagine that Canon has something similar using a different name, and he already has it on his 40D.
The choice is the OP's, the problem is that the grass always looks greener on the other side, as someone said earlier he needs to learn to use what he already has.
Whilst the D90 is newer, and has its advantages over the Canon, most of these would not be evident unless you are pushing the things to their limits, most everyday images would look no different from either camera.
absolutely, its his choice but his reasoning that "my mate says its better" is flawed in my opinion.
RichardtheSane
17-03-2009, 09:06
How do you think the D90 will allow you to take better pictures
YOU are the photographer, not the camera.
Sure, the D90 may have more features but the stuff you mentioned seem like gimmicks of the highest order and of little use to anyone who has an ounce of skill with a camera.
No, I think it would be an expensive change that would do nothing for your photography
How do you think the D90 will allow you to take better pictures
YOU are the photographer, not the camera.
Sure, the D90 may have more features but the stuff you mentioned seem like gimmicks of the highest order and of little use to anyone who has an ounce of skill with a camera.
No, I think it would be an expensive change that would do nothing for your photography
i agree totaly
stephen ley
17-03-2009, 09:22
NEVER TURN TO THE DARK SIDE, FEEL THE FORCE
f1charlie
17-03-2009, 09:28
Scene recognition? As far as I know the D90 doesn't have this - if you mean the sort of thing I've seen advertised for some compact cameras, where the camera selects the 'best' mode automatically according to the subject. The D90 doesn't have this - it does have 'Scene modes' which you select - macro, landscape,protrait,etc, - but the 40D has this too.
The D90 does have 'face recognition' in Live View if thats what you mean.
it's alive
17-03-2009, 09:29
If you like the camera and it is easier for you to use then make the switch.
If it's to get scene or face recognition then go out and get a compact (or mobile phone) with the same software goodness. There's a reason that this stuff isn't on the higher end cameras . . . most people who spend a lot on a camera do so to have more control over the output, why surrender part of it to an algorithm that has no idea what kind of picture you want?
I moved from Canon to Nikon recently but that was 90% down to how the camera I bought actually felt and worked.
As has been said many times, use your mates D90 and see how it works out for you. If you fall in love with it then you have your answer, otherwise just get out and shoot with the 40D. You'll get great pictures.
Both the cameras can take good shots but it is you that make them great.
Don't change just for the sake of it or a friends say so, after all it is your money not his.
NorthernNikon
17-03-2009, 09:41
NEVER TURN TO THE DARK SIDE, FEEL THE FARCE
Typo corrected, :naughty:
As to the OP, there's nothing wrong with trying out different brands to see how you get on with them. Whether you want to spend the money on doing so is down to you, but it's not necessarily a foolhardy move to move from one system to another. Do you know anyone with a Nikon body? If so, see if you could borow it/swap with yours for a week or two. Try it out, bearing in mind potential differences in the optics you might be used to, features etc. Once you've used it for a while you'll have a good idea whether moving to Nikon or another system might be worthwhile.
I moved to Nikon form Minolta when two of my lenses for my X700 died. I went with Nikon purely on the feel of the handling in the camera shop at the time. When I went to digital, I didn't look at any other systems because a) my father-in-law had a D70 which I'd had chance to use and it felt as good as my F80, and b) I'd already had experience of using a Canon over a sustained period of time when I used a D30 at the Commonwealth Games. I don't get on with the way Canon's handle, but I only know that because I've had to use one for long enough to realise that it's not just unfamiliarity on my part.
Martyn...
17-03-2009, 09:42
Scene recognition? As far as I know the D90 doesn't have this - if you mean the sort of thing I've seen advertised for some compact cameras, where the camera selects the 'best' mode automatically according to the subject. The D90 doesn't have this - it does have 'Scene modes' which you select - macro, landscape,protrait,etc, - but the 40D has this too.
The D90 does have 'face recognition' in Live View if thats what you mean.
The D90 does have 'Scene recognition' as I said in my previous post it is part of the matrix metering system, the camera adjusts exposure using data from 1000's of different scenes stored on its chip, it is not something that you can access, it is part of the onboard computer.
Scene recognition? As far as I know the D90 doesn't have this - if you mean the sort of thing I've seen advertised for some compact cameras, where the camera selects the 'best' mode automatically according to the subject. The D90 doesn't have this - it does have 'Scene modes' which you select - macro, landscape,protrait,etc, - but the 40D has this too.
The D90 does have 'face recognition' in Live View if thats what you mean.
Yes it does. ;)
dragonfly
17-03-2009, 09:50
I don't think this makes any sense. 40D/50D is often used as a lightweight backup for pros with 1 series body. The Nikon D300 is probably a closer comparison, but this is twice the price of the D90.
With respect, as fletch5 said, if you can't take decent pictures with a 40D, you won't with a D90. Most DSLR now are very capable, even the entry level bodies. Give that to someone that knows how to best make use of them and you will get half decent shots.
Just fyi, I'm a Nikon shooter.
david1701
17-03-2009, 09:54
consider that you will be shunned by both camps if you switch. :D
Also consider that changing systems is a significant investment, would you be better off with some glass?
MJ Stebbings
17-03-2009, 09:59
Would you jump off a bridge if your mate thought that would be fun?
Would you jump off a bridge if your mate thought that would be fun?
I believe that is known as
A Base Jumping or
B Bungee jumping
:)
MJ Stebbings
17-03-2009, 10:09
A) if you had a parachute
B) if you have a piece of elastic around your ankles
I meant neither of the above
NorthernNikon
17-03-2009, 10:16
A) if you had a parachute
B) if you have a piece of elastic around your ankles
I meant neither of the above
Well it's hardly a useful analogy though is it?
f1charlie
17-03-2009, 10:21
The D90 does have 'Scene recognition' as I said in my previous post it is part of the matrix metering system, the camera adjusts exposure using data from 1000's of different scenes stored on its chip, it is not something that you can access, it is part of the onboard computer.
Yes it does. ;)
I stand (or sit) corrected, but where is that described?
MJ Stebbings
17-03-2009, 10:23
Well it's hardly a useful analogy though is it?
Yes, the point being that what a friends believes is good/fun/amazing/crap/rubbish etc doesnt always make it right for you does it! What if the "friend" loves the camera as he does portraits and its really suited to that style, yet the OP shoots sports and the camera the friend likes is no good for sports etc.
What is right/good for one isnt for another!
NorthernNikon
17-03-2009, 10:27
Yes, the point being that what a friends believes is good/fun/amazing/crap/rubbish etc doesnt always make it right for you does it! What if the "friend" loves the camera as he does portraits and its really suited to that style, yet the OP shoots sports and the camera the friend likes is no good for sports etc.
What is right/good for one isnt for another!
Granted, which is why I posted a constructive suggestion further up the thread, but given the fact that we don't know whether the friend in question is as good a photographer as a) David Bailey b) Bill Bailey or c) a bottle of Baileys, we can't really comment on the validity of his or her advice can we?
MJ Stebbings
17-03-2009, 10:31
Granted, which is why I posted a constructive suggestion further up the thread, but given the fact that we don't know whether the friend in question is as good a photographer as a) David Bailey b) Bill Bailey or c) a bottle of Baileys, we can't really comment on the validity of his or her advice can we?
But on the basis of "my friend said its a good camera" i still stand to feel my post is valid! Also see my previous post near the top of the thread
Martyn...
17-03-2009, 10:46
I stand (or sit) corrected, but where is that described?
In all of Nikons literature, your D90 handbook ;), and all over the web :D, here is a detailed explanation NIKON SCENE RECOGNITION (http://imaging.nikon.com/products/imaging/technology/scene/19/index.htm)
NorthernNikon
17-03-2009, 10:51
But on the basis of "my friend said its a good camera" i still stand to feel my post is valid! Also see my previous post near the top of the thread
I have read your first post in this thread, and I disagree with it. There's enough significant differences between the handling of different systems for it to be worthwhile for all photographers to spend time using systems other than their own to ensure that they have the best system for them. IQ is not the be all and all, so while there may be very little difference between output of both cameras in the lab, in the field, the way a camera handles can make the difference between getting the shot at all and missing it.
f1charlie
17-03-2009, 10:59
In all of Nikons literature, your D90 handbook ;), and all over the web :D, here is a detailed explanation NIKON SCENE RECOGNITION (http://imaging.nikon.com/products/imaging/technology/scene/19/index.htm)
I looked in the manual before replying - I can see scene modes but not scene recognition - which page?
Thanks for the link - bonus, a feature a didn't even know I had. :)
I agree with all the comments so far. I have a 40d and I have found the more familiar I become with the intricacies of the 40d the better my photos get. So my advice would be as others have pointed out, really get to know your camera. go on a canon course if you need to and then (and only then) you will be in a position to evaluate your ability to do good photography. It is the photographers ability first an foremost that set the standard, and where equipment is concerned concentrate on good glass when you can afford it.
I believe that is known as
A Base Jumping or
B Bungee jumping
:)
Without an attachment Suicide:lol:
MJ Stebbings
17-03-2009, 11:09
I have read your first post in this thread, and I disagree with it. There's enough significant differences between the handling of different systems for it to be worthwhile for all photographers to spend time using systems other than their own to ensure that they have the best system for them. IQ is not the be all and all, so while there may be very little difference between output of both cameras in the lab, in the field, the way a camera handles can make the difference between getting the shot at all and missing it.
Ok, re-read what i put in the original post as i think you will find that was exactly what you have just said but not in so many words and was a reply to both the original post and the other post about "will i see an improvement in my pictures" :
Pointless argument. Why ask us when its your own personal choice mate? If you prefer the Nikon camera THAT MUCH then get it, but i bet you will be hard pressed to tell the difference really. As stated, its the user and the lenses that will improve an image... so spend your cash on new glass!
Read all the posts that OP put and then maybe my answer will make more sense
NorthernNikon
17-03-2009, 11:14
Ok, re-read what i put in the original post as i think you will find that was exactly what you have just said but not in so many words and was a reply to both the original post and the other post about "will i see an improvement in my pictures"
But it isn't, you said quite clearly that it's the user and the lenses which makes the difference i.e. not the body. While I wouldn't disagree at all in the importance of the skills of the photographer and the quality of the glass, the handling of the body is far more important than the majority of people acknowledge.
Until the OP has tried a D90 over a sustained period of time he will never know whether the switch will be worth it or not.
MJ Stebbings
17-03-2009, 11:15
You're boring me now
Martyn...
17-03-2009, 11:32
I looked in the manual before replying - I can see scene modes but not scene recognition - which page?
I have the D300 so cannot tell you which page, not that it will explain it, there is just a reference to metering using scene recognition, it does not expand on it, which is strange considering how much hype they give it in the sales blurb, and on their web page.
As I said it matters not, as it is not anything that you can access, its just part of the metering/ autofocus software in the camera.
NorthernNikon
17-03-2009, 11:42
You're boring me now
I'm terribly sorry, I mistakenly thought that this was thread was about given the OP the best advice rather than serving as your entertainment. http://www.photoportal2.org.uk/ppforum/Smileys/animated/coffee.gif
MJ Stebbings
17-03-2009, 11:47
I'm terribly sorry, I mistakenly thought that this was thread was about given the OP the best advice rather than serving as your entertainment. http://www.photoportal2.org.uk/ppforum/Smileys/animated/coffee.gif
I'm bored of arguing with you on more then one thread and it turned from giving advice to more "i'm right, your wrong" argument and i decided to stop before turning the more then one thread in to 50 page novels
MJ Stebbings
17-03-2009, 11:52
:popcorn:
And you can quite that and give me your mkIII
:thumbs: ;)
f1charlie
17-03-2009, 12:08
I have the D300 so cannot tell you which page, not that it will explain it, there is just a reference to metering using scene recognition, it does not expand on it, which is strange considering how much hype they give it in the sales blurb, and on their web page.
As I said it matters not, as it is not anything that you can access, its just part of the metering/ autofocus software in the camera.
Thanks Martyn. I know I haven't read the manual as thoroughly as I should, but I was sure I hadn't seen that mentioned, so I did a search on the pdf version and I still can't find any mention of it.
As you say you can't access it, and as it is not a brand new feature, there is no need to add more words to the manual.
Ok Folks thanks for all your input on this and like you say I am going to try and borrow my friend camera for a few days and see how I get on with it.. To be honest I like my Canon 40D and it prob be silly to sell it along with it other stuff just for a few gimmick on the nikon..
MJ Stebbings
17-03-2009, 12:51
Ok Folks thanks for all your input on this and like you say I am going to try and borrow my friend camera for a few days and see how I get on with it.. To be honest I like my Canon 40D and it prob be silly to sell it along with it other stuff just for a few gimmick on the nikon..
:clap:
The reason to this as I have a
Canon 17 - 40 L Lens
Canon 50mm 1.4 Prime
Sigma 105 Macro
Canon 430EX II Flash.
So really a got a few nice gear there. What lens should I add to it next as i like something with IS but easy on pocket. Then it prob be best to get GOOD at taking Nice images Landscape etc once I reach the target and know how to take good images. UPGRADE 5DMkII That is then where I would see a big advantage.
I think the d90 is a better camera......
but like everyone has said if you cant take a good pic with the 40d
how will the d90 help you ?
UPGRADE 5DMkII That is then where I would see a big advantage.
What if someone tells you the D700, D3 or D3X is fantastic? Will we have another thread then? :p
MJ Stebbings
17-03-2009, 12:56
If you mainly shoot landscapes then yes, it would be sound advice to get a 5dmkII
Invest in a tripod as i think you have a nice set up for landscapes.
If you are after a general lens then the Canon 17-85is lens is ok. Maybe the Canon 17-55is is also a good option too
What if someone tells you the D700, D3 or D3X is fantastic? Will we have another thread then? :p
:lol: Probably :p
MarkEvan
17-03-2009, 17:57
Hmmm your 17-40 covers the wide angle aspect, why not look at a 24-70/105 for that bit more reach and a different perspective on your landscapes. Failing that as MJ said a good tripod will do a world of good for your landscapes as will a set of decent filters (Graduated ND`s, polarisers etc).
Hmmm your 17-40 covers the wide angle aspect, why not look at a 24-70/105 for that bit more reach and a different perspective on your landscapes. Failing that as MJ said a good tripod will do a world of good for your landscapes as will a set of decent filters (Graduated ND`s, polarisers etc).
Have already got a great Tripod I have a manfrotto 190Xpro and it a great tripod.
Am going to invest into a 24 - 105 L as I have handled the D90 and find it small I like the feel of my 40D and as suggested get my photo skills to top standard then a 5D be on my list. Am sticking to canon
RichardtheSane
17-03-2009, 18:26
Have already got a great Tripod I have a manfrotto 190Xpro and it a great tripod.
Am going to invest into a 24 - 105 L as I have handled the D90 and find it small I like the feel of my 40D and as suggested get my photo skills to top standard then a 5D be on my list. Am sticking to canon
:thumbs::clap:
MarkEvan
17-03-2009, 19:26
Am going to invest into a 24 - 105 L as I have handled the D90 and find it small I like the feel of my 40D and as suggested get my photo skills to top standard then a 5D be on my list. Am sticking to canon
Good move, the 24-105 is a great lens good for landscapes and people.
mastertrinity
17-03-2009, 20:22
i wouldn't because ot seems like to much hassle just for the camera and at the end of the day its the lens that does 99% of the work so if you want to try one, rent one.
MJ Stebbings
18-03-2009, 08:34
Am sticking to canon
You made the right choice :) :thumbs:
stephen ley
19-03-2009, 11:25
Northern Nikon.... Why thanks, not
Uneducated_Rick
19-03-2009, 12:12
So really a got a few nice gear there. What lens should I add to it next as i like something with IS but easy on pocket. Then it prob be best to get GOOD at taking Nice images Landscape etc once I reach the target and know how to take good images. UPGRADE 5DMkII That is then where I would see a big advantage.
IS is useless for landscapes normally - you'll be looking to use a tripod and down to about f11 with associated longer shutter speeds.
You'll see more of an advantage taking a few courses to improve your skill rather than upgrading your equipment
foodpoison
19-03-2009, 12:21
I think you should buy a D90.
Just for the hell of it. :p
But the simple fact that you wanted to buy a D90 because it has scene recognition says to me that you need to improve your knowledge of how to use your camera first!
48thEagle
19-03-2009, 13:28
Have already got a great Tripod I have a manfrotto 190Xpro and it a great tripod.
Am going to invest into a 24 - 105 L as I have handled the D90 and find it small I like the feel of my 40D and as suggested get my photo skills to top standard then a 5D be on my list. Am sticking to canon
Well done that man!
Just a thought, did your mate try and encourage you over to Nikon, in the hope you would jump in with two feet, buy as much kit as you could, so he has a ready made source of borrowing stuff he doesnt have? :D
Richard King
19-03-2009, 13:29
The Nikon seem to have some cool feature I believe such as scene reconginsation how ever it spelt etc. Also I been told the D90 is better camera and easy to use and easier to take picture with than the 40d
My nikon doesnt do that, my brain does
Richard King
19-03-2009, 13:36
d90 is a bit newer and has a few gimmicky features. doesn't make it a better camera, and doesn't suddenly make the 40d a bad one. its still the photographer and the optics that count.
I agree
Unfortunatally, part of the optics includes the thickness of the filter infront of the sensor. That accounts for the softness in most Canons, and the harshness and unforgiving nature of most KODAK's
On top of that, you need to consider the size, geometry and spacing of each pixel site compared to the resolving power of the lenses you want to use, allong with the tangental and sagital shell errors the lenses induce off axis. On top of that, you need to look at the way each lens you use introduces diffraction at different apetures, and how pixel site placement and spacing effects the subsequent result
Sounds like the OP needs a point and shoot to be honest!
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