Having dark thoughts

TCR4x4

TCR4x4

Wishes he had a couple more Inches
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Tom
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Ive been using my Canon gear for a few months now, and overall Im happy with it. I love the range of lenses and I like the IQ of the pictures, but its just the ergonomics of the cameras, Im struggling with.
I dont know if its just a case of getting used to it, but I really miss the layout and functionality of the Nikon cameras, and in the last few days Ive been eyeing up D300's and having that fluttering feeling in the stomach.

I really miss the CLS system, I miss the front and rear thumbwheel and I miss the texture and grip.

I wouldnt be able to get the same lenses in Nikon as I have now in Canon, so thats a big minus, but I could get a 70-300VR again, a Nikon 105mm macro and a wide/mid zoom plus a nifty 50.

I need to do some sums and see how much it would cost, but Im seriously considering something here.. :bonk:
 
I found the 7D was a much better camera than the 40D.
However i still moved to the dark side and had a D300s which i would say is on a par with the 7D.
the D300s was better for AF tracking and 51 AF points, menu options, while the 7D was better on video.
Be warned you will soon eant the D700 if you do change so dont buy akll DX lenses and FX lenses can be a bit pricy compared to Canon.

What ever you decide good luck with it.
 
Well... you only live once... and you can't take it with you... so if you can justify the expense and hassle why not go for it?
 
Ive had a D700 and cant believe I sold it. I cant afford one again (yet), so will have to stick with the lower priced bodies.

I dont want to get into the gear chasing thing again, but I want to be happy with my gear. Will going back to Nikon make me a better photographer? Probably not, but if Im more comfortable with the gear, Im more likely to go out and use it.

Toughie..
 
Well I sold all my gear (D700,D90,D200 plus various lenses) due to financial stuff and went without a camera for several months. I then bought a Canon SX1 IS bridge as I was missing taking photos but didnt want the hassle of carrying it all around. However within a month or two I realised that a bridge was no good and I wanted a DSLR again. As I was starting from scratch, I thought Id try Canon.
 
Might be worth popping into a camera shop and trying the 7D first just to see if anything about it changes your mind.

if not then if you have an itch you better scratch it.
 
TCR4x4 said:
Ive had a D700 and cant believe I sold it. I cant afford one again (yet), so will have to stick with the lower priced bodies.
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Save up until you can afford a D700.



I dont want to get into the gear chasing thing again, but I want to be happy with my gear. Will going back to Nikon make me a better photographer? Probably not, but if Im more comfortable with the gear, Im more likely to go out and use it.
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I had the same conundrum when I owned the 450D. Took great pictures, the AF system was mediocre, but I couldn't get over the fact that it felt like a toy. I bought a 1Ds and felt much happier using it, because it felt so much more solid.

I can understand how important it is to feel comfortable with the gear. Nikon have a great lineup at the moment as do Canon, but I am the opposite to you, the thumbwheel on Nikons do not agree with me.
 
How about that new D7000 jobbie? People seem to be raving about it.
 
Surely if you use the Canon more & more then you'll get used to it...

Try not to compare it to what you had - times were not so good for you so you done what you had to do - Keep with it for a little while longer & see how you go & if in say 3months time you feel the same then go for it....

Only thing is thou next year vat will be 20%....
 
Yeah I was just looking at the D7000, but I could get a 2nd hand d300s for the same money unless they drop in price rather swiftly.

I wont be able to afford a D700 and all the lenses I'd want for a long time, so its not worth considering at the moment sadly.

I'd need a wide/medium zoom, tele zoom and a macro, plus a wide prime. That wont happen with a D700. And I'd need new flashes too, as my Nissins wont work I dont think??

Previously I had 10-20mm, 18-50 f/2.8, 24-70 f/2.8, 70-200 f/2.8, 70-300VR, 50-500 bigma, 105mm macro, 50mm 1.8, 35mm f/1.4, 85mm f/1.8. Not all at the same time, but some overlaps. Fast lenses and pretty essential for me, so I'd be looking at maybe a 24-70 again, and maybe something wider, and certainly a macro lens. I'd probably get away with the 70-300VR too.
 
Trig's said:
Surely if you use the Canon more & more then you'll get used to it...

Try not to compare it to what you had - times were not so good for you so you done what you had to do - Keep with it for a little while longer & see how you go & if in say 3months time you feel the same then go for it....

Only thing is thou next year vat will be 20%....
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That is an issue, but Id probably try and buy most gear 2nd hand, so not too bad.

Ive been really trying with the canon, but where do you draw the line? At the moment its almost a brand new camera, and I'd sell it pretty close to what I paid. If I keep it too long Ill just loose money. ( This camera is new, Ive had another 50D and 450D before this). Out in the field, Im still having to look at the dials to see what Im doing. On all 4 Nikon Bodies I had, it was just instinct straight away.
 
I know where your coming from - esp if your used to something then dont have it for a wee while then buy a different make/model you are acustom to the "old ways" as so to speak...

Stick with it - its only a case of getting used to the controls... Then again is IQ a lot different to the Nikon :shrug:

Maybe if you were to compare the good & the bad to both the Nikon & Canon & see if that helps you out...

Christmas isn't all that far so then there is the sales plus there might even be people wanting to sell what you want or even buy what you have ...

:thinking: Did that make sense :shrug:
 
Trig's said:
I know where your coming from - esp if your used to something then dont have it for a wee while then buy a different make/model you are acustom to the "old ways" as so to speak...

Stick with it - its only a case of getting used to the controls... Then again is IQ a lot different to the Nikon :shrug:

Maybe if you were to compare the good & the bad to both the Nikon & Canon & see if that helps you out...

Christmas isn't all that far so then there is the sales plus there might even be people wanting to sell what you want or even buy what you have ...

:thinking: Did that make sense :shrug:
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Yep, I was thinking the same, maybe people will be selling off thier stuff after getting new shiny things for Xmas, and the people who didnt get the shiny things they wanted will be looking to buy them for themselves :lol:
 
TCR4x4 said:
Yep, I was thinking the same, maybe people will be selling off thier stuff after getting new shiny things for Xmas, and the people who didnt get the shiny things they wanted will be looking to buy them for themselves :lol:
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:thumbs:
 
trencheel303 said:
I had the same conundrum when I owned the 450D. Took great pictures, the AF system was mediocre, but I couldn't get over the fact that it felt like a toy. I bought a 1Ds and felt much happier using it, because it felt so much more solid.

I can understand how important it is to feel comfortable with the gear. Nikon have a great lineup at the moment as do Canon, but I am the opposite to you, the thumbwheel on Nikons do not agree with me.
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^^ I'm with him ^^:wave:
Ergonomics was the MAIN factor in my choice of a DSLR.

I chose my camera (Canon 20D) as I prefered the canon ergonomics to the nikons and the XXXD series felt too much like what I thought a bridge cam would be (cramped small and plasticy) so I ended up buying a 20D as it was the best XXD camera available within my budget. Although my dad has put a spanner in the works by buying a gripped EOS-1V and lending me it for the week, so now my 20D feels like a toy :)
 
Its probably down to what we are used to. My first DSLR was a Nikon D50 in 2005 . This was pureley chosen because of how it felt.
I knew nothing about cameras at all, I was stood in Jessops and had a D50 and a Canon xxxD (cant remember the exact model now) I held both and the Nikon just felt better so thats what I bought.

Since then, until now all I had was Nikon, and Im just used to the way they work.
Im sure in time I would get used to the Canon, but how long and how many missed photos will it take because I couldnt find the setting or just didnt take the camera with me?
 
No need putting yourself through it, offload the Canon gear and get back in your comfort zone. :thumbs:
 
Mine was the D40....

I couldn't afford the the super-dooper mega amount of money for the latest Canon the the sales rep try to flog me in Currys/Dixons when I went looking....

Ended up buying the D40 from Amazon that same day as it was a lot cheaper than what they wanted for it....
 
I guess it comes down to what you are used to. I've been a Canon user for the last 30 years, but picked up a FF Nikon today for the first time, just to see what differences there actually are.

I have to say that it felt completely alien, and I have no doubt it would take me some time to become as comfortable using it as I am with my current gear.
 
Short and to the point, that what I like to hear! :lol: :thumbs:
 
Dammit Ive started something now.

Been looking at D700 bodies again

:bang:

The price difference between the D300s and the D700 used is pretty small, so it makes sense right???
 
TCR4x4 said:
Dammit Ive started something now.

Been looking at D700 bodies again

:bang:

The price difference between the D300s and the D700 used is pretty small, so it makes sense right???
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Nowt wrong with that.... The only thing that you'll have to weigh up as well is the other part of the equation is prob the most important ...... The GLASS that you want to chuck on the end....

Sorry for being a kill joy.....
 
Yeah I know, thats the main issue. I might be able to stretch to a second hand 24-70, and maybe a 70-300, but thats not ideal.
Maybe even a 28-70 to save some cash.
 
Nowt wrong with the "beast" cracking lens.... Plus around £300 cheaper than the 24-70 ....

Obviously you know what funds you have mate.... have noticed that some like to spend our pennies for us at times...

So like smarties once said "only you have the answer" (well close as :lol:)
 
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Yep, there is one for sale on here, or Ive been offered a 24-70 and a 105 macro for £1400.
But then I need the camera which will be another £1300-£1400 and I think thats pushing things a bit.
Other option is to get a d300s, plus the two lenses and upgrade to the D700 at a later date, but Im not sure on that one.
Other option, wait for the d7000
 
TCR4x4 said:
Yep, there is one for sale on here, or Ive been offered a 24-70 and a 105 macro for £1400.
But then I need the camera which will be another £1300-£1400 and I think thats pushing things a bit.
Other option is to get a d300s, plus the two lenses and upgrade to the D700 at a later date, but Im not sure on that one.
Other option, wait for the d7000
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I had the 28-70 for my D300s.. But then sold it/them for the 24-70 & D700...

You'll never know - their might even be an influx of D300s when the D7000 finally comes out..

edit bit dear for a macro & 24-70 isn't it :shrug:
 
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He's put it at £950 for the 24-70 and £450 for the 105 macro.
Seems about right.

I really cant decide. I just think If I go for the D300s Ill be thinking, this could be a D700... :bang:

I hate cameras, why cant I just be happy with what I have? I took the 50d out again this afternoon and fluffed a load more shots because I accidently turned the rear wheel and adjusted the Ex. comp. Thats really annoying, but when I lock the wheel and quickly go to change it, I cant... Grr

And such a stupid place for an On/Off button!!
 
:eek: Seems to me that you really are hating the Canon.... If you really can't get on with it then maybe you should let it go an go back to Nikon.... I know its awkward as have been there in a similar situation a few years ago... Like I said, only you have the answer - :suspect: We can all give advice but we cant take it...

All I can say is that you really have to sit down and weigh up the cost's mate.. Count the pennies and see what works...
 
I've noticed that you have put up a wanted add for the Nikon gear...

One suggestion mate - the Sigma 180mm macro is one hell of a size - you would be better off going for the Sigma 150mm f2.8 which is more like the size/weight of the "beast" IICR.... I've had both and the Sigma 150mm f2.8 (cracking lens) is the better of the two...
 
I went from a Canon 50D with a load of lenses, to a Nikon D300s, and now have two of their "trinity" lenses. Next i'll be selling my D300s, and purchasing a D700. I would never go back to a Canon after finding the menus, and button layout far easier to work with on the D300s
 
Trig's said:
I've noticed that you have put up a wanted add for the Nikon gear...

One suggestion mate - the Sigma 180mm macro is one hell of a size - you would be better off going for the Sigma 150mm f2.8 which is more like the size/weight of the "beast" IICR.... I've had both and the Sigma 150mm f2.8 (cracking lens) is the better of the two...
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Yeah Ive just been looking at the reviews for the Sigma 180, does look pretty big. Ive had the 105mm before and dont like the extending thing, so I want to stick with one that doesnt do that. (does the 150?). Seems to be the VR on the Nikon is wasted too at macro, so probably not much point on the VR version either.

I dont hate the Canon, far from it. Its just got some wierd foibles that I cant get my head around... The on/off button being one of them. The Nikon range is just spot on, right where your finger rests no need to move the camera or your hand.
 
I think it is simply a matter of what you're comfortable with.

I sold my EOS 3 and D30 for an EOS 20D. I never liked the 20D (I bought it because the writing was on the wall for film), and didn't use it much - in the 5 years I had it I took only 2500 photos in that time (many of those just being ebay items, etc. I was given an EOS 5D and I've shot far more in less than a year with the 5D - I was never comfortable or happy with crop-frame.

So, if you're comfortable and happy with nikon and not with canon, it seems clear...
 
The deed is done, all my gear in the Classifieds :eek:
 
I think it's sensible going with what you enjoy more.

When i tried both I went with Nikon as I just found it easier for me to work - all IQ thoughts and MP and all that is no use if you don't take the picture in the first place!

If you were new to DSLRs people would be saying whichever you feel most comfortable with, but if you have the option to change - I'm not sure it's any different now!
 
Gosh !! Is that the feint sound of a D700 calling your name ?
.......I think it's getting louder...
 
trevorbray said:
Gosh !! Is that the feint sound of a D700 calling your name ?
.......I think it's getting louder...
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Too right! :love:

Just need to find one, no-one is selling the damn things.
 
Might not be for you but Grays of Westminster have some good finance deals.
 
nice one mate :thumbs: I've had a Sony (a200), a Canon (40D) and two Nikons (D40 and D90) and I concur with your original post, was the reasons I didn't go some another brand when changing from D40 to D90, I love the Nikon handling (though tbh I preferred the Sony lens lineup having a huge back catalogue of f/4 minolta lenses to choose from - but like you say if I don't like the way they feel then I'm not gonna use it :shrug:)
 
TCR4x4 said:
Yeah Ive just been looking at the reviews for the Sigma 180, does look pretty big. Ive had the 105mm before and dont like the extending thing, so I want to stick with one that doesnt do that. (does the 150?). Seems to be the VR on the Nikon is wasted too at macro, so probably not much point on the VR version either.

I dont hate the Canon, far from it. Its just got some wierd foibles that I cant get my head around... The on/off button being one of them. The Nikon range is just spot on, right where your finger rests no need to move the camera or your hand.
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Exactley the same reason with me - I hate the "extending thing"... The Sigma 150mm stays exactley the same "doesn't change shape" as so to speak... I thought the same about VR on a micro when you use a tripod at that.... I sold mine an went for the Nikon 60mm & hated it so much that I sold a day later & re-ordered another Sigma 150mm :lol:
 
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