Written by WishBoNe on June 12, 2007 – 12:05 pm
My original list has changed since I did some more search on cameras that read CF cards, so I won’t have wasted my money. It’s a heart pain to have wasted the money on a new CF card. I did my search on DP Review, my favourite site to search for cameras and reviews. It includes detailed reviews on quite a number of cameras.
While my research on SLR-like or prosumer cameras produced some results, I still wasn’t satisfied because I like a camera that is able to have a zoom or more than 3x. I found some and narrowed down to Nikon D200, Sony DSLR-A1000 and Canon 400D.
I went straight to the pros and cons of Nikon D200. The pros I shall not place here.
Higher noise at ISO 1600 and 3200 than we would like, mostly in shadows
High ISO noise reduction works but at the expense of detail
Default sharpness is too mild, first impression to a new user may be negative
Insufficient number of image parameter adjustments with little latitude
Disappointing automatic white balance performance under artificial light
Some cameras affected by vertical banding issues
No RAW adjustment with supplied Picture Project, only simple conversion
Nikon Capture should be included with all ‘pro’ and ’semi-pro’ cameras
(Still) Very poor memory management and performance from optional Nikon Capture
I guess, the memory management may be an issue for me. Next, Sony’s 1st DLSR.
High sensitivity noise at ISO 800 and 1600
Occasional Multi-segment metering under-exposure
Long exposure noise reduction artifacts (black pitting, softness, posterization)
Limited image parameter adjustment (only -2 to +2)
LCD anti-reflective coating becomes smeared with marks easily
Proprietary hot-shoe design (fewer third party flash / accessories)
Flash must be raised for AF assist
Unable to control in-camera high ISO noise reduction
Blinking highlights only in histogram display mode
Fairly loud mirror / shutter noise
Power on not absolutely instant (just over a second)
Only one control dial
No dedicated control panel LCD means reliance on the main LCD
No multiple user memories
No vertical grip option
Now, the shutter noise is something that I don’t like. The grip is something that I have to bear in mind too. The proprietary hot-shoe is what may stop me from considering this. Finally, the cons of Canon EOS 400D.
Kit lens disappointing, better to buy body only and spend more on a good lens
Sporadic continuous shooting once buffer is full
Occasional under-exposure issue with Evaluative metering
Average automatic white balance performance, still very poor under incandescent light
ISO, WB, Metering mode etc. not displayed on viewfinder status bar during change
Flash must be raised for AF assist
No Kelvin white balance selection in-camera
No spot metering
No mass storage device USB driver, poor WIA transfer rates (and awkward to use)
Opening the CF compartment door shuts camera down, loses any buffered images
Small viewfinder view
Looks like EOS 400D has better ISO noise control. However, I find it silly that by opening the CF compartment door will shut down the camera. Even with this narrowed list, I’m still undecided which would be my preferred camera.
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June 12th, 2007 at 1:04 pm
Thanks for the posts, WishBoNe.
I’m deliberating on finally getting a digital camera, and these posts no doubt will give me some food for thought.
June 12th, 2007 at 1:29 pm
@Sicarii
I usually take some time to consider like I did for my 1st digital camera, A95. It’s something that you wished to use always with happiness.
June 12th, 2007 at 1:59 pm
For sure, but right now I am desperately reading up on information about digital cameras and such.
Been neglecting brushing on the domain knowledge on them for the longest time, unfortunately.
June 12th, 2007 at 2:28 pm
@Sicarii
There’s a lot of terms that I don’t understand except that I just want the camera to take decent photos. They should be good enough for printouts to non-professional eyes. The night shots should be clear instead of containing noise. So far, film cameras take better night shots.
This time round, I’m doing more in-depth than last time.
June 12th, 2007 at 2:31 pm
Some of my friends tell me that a 5.1 Megapixel camera is more than enough for everyday use, and places like C|Net seem to indicate so too.
What’s your take?
June 12th, 2007 at 3:57 pm
@Sicarii
5 Megapixel is really enough to print out 4R to 8R photos, if I remember correctly. The photos would not contain a lot of pixels or look stretched/out of proportions. Larger megapixels is for printing out 8R to 12R photos.
It all depends on your usage. For those who are able to afford/professionals, they get a compact and a dSLR for different purposes.
June 12th, 2007 at 4:04 pm
LOL I had the same problems.
Then I chose to buy the older Canon 350D instead. And yes, just like the 400D you need to invest in a good lens because the kit lens really suck.
June 12th, 2007 at 4:37 pm
I’m not actually looking to print out any photos.
More for taking the odd candid pic or to satisfy my photo-journalistic streak and post them either on the blog, Flickr, or just for keep-sakes on the computer.
As for affordability, I think I’ll just choose the best of the lot within the usage class and go for it.
What are some other good sites you would recommend besides C|Net for unbiased reviews?
June 12th, 2007 at 5:12 pm
have you walked into a shop and tried any of these cameras? the reviews may say a lot of things but it’s your comfort zone that matters. And comparing D200 with a 400D is just not right as they are both in two different levels. From what I have seen, the D200 has one of the best WB settings for almost any lighting condition. As for shooting at higher ISOs (this holds good for any camera), you need to ask yourself when will I be shooting at ISO1600 or higher?
You said you were looking for optical zoom more than 3x. In a DSLR this means buying multiple lenses to fit the entire zoom range. Also, this means changing lenses on the fly, leading to more dust on the sensor. You should really try the prosumer like cameras as you mentioned in the earlier post. Try out the Canon S3 IS or the Fujifilm F31 or F40. I believe they are excellent for their price/performance ratios.
June 12th, 2007 at 6:00 pm
@Daniel
I’m looking at older models since I don’t think I’m that pro yet. Besides, it’s pointless to invest in dSLR if I’m just using it for shoots like family gatherings and odd shots. I’m looking to see if such SLRs are really for me. Seems like these functions have overwhelm me.
@Sicarii
I guess you try Candid Shots forum. Not sure what’s the link though, someone in Hardwarezone forums mentioned it.
@A
I tried holding 400D and felt it was not really for me. Just trying to see if these cameras would be suitable. The wide lens choices really is attractive but I may not really need them. I’ll go back to prosumers and look for CF card support in them. Was thinking of the high ISO as I continued my search. My best bet is that I leave the settings as they are and just shoot.