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Photography Question 

Angelica
 

Canon EOS 10D vs Nikon D100


I want to switch to a digital SLR, but am unsure of the distinction between the EOS 10D and the D100. I am currently using a Nikon F80.


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April 19, 2003

 

Bill McFadden
  I use the Canon EOS system but I use the Elan II instead of a digital camera. If my funds permitted, I would buy the EOS 10D instead of the Nikon camera because I do not want to go to the expense of replacing my Canon lens and flashes. I am very happy with the Canon system.

Nikon and Canon make top of the line systems. The key point here is how much do you have invested uin Nikon equipment and, if you are happy with the Nikon lens and flashes, do you want to switch?

The rule of thumb is Canon lens are better suited than Nikon for action photography but Nikon tends to have better metering if you shoot in difficult lighting situations. I have never used Nikon but I have been told this assessment enough times to believe it is true. Of course, Canon is improving their metering system while Nikon is improving the ability of their lens to capture action in the auto-focus mode.


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April 19, 2003

 

Jeff S. Kennedy
  If I was starting from scratch I would go with the 10D. I would do that mainly because it is more well constructed than the D100. The knock I've heard from pros regarding the D100 is that it's just not heavy duty enough for professional use. That being said, if I already had a system of Nikon lenses I'd probably just stick with the D100.


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April 19, 2003

 

Judith A. Clark
  I love my D100, but I don't bang it around much at this point. You have to consider the cost of all new lenses and flashes, if you go with the Canon.


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April 20, 2003

 

Mark Antony Franklin
  Dear Angelica,

I personally don't think there is much of a decision to be made here - unless ...as somebody has already mentioned ...you have of course already a large investment in Nikon glass.

The Canon 10D is superior to the D100 in just about every way. The 10D's predecessor the D60, already had the measure of the Nikon D100, and now the 10D has improved upon the D60 in almost every area - certainly those areas that did recieve criticism and were personal bugbears of mine and many other photographers i.e it's slow Auto Forcus (AF) and (albeit high quality) plastic build etc.

The 10D is now built from material that shares & shows it's genepool with the incredible 1Ds ...without doubt the finest DSLR on the planet.

And what's more, the 10D is incredible value for money - although, I note that Nikon, Fuji and Sigma et al, are scrabbling to drop their prices to stay on terms!

As for the previous comments about Canon lenses being better suited to 'action photography' ...I assume that Canon's Image Stabilisation is being considered there ...irrespective of that very fine feature, I would also venture that Canon glass is simply optically superior ...especially the awesome range of 'L' professional grade lenses ...which are second to none in their class(es) ...and sadly, rather expensive.

If I sound like a Canon rep, I do apologise, but these are my sincere beliefs and personal findings.

Whatever you chose ...I hope you enjoy shooting in digital via a DSLR!

Kind regards


Mark

www.r3maf.freeserve.co.uk


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May 13, 2003

 

Scott W. Pierson
  Angelica,

I just recieved my 10D today and was torn between it and the Nikon D100. All of the reviews I read said that the canon was easier to use. The 10D also uses the latest technology and CMOS over CCD. The D100 is year old technology. I waited hoping that Nikon had a D100 replacement ready to go, but have not heard boo from Nikon.

I too had a Nikon SLR, but only a few lenses and there was no guarantee how well they would work with the D100 sense they were only standard AF lenses.

The price point of the Canon and ease of use benefit sold me.

If you can wait you might want to see if Nikon announces something new in the next couple of months. I would not invest in a one year old digital camera. You would be buying at the end of its life cycle.

Scott


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May 13, 2003

 

Mary B. Anderson
  I have the D100 and considered selling it for the Canon 10D, but changed my mind after talking to several pros about what they'd choose. I do mostly wedding/portrait photography and the D100 is superior in that regard. There's something about the 3-D matrix that allows it to "see" more than the 10D. The 10D, however, is superior when primarily shooting wildlife and sports because it has a quicker shooting speed (it writes faster to the card), but Nikon is working on this and there's a firmware update available, provided you purchased the D100 prior to October 7, 2002, that will allow it to record to the card much quicker. Bottom line? Both are very good cameras, I know several pros who use the D100, so it's "pro-worthy", and it comes down to whether you're shooting weddings/portraits/landscapes or wildlife and sports, which are faster.


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May 15, 2003

 

Mary B. Anderson
  OK, one more thing going for the D100. They have NEF file storage, which is a RAW image. It's a huge picture file, totally uncompressed. They give you a trial when you buy the camera of their software (Nikon View/Capture), which allows you to view your NEF files and make changes. You're probably thinking "Well, photoshop, paintshop pro, etc. will allow me to change my photos too!" That's true, but when you look at a NEF file in Capture Editor, you can actually change the white balance, the exposure, etc. and it's just like reshooting the image. The greatest part is let's say you have a portrait and it comes out too dark. Make some adjustments with white balance and contrast in Capture and your perfect image is just that, perfect. Then, when you're done tweaking the settings, you still have a perfectly uncompressed image. This will result in much higher detail due to no compression and it's really quite amazing.


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May 15, 2003

 

Jeff S. Kennedy
  Hmmm, I have heard just the opposite about the D100. I've heard it's a fine camera but just not sturdy enough to handle the rigors or professional use. Personally, I don't find matrix metering to be that big a selling point. Most pros, including myself, know how to meter and don't need a camera to do it for us. I use a handheld meter most of the time so it really doesn't matter to me what kind of super metering system the camera has.

As for the NEF file storage, the 10D shoots in RAW as well. As a matter of fact it captures the RAW file and imbeds a JPEG within it in case you don't need to mess with the RAW (RAW files do take more time to process).

As I said before, I think it comes down to an issue of lenses and accessories. If you are already married to Nikon in terms of peripheral gear then it would be wisest to stick with Nikon. Otherwise I feel the 10D is a superior camera.


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May 15, 2003

 

Michael Harrington
  well, if you want a fair and honest evaluation here, I recommend you use Ken Rockwell's advice and go with what you already have a lens base for. Phil Askey at www.dpreview.com says they are virtually the same and results are virtually indistinguishable.

As far as the Canon being "superior" in every way--- that's a lot of bunk. There are always those in opposite camps who could not give an un-biased opinion if their lives depended on it.

I like the Canon, but I have a ton of Nikon equipment built around my N65 and N80 and will go that way.

I know I am lightyears late on this thread, but I just had to have my say.....Please tell us, which did you decide to buy?


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November 15, 2003

 

Angelica
  I eventually went for the Canon 10D as I got to try out both cameras and felt that the D10 was more accustomed to my photographic needs. Also, not having a large initial investment in Nikon lens helped made the switch less taxing on my pocket. Thanks for your advice, it was of great help.


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November 16, 2003

 

Mark Antony Franklin
  Angelica,

I thought Michael's last response, as copied below, was charming (!) ...and possibly aimed at myself & one or two others, whose comments were posted in reply to you here. And whose comments, one may add, obviously grated this Nikon users nerve endings somewhat! :)

He writes:

"As far as the Canon being "superior" in every way--- that's a lot of bunk. There are always those in opposite camps who could not give an un-biased opinion if their lives depended on it."

Well, my life didn't, and doesn't, "depend on it" ...but I did actually try both cameras at suitable length - I enjoy doing that sort of thing :) - having initially loaned both bodies and suitable lens(es) in the Nikon's case ...as unlike Michael, I don't have the inclination or 'disposable' wealth for that matter, to read others opinions on the Internet and take them as read i.e. as gospel!

I too must confess however to owning several cameras of differing makes & formats ...but a definite predilection towards Canon when it comes to SLR & DSLR formats ...as does most of the worldwide marketplace ...or so it would now seem, certainly in the latter case!

The aforementioned Mr Askey's tests & findings are always to be complimented for their thoroughness and candour ...but I also like to make my 'own mind' up, too!

Plus, one has to ask oneself - why is it that Canon now dominate the digital SLR marketplace and produce arguably 'the finest camera in the world' - the 1Ds ...and the world's first truly affordable, and thus groundbreaking DSLR i.e. the 300D ...whilst Nikon sadly lack behind, yet again! I mean, would you buy a D1x now?!

And I say 'sadly' because as in politics, and many other pastimes in life, fine opponents and competition push the boundaries and lift the standards for us all to benefit ultimately!

When it comes to lenses - which is also of PARAMOUNT importance ...I would equally be fascinated if Michael can find a Nikon lens of late (especially in the pro range i.e. equivalent to L class) that beats a Canon lens! If he can, then I'll eat the Ayrton Senna baseball cap, I'm currently wearing!

May I conclude by saying that it is (to some degree) irrelevant what camera one has, if the shutter-clicker still cannot take a fine photograph - but I congratulate you nonetheless of making the best choice available to you! :)

Forgive me ..."but I had to have my say", too!!!! :)

Best regards


Mark

www.r3maf.com


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November 16, 2003

 

Michael Harrington
  Mark,

You quite obviously missed my point along with an entire sentence: "I like the Canon, but I have a ton of Nikon equipment built around my N65 and N80 and will go that way."

It is and never was my intention to start a Canon vs Nikon war.

My comment were aimed at Angelica, not you. She's the one who asked for help and advice. That's why I recommended Phil Askey, et al. Not for you!

You obviously have your own way of making decisions on photography equipment, therefore you may "make up your own mind" as Angelica did as well.
I don't consider seeking out opinions not "making up" your own mind. No one can do that in a vacuum, not even you.

You say you tested both cameras. That's what Ken Rockwell suggested one should do on his Canon 10D vs Nikon D100 test. That's why I suggested that to Angelica.

You can't grate Nikon nerves that don't exist. Were money no object, I would own both since they are both great and still highly respected camera manufacturers.

I don't believe Canon has runaway yet with world wide sales, although they do have a strong lead, especially in the D-SLR catagory.

I'd venture to say you'll see a lot more Ford on the road than Bentley, but that doesn't mean Bentley inferior. (analogy for demonstration purposes only for basic logic, not a comparison in value or quality)

You see, what it comes down to is talent, not equipment.

My son (www.realgonephotography.com)shoots with Canon, I shoot with Nikon. I see neither one's photo's optically superior. But he blows me away with his talent in composition and imagination.

So, to pun a bit, your comments are off the mark.

As it turns out she chose the 10D, as I would have, too were it not for my strong Nikon base of lenses, and equipment. How's that for Nikon nerves?

To top it off, a co-worker brought in his new Canon Rebel Digital (EOS 300). I drooled over it.

Nikon nerves? Gimmee a break! Who went on the Canon soapbox? Admit it, Mark. You outted yoursel!!


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November 16, 2003

 
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