Nikon d40 or Canon g9--does D40 in auto modes take great pix? I had the original Canon Rebel, which took very mediocre pictures in its auto modes, but really great pix on the manual modes--however, I really hate white balancing, etc. I kept forgetting all the parameters for different conditions, and had to carry a notecard listing the different settings --which is to say, I don't seem to have an intrinsic interest in all the manual manipulations. I now have a mid-range P&S (an elph) but miss having the better quality pictures. Am trying to decide between the D40 with 55-200 lens or the new Canon G9--which seems to be about as good as P&S gets. Any opinions are welcome. Thank you. Nikon d40 or Canon g9--does D40 in auto modes take great pix? I had the original Canon Rebel, which took very mediocre pictures in its auto modes, but really great pix on the manual modes--however,... » Read More Nikon d40 or Canon g9--does D40 in auto modes take great pix? I had the original Canon Rebel, which took very mediocre pictures in its auto modes, but really great pix on the manual modes--however, I really hate white balancing, etc. I kept forgetting all the parameters for different conditions, and had to carry a notecard listing the different settings --which is to say, I don't seem to have an intrinsic interest in all the manual manipulations. I now have a mid-range P&S (an elph) but miss having the better quality pictures. Am trying to decide between the D40 with 55-200 lens or the new Canon G9--which seems to be about as good as P&S gets. Any opinions are welcome. Thank you. « Show Less
1418839
Mistake. I have both cameras and the Canon G9's photo quality can't hold a candle to the Nikon D40. Hopefully you'll still like your G9!
1418840
Nikon d40, which just arrived today and looks a little daunting! I was persuaded that the pictures would be far superior and that the auto modes produce good pictures (unlike the Canon Rebel I had a few years ago), BUT it is much more of a "camera" than the stick in your pocket G9. I already have a very portable Canon elph, but it has minimal zoom--so rather useless at my son's soccer games.Not sure I made the right choice, but seems like I now have cameras at both ends of the spectrum whereas the G9 might be in the middle.
1418841
I am helping a friend make the exact same choice. (I was happy to see we aren't the only people arriving at the same 2 cameras!) Which camera did you choose and for which reason(s)?
1418842
Thanks! I totally see your perspective. My friend is leaning towards the D40. She needs soccer games too. :)
1418843
You did the right thing with the D40. See the Lew Rockwell site.I have had mine for several months, and the more I learn about it,the better I like it.I recommend you buy the 55-200 VR lens to go with it.Unbelievable.
1418844
> D40kit with 18-55 lens PLUS the 55-200 VR lens - 578.40Where did you get the above kit at this price? Thanks.
1418845
I agree. VR adds vibration reduction, which will make it easier to take photos in lower light without blur.Auto mode is good, but I find that I prefer P mode, which allows a little more customizability. The best thing you can do, I think is learn the shortcuts, so you can make simple modifications without navigating all the menus.
1418846
Am on a trip now, and LOVE the G9. Haven't printed the pictures yet, so should update in a few weeks, but the convenience and flexibility for manual options in my case, a permanent amateur, are perfect. In fact, I wish they sold a more automatic version without so many possibilities for manual--it is just confusing. I am carrying the instruction book with me at all times.
410676
The G15 is a discontinued and replaced by the G16. I bough the G16 for its small size with robust features to compliment my Canon 5D. The SX260 is much larger than the G16 and didn't fit my needs. As for the G16 performance, spectacular! the large sensor captures large amounts of RAW data for great pictures. On board star trail processing feature has produced some DLSR quality shots. My biggest dilemma is the confusion going from 5D controls to the completely different G16 control. I still give it a 5 star rating!
1699312
Would love it if someone could comment on this. I am at the same decision point. Was also looking at the Sigma EF-530 DG Super, which is cheaper than the Canon 430. I am working with a Canon EOS Rebel XT and am an amateur. Translation, automated functionality is very desirable where possible ... but I'm also looking for a reasonable price. I'd really appreciate it if someone could share their advice. Thanks in advance for your help with this.
1590027
Thank You!!! Richard and Tony, you took the words right out my mouth :) I never use "Auto" mode as the flash mode defaults at too high of an ISO. If you use "P" (program) mode you can adjust the ISO anywhere you want (64-6400) Unless your planning to print most of your pics bigger than 11x14, the noise levels aren't that bad. This camera is taking a bad rap in some forums by people who don;t even own the camera. Know about the $50.00 rebate? I have the form if you want one. write me at barryndallas@earthlink.net and I'll send to anyone who wants it (US only) This camera is the best bargain I've ever seen Thank You!!! Richard and Tony, you took the words right out my mouth :) I never use "Auto" mode as the flash mode defaults at too high of an ISO. If you use "P" (program) mode you can adjust the ISO anywhere you want (64-6400) Unless your planning to print most of your pics bigger than 11x14, the noise levels aren't that bad. This camera is taking a bad rap in some forums by people who don;t even own the camera. Know about the $50.00 rebate? I have the form if you want one. write me at barryndallas@earthlink.net and I'll send to anyone who wants it (US only) This camera... » Read More Thank You!!! Richard and Tony, you took the words right out my mouth :) I never use "Auto" mode as the flash mode defaults at too high of an ISO. If you use "P" (program) mode you can adjust the ISO anywhere you want (64-6400) Unless your planning to print most of your pics bigger than 11x14, the noise levels aren't that bad. This camera is taking a bad rap in some forums by people who don;t even own the camera. Know about the $50.00 rebate? I have the form if you want one. write me at barryndallas@earthlink.net and I'll send to anyone who wants it (US only) This camera is the best bargain I've ever seen « Show Less
527677
This camera works well if you take some time to experiment with it, and learn how to adjust the settings for what you need. The "indoor" mode works much better for indoor photos than the auto mode. If you are outdoors, using Tv (shutter speed priority) can help solve many of the problems with capturing fast-moving subjects. Switching to aperture priority mode can help in cases of low light. The auto mode works great, if you are outdoors or in a very well-lit location and photographing subjects that don't move very quickly. This camera takes good (but not great) photos as far as IQ is concerned. If that is the main thing you are looking for, you might return this camera and choose one that has a larger sensor, such as the Canon S90 or S95, or even the G11/G12 or a Rebel. If you bought the camera primarily to take photos of fast-moving subjects indoors or in low light, the SX210 is not the best camera for the job. For this type of photography you should look at the Canon S90 or S95, or possibly even the SD4000, assuming you are only interested in a very small camera.
456321
The D300 was my first SLR Camera. Before that I was using point and shoots. I would say it is appropriate for a beginner who is learning actively. When I bought this cam I had started taking courses and I evolved rapidly to a serious hobbyist. I would say you shouldn't buy it if you're not planning to learn how to be a better photographer, otherwise, the Canon 40D which is also a medium sized SLR would be much more suited. It has many kinds of automatic modes that you would select. The D300 has only four modes: Manual, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority and Program mode. Personally I'm glad I ended up choosing the Nikon D300, it's such an amazing camera... I hope this was helpful
1803406
I had a D40 before the D60, the D60 is MUCH better, just my personal thoughts 1-Dust, if you live in a dusty environment is a BIG ONE 2-Active D-light, Say good bye to underexposed photos, the camera produces very consistent results, not so with the D40 3-Expeed produced lower noise at higher ISO 4-THE VR Lens is SOOO much worth it, my pictures are always sharp I considered the D80, but... 1-No Active D-light "a big one" 2-more focus points yes, but you can do anything with 3 if you use them well 3-the D80 has a motor, but Nikon will be updating most of this primes to AFS this year, I tried the camera motor its slowwww 4-I was planing to get the D80+50mm 1.4 lens for low light, got the sigma 30mm 1.4 its a much better lens to keep on the camera IMHO 5-Expeed processing on the D60 seems to produce more saturated/vivid pictures vs.. D80 I shoot RAW/convert with capture NX, tried all the options, capture NX is slow and ugly, but it gives you the BEST picture period.
1679834
http://www.flickr.com/groups/d40slr/discuss/72157602509321717/?search=sigma+vs.+nikon i know it's been a while but that may give some insight. i have the sigma version and it's great value for the price paid.
1275273
Let me start with a few obligatory questions: how much experience do you have with photography, what do you want to photograph, and how much are you willing to spend?? The Rebel XT is a great camera. You can start learning on it, and continue with it for a long time. I currently use one. The biggest limitations this camera has are: Slow fps (3) Extremely small buffer if one shoots RAW (I shoot RAW exclusively, and the buffer only holds 4 shots) Small(ish) screen - the 2.5 on the 30d makes me drool... Rear wheel on higher canon models seems more efficient than four buttons Smallish, and plastic construction. Don't let these turn you away - I am a sports shooter, and that is very demanding on the equipment. You said you want to do a little semi-pro; for that reason, I would reccommend the canon 30d for you if you can afford it. The higher fps, bigger screen, larger buffer, better build quality, and rear wheel would all be of benefit. But if you don't want to splurge on the 30d, the rebel makes a fine choice. Don't forget that the newer 400d has come out - it is an upgraded version of this camera. And most of all, remember that the camera can only capture what a lens sees. Invest in some good glass.
2055505
I am trying to decide between these 2 cameras too (G7 and A710). I take lots of photos of pets - both inside and out, but cats are strictly inside, so I avoid a flash with them. I am looking for great quality photos and something easy to use. I have been using a Canon G2 (3MP) for a loooong time and I need a better camera (plus the G2 has been acting up). I have also historically had trouble with black dogs and cats, so any advice regarding that dilemma and the better camera would be appreciated. Also, why is a G7 more expensive than a G9? Thanks.
111693
Due to how you can't manually select the shutter speed sometimes it gets a little bit tricky to shoot in low light. You'll have to play with the iso and the exposure settings for a while before you get a nice result. The hand-held starlight mode doesn't always work. The night scene mode works fine but you'll need a tripod and ISO is auto so sometimes pics come out grainy. HD VIDEO mode works perfect in low light; I've been going to local band shows and the videos come out great. At the beggining I was a bit frustrated for not being allowed to manipulate shutter speed but after playing with the camera for a month or so now I get some really great results in low light. Due to how you can't manually select the shutter speed sometimes it gets a little bit tricky to shoot in low light. You'll have to play with the iso and the exposure settings for a while before you get a nice result. The hand-held starlight mode doesn't always work. The night scene mode works fine but you'll need a tripod and ISO is auto so sometimes pics come out grainy. HD VIDEO mode works perfect in low light; I've been going to local band shows and the videos come out great. At the beggining I was a bit frustrated for not being allowed to manipulate shutter speed but after playing with... » Read More Due to how you can't manually select the shutter speed sometimes it gets a little bit tricky to shoot in low light. You'll have to play with the iso and the exposure settings for a while before you get a nice result. The hand-held starlight mode doesn't always work. The night scene mode works fine but you'll need a tripod and ISO is auto so sometimes pics come out grainy. HD VIDEO mode works perfect in low light; I've been going to local band shows and the videos come out great. At the beggining I was a bit frustrated for not being allowed to manipulate shutter speed but after playing with the camera for a month or so now I get some really great results in low light. « Show Less
122905
I just bought a 40D and I think it is a great camera. As posted, there is not best choice but I am sure if the extra (few) bucks is not an issue, we should go for the 40D. It is also the latest sensor and I found it to be really good. Took some shots and it is great.
465701
I have owned Canon SX10 IS, and my husband is currently shooting with Nikon P100. I have no experience with Canon PowerShot G11; I own a G9. In terms of image quality, the Fuji trounces both Canon SX10 IS and Nikon P100. Nikon's video quality, on the other hand, leaves Fuji Finepix HS10 in the dust. Shutter lag is average. Fuji can't begin to complete with either of the Canons or the Nikon when it comes to shot-to-shot time. There is a burst mode which takes 3, 7 or 10 shots, depending on which option you've selected, but the write time afterward takes forever. If you're looking for a camera with plenty of action performance, the Fuji is not your best bet. However, if your style, like mine, is to take your time composing between shots, the camera is great. Despite its slow shot-to-shot performance, I appreciate being able to shoot in low light, something the SX10 just doesn't handle well, and I like seeing the details that are smudged by Canon's noise reduction--especially when shooting at ISO 400 and up.
774987
Hi Mr. Hewitt (I wonder if we have any relation?) Anyway, for a true beginner (as in you've never used anything but a point-and-shoot) I'd recommend you get a Nikon D40 and an 18-200 VR. Keep the 18-55 kit lens, you'll find it lighter when your just taking snapshots of the family or whatever. The D40 is an excellent starter camera, it has almost all the tweaks of this much more expensive camera without the weight and cost. The D300 has many advantages over it, but I really feel you'll learn a lot faster with a simpler camera, and step up to this when your ready. I actually started out with a D40 a bit over a year ago, it made starting out quite fun. The 18-200VR will follow you as a great lens on the D300 too, and you can use any newer AF-S lenses on it. If you have older AF-D Nikon lenses lying around that you want to use, a D80 is also a good place to start. It's easier to make the custom tweaks you'll learn about in your photography classes on the D80, but it still has Auto modes as well to get you started. Checkout www.kenrockwell.com, especially his recommended camera page. He's a bit more eloquent than I am. And I wouldn't be so fast to recommend the D60 to anyone, it's just the D40x's guts (plus active D-Lighting, but without the other enhancements of the D300/D3) with a different name stamped on it. I wouldn't recommend the D40x or D60 to anyone, they exist to fill a price point to compete with Canon. If your eyeballing either, jump to the D80 and don't look back.
660621
The D4 is a very good camera. The D4s is slightly better at high ISOs. Its seem to track focus on moving subjects a bit faster. Go to DXO website and they do a great comparison on cameras and you can compare the two cameras. The picture quality is the same I think over all again with some improvement at high ISOs. I do not know what you shoot or how you photograph so it is very hard to give advice on upgrading. If I had to do it again, I think I would stay with the D4 and which I still use right along with the D4s and wait for the next big change in camera bodies.
338976
I received my SX10 IS two days ago. In very bright light the camera is speedy at focusing and writing images. Indoors is a different story. Even with the ISO set to 800 (which does produce some usable images, a step forward for Canon), focusing is very, very slow--if the camera achieves focus at all. It does have a continuous shooting mode. I've been a dedicated Canon user for 30 years. This is my fifth PowerShot, and it is the first one I've owned that has been a challenge to get good pictures in manual mode, which I use almost exclusively. Before I send the SX 10 back I intend to give it every opportunity under a variety of conditions to show me its chops, but my gut tells me it will get returned after its workout. When zooming the lens defaults to its largest aperture, 5.7 just after you pass the 35mm equivalent of a 100mm, and image stabilization just doesn't quite meet the challenge. Additionally, all of my pictures have had a lackluster blue cast which I can correct in Photoshop, but I'd like to be able to enjoy at least a FEW pictures right out of the camera without a lot of post editing! Hope this helps.
1820223
Just purchased the Canon SX40. It is truly amazing. There are not too many boats out on the ice right now, but I think it will do what I want. The picture quality is fantastic. Shortcomings? Since I'm a newbie I don't understand why some pics are blurry and others not; but that is probably more my inexperience than the camera. Also, it shoots 1080 video only at 24 fps. This is still pretty good, but there are some situations where a moving video is less crisp. But I could always switch to non HD if I choose, and have 30 fps that way. Thanks for your help.