I figure you guys would know this. Im finally buying my camera, but i think ive decided with the Canon 20d. Which is more important while shooting shows, Flash sync? (the d70s is 1/500, while the canon is 1/250) or Fps (d70=3.0 and the canon is 5.0) Keep in mind that not only will i be shooting shows, but alot of snowboarding/skateboarding etc.. too. I am very serious about doing this as a career, and this will most likley be my camera through college. I only have 1 nikon lens, so using the lens(es) i already have really dosent matter that much in the long haul.



Thanks for your help, and i know ive asked these questions before, but i actually have the money for the camera now.

i prefer Nikon but the differences aren't dramatic in my experience...when shooting shows, i never really stray from f/4 - f/8 or so...if you're looking to do sequences and stuff of snowboarding, etc., the canon would be better for you, judging by that fps rate.

which nikon lens do you have?
what is your budget?

I've used just about every camera there is out there and I perfer nikons too. right now, I think the biggest "bang for the buck" is the nikon d70s.
the digital rebel is a joke.
the nikon d50 is a pretty awesome camera, but is throw away in the long run.

the problem with canon's is that the lenses are so cheap. the only canon lens that I say is better than a nikon lens is the 70-200IS f/2.8 (compared to the nikon 70-200VR f/2.8). canon's is a slightly better build than the nikon lens. though the 70-200VR is nikon's best lens.

fps is bs and you won't use more than 1 shot ever 2-10 seconds at a show typically. there isn't enough light to shoot 5 or 3fps.

flash synch is bs. the only time you are going to use that is trying to get f/2.8 at a wedding or something with a fill flash. plus, the d70s with is 1/500 is actually bs. they have an electronic shutter to cut above 1/180 or 1/250 whatever the machanic speed is. I believe this picture:

is from the D70's electronic shutter

from my tests with cameras for over all usablity (regardless of price)
D2x > D2hs > D2h > 1dsmarkII > d70s > d70 > 20d/20da > D100/10D > S2 > 14n > 60d/30d > D50 > rebel

basically, if you want to figure out which camera to buy, take your CF and go to best buy. you can play with a D70s, D50, 20D, and rebel. take a bunch of shots and them go home and look at them. the biggest thing in my book for talking pictures is how the camera feels in you hands.

if you do get a D70s, get ready in 1-3 years to upgrade to a F100 body camera (d2x/d2h). once you use a F100 body, you wont go back to the f5/f6 body (d70s)

if you get a 20d, get ready in 1-3 years to upgrade to a 1dsmarkII body.

oh and if you get the nikon, I will get you um... "trial" versions of the nikon capture software. I got gave wade a copy. using nikon capture basically is like getting a new camera. that software is so sick. (which is another thing canon doesn't have)

well both guys already answered...i'm a nikon user too...i started out with Canon when i had a 35mm then switched to Nikon...
I won't log out and post as Carina since my reply would be the same =)

oh.. and to quote some photographer wade something or other.. while talking about his old canon equipment and the fact that it got stolen, it was described as "the best thing that ever happened" to him.

cause then he could buy nikon

it's funny..i almost typed that...but saw Wade didn't and so i didn't

Thanks for all your help guys, and my budget total is around 2800. The fps isnt really needed for shows, but as wade said, it would come in handy for sequences and such for snowboarding/skateboarding. Also, (and i may be wrong about this) but i dont think you can put a grip on the d70s. Im most likley going through ritz camera, because i think its a good idea to get the extra insurance, but im not really sure how durable either camera is.


Thanks for the help


P.S. I have the 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5D AF Zoom Nikkor

the_reverend said:

haha, yeah. i had a rebel bought at walmart by my parents. i DID like the 24mm lens that got stolen, though.

I have a 24m f/1.8
I never use it.

i used it a few times for shows

$2800 is a pretty nice budget...
the d70s has a 3rd party vert grip, but then again, why bother? If you want a F100 body/fps, go with the D2H. it will do 8fps. both carina and I have the vertical grips for our D100 and they are pretty pointless. I don't think she even uses hers.

if I had basically no cameras and $2800, I would buy:
D70s (with the 18-70mm) $1200
sb-800dx (a must) $300
2 1GB CF $150

then I would leave it at that cause the next 2 things to buy
17-55mm f/2.8 $1200
70-200 f/2.8 $1600

don't waste $$ on shitty lenses. maybe look for a used 60mm f/2.8 macro or 50mm 1.8/1.4 if you need a better lens than the crappy kit lens.

yeah i don't use mine
i'm a lefty though

now that the canon people are coming out with a FF $2000 5D, the 10d's are coming down in price a bit
Canon EOS 20D Digital SLR w/o lens $1124
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/product...?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A0399223
Dell Home has the Canon EOS 20D Digital SLR w/o lens for $1499 - 25% off L?FTX4TML0FLSZ (limit 100 uses) = $1124 w/ free shipping. The $35 off $300 coupon available on ebay is stackable. Thanks activlink.

So what about a used d2h off of ebay or something.....

the build and focusing of the D2H is simply amazing. the only problems ith the D2H is lack of range in shadows (you can compensate with nikon capture).

also, my D2h has had a few issues with a random battery discharge that I have to send it in for. it just came back from the shop with a short in the on/off switch.

oh... I would say go with a d2hs cause they fixed a lot of issues with that model.
other than that, I would still go with the d70s.

Well, which do you like better, your d2h or your d70? a d2hs is pretty much out of the picture. Considering they run for about 3000 at the cheapest, and thats without a flash, or a CF card.

depends what I'm doing... I would have to say d2h.
if you are going to be at any shows that I'm at, you can see it.

Ive heard that theres an issue with noise with the d2h. Any truth behind that?