Nikon camera's,

I knew absoluely nothing 1 year ago about photography or camera's, but knew that I wanted a 34mm SLR. I went to a Ritz photo shop and the main 2 camera's there that seemed to fit my needs and budger were the N6006 and the N50. One salesperson told me the N6006 was better, the next day I came back to buy it and another sales person told me the autofocus was better with the N50. (I've since found out that both use the same old AM200 sensor.)

I guess I was dazzled by the "Programed" modes. They actually servered their purpose as I didn't screw up too many photo's by using the push button programs. But now I realize that I need a more sophisticated camera. I feel like the N50 is really just a point and shoot camera with changeable lenes. It doesn't even have red-eye reduction! It's embarrassing to show people the photo I took of them with my "$500.00" camera outfit and they still have red-eye.

Here's where I need help. Should I move up to the N70, or the N6006, or what's the N8008? and what's the difference between that and the N8008s, what does that "s" stand for? I've compared some features of the N70 and N90 and the Canon Elan IIe, and the Canon has more features than the N90, but at a price at or just under the N70. I have a cheapo 28-80mm f/4-5.6 Quantaray zoom lenes that should fit the Canon, but I really like the reputation and supposed reslae value of the Nikon. Help! Where do I go next? Is mirror lockup really that great? What about mulitple exposures? Do I need DOF preview.

I mainly shoot in existing light situations. My daughter is in competitive dance and I took photo's inside of auditoriums and theatres where the lights are dimmed. Also want to do Macro and Astro photography. Want to spend up to $400-500 for a body.

Kevin Lowman

-- Kevin Lowman (kevin.lowman@mci.com and k.lowman@cwix.com), April 05, 1999

Answers

Let me give you a simple answer. If you don't wear glasses, go for the more extensive features and better ergonomics of the Canon. If you do wear glasses (and I don't mean contact lenses), get the Nikon, because its viewfinder will allow you to see more of what you will photograph. To me that is of overwhelming importance.

As to some of your other questions: yes DOF is important, particularly if you're asking. Ironically, after using DOF for 20 years, I think that I need it less -- I have a fairly good idea of what it will tell me. Mirror lock-up is important, it can help in taking sharp pictures.

-- Hector Javkin (h.javkin@ieee.org), April 06, 1999.

Hi Kevin--- Just a thought. At your level of proficiency and interest, you might want to check out the new Canon Rebel 2000. It has the features you are interested in and would give you a little extra money for additional lenses. Lenses are much more important than the camera body as far as the actual photo is concerned as long as the body gives you the controls you want. Existing light photos require at least a 50mm f1.8 and the macrophotography means a good macro lens. Fixed focal length ("prime") lenses will cost less and generally give better prints than zooms. I would suggest also, if you go with Canon, you buy only Canon lenses. The independent lens makers turn out some good lenses for the money but some of them are having problems making lenses for Canon EOS cameras that are dependable and reliable. Problems making a good micromotor, from what we read and hear. That's my $0.02 worth; good luck.

-- Ed Nicholson (thenicks@mindspring.com), April 06, 1999.

If you are investing in learning photography and want a body for not much more than where you are now that will grow with you, then I suggest finding a clean used 8008s.

The 8008s has a bit slower AF than the N90s (whihc replaced the 8008s) but still is as fast or faster than the N50/6006 bodies. It has DOF preview and multiple exposure built into the body.

It is a classic Nikon AF body, one that will stand you in good stead, doing whatever you need while you learn photography and develop your collection of AF lenses.

-- John Wall (john_wall@ncsu.edu), April 06, 1999.

Kevin-

I switched from manual focus to AF gear last year, and I went through the same thing you are; the more I read the Photo.net content, the more confused I got. My budget was the N70- Elan II price range. In the end, I chose the Canon, because of the DOF preview (which I use all the time, and which I had on my old Pentax gear) and the multiple exposure capabilities, which I don't use often but it's so basic that I don't think any SLR should not have it. The Canon focusing is also quite incredible (fast) but the Nikon isn't bad either. I wear glasses, and while the Nikon does have a much better viewfinder, I don't find the Canon's a problem. It's much better than my Pentax MX was.

Although I bought the Canon, and have never regretted it, I'm sure I would have been just as happy with Nikon. The camera you pick is just a tool, after all- don't get too wrapped up in features and specifications. Buy quality lenses, burn lots of film, and make use of the wealth of knowledge on Photo.net and other forums (like this one).

Good luck

-- Dave Beekman (beekmand@up.lib.mi.us), April 07, 1999.

Stick to the Elan II/IIE, they are much more easier to use than the F90...its all just in a twist of the knobs.

-- Bam..bam (bman@hotmail.com), April 20, 1999.