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Latest page revision: July 4, 2008 "There are significant differences between types and makes" I am not being bias. My choice of camera brand and lenses were derived from my own experiences with many brands over the years. It is obvious that I am using Nikon Professional equipment, but that doesn't mean that you have to, or it is the best for you too! Most professionals who are shooting digital these days, use two major brands of DSLR's: Canon and Nikon. The rest, while they make very nice consumer cameras, do not have the lenses or the robustness and features in their camera's bodies. That alone should tell you something and we are only talking about the former 35 mm format, not about the medium format which is a totally different market segment and pricing. If you select between Canon or Nikon, it is hard to go wrong. It comes down to personal preferences, and of course, just how deep your pockets are! The pro gear: cameras and lenses are far from cheap!!! An average pro lens in this category is $1800+ and surpassing $10,000. That, is ten thousand dollars, per piece! If you're company provides the equipment, that is great! However, most people do not have that advantage, I certainly do not. Pro camera bodies are in the $5000+ range per body. Now you can use less expensive models, that is true, but you will not have all the features, ruggedness and dependability. Consider, what type of photos you are going to take most of the time. If it is just family snap shots, then just about any compact point and shoot will do. You do not have spend too much more than $300, but you should consider my topic seriously about mega pixels and resolutions. If you are going to shoot more than just snap shots, and you do want a bit more control of the features of the camera or experiment with photography, then a consumer level DSLR with a zoom lens that covers from wide to mid telephoto is ideal, and still keep it under $900! Whichever brand you select, just make sure the camera feels right in your hands, is ergonomic and has features which are easy to follow. The features can get complex with many layers of sub-menus and different set ups, so try many different brands and models in your price range. Buy what feels right and works for you. Research, and if you need help contact me, I am available to consult with you at a reasonable cost. The sales person who works in a mega electronic store may know even less than you about what he/she is selling!!! Some camera sales person in camera stores will push items with the greatest mark up on them! Just my personal experience! Because with a digital camera more than likely you will want to see and edit your images. For that, you will need a computer! While most people have one these days, the camera may not have the proper drivers (nor your printer for that matter) for the operating system as I've experienced with Windows VIsta. For me, as far as camera bodies go it is clear: it is Nikon. They are the best designed cameras for controls and features, their pro lenses are very good to excellent, although some of Nikon's lenses could be slightly sharper and the variety or greater range of their pro lenses to choose from, would be nice. Canon for me is a bit more awkward in design, but in their pro lenses they offer a greater choice and some a bit more sharpness. Furthermore, Canon has several full frame cameras to pick from vs only one from Nikon,* and one camera body with more mega pixels than anybody else presently. More mega pixels, however, is not necessarily better all the time, especially if they are out of focus! In conclusion: If you have questions, I'd be happy to provide my consultation service. Or, buy what works for your needs and works for you, but do not compromise on quality. Pay that extra $50 or $100. In the long run it will be well worth it. *As of July 1, 2008 Nikon now has two FX or full frame cameras: the D3, and the D700 for a preview of the Nikon D700 click here.
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