joe_ethridge

<p>Beth,<br>

I've shot Canon EOS for over 15 yrs but now own a Nikon D700 and love it! I was going to upgrade to the 5DMKII from my 5D, but was dissappointed in the fact that the AF system was the same as the 5D (4 years old!). My Canon 7D has a far superior AF system than the 5DMKII and it has a better feel or build (IMO) as well as other improvements.<br>

As for the Nikon D700, the AF system is even better than the Canon 7D, making it a ton better than the Canon 5DMKII (IMO). For weddings, this is huge for me. The D700 has so many options and features that I want, it was a no-brainer decision for me.<br>

You should pick up and test the two (5DMKII & D700), side by side. The D700 has a much more solid build and feel, faster, more accurate AF (especially in low light!), and has so much more to offer for my style of shooting.<br>

Yes, I'm having to learn the camera all over again and Canon wins hands down when it comes to being more user friendly. But, I'm finding that as I learn the Nikon, I can fine tune it to fit my needs even more.<br>

You mention the possible Nikon CLS advantage with their speedlights and I've only tested the water there, but I want to make that switch as well. Canon is less pricey in this respect (IMO) and I still have my Canon 7D, a couple of primes and speedlights, but would love to go with a pair of D700s and all Nikon in the future.<br>

I've always dreaded the Canon/Nikon debate as they are both fantastic systems, but I must say, the D700 is the finest camera I've ever used (and I've used many Nikons, Canons, Contax, Olympus, Rolleiflex, and many more). Perhaps for landscapes, the 5DMKII, but for weddings, the D700. Forget the megapixels! The D700 seems to work much better with my LR3 and CS5, much better.....and oh yes, the skin tones....thanks Nikon (and no offense to Canon).<br>

I simply love the D700 (and the skin tones)!</p>

<p>P Ghosh,</p>

<p><em>"So Question is: Canon 70-200mm f4L IS USM or Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 OS HSM?"</em><br>

<em> </em><br>

I've found the 70-200 f/4 IS to work very well for weddings and will upgrade to the 2.8 IS someday (as you mentioned that you plan to do). The 70-200 f/4 IS is super sharp wide open! It is a trade off (less bokeh but more DOF at f/4) less weight, less money, but still very worthy for weddings. The IS is a must in low light (ceremonies) and slow shutter speeds work well when subjects don't move that much.</p>

<p>As for any 3rd party fast lens, I stick with Canon. The reason is always due to the auto-focus advantage. Some will disagree with me, but I've owned a couple and borrowed a couple and in EVERY review that I've ever seen, the 3rd party lenses measure up in every way EXCEPT auto-focus. The reviewers often mention that this only matters to a few photographers. Really?</p>

<p>I love the super fast, super quiet, super accurate auto-focus that the USM lenses deliver when coupled with Canon's auto-focus SLRs. I'm sure that Nikon can make the same claim when using their lenses.</p>

<p>If I were shooting landscapes and not people, I'd not be as concerned with super fast, super accurate auto focus. With people (especially weddings) this is THE top priority for me. Therefore, I'd forego the Sigma (no offense to Sigma owners) and take full advantage of the 70-200 L IS USM and 5D MKII (f/2.8 or f/4).</p>

<p>Being a split second behind "the moment" or totally missing the shot due to higher than usual percentage (Canon USM standards) is totally unacceptable for my style of photography when photographing people, especially weddings.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

<p>Marc,</p>

<p>There are some very good answers above. <br>

One more thought has to do with some of us who also like to shoot our DSLRs using old manual focus prime lenses. Some are single coated vintage lenses and are "cult classics" giving us wonderful flare and unusual "bokeh". Some folks hate the look while others love it. I shoot soft backgrounds with flare, over-exposure, and muted colors sometimes because that is what I want. Often on bright sunny days. Other times, I grab my L lenses to capture sharp images with plenty of color and contrast.</p>

<p>Have fun! </p>

<p>Brandy,</p>

<p>Forgive me for cutting to the chase (and not reading all of the posts). You mentioned using MANUAL FOCUS rather than the camera's auto-focus. Have you recently checked the adjustment of your viewfinder's diopter? <br>

If your diopter is off and you only use manual focus, you will only have out of focus subjects (especially with large aperture settings). Use your auto focus to double check. Also check the viewfinder info when it is lit up inside your viewfinder to adjust the diopter and/or first set focus with auto-focus (tripod mounted is best) and adjust diopter this way too.</p>

<p>Hope this helps and that it isn't redundant information. I'm not sure why the examples had such bad CA (purple fringing). Low quality settings, high ISO (or auto-ISO), strong backlighting, over-exposure can all contribute to this as well.<br>

If you are using manual focus and shooting wide open (or close to wide open) and the diopter isn't in correct adjustment, this may be part of the problem.<br>

Good luck!</p>

<p>Joe</p>

<p> </p>

OMG! Sorry to not have checked back, but I've been really busy.

Roger, I've not used a G-9, so I'm not sure if the VF is better or worse. It seems that with all P&S digital cameras, we

might have to settle for small VF rather than none at all. That said, I can live with the G-10 VF, when needed.

Kerry, I don't feel that the G-10 is "light and plasticky". IMHO, the G-10 seems rather heavy for a such a small P&S

camera. When handling it, I know that it isn't a toy, but a real photographic tool. To each his own I guess. If I'm looking for

something more solid, I'll grab my DSLR or film rangefinder. As far as a serious digital P&S, I'm really liking the G-10.

Michael,

Sorry to have taken so long, but here are two samples of the G-10 using macro. Please keep in mind that I've shot these

handheld and that any serious work would achieve better results.

I used P or Program mode, AWB, Auto ISO (200 speed), f4.5 (wide open) at 200th sec.

The zoom was approx. the equivalent to 100mm. The camera will focus with the lens almost touching the subject at the

wide end of the zoom (28mm) which I don't find very usefull. If I zoom out all the way, then camera shake becomes an

issue for handheld shots. (Again, any serious close-up work would require a tripod more than likely.)

I really like the manual focus compared to my old G-2 (much smaller LCD screen than the G-10, although I do miss the

tilt and swivel of the smaller screen). If I were using a tripod and closed the aperture down, using 80 speed ISO, I'd definitely use the

manual focus. Nothing wrong with the auto focus in macro mode, as it works well too.

This is the first camera that I've used with the Face Detect function. Wow! I'm going to love it. My wife noticed that it

focused on a little garden fairy with a face two inches tall, hidden in the garden scene that she shot. I had to try my hand

and sure enough, it'll spot a face in a magazine, on television, on my laptop, etc. Probably not news to most of you, but

it's been 6 years since I upgraded my P&S.

Overall, there are many features that I'm really excited about and will try to relate in the future. I'll be interested to see

how this camera holds up to the experts reviews. My guess is that it will do well. With my old G-2, I've had great results

when using a tripod and closed down the aperture, using a remote release at 50 speed ISO. I'm sure the G-10 will do as

well or better. All the advanced features, including much quicker response times, along with the 28mm wide angle,

makes me happy to have waited for this little gem.

One last note. The samples in my gallery, shot at higher ISO settings, were all handheld and shot at wide angle (28mm)

on P (program) mode which gave me shutter speeds between 1/30th to 1/200th sec. (approx.) and the camera chose

wide open at f2.8. Sorry that I'm not more accurate, but I basically checked to see that I had at least 1/30th sec at 400

speed ISO and figured that any shutter speed faster would work as well. My main reason was to get an idea as to the

amount of noise the G-10 has. So far it's seems to be very good for a compact camera.

Here's the macro shots.

Thanks,

Joe<div></div>

Erick,

I'm sorry that I've not figured out how to place a link within this text, but I've started a post in this forum on Oct. 8. You

can click on my name to see some examples of my new G-10.

So far I'm rather impressed with the ISO 800 capability of the G-10.

I plan to print some beautiful 13x19 William Turner fine art prints from the G-10.

I believe the improved processor helps the IQ on the small image sensor.

Finally, a P&S digital camera that I'll take everywhere.

Cheers,

Joe

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I've been rather busy but will try to get more shots posted. I'll try to figure out how to post a link to

my gallery of G-10 photos rather than having to click on my name to get there.

I realize that my samples aren't as good as an in depth review, but maybe they'll help someone trying to decide on the G-10 right away.

I tend to print much larger than most folks do from my DSLR or P&S cameras. I also tend to accept more noise. I think that I'll be able

to post process some shots at ISO 800 from the G-10 with very good results, depending on the photo. This will allow me to get some

candid street shots and even indoor shots with a small pocketable (cargo pocket) camera.

It's been awhile since I upgraded from my G-2 but I'm amazed at how accurate the AWB is on the G-10. It's cool to watch it correct

instantly as I move the camera around in mixed light. Now I can convert to B&W as a choice rather than a necessity.

P.S. The ISO 1600 shots are questionable (like ISO 400 on my G-2 which is ancient) and the Hi ISO setting of 3200 is pretty much what

you might expect. Still, one could make a record shot at 3200 speed using the 28mm, f2.8 and 30th sec. with a digital P&S. Maybe not as

good as 3200 T-Max, but more versatile.

Joe

I've posted some shots from today in my gallery in three folders named ISO 400, ISO 800, and ISO 1600.

These photos haven't been corrected.

I'm pleased. What do you think?

Joe<div></div>

Ken, Perhaps you don't realize that the 50mm f1.4 is a USM lens also.

David, Both lenses are good. I use the 50 1.4 and the 100 f2 (both USM primes) with my 5D and prefer the 100mm for portraits. Check

your zoom and see if you're needing the 50mm focal length or something longer than the 70mm on the zoom. I guess it depends on your

shooting style and the type of portraits you take.

Cheers,

Joe

Eric, I took a few shots last night at the higher ISO settings and will try to get better examples today. At first glance, the shots appear to

be better than I'd expected. The noise looked more "film-like" or more similar to grain rather than noise. I'm a huge low light shooter, using

a full frame 5D SLR with fast Canon prime lenses for most of my shooting. I'm hoping that I can shoot at 800 or 1600 speed and use the

wide angle lens on the G-10 to hand hold low light shots down to 1/15th sec. I realize that I'll accept more noise than some would, in order

to have a quality point & shoot with me at all times. I'll post some low light / high ISO shots later today to give a better idea.

Joe

Oops! I didn't get the image in the last post. Still haven't figured out how to post a link to my G-10 folder other than the cut

and paste site above. Here goes the image again....<div></div>

Jonathan, I agree with you on the Ricoh. I also considered the Sigma DP-1 and the Panasonic DMC-LX3. I use mostly

Canon gear and this will allow my Canon flash and other accessories. Plus I just like Canon. I decided that the new version

processor in the G-10 was important along with the other advances by a major manufacturer, like battery, focus, color, etc.

But the main reason was for the 28mm zoom lens. Here is a shot from today. I've posted 15 images in my folder "G-10".

http://www.photo.net/photodb/folder?folder_id=867958 Thanks for any comments and feedback on this new camera. Joe.

The UPS driver just delivered my brand new G-10 from B&H Photo and it's beautiful! The wait was definitely

worthwhile. I'll try to get some shots posted yet today.

Cheers,

Joe

Mike,

I've used a 3rd party adapter on my E-510 with good results. Some may vary, but the one that I purchased is of high quality and made

of brass with good finish. It's from China, yet so is the one from Olympus, as are the camera and lenses for that matter.

I use an OM 50mm f1.8 lens as an 100mm portrait lens on the E-510. Great results, but I have some problem with the manual focus at

wide open due to the smaller viewfinder and lack of split prism type focus, and older eyes.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Joe

I bought a 5D as soon as they arrived for $3300 and have loved it for three years. If I'd

waited till now, I could get one for $2200. But think of the photos I'd have missed with the

5D these past years. It was a great camera then and is still a great camera.

I realize that progress has brought us more features, but the 5D will suit me for years to

come. As for the 10D, I'll keep on using it as well. It may have lost it's value and be

outdated, but I love the quite shutter/mirror on it. Plus, it still takes great shots.

I agree that Canon will come out with a replacement this fall, as all things must pass.

Even though I'm all Canon, the Nikon D3 with all of it's features (25,000 ISO!) and full

frame, will certainly up the ante for Canon.

Don't expect a $2200 price tag for the 5D replacement though.

Cheers.

I agree with what Alan said above. I wasn't aware of any problems with the 50mm 1.4, so I'm

lucky to have had no problems with my 50mm f/1.4. I knew in advance that it was not a

close focusing lens. I use my 50mm f/2.5 macro lens for close ups. I need the 1.4 for low

light and portraiture.

Best of luck to you in any case.

Perhaps only you can answer this question. Do you need/want full frame or is the 1.6X

crop factor what you need/want.

The 5D is the best camera I've owned. It's going strong after three years and no problem.

I definitely need/want the full frame for the wide angle advantage.

They are both great cameras, with the 40D being 3 years newer. The question is, do you

want wide or long?

Cheers.

Hello Edward,

I can't say as to the Pentax, but I'm sure that it is a good camera and system. I do however

own an Evolt 510 with the two zoom lenses that I purchased as a kit from B&H Photo.

While the Olympus 510 isn't on par with my Canon 5D system, it is a very good camera.

The kit lenses are very good for the price as well. It is small and very handy. I also bought

the dedicated flash and camera bag. Frankly, I'm blown away with the quality/value of this

system.

I recently bought an adapter that allows me to mount Olympus OM lenses, which is going

to be fun.

For the money, I'm quite satisfied owning the E-510. It is handy and I can take it with me

when I would rather leave my larger Canon system at home. It also works as my wife's

camera when she assists me at weddings.

Good luck!

I agree with Barry's post. No offense to any other posts, but I still remember in the not so

distant past, when a pro quality body and a standard 50mm lens was the norm. I'd take a 5D

and 50mm f/1.8 over a Rebel and two L zoom lenses.

I believe that the camera body is the foundation of the system and the lenses can always be

added as needed. But then I also prefer using prime lenses over zooms.

To each his own and good shooting.

Marco,

You're going to love your 5D. It's the best camera I've ever owned. I got one when they first

arrived for $3300 and have never regretted it. As for the 50mm/1.8, I think that is a wise

decision. I may be in a minority with my minimalist approach, but the 1.8 is a heck of a

lens. I use a 50/1.4 and a 100/f2 90% of the time on my 5D. I love full frame and I love

using prime lenses. I use my feet to zoom. I also use a 17-40 L lens, but may do some

swapping and end up with a 24mm lens.

Sorry to all of you who spend a fortune on large, heavy, and expensive zooms, but I see

nothing wrong with purchasing a great camera and attaching a superb, yet affordable

50mm f1.8 lens.

Best of luck Marco!

Okay, I've just got to put in my two cents worth. Keep in mind that I'm half deaf! That said,

ambient sounds drive me nuts.

I'd love to own a Leica M for many reasons, including the quite shutter. Oops...rangefinder.

As for SLRs, my Canon EOS Elan is really quite. On the other hand, my Canon EOS Elan II

sounds like a copying machine. On a similar note, my Canon EOS 10D is super quite, while

my favorite camera, my full frame DSLR, Canon EOS 5D is much louder. I've not used a

Canon 20D, 30D, or 40D, but as Victor mentioned above, the 40D must be louder than my

10D, because my OM-1 is much louder than my 10D.

I really like to be able to capture the decisive moment without a loud "currrchunk" startling

everyone. It's about as intrusive as a flash strobe.

If only a Leica rangefinder and 35mm lens could cover every photographic situation......

: )

I had an old Exakta 35mm camera that had a waist level viewfinder. I'm sure there are a few

of these and other cameras on eBay. I had a hard time seeing into the small viewfinder (at

waist level) in order to focus, though. I still use a Rollei TLR medium format camera with a

waist level viewfinder. It has a much larger finder, making it easier to see and focus.

Good Luck.

Thank you for the information John. I'll check it out. That would be very good news. Low

light, fast lens, and IS! Now if only my eyes were thirty years younger! I always find it funny,

when some folks mention using manual focus in low light situations. My auto focus doesn't

work any better than the camera's in low light.

Thanks again.