Digital SLR advice: Sony vs Cannon vs Olympus

In My Humble Opinion
41

I bought a Canon T1i a couple of weeks ago, and absolutely love it. I think it’s a good upgrade from the XSi, but you can’t really go wrong with either camera.

The video quality is superb. You do need to learn how to manually focus while shooting, because auto-focus doesn’t work. But the quality is stunning - on part with high quality semi-pro HD camcorders, in my opinion. The ability to shoot video through the various high quality lenses that are available is quite valuable. There are even companies making video rigs that the camera will mount to, which then give you support for steadicams, follow focus dials, etc. There are professionals shooting commercials and music videos with these cameras.

Aside from video mode, you get higher resolution, which I think is a mixed bag. I’m not sure the added resolution brings that much value other than the ability to crop a little more.

Another big feature on the T1i is that it gets the 960,000 pixel 3" LCD from the higher end line, whereas the XSi has a 230,000 pixel display. This means you can actually see enough detail in your photos when reviewing them to be able to spot focus problems and other issues.

In addition, it’s got the faster processor from the higher-end cameras and a better auto-focus system. It also has sensitivity up to 12800 ISO, a Creative Auto mode inherited from the high-end cameras (quite useful, actually), and peripheral illumination correction.

Overall, I think it’s well worth the $200 premium, but that said, any of the DSLRs are capable of amazing pictures, limited more my the skill of the photographer than the limitations of the camera. I don’t think you can go wrong with any of them.

If I didn’t want the video mode, I think I’d be looking for sales on the XSi. At retail, I think the T1i is a better value. But I’ll bet the XSi will be available at a discount if you look.

42

I came in here to report that I also absolutely love my new Canon T1i. I haven’t shot any movies yet, but it is a very well designed camera.

43

Well, that settled it. I ordered a T1I; let’s see if the Jewish holiday doesn’t prevent arrival in time for the weekend! Just to be safe for the “big-hands” issue, I ordered a battery/hand grip to go with it.

44

Where did you order it from?

45

Adorama. They called and confirmed (!) delivery for tomorrow. This is my third time dealing with them (I’ve ordered P&S’s for foreign inlaws), and I’ve got to say, they impress me more and more each time.

46

The T1I arrived. I love it, and the grip makes it manageable in my big hands (actually, it’s pretty good in my hands without the grip, but I’m not pro and have no experience).

Like I said, I love it, but boy, do I have a lot to learn.

47

Yeah. That’s the first thing I realized when I bought my new Nikon D5000. “Wow, I still suck only now I suck EXPENSIVELY.” :wink:

48

…okay, bumping with an update.

Not long after posting this thread my industry and my job got hit by the recession: and shortly after that I found myself jobless. So needless to say buying a camera became the least of my priorities.

Well, things got a bit brighter in the last couple of weeks and with the help of family I have been able to order the Canon T1i. (known as the EOS 500D down under…) I pick it up in a couple of days, and I am looking forward to it!!! I’m buying the camera from a parallel importer which has knocked nearly $1000NZ off the price, although it means instead of the T1i or the EOS 500D, I will be receiving the Japanese version, the Kiss X3!

Thank you all for your insight: and for the T1i recommendations! I will be posting pictures as soon as I can…(probably cat pictures, to keep the dopers happy!)

49

Cannon and Nikon are and probably always will be top shelf. Olympus a bit under them, Sony a bit under them, Casio a bit under them and ACK! Vivitar is um, well they make cameras.
Pentax used to be a good name in SLR’s. I think they’ve fallen from favor; are they still in business?

50

This is IMHO misleading. Canon (only one ‘N’), Nikon, Pentax, Olympus, and Sony all make very good consumer level cameras. Casio and Vivitar don’t make DSLRs. All have introduced new and high quality models in recent months, and they all have their strengths and weaknesses. For the casual photog, there are many compelling reasons to go with the Sony, Pentax, and Olympus models, and all are growing in market share. Third parties (Tamron and Sigma) are making high quality lenses that in some instances out perform the camera maker’s lenses.

Canon and Nikon have the lion’s share of the professional market for a variety of reasons, and their reputation is well earned.

In the P&S world, the situation is vastly different.

51

Look up all three on www.dpreview.com

You mentioned the lenses, but I don’t think you mentioned if they came with the cameras or not. Unless you’ve researched those lenses and know for certain those are the ones you want, I usually recommend against buying lenses that come with cameras. The Canon EF L IS 24-70 lens is VERY versatile and worth a lot more by itself than the two lenses you mentioned.

I’m partial to Canon cameras and lenses. The Rebel series is a very good camera. Canon’s top of the line lenses are the L series. Very pricey, but produce fantastic results. Even if you buy a less expensive lens, go to a camera store and rent an L lens for the weekend and compare and contrast.

Don’t forget to tell us what you bought!

52

Look at post #48. He already told us. :slight_smile:

53

…wow. What a difference a year can make.

So in a couple of weeks I start photo school. Its a six month full time course, leading to a more advanced programme in the second semester followed by the diploma if I am successful next year.

I’ve completely left the hospitality industry behind. Fifteen years in the industry and I’m leaving it behind. I have completely been overcome by the photography bug. :slight_smile: I may have to leave the Banquet Bear behind!

I started a 365 Day Project about…250 days a go! I basically take a photo a day every day for a year. You can have a look at my photography progress in real-time by having a look at the links below:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=166733&id=505663819&l=2d855c2412

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=251038&id=505663819&l=db232ab51d

Its cool to look back over those images again: I can see the moment I discovered white balance adjustments in RAW, my first and only experiments in selective colour, its like living those horrible moments all over again!

Seriously: the last year has just been the most amazing journey. I have no idea where its going to end up, but I’m having a ball of a time getting there. Thanks everyone in this thread for their advice. Cheers all!