I currently shoot with a canon, having had the AE-1, A1, 2 Elan II's, D60, 10D and 1Ds. I am in the market now for a 5D but the announcment of the D200 has shaken stuff up in this mind of mine.
I don't know anything about Nikon other that playing with the D2X in the store, would you humour me by answering some questions?
A) If I switched I would be looking at the 17-55, 50 1.8 and 70-200VR lenses. A good friend I often work with uses the 28-70AFS and I can attest to the fact that it's a horribly sharp lens, probably clinically sharper than my 24-70L though I've never seen pcs wider than f4.
If I can use that as a reference, how sharp is the 17-55 and 70-200VR lenses, especially wide open? I would be using the 17-55 almost always at f2.8.
I know the Canon 50 1.8 and 85 1.5, how would the Nikon compare for sharpness at approx f2?
B) How does the flash system really work? Is there a resource that provides detailed documentation? I'm interested in knowing how Fill Flash is managed in the different modes, i.e. whether it needs to be dialed in or is automatic, etc. Does the SB-800 feature hi-speed sync and is it automatic or does it need to be activated every time the shutter speed goes over 'x'? How does the latest flash system (i-TTL?) meter and does it meter dependant on the cameras metering mode? Is it based on the active focal point? (you can tell I'm used to canon )
C) How does the cameras metering patterns work. i.e. does the metering lock with focus by a half press of the shutter, does it lock with some modes and not others? (canon's only lock with evaluative metering and need a seperate button press to lock exposure with spot and center weighted). Is the Matrix metering tied to the active focus point and if so is it locked with focus?
D) Do Nikon's have the same front/back focus issues that seem to plague canon's cameras. I know the D70 seemed to have problems, but how about the modern crop of cameras such as the D2X, D2Hs?
E) Has the issue with ACR been resolved? It's my primary RAW tool and as I know it well I would like to continue to use it. Does it now display the true 'shot as' WB and does having ot use the Nikon SDK slow it down significantly?
Pardon me for the next few questions about the D200, I know it's not out yet but I haven't been able to find answers in the usual specs documents:
1)The D2X's low light AF knocked the pants off both my 1Ds and the 5D for speed. Would the D200 share this AF advantage?
2)What cable release would be needed for the D200 and can it use an 'old fashioned' type?
3)How fast is the start up and particularly the image review after taking the picture?
4)When Nikon say 1800 frames to a charge, what does that usually mean in real terms?
5)Will the grip be available at the same time as the camera (us canon people are really waiting for the 5D's grip with no hope in sight) and what is the price likely to be?
6)How much can you zoom into a picture and how clunky is it?
Thanks for your time and patience. Changing system is not a light step nor an easy one I appreciate your help.
With regards to the D200, you really have got to wait for more definitive information that`s actually based from hands on experience and the pro reviews.
Mostly what we have now are the written specs , some promising pre reviews , and no shortage of speculation.
Your lens questions could be answered by those who already use them with existing models.
John
A: Bjorn Rorslett site provides fairly accurate lens evaluations.
I will say that the 17-55, 70-200, and the 50 1.8 are all quite exceptional lenses and compare quite favorably with Canon's offerings.
B: For details info and good examples of how to use Nikon iTTL flash systems, I would recommend reviewing Dave Black web site.
C: I understand it can be configured to do so.
D: + E: + 1: +4: Will have to wait for the actual rollout and get feedback from users.
2: Check Nikon web site for accessory options. There are several different remote trigger options, included wired, wireless, as well as software controlled from a computer. Does not use "old fashioned" release, they are all electronic.
3: From a handful of reviews, it appears to be fairly instant startup. Image review is also stated to be quick.
5: The dealer I spoke with said the grip should be available at the same time as the camera, or a week later at the most.
1)The D2X's low light AF knocked the pants off both my 1Ds and the 5D for speed. Would the D200 share this AF advantage?
The designation for the AF system in the D2X is called the Multi CAM 2000. Traditionally the number associated with the auto focus module represented the approximate number of CCD elements in the system. The more sensor elements the better/faster the lowlight focus performance.
The previous top CAM was the 1300 that rode in fine bodies such as the F5, it's little brother the F100 and the D1 series pro DSLR's. In the current crop of cameras we have the D100, D70 and D50 that have a CAM 900 with the D2's and their CAM 2000. Now the D200 is released with a new AF system dubbed CAM 1000.
What does that all mean? well no one is really sure at this point except I am guessing the D200 will not have quite the lowlight focus speed of the D2X based on it's designation and guessing it sports half the CCD elements of the D2X.
That all said, Nikon still could surprise us with some innovative technology that may lie in the new CAM. Like others I am waiting to see what this new beauty will deliver in it's focus ability and it's power to drive non AFS lenses.
2. Remote Control: Via 10-pin Remote Cord MC-22/30/36 (optional) or Wireless Remote Control WT-3 (optional). MC-30 is about $55
3.Instant power-up in just 0.15 seconds, a shutter release time lag of a mere 50 milliseconds, and a shortened viewfinder blackout time of just 105 milliseconds
6. A high-resolution LCD monitor provides ultra-wide, 170 degree viewing in all directions. Assisting with accurate sharpness assessment, images can be previewed at up to 400% magnification
I have no looked at all the answers or your questions for that matter but here is what I can tell you.
I have shot Canon for over 30 years. AE-1, eos 630, A2 which I still have, 10D, 1DMK2, the glass I have owned is the following 16-35L 17-40L 24-70L 50 1.8 135 2.0L 70-200 2.8L 300IS 2.8
I switched to Nikon D2X 17-55, 50 1.8, 70-200VR SB-800
The Nikon glass is sharper I know this may be hard to believe but after trying both systems it was obvious to my eyes. The three lenses you mentioned which I own now are exceptional! After trying the Nikon it was clear that canon really has a big problem with their wide angles. The other ranges there is a noticable difference but not as much.
The metering is far mor accuracte with the Nikon and it appears to have a greater range.
There is no comparison with the flash system nikon kills canon there. and It is equally clear that Canon kills nikon with the high ISO
The D2X is an awesome camera quick great metering fast af good battery life not as good as Canon but then the Canon battery is twice the size and weight.
A- http://homepage.mac.com/merts/PhotoAlbum14.html (check the bottom of the page) I have hundreds of AFS-VR 70-200 F2.8 shots but I have to upload them
As a owner of a Ex 70-200 F2.8 IS and a 70-200F4 All I can tell you that : Buy the 70-200AFS VR F2.8! .Sorry I dont have a 17-55.Go buy a 50 F1.8 (I have it) You'll love it.
B- You have to buy & learn
C- What AJ Nadershahi said is ture.
D- Check 'C'
E- Not %100.I still have problems with my long exposure shots.
1- I bealive it'll be better.I really dont like my D2X's low light performance (Not bad but also not very good)
2- I'am using a MC-30
3- Instant
4- Yes
5- Should be
6- Default or max zoom
I can answer one of those questions. The 17-55 is extremely sharp wide open. Mine rarely is used at apertures smaller than f/4 and I am completely satisifed with how it performs.
As far as the battery thing goes..... Nikon is almost always good for what it promises. I've only got the d70 (you can ask me about the d200 after it comes out though, I have preorders with 3 different stores just to be damn sure I get one of the first) with the battery rated at something like 1400 shots. I'm SURE I always get that, if not more. I shoot sports for highschool yearbooks, and I can usually do a couple of events on one battery. It's wonderful
Beni,
I'm also dealing with a similar choice (Canon-Nikon-Leica) to make a jump into the digital world. Last week I read a thread (on this forum) that I found very interesting. It refers to your A) question.
[url=https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/304000]
Lens Dilema - Nikon 17-55 vs. 28-70[/url]
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