Old Skool: D1 v Fuji S1 v Canon d30

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azizadanielle
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p.1 #1 · Old Skool: D1 v Fuji S1 v Canon d30

Obviously I'm limited by my price range. This will be my first digital SLR, I can't stand not having manual focus. My main needs are for close ups of flowers and plants and then basic landscape shots for my landscape design and native plant nursery. Also, what is a good general lens for these purposes? TIA

BTW, I hope to be able to purchase a Rebel or D50 in several months, so I'm looking to start a lens collection in anticpation of that. Any reccomendations on which of these are better?

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 03:37 PM

Dec 31, 2005 at 05:24 PM

Doug Quance
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p.1 #2 · Old Skool: D1 v Fuji S1 v Canon d30

If you want to manually focus... you better pick a camera with a BIG viewfinder.

If you want to use Canon glass... I guess you might want to cross the D1 and and S1 off your wishlist.

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 03:37 PM

Dec 31, 2005 at 05:35 PM

KABeach
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p.1 #3 · Old Skool: D1 v Fuji S1 v Canon d30

I'm curious, what is your level of experience, and what do you shoot now?

I've not used the D50, but overall I found the D70 to be far less easy to manual focus than my old film bodies... the D2h on the other hand works much better.

My thought is, if you start with a D1, you may not be happy with a D50... Much like trying to use an N2000 after using an F3. On paper the D50 has a lot of bells and whistles, but the D1 is a pro body (an older pro body, but a pro body none the less).

Cheers,
Ken

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 03:37 PM

Dec 31, 2005 at 05:52 PM

jmcfadden
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p.1 #4 · Old Skool: D1 v Fuji S1 v Canon d30

here is what ya do !

Get a D1x , I have seen them for less than a grand, they can use the manual focus legacy nikkors and they are simply the best camera for the money on the used market right now period

J

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 03:37 PM

Dec 31, 2005 at 05:56 PM

Roel
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p.1 #5 · Old Skool: D1 v Fuji S1 v Canon d30

jmcfadden wrote:
here is what ya do !

Get a D1x , I have seen them for less than a grand, they can use the manual focus legacy nikkors and they are simply the best camera for the money on the used market right now period

Sound advice. Also, a used D2H is another option and an excellent camera and you can get them now from $US 1,200 to $1,400. You'd basically have one of Nikon's latest pro bodies (not to forget awesome battery life, iTTL, and excellent metering) that uses most/all Nikon's exisiting glass. On the downside, high ISO stinks.

Don't let the 4MP spec fool you - I've seen 16x20 prints from the D2H that are stunning.

This is a great time to be buying used Nikon bodies... they are a bargain now, IMHO.

Take care,

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 03:37 PM

Dec 31, 2005 at 06:54 PM

azizadanielle
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p.1 #6 · Old Skool: D1 v Fuji S1 v Canon d30

You all ready for a good laugh? My previous camera was a 1 megapixel Agfa CL30. Before that, it was the good ole Pentax K-1000. I've killed a few (boats sinking, canoes tipping) but when it came time to replace I just loved the simplicity of it. So, rather than get a Fuji s5100 or s5200, I thought maybe I should get an old DSLR instead. Here's another laugh, my budget right now is $350, including shipping, hopefully including lens. If not I'm trying for $300 for a body, shipped. Looks most likely with the D30. And then, when we sell our house, I hope to have learned from the the old DSLR to help me better choose a newer model. I may not be technically gifted, but I've been shooting since I was 15, about 11 years now, and my college photography teacher once told me I had "the eye." Does that count as experience ;c) I really appreciate the advice. The DSLR world isn't the easiest, for me at least, to navigate.

Cheers,
Natasha

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 03:37 PM

Dec 31, 2005 at 07:13 PM

KenBates
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p.1 #7 · Old Skool: D1 v Fuji S1 v Canon d30

Had a D1 until recently (tripped and fell on it) and decided to accept a total out rather than get the sensor re-aligned
that camera changed my thinking about megapixel importance! and prompted me to get the d1x as well
The D1 has less of a problem with banding at high iso than some would have you believe. It wont show in prints even if you can find it on the monitor,Its a very worthy tool and i regret loosing mine, that being said , given the chance i might go d1h too!

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 03:37 PM

Dec 31, 2005 at 07:26 PM

azizadanielle
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p.1 #8 · Old Skool: D1 v Fuji S1 v Canon d30

Sounds like if I can find a D1 I can afford now, that would be my best bet, and then upgarde to the D1x when I can afford to? The lenses will be compatable? Was told that the D1 lenses would not work with the D50, is that true as well?

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 03:37 PM

Dec 31, 2005 at 07:53 PM

jmcfadden
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p.1 #9 · Old Skool: D1 v Fuji S1 v Canon d30

azizadanielle wrote:
Sounds like if I can find a D1 I can afford now, that would be my best bet, and then upgarde to the D1x when I can afford to? The lenses will be compatable? Was told that the D1 lenses would not work with the D50, is that true as well?

yes on all accounts

good luck and happy shooting

J

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 03:37 PM

Dec 31, 2005 at 08:38 PM

KABeach
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p.1 #10 · Old Skool: D1 v Fuji S1 v Canon d30

The D1 is still a very capable camera... we still have a number of local photojournalists shooting with D1s and producing excellent work with them.

Any lens you buy for the D1 will work with the D1x (or D2 series) camera. If they are autofocus, or Manual Focus and chipped, they will work normally with the D50. If they are non-chipped Manual Focus, they will mount but not meter.

I would not recommend mounting any N-AI lens on a modern nikon, it could damage the lens mount.

Cheers!
Ken

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 03:37 PM

Jan 01, 2006 at 02:58 PM

joefrost
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p.1 #11 · Old Skool: D1 v Fuji S1 v Canon d30

jmcfadden wrote:
azizadanielle wrote:
Sounds like if I can find a D1 I can afford now, that would be my best bet, and then upgarde to the D1x when I can afford to? The lenses will be compatable? Was told that the D1 lenses would not work with the D50, is that true as well?

yes on all accounts

good luck and happy shooting

J

I think you may have mis-read her post. Lenses that work on the D1 will work on the D50; however, with a manual focus lens you won't have auto-exposure functionality.

Joe

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 03:37 PM

Jan 01, 2006 at 03:56 PM

dreams
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p.1 #12 · Old Skool: D1 v Fuji S1 v Canon d30

azizadanielle wrote:
The lenses will be compatable? Was told that the D1 lenses would not work with the D50, is that true as well?

Lenses... Yes, it will work but they have few differnet type of lenses. General popular AF lenses since 1980's.. AI or AIS will compatable on D50, D70 and D100 but no meter. AI or AIS is almost 25 years old or more. You will not find older lenses AI or AIS at your local photo store unless you can find one at Pawn Shop or used camera store.

Media..... D50 has smaller media "SD". If, you want to upgrade Nikon D1x or Canon 20D then you have to buy different media "CF" (Compact Flash)

ISO.... Fuji S1's ISO is not like D1 or D30. I think Fuji S1's ISO starts at 340 or something. I prefer lower ISO 100 or 200.

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 03:37 PM

Jan 01, 2006 at 04:36 PM

azizadanielle
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p.1 #13 · Old Skool: D1 v Fuji S1 v Canon d30

Decided on the D1, still looking for one in my price range. What would be a lens that will meter that I could get for under $60? Thanks for all the response, it is very much appreciated!

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 03:37 PM

Jan 02, 2006 at 06:37 AM

Artorius
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p.1 #14 · Old Skool: D1 v Fuji S1 v Canon d30

Any d1 series, add a Fm3a split image K screen, and you are set. The D1/2 series cameras have the biggest/brighest viewfinders, although I don't think you can use the split image screen in the D2 series.
Manual focus macro/telephoto with the D1x/h is so easy now. In fact so good that I bought another D1x. More than supports (MP in RAW) than what I am selling.

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 03:37 PM

Jan 02, 2006 at 06:53 AM

Ivo Heshusius
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p.1 #15 · Old Skool: D1 v Fuji S1 v Canon d30

Regarding the lens:

I would advice you to get a 1.8/50mm AFD or a 2.0/35 mm.. great lenses, big bang for the bucks and cheap.. although the 35mm might be a little above $60

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 03:37 PM

Jan 02, 2006 at 07:28 AM

David R
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p.1 #16 · Old Skool: D1 v Fuji S1 v Canon d30

I'm with John - D1x. I just got a D200, which appers to be a fantastic camera, but I already miss the VF on my D1x.

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 03:37 PM

Jan 02, 2006 at 02:27 PM

the chemist
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p.1 #17 · Old Skool: D1 v Fuji S1 v Canon d30

hmm I like your current idea of getting the D1. You mentioned having a K1000 and liking the simplicity. Just another thought though....film?On your budget you could get a FM10 and some ai lens like the 50mm 3.5 macro?

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 03:37 PM

Jan 02, 2006 at 03:46 PM

dreams
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p.1 #18 · Old Skool: D1 v Fuji S1 v Canon d30

My personal... D1h is excellent better than D1

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 03:37 PM

Jan 02, 2006 at 05:03 PM

uccmmcpo
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p.1 #19 · Old Skool: D1 v Fuji S1 v Canon d30

Roel wrote:
jmcfadden wrote:
here is what ya do !

Get a D1x , I have seen them for less than a grand, they can use the manual focus legacy nikkors and they are simply the best camera for the money on the used market right now period

Sound advice. Also, a used D2H is another option and an excellent camera and you can get them now from $US 1,200 to $1,400. You'd basically have one of Nikon's latest pro bodies (not to forget awesome battery life, iTTL, and excellent metering) that uses most/all Nikon's exisiting glass. On the downside, high ISO stinks.

Don't let the 4MP spec fool you - I've seen 16x20 prints from the D2H that are stunning.

This is a great time to be buying used Nikon bodies... they are a bargain now, IMHO.

Take care,

Certainly the D1X is another excellent option and possibly even less costly but from what I`ve read the D2H is probably the fastest operating DSLR available , has a better battery system (lith Ion) , a 2.5 " 211,000 pixel LCD screen , the latest ITTL flash system , Multi Cam 2100 AFsystem with 11 cross sensors, can shoot at 8 fps and selectable slower speeds, SRGB III ,and a 100% viewfinder vs 96%. (splitting hairs?.)
I came very close to buying a D1X but opted for the D2H mainly cause of the newer features and speed. Image quality wasn`t a factor as both are great.
John

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 03:37 PM

Jan 02, 2006 at 06:42 PM

azizadanielle
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p.1 #20 · Old Skool: D1 v Fuji S1 v Canon d30

Would you mind explaining the benefits and purpose of using the Fm3a split image K screen? I googled it but I'm still a little sketchy.

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 03:37 PM

Jan 02, 2006 at 07:09 PM

azizadanielle
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p.1 #21 · Old Skool: D1 v Fuji S1 v Canon d30

What's the difference between the D1 and the D1H?

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 03:37 PM

Jan 02, 2006 at 07:12 PM

uccmmcpo
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p.1 #22 · Old Skool: D1 v Fuji S1 v Canon d30

Here you go .http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/default.asp?view=alpha
You can read and compare and learn all about them till the cows come home.
Have fun.
John

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 03:37 PM

Jan 02, 2006 at 07:47 PM

bellyface
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p.1 #23 · Old Skool: D1 v Fuji S1 v Canon d30

any of the D1 series, D1, D1X, D1H are great. I still use a D1, and love it still. Even though I added a D200 to my backpack, if I had the opportunity I might opt for a D2H or a D1X. The only problem with the D1 series are the batteries... the D2's series finally got up to LiOn batteries...

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 03:37 PM

Jan 02, 2006 at 11:28 PM

azizadanielle
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p.1 #24 · Old Skool: D1 v Fuji S1 v Canon d30

Got a D1 at a great price. Thanks to everyone for their response!

Natasha

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 03:37 PM

Jan 05, 2006 at 06:10 AM

Ivo Heshusius
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p.1 #25 · Old Skool: D1 v Fuji S1 v Canon d30

Good for you Natasha!! Did you get a fine piece of glass as well? If so.. what did you get?

Happy shooting!

Edited on Jan 05, 2006 at 03:37 PM

Jan 05, 2006 at 07:11 AM


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