The OFfiCiAl SNow PhOtOgrAphy ThrEAd!

[bushpig 0]

Did you just buy that?

[gerard 6]

 Originally Posted By: thursday

• Resolution: Approximately 10.1 million effective pixels (total pixels: approximately 10.5 million)
• Recording pixels: 3888 x 2592
• Sensor type: CMOS sensor, with primary R-G-B filtration
• Sensor size: 22.2 x 14.8 millimeters
• Pixel size: 5.7 microns square
• Lens focal length factor: 1.6x
• Sensor dust removal: EOS Integrated Cleaning System; active removal of dust by vibrating front low-pass filter; automatic removal of dust spots, in Canon Digital Photo Professional software (v. 3.1 or higher)
• Maximum frames per second: 6.5 frames per second (fps) at full resolution
• Maximum number of frames / burst: JPEG: 75; RAW: 17
• Shutter speeds: 30 seconds to 1/8000, plus Bulb (1/3 or 1/2-step increments)
• Flash sync speed: Up to 1/250, with EX-series Speedlites
• Anticipated shutter durability: 100,000 exposures, based on Canon test methods
• Computer interface: USB 2.0 (Hi-speed)
• Image recording storage media: CompactFlash (CF) cards (type I or II, including Microdrives)
• Card compatibility: "FAT32" compatible--OK for cards over 2GB
• Image format options: JPEG (choice of "Fine" or "Normal" compression); RAW (Canon .CR2 RAW file format); RAW + JPEG (any JPEG file size available; JPEG file written as separate file)
• Analog to digital conversion: 14 bits per channel (16,382 separate tones from brightest to darkest, for each channel)
• Resolution options: "Large"--3888 x 2592 (approximately 10.1 million pixels); "Medium"--2816 x 1880 (approximately 5.3 million pixels); "Small"--1936 x 1288 (approximately 2.5 million pixels)
• File numbering: sRGB color space: IMG_0001.JPG or IMG_0001.CR2; Adobe 1998 RGB color space: first character is always underscore (_)
• Folders: Automatically created for image storage; new folder can be user-created with "Manual Reset" function; folders cannot be freely selected on memory card by the photographer
• Highlight tone priority: Expands tonal range of bright highlights by about one stop; ISO range limited to 200 to 1600; activated by C.Fn II-3-1
• Data verification: "Original Image Data" can be appended to each image via Custom Function IV-6-1; requires optional Canon Original Data Security Kit OSK-E3 to check authenticity
• Live View viewing options: Camera's LCD monitor; computer monitor, via USB; computer monitor, via wireless transmitter WFT-E3A
• Manual focus: Viewed on LCD monitor, with option to magnify focus area 5x or 10x
• Autofocus: Possible--C.Fn III-6-1 active, press AF On button; mirror drops down temporarily while AF On button is pressed, allowing AF to function
• Silent mode Live View shoot: Mode 1: First shutter curtain remains open; shooting up to 6.5 fps possible; Mode 2: Quieter option; 2nd shutter curtain doesn't close until user's finger is taken off shutter button
• Accessory wireless transmitter: Canon WFT-E3A (optional, dedicated wireless transmitter)
• Attachment to camera: Attaches to base of camera; totally integrated with EOS 40D's design
• Wireless transfer methods: 802.11b or 802.11g; link speed: approximately 11 megabits/second (802.11b) or 54 megabits/second (802.11g)
• Connection method: Infrastructure or Ad Hoc (802.11g functions in Ad Hoc mode)
• Maximum wireless distance: Approximately 490 feet (150 meters), if "receiver" has its own antenna (depends on environment)
• Wireless channels: 11 (in North American market)
• Ethernet (wired) transfer: Yes; Ethernet 100Base-TX (maximum distance approximately 1,000 feet); link speed: approximately 100 megabits/second
• Transfer options: 1. FTP mode (images sent to folder on host computer); 2. PTP mode (remote control of camera possible from computer); 3. HTTP mode (view camera's files using web browser; remote firing of camera possible)
• Security options: Encryption: WEP or TKIP/AES; authentication: open system, WPA-PSK, or WPA2-PSK
• USB "host" capability: Plug compatible USB devices into WFT-E2A, for use with the EOS 40D; GPS devices (write GPS time, coordinates, and altitude info into each file's EXIF info); external hard drive (connect compact external USB hard drive, and write files directly from camera to the hard drive as if it's an additional memory card)
• LCD monitor: 3.0-inch (diagonal) TFT color; approximately 100% coverage; approximately 230,000 pixels on monitor; approximately 140 degrees viewing angle
• LCD monitor brightness: Adjustable in 7 levels (via Menu)
• Video-out: Yes (to standard TV monitor); NTSC or PAL, selectable on Menu
• Number of AF points: Nine, all cross-type AF points
• Center AF point: Unique hybrid cross-type AF point; world's first high-precision AF point with both horizontal and vertical high-precision; additional standard precision, cross-type sensors for lenses from f2.8 to f5.6
• AF point selection: 1. Manual AF point selection via 9-way multi-controller on back of camera; 2. automatic AF point selection
• AF activation: Shutter button, or new AF On button at back of camera
• AF modes: One-Shot AF (for stationary subjects); AI Servo AF (for tracking moving subjects); AI Focus AF (auto selection of One-Shot or AI Servo AF)
• AF sensor: Entirely new Canon CMOS AF sensor
• AF sensitivity range: EV -0.5 to 18 (at 73 degrees F / 23 degrees C, ISO 100)
• Shutter speeds: 30 seconds to 1/8000 second, plus Bulb (1/3 or 1/2-step increments); x-sync at 1/250
• ISO range: 100 to 1600, in 1/3-step or full-stop increments; ISO can be expanded to 3200 via C.Fn I-3-1
• Auto ISO: Can be set in any exposure mode, including P, Tv, Av, and M; ISO usually based at 400; typical auto range is 100 to 800, depending on conditions; manual exposure mode: auto ISO fixed at 400
• Exposure modes: Manual, Aperture-priority (Av), Shutter-priority (Tv), Program AE
• Full-auto modes: Green Zone, Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Action, Night Portrait, Flash Off
• Metering: 35-zone metering sensor; Evaluative metering (linked to all AF points); Center-weighted metering; Partial metering; Spot metering at center of picture (approximately 3.5% of picture area)
• Metering range: EV 0 to 20 (all patterns, at normal temperatures)
• Exposure compensation: Possible in P, Tv, Av, and A-DEP exposure modes; +/- up to two stops, in 1/2 or 1/3-stop increments (via Quick Control Dial)
• Autoexposure bracketing: Possible in P, Tv, Av, M, and A-DEP exposure modes; +/- up to two stops, in 1/2 or 1/3-stop increments
• Compatible flashes: All Canon EX-series Speedlites, including new Speedlite 580EX II
• Camera menu sets flash: Yes (580EX II only, as of August 2007)
• E-TTL II flash metering: Flash metering not linked to active AF point; distance from compatible EF lenses now used; entire metering area can be averaged using Custom Function 14-1
• Modeling flash: 1-second burst of flash possible at 70Hz when depth-of-field preview button is pressed (580EX/EX II, 550EX, 420EX, MR-14EX, MT-24EX, and Speedlite transmitter only)
• Wireless E-TTL: Fully compatible, including ratio setting over six-stop range
• Flash exposure compensation: Up to +/- 2 stops can be set on camera body (can also be set on compatible Speedlites)
• Built-in flash: Covers lenses as wide as 17mm (27mm equivalent); Guide Number 43 (feet)/13 (meters), ISO 100
• Viewfinder focus screen: New interchangeable "Ef" series focusing screens; standard screen: Ef-A--precision matte screen very similar to EOS 30D; optional Ef-D screen--precision matte with grid lines; optional Ef-S screen--Super precision matte (superior manual focusing with fast lenses, f1.8 to f2.8)
• Viewfinder display: Similar to EOS 30D; new: ISO is always displayed; new: B/W shooting mode icon; new: maximum burst available now two digits
• Dioptric adjustment: User-set from -3.0 to +1.0 (range can be extended using optional Canon dioptric Lens E, plus rubber frame Eb)
• Mirror lock-up: Possible via Custom Function III-6-1
• Eyepiece shutter: None (cover is provided on included strap)
• Color space: Standard sRGB or Adobe 1998 RGB (separate setting on Menu)
• White Balance: Auto; Pre-set (Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash); color temperature (set by user from 2500K to 10,000K in 100K increments); custom (shoot white object or 18% gray card, base WB on that neutral object)
• White Balance correction: Fine-tuning of overall color, in any white balance mode; amber-blue correction, in 9 steps; magenta-green correction, in 9 steps; set on graph on LCD monitor, using 9-way controller; both types of correction can be combined
• White Balance bracketing: Three separate files written with a single click of the shutter; can be varied in the amber-blue direction, or the magenta-green direction; can be adjusted up to +/- 15 mireds (equivalent to 3 steps on the 9-step adjust scale); can be combined with standard auto exposure bracketing (9 files written to CF card)
• Picture style: Extensive range of settings for user to tailor color, contrast, sharpness, etc. to their preference; same characteristics as previous EOS SLRs with Picture Style control
• Black and white recording: Set via monochrome setting within Picture Styles menu
• Computer connection: USB 2.0 Hi-speed, via small "B"-type USB connection
• Remote control: N3-type push-in terminal (same as EOS 20D, EOS-1D Mark II, etc.)
• Video-out: Single-pin mini-jack
• Direct Printing compatibility: PictBridge printing to compatible Canon and other brand printers
• Compatible images: JPEG, RAW, or sRAW, if they comply with DCF protocol
• Preview effects on camera's LCD: Printing effects can be previewed (includes brightness, levels, contrast, color saturation, color tone, and color balance--face brightener and red-eye correction cannot be viewed)
• Connection to printer: Via USB cable included with camera
• DPOF image marking: Compatible; images can be "tagged" while reviewing on LCD monitor
• Battery: BP-511A, BP-511, or BP-512 (rechargeable lithium-ion, same as EOS 30D) (BP-511/BP-512: 1100mAh; BP-511A: 1390mAh)
• Shooting capacity: Approximately 1100 shots (at 68 degrees F / 20 degrees C); approximately 800 shots (at 32 degrees F / 0 degrees C)
• Charger unit: Canon CB-5L or CG-580 (also can be charged with compact power adapter CA-PS400)
• AC adapter: AC adapter kit ACK-E2 (optional; consists of adapter AC-E2, and "dummy battery" DR-400)
• Battery grip (optional): Battery grip BG-E2N or BG-E2
• Date/time back-up battery: CR2016 lithium battery--coin-type; user-replaceable (estimated life 5 years)
• Body exterior material: Magnesium alloy top, front, and rear covers
• Chassis material: Polycarbonate and stainless steel
• Lens mount: EF lens mount; metal; compatible lenses: all Canon lenses for EOS cameras
• Compatible with EF-S lenses: Yes
• Custom functions: 24 custom functions, in four distinct categories; 9 entirely new custom functions
• Operating temperature range: 32 degrees to 104 degrees F, at 85% or lower humidity (0 degrees to 40 degrees C)
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 5.7 x 4.2 x 2.9 inches (145.5 x 108 x 73.5 millimeters), very slightly larger than EOS 30D
• Weight (without battery or CF card): 26.1 ounces (740 grams), approximately 1.4 ounces (40 grams) heavier than EOS 30D

This is why I don't contribute to this thread

[thursday 1]

BP, once a Nikon, always a Nikon.

 

Ger, all that says is that it takes great pics at 10 megapixels and you can shoot off 75 shots in one go.

[soubriquet 0]

I'm quite technical, but about 98% of the functionality escapes me. I need to re-read the effing manual every time I want to do something different. Never happened with my old fully mechanical/manual Pentax.

[spook 0]

 Originally Posted By: thursday

But remember, Nikons are better than Canons.

so do most people on here use Nikons?
I am getting a DSLR in a few months. I was thinking about a Canon EOS 400D for no particular reason. I've owned compact Canon digis before and liked em. There's some good deals on the EOS 400D with a twin lens kit.

I figured as an introduction to the world of DSLR it should be fine for the next 3 years of me tinkering... am i wrong?

[thursday 1]

you are right. That's the magic of a free market as one brand does over another for the equipment nerd.

 

Bear this in mind:

 

Good: Canons have quieter shutters

Good: Nikons are better than Canons in my book

 

Both can do seriously good work and give serious fun. Go with your heart and don't look back.

[Duds 0]

Not about the camera initially, look for the lenses when spending some $$$. Both great (Nikon and Canon) and can't go wrong. That said though go for the 30D over 400D and spend a bit more in the body....better build, more solid, more fps and a good camera for getting quality shots. I found the 400D (or was Rebel XT prior) a bit too small to handle. I have 20D which the 30D superseeded and still going strong after 2 years on getting knocked around.

[Kumapix 0]

Spook i def would NOT get the 400d. i used one 2 weeks ago and it is soooo crap.

btw just because you used canon point & shoots does not mean that you automatically go to canon dslr's. go to a shop, pick up all the cameras and pick the one in your budget that feels the most comfortable in your hands.

Also, the double zoom kit lens suck, so don't bother with that.

 

That 40d looks amazing. 6.5 fps would be perfect to have. nikon had better come out with some pretty kick ass cameras soon

[thursday 1]

the long yearned D3, D300, come on boys get your fingers out.

 

I seriously doubt any enthusiast would have a lens capable of using the 6.5fps.

[Tubby Beaver 209]

wish I knew what everyone is talking about!! I'm happy with my point and shoot digi cam.....for now!!

[spook 0]

thanks for the advice all.

kumapix - what's your concerns about the double lens kits - are they poor quality lenses?

i will now go and do some proper research before dropping serious cash on a DSLR

[thursday 1]

all the research you will ever need are within these pages.

[thursday 1]

any lens that comes within a kit are mediocre at best.

 

Get yourself a nice flexible 18-55 and make sure the it's at least F2.8. That would serve you well until the lens bug bites.

[spook 0]

 

i just went down to 2 camera shops and had a poke around. both salesmen spruiked the canon 400D and the nikon 40X for entry level bodies, but they were of the opinion that the canon range of lenses is better than nikon's.

but then i'm sure this debate has been replayed zillions of times by photography enthusiasts

 

there is also the slightly more expensive canon 40D coming out soon, which seems like a better body than the entry level ones. maybe i will combine something like that with better lens than what is offered by the introductory kit packages

 

perhaps it might be best to bite the bullet and combine a slightly better body and better lenses than getting one of the cheaper DSLR packages. my only thing is that while i take a decent amount of pics, i'm not that hardcore a photographer and i'm not sure that i will outgrow a lower-level DSLR and lenses that quickly. still, i guess if i pay a bit more and get a ace setup now, it will last longer.... or maybe i should just get an intro level setup and upgrade in 3 years??

 

ok, i'll settle myself in later this week for 3 hours of reading this thread from start to finish.

[soubriquet 0]

I bought the Nikon D40. It has everything I want (except for the dancing girls). Absolutely no regrets. I expect it to last me for the next 20 years at least.

[thursday 1]

Like I’ve said numerous times before, I am just so glad that I bought the D200. When contemplating which camera body to get I considered the useability and durability as well as the product life. The D200 came out tops cos:

 

1) The D2x was over kill for an enthusiast (me). This is a pro camera.

2) D40x too small for my hands, felt like a toy, could not use with my AF lenses (not got an autofocus servo)

3) D80 could be used with my AF lenses, could do a lot of stuff but still felt like a toy. (I hate the plastic body feel)

 

As soon as I picked up the D200, I felt it was a real camera and something that would last for a very long time. Your 3 year life span for a toy is just too optimistic, you’d be wanting to upgrade within a month or as soon as you realize there’s so much more you can do with a world of expensive lenses. And quite frankly, a plastic toy driving a ferrari of a lens just won’t do.

 

My thoughts and I’m still so content with the D200 I’ve not considered anything else. Why waste your time with a low end when you can learn and grow with the equipment that allows you to.

[spook 0]

good points thursday, thanks for that.

the D200 sounds promising, i will check it out tomorrow. my concern with the D40x was that it can't use all AF lenses

i think you're right with getting a great rig that you can grow into, as oppossed to being limited by low end equipment. one of the blokes in the shop said i would outgrow the cheapie lenses within 6 months, so i should heed that as a warning...

cheers for your input

[thursday 1]

think about the lenses. DX is not full format, they are made for DSLRs. There is also rumour that Nikon DSLRs will go FF (Canon has one already) thus pissing off loads of DX owners.

 

Something to think about. Something I always consider when dreaming about buying a lens. DX at your peril.

[Duds 0]

I am bias...Get the body only of 30D Canon (I was being nice before...yes 400D is fairly ordinary) and a good 28-70mm 2.8 (that number 2.8 is the important part and refers to the aperture size...the lower the number the faster the lense and will generaly be better for action shots and lower light conditions). You could get Canon but will cost you a fortune....$2,000 just for lense...so can get just as good in a Tamron which I have for less than half price. At least this way you can use a 28-70 for other more run of mill photgraphy.

 

If you get into it and want something for shooting riding then you can hire lenses in some places or buy and maybe go a 70-200mm 2.8....or a good cheaper option is 28-105mm 4.0 apeture that Canon have just put out.

 

hope this helps. Avoid the kit lenses as it the lense the important for good photos!!

 

Fnally a good site is http://www.fredmiranda.com fo gear reviews and forums. has a sports section in it.

 

 

[brit-gob 9]

What is FF thursday?

[thursday 1]

Full Format, as in 35mm film SLR. AF and AF-S are FF, not so the DX lenses.

[spook 0]

so what is the point of DX lenses?

[soubriquet 0]

DX lenses have the autofocus motor built into the lense, rather than being remotely driven from the camera body. It's not an issue for me because I don't have any Nikon legacy kit.

[thursday 1]

AF-S has the motor too, hence those DXs are called AF-S DX.

 

I'm saying this cos there may come a time when you upgrade to another DSLR and that DSLR happens to be an FF one.

 

Your lenses will last you forever so bear that in mind.

[Kumapix 0]

this is a bit late but Thursday, any lens can handle 6.5 fps.

 

Spook, don't let these guys push you into the world of expensive lenses. Yes, having an f2.8 lens is the best, but for making prints at your local camera shop any half decent lens will do. I had amazing pics from the 18-55 f3.5-something that came with the camera. f2.8 lenses will help you out if you are shooting weddings or other indoor or bad lighting shots. but if you know how to play with iso, shutter speed & fps, you can get around it. Bushpig just shoots with the nikon 18-70 kit lens and he's got some great shots...

 

re: the double kit lens. that 55-200 is a useless lens imo. you are better off getting a 70-300 (if you want to shoot sports or kids at a sports day etc).

I also wouldn't worry about the 40dx not taking afs lenses. the beginner slr market is too big for nikon to strand those customers.

 

anyways, do your research and remember that everyone is biased one way or the other. the quality of your photos really only depends on you. oh, and wait til the new cameras come out, and get the discontinued ones (but not the 400d). nikon 40d,40dx, d80 & d200 are good. canon 30d and up are good. canon will prob release a camera at the 40dx pricepoint sometime