Okay - A brief update. I've greatly appreciated the discussion on this forum and several others, and have enjoyed many one on one talks, and several lunch breaks in the photo shop drooling over the cameras. I received many recommendations (a full list to follow later), but ultimately, I've narrowed it to the Cannon EOS Rebel (now in Black!), and the Nikon D70.
I very seriously considered, but decided against at the Cannon 10D, because it's; A) discontinued, B) identical to the Rebel in image quality, C) more expensive than the Rebel, and you can hack the Rebel to unlock the 10D features?, and D) because it's a bit too big/bulky for me, especially with the optional battery grip. I also seriously considered, but decided against the Cannon 20D, because it's more than I really need, and more than I really want to spend. So why the Nikon D70 or Cannon EOS Rebel? Well? The form factor of the Nikon D70 and the phenomenal speed of the unit are extremely impressive. It is second to none in "feel" in my opinion. Really fits me like a glove. And it seems pretty easy to use, and the battery is rated to last nearly 1000 shots between charges. No need for a bulky battery grip. Also, there is no buffer lag when it writes to the CF Card. It bypasses that process issue with nifty programming logic. Similarly equipped, the EOS Rebel is approx $600 cheaper than the D70, thanks to current rebates. Package: camera body, battery, the 18-55 stock lens, and a 75-300mm F/3.5-5.6 lens (Cannon includes image stabilized lens) Additional considerations? The Cannon body is not nearly as nice as the D70. It's a tad bit too small for me, and with the battery grip, it's WAY too bulky for my purposes. I can feel my face pressed up against the LCD when looking through the view finder. And the shutter/mirror action just is not a smooth and nice feeling as the Nikon. HOWEVER, the Cannon offers many decent quality lenses with image stabilization for around $450, whereas the Nikkor lens with Image Stabilization starts at several thousand dollars, and is only available in a few select sizes. Everyone I spoke too wisely stated to focus (pun intended) on the lens, and not so much on the body? so $600 cheaper and including image stabilization and a full line of additional fairly inexpensive lenses has me really thinking EOS Rebel? but I just can't get that groovy D70 feeling out of my mind. So I am going to rent the D70 and a 75-300mm F3.5-5.6 lens tomorrow and will shoot as much as I can (out my office window? LOL), to compare. I have seen many great EOS based sample images, and find them to be stunning. We will see how the Nikon D70 does. I'll have some tangible results up Friday night or Saturday morning. Thanks to everyone for their time, consideration, and comments. Nathan Woods Digital wannabe RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send "subscribe" and "unsubscribe" requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please note that subscribe and unsubscribe messages must be sent in text only format with MIME turned off.
