which to buy, d60/300d same price

[Gerdav43]

First and foremost, I am a very amatuer photographer. I have a Rebel G SLR and a Kodak DX4900 digital (4MP) which I have outgrown. My experience with the Rebel is narrow as the cost of film is prohibitive, therefore, I have not even scratched the surface of its capabilities with film. I have an opportunity to buy a d60, new in box, for $1000. (Don't ask how!!) or wait for the Rebel Digital which my people have said won't actually be out for a while despite the news reports. Is it worth waiting or should I go for the D60 and learn on that unit? It should help you to know that I do currently own two lenses, the EF 35-80mm that came with the Rebel and a Zoom lens 75-300mm that I could use. Please help, confused in PA

[lightandlife]

Get 10D.

[Gerdav43]

But your talking an extra $500 for a camera to learn how to shoot on. Is this wise? I've seen that you are hot and heavy for the 10D in some of the other chats that I have looked at, And I can see why. But do I really need all that.

[Vegas Poboy]

Tough choice I would have to say 10D but if you're not willing to spend a extra $500.00 I would go with the 60 but again tough choice.
Good Luck

[fredlord]

With the following caveats:

1. I own a D60.
2. All I know about the Rebel Digital is what I have read.
3. I am making only a simple choice between the two indicated camera bodies.
4. I don't know what your intended usage pattern is.
5. I need as many frames-per-second as I can afford.

The D60 appears to have far more features and capabilities than the Rebel Digital. If the price were equal, I would most definitely purchase a brand new D60 rather than the new digital SLR.

I am very happy with my D60. I would love to have a 10D but I am waiting for the replacement for the 1D. I may even buy a 1D before then. I shoot birds and other animals and I want the features not yet available on anything lower in the tech chain than the 1D or its successor.

I hope you find what you need.

Fred Lord

[lightandlife]

gerdav43 wrote:
But your talking an extra $500 for a camera to learn how to shoot on. Is this wise?

Two years ago I paid $2500 for D30. 10D is a much better camera than the first Kodak digital, which cost $10,000.

I believe Canon would have sold many 10Ds even at $2000.
To convert loyal Nikon devotees, Canon cut the price by $500. The market gives us a correct signal. 10D is being sold out in the US. God will bless you, regardless of which one you choose!

But if you ever want to get dusk and evening shots without a flash, don't look back and get 10D.

[clos]

Well it doesn't look like your really getting your question answered?

"should I go with the D60 or Digital Rebel?"

From these post and my two cents don't even consider getting the D60.

The Digital Rebel has better everything than the D60 (i.e. better AF, better DIGIC processor, better built-in flash, better ISO range, etc.).

So to answer your question...

Go with the Digital Rebel. If it is as good as it looks on paper you will not be disapointed.


-Clos

[dbarthel]

The better AF is a serious advantage for the 300 if you are going to do any action. Bless my D60, but fast focusing is not it's virtue. OTOH, how much control do you want? Custom settings? IMHO nicer color than the 10D (that should start a war, but I own both and am entitled to my opinion), better build. Only you can do the tradeoffs.

[dbarthel]

The better AF is a serious advantage for the 300 if you are going to do any action. Bless my D60, but fast focusing is not it's virtue. OTOH, how much control do you want? Custom settings? IMHO nicer color than the 10D (that should start a war, but I own both and am entitled to my opinion), better build. Only you can do the tradeoffs.

[Hatem Eldoronki]

If you are serious about photography, get the 10D. You can't learn how to drive a Ferrari by training on a Fiesta!
The $500 difference can be justified in that you're probably not gonna use the 300D once you buy a better DSLR- like the 10D, after you've mastered the 300D: therefore you are actually wasting $1000. If you're going to start comparing that to the D60, you're gonna get yourself in a confusing maze..the D60 is not comparable to neither the 300D or the 10D capabilities.
Keep in mind that the DSLR world is different than the Point-and-Shoot world in that you're still gonna need more stuff for your camera, not just a carrying case. For example, lenses, filters, a flash, etc, etc., so in my opinion, it's good to have a solid base like the 10D, that you can build up upon as you learn..
Good luck.

[Wolfgang7]

Dont buy the D60!! but tell me where i can get one for $1000.-
Regards
Wolfgang

[Longwatcher]

I still own both D60 and 10D. Obviously I don't have the rebel (nor do I plan on getting one, but a co-worker is seriously thinking of getting one.

Yes the 10D is better and I am darn glad to have it, but I could live quite well with the D60 if the 10D had not existed. I got the 10D primarily as a second camera (relegating my D60 to backup). yes the autofocus is slower, but not nearly as bad as most point and shoots. I upgraded from the Kodak DC4800 myself.

The number one advantage to getting the digital rebel for you may be over all cost. I would definately get it with the 18-55mm lens. I say this because my #1 complaint with both the 10D and D60 is the crop factor, which the 300D also has, but with the 18-55 you don't have to pay $800 to get the 17-40 to get a reasonable wide angle. In fact I still retain the Kodak DC4800 primarily because I can get a wider angle shot with the lens kit.


The number one advantage to getting the D60 would be more control over the images. So for me I would get the D60, but given your most likely use I think you would be happy with the 300D Rebel kit. The exception is if you plan on doing studio work, then definately go for the D60, the Rebel will probably not make the grade when working with studio strobes.

Finally cost is a big factor to consider. Cost to operate Rebel I estimate at $1500 (which includes lenses and likely accessories). Cost to operate D60 or 10D will be about camera cost + $3000 ($4000 for your D60). This is primarily because you will not have the same desire for "L" quality glass with the Rebel. For the obsessive compulsive the answer will be about $12000 in either case.

Just my opinion.

[fredlord]

I'd have to agree with Longwatcher in that soon after I purchased the D60 I bought about $6000 more of "essential" items to go with it. Something I would never have done with my old brace of A2Es. Seen from that point of view, buy the Digital Rebel and be happy. Now I want a 1Ds but will settle for the successor to the 1D if and when it arrives. If buying the Digital Rebel helps you to resist further purchases, I say buy it. If not, buy the D60. Since you didn't ask about a 10D I think any suggestions I could make on that count would be irrelevant.

[Gerdav43]

Well, just to let everyone know I have not purchased the camera yet. However, being as it is the last one in the store, and I know the guy, I have the D60 out on a test drive (don't want anyone else to take it out from under me). And of course we all know that I will not be able to give it back. With the release of the rebel off in the near or far distant future (depending on who you talk to) and my extreme lack of patience to begin with I believe I have mentally committed myself to this. This is not all bad, however. And I may be wrong. I have thoroughly enjoyed all the commentary and there definitely seems to be consensus about the 10D. But it is just a little to much money for me. Not only is there the camera but then all the accessories. I have held the D60 and I like it (ignorance is bliss, I know). I've taken a few pictures too and like the results (remember from where I came). Based on my brief experience and all the commentary I'm starting to believe that the REBEL when it is out will feel cheap. The body is to be all plastic and weighs only 19.7oz as compared to 27.5 for the d60 and about 28 for the 10d. About 25 to 30%less. Will the technology benefits outweigh the feel in this case, especially with my lack of experience. I don't think you all will be satisfied with the feel of that camera. Am I right or wrong. I don't know, but I do know that by the time I figure this one out we will probably all be talking about the next generation of Canon cameras and how much more money we will have to spend. Thanks everybody and wish me luck. I'm sure I will be back because I like your ideas and will certainly need technique help.

[Vegas Poboy]

Good Luck & have fun,
:)

[hextor]

there is a reason why the 10d costs 500 more.. in particular.. autofocus...

now..

buy either 300d or 10d, but dont go with the d60... you will want to change it in the future..

on the other hand, with the 10d you will live happily...

same with the 300d, except that it will be more limited...

so basically make a decision... do you want to do photography as a serious hobby or as just a casual good shooter..

there is your answer.. with that, the 500 difference becomes trivial..

regarding the lenses answer.. you can buy that slowly over time as you develop your needs.. get a good one to start with and thats it!

for WA, you can also go with a 15mm fisheye...

[Andy_T]

Go to the photo shop and try it out!

As the 300D is not available yet, I just took a look at the 300V that's supposed to be its film counterpart.

Compared side by side with the 10D, the body did not convey a very high-qualitative impression to me... even if I compare it to my old Nikon 601, it feels rather cheap...

... but that's just my personal feelings here. Holding it in the shop once is not comparable to a foto session with it.

Everybody must decide himself.

Regards,
Andy

[topfueltim]

I started out a few months ago looking at a D30. Is that even worth considering any more? I later began looking at D60, and was also wondering about the D60. Thank you all for your input, I'm learning a lot.

Tim Glover

[cubfan]

I've had a D30 and it is a nice camera but I wouldn't pay anymore than $600 for one. I got gorgeous 8x10's from it and it focused better than my 10D's. If the price is greater, I would buy the new digital rebel with the newer technology. I wouldn't mess with the D60 unless it is $700 or less. I had one of those too and liked it.

[photography By Evangelos]

Gerdav43,


I own a D60 and 2 10D's and played with the 300D last month at the Florida Professional photographers convention in Orlando and can say it's better than my D60 is by far and lots of less noise at higher ISO settings than the D60. The A/F is fast but not as fast as the 10D but not by much. The A/F is much faster than the D60 the 300D blows it out of the water. The camera is light and easy to use which is a key issue for any one new to a Digital SLR camera and for only $999.00 for the kit with a lens it's a bargain. I shot the 10D and the 300D with the same lens and looked at the photos side by side and they are darn good I cannot tell the difference. So stay away form the D60 and get the 300D is will fit the bill and will advance with you when you are ready. You can also buy a grip for the camera it's black and it is a must just like the grip for the 10D is and the D60 is. Best of luck.

[topfueltim]

Thank both of you. My 20 year old Minolta quit again yesterday when it got hot (changed batteries three times, so suspect it's in camera). Sounds like as good an excuse as any. I can wait for the 300D, don't have the money anyway right now, but it sure sounds like a great Christmas present!

Tim Glover

[evilenglishman]

--

[photography By Evangelos]

I hate to say it by the 300D Rebel makes the D60's A/F system look bad and the 300D Rebes's Digi Chip is much better at higher ISO settings. It's a no brainier go with the 300D or a 10D. The D60 is out dated and suffers in low light if it works.

[evilenglishman]

--

[JFricks]

My two cents:

I have a D60 and use a 10D regularly at work. I personally like the D60 and won't be trading it in anytime soon. I've never really had an issue with slow AF. I use a fast lens (2.8) for those times when poor light is the problem and rarely wish I had a faster ISO than 800. Yes, there are times when 1600 would be nice, but hey! AF and high ISO just ain't gonna work when there's no light. That's why they make flash.

It is true that action shots (approaching) are more difficult with the D60, but they're tough with a 10D, too. You just have to practice, practice, practice. Know your sport and anticipate.

The simple truth is that if you are at all serious about photography, any of these cameras will work perfectly well.

Enjoy your hobby! Remember, it's about making great pictures...not the camera.

[Carbon]

hextor wrote:
buy either 300d or 10d, but dont go with the d60... you will want to change it in the future..

on the other hand, with the 10d you will live happily...



There's some wishful thinking. Uh... yeah... live happily for another 6 months, until some full-frame or 8 megapixel latest-and-greatest comes out for under 2 grand. Then will you be happy with your 6.3 mp with the 1.6 crop? Just like the D30 has slipped away, the 10D will soon be yesterday's news. Is it worth spending 50% more than the D60 or 300D? For the pro, sure. But Gerdav43, the first thing you noted is that you are "a very amatuer photographer". By the way, my friend just bought a used D60 for $700, so make that 100% more than a D60.

What if someone offered you a 10D with no lens or a D60 AND a brand new 70-200mm f/4L for the same price?

Advice is cheap, right? And it sure is easy to tell other people to spend more of their own money, especially when it subconsciously confirms a big purchase decision that one just made themselves.

My cheap advice: get whatever (10D, D60, 300D, even the D30) is cheapest, and then spend whatever you have left on practice time (time==money, right? :) ), workshops and classes. evilenglishman is right. In the end, you'll be taking far better pics than you would be if you had spent those resources on the latest gear instead of upgrading the most important photographic element: yourself.