Best DSLR of 2008

[karl7]

Nikon D90 leads the competition!
Here is the poll:
Self-adulatory link of spammer removed.

[WillOPhotos]

5d mkII without a doubt :p

[will5]

5d mkII without a doubt :p

Just voted for the 5D MKII :)

[Perry Ge]

I just put my vote in - for the Nikon D700. By far and away the winner for me.

[tunin]

I am a CANON user but I voted NIKON d3x in hope someone from canon will see that Nikon has given more to their users than Canon has given us. :-/

[Metalstrm]

^ Given them what? 5000$ more for more or less the same image quality?

[tunin]

^ I am a Canon user! I just want more care from CANON! Just an example; Nikon offers in camera wireless sister for flash sync for a few gen, now ... and Canon, we need to buy separate units of the 580ex or the dedicated IR transmitter! FAIL

[Ztilb]

I will vote for Canon 3D... it's the same as voting for Nikon D3x: both cameras don't exist...

How can someone vote for a camera that is going to be launched yet??

That's what I call fanboyism at it's best!!

[K6AZ]

Probably because of the video capability. I own both Canon and Nikon gear and I just was not impressed with it.

[ron chappel]

What a strange result.Was the poll meant to be about highest sellers or to show what is truly the best?
With the two highest scorers being mid range models it all looks rather lame....

[Jark89]

All bias aside, I believe the Nikon D700 was the best camera "overall", so I voted that. *Don't kill me fellow Canon users* :S

[NinetyEight]

I will vote for Canon 3D... it's the same as voting for Nikon D3x: both cameras don't exist...

How can someone vote for a camera that is going to be launched yet??

That's what I call fanboyism at it's best!!

Nikon D3x is in the shops... ;)

[Croasdail]

Check out Luminous Landscape... they have already tested it against the sony and Canon 5D. Seems it is out there.

[overclock]

If you think Canon reads those polls much less even cares what customers want you are kidding yourself. Canon is the evil Russian dictator Camera Czar and will push down people's throats whatever they want to produce. The customer be damned!

[MattMoore]

Although I hate to admit it...all things considered (price, performance, features/specs)....D700

[ben_r_]

Oh yea, voted for the 5D Mark II FTW!

[Ztilb]

Nikon D3x is in the shops... ;)

What shops?
I haven't found one yet...

Thanks

[Ztilb]

Check out Luminous Landscape... they have already tested it against the sony and Canon 5D. Seems it is out there.

That was a pre-production model...
Just as an example, nobody has found the famous black dots when analysing the 5D2 pre-production models... so... let's wait for the reviews of the production models of the D3x... maybe there's an hidden bonus also...

[tekkie]

obviously that poll is useless, there is no way the 50D or the D90 should be in the top 2

the top 3 should easily be 5D MKII , D700 & D3X, and I agree with others the D700 should probably win

[bacchanal]

D700 was my vote. It is a game changer at its price level.

The 5DmkII would be my second pick. 1080p video on a FF sensor has/will create a new niche DSLR user group and will open up some interesting possibilities for the masses.

[Naturalworldphotographer]

All things considered, I'd say D700, and it was my vote. :P

[ssracer]

I voted for the 1000D...because it's the only one I have used...LMAO

[Moogle Pepper]

I just put my vote in - for the Nikon D700. By far and away the winner for me.

I voted for the Nikon D700 also, even though I am a canon shooter. The D700 is just an awesome well rounded camera!

[XterraJohn]

That was a pre-production model...
Just as an example, nobody has found the famous black dots when analysing the 5D2 pre-production models... so... let's wait for the reviews of the production models of the D3x... maybe there's an hidden bonus also...


The black dots WERE found in images from the pre-production 5D2. The images that were taken from the "Reverie" video, which was said to have been produced with a pre-production 5D2, showed the dots on the lights on the bridge.

[quickshot]

Hi, I voted for the Canon 450D as this is the camera that i own and am very happy with it, well worth every penny. Also i can't really vote for any other as i have not used any of them so i have got to vote for the 450D. I have used normal 35mm film Nikons and do like them but i have found most Nikon body's quite large as i have fairly small hands for a man, this is another reason why i like the smaller 450D. Anyway i suppose at the end of the day all this is down to the individuals preference. :)

[adam*]

Has to be the D700.

[Lazuka]

The D700 or the 1ds 3 for me.

[pgruiz123]

Can I vote for the Canon AE-1? Just kidding don't flame me.

[NinetyEight]

What shops?
I haven't found one yet...

Thanks

http://www.mifsuds.com/
http://www.robertwhite.co.uk

Just two sites in the UK...

Not in huge quantities, but they have been available since mid Dec I believe

[NinetyEight]

Can I vote for the Canon AE-1? Just kidding don't flame me.

I have an old AE-1 Program in a cupboard somewhere...

[HankScorpio]

The only camera in several years that has made me want it from a ten minute test and more than likely will be my next purchase is the D700. It has everything that I wanted the 5D MkII to have except for the logo.

[Yohan Pamudji]

D700 got my vote.

Is there an echo in here? :D

[tkbslc]

I think the results are pretty Accurate. Bang for the buck, it is tough to compete with the 3 on top: Nikon D90 and Pentax K20D, and D50. I think the D90 wins just because they broke ground first with video and a moderate price tag.

[Lotus Man]

D3x

[spelunker]

I can't deny that Nikon overall makes sensible and mature design choices -- they have really been on a good streak this year.

[S.Horton]

What a strange result.Was the poll meant to be about highest sellers or to show what is truly the best?
With the two highest scorers being mid range models it all looks rather lame....

I think that OP owns the website..........

[Radiohead369]

D700 without a doubt.

[Bob_A]

I just put my vote in - for the Nikon D700. By far and away the winner for me.

I agree, and did the same.

[EmaginePixel]

What's up with D700 bandwagon? According to side by side reviews, the 5D outshine the D700 image wise.

-------------- D700 ------------------------- 5D ---------------------

http://a.img-dpreview.com/reviews/nikond700/samples/comparedto/studio/nikond700_iso200_raw-crops.jpghttp://a.img-dpreview.com/reviews/nikond700/samples/comparedto/studio/5d_iso100-raw-acr-crops.jpg

[clipper_from_oz]

Can I vote for the Canon AE-1? Just kidding don't flame me.


The Olly OM4 was better :) First SLR with Spot metering

[Neilyb]

I think the 5D mk ONE should win this ;) The 5D II is simply a marketing guru's wet dream full of pointless gimiks and lacking the all important things like a decent AF system!!!! D700, D300 should bag this....

[Chako]

I went through high school dreaming of owning an Olympus OM4. Had to settle for an Olympus OM10 on my nonexistant budget.

I voted Nikon D700 as well. The local photo shop has one on display. I wanted one after 20 minutes of playing with it. Then I came to my senses, realizing that Nikon super telephotos are super expensive, even more so then Canon's, a thought that grounded me right enough hehe.

[Ianfp]

I have no doubt that the D700 is a great camera, but I wonder how many of the people in this thread who say they voted for the D700 have ever handled one let alone seen one?
I have just read another review putting the 5D2 ahead of the D700.

[bacchanal]

What's up with D700 bandwagon? According to side by side reviews, the 5D outshine the D700 image wise.

The D700 RAWs are excellent and will easily compete with the 5D with PP. The high ISO performance is excellent, the build is excellent, the features are excellent, the AF system is very nice. It is a well rounded and well thought out camera at a great price.

I have used a D700, though I haven't used a 5DII and obviously not a D3x.

[AxxisPhoto]

Voted for 5DMkII. Someday I'll have one!

[Naturalworldphotographer]

I have no doubt that the D700 is a great camera, but I wonder how many of the people in this thread who say they voted for the D700 have ever handled one let alone seen one?
I have just read another review putting the 5D2 ahead of the D700.

I've handled one quite extesively and the overall build, focus system, and beautifully clean high isos has made me think it is the way (for me) to go...

iso 6400 D700

http://i39.tinypic.com/hthbh0.jpg

http://i40.tinypic.com/2wh1r3b.jpg 100% no nr

http://i42.tinypic.com/2564abq.jpg 100% nr in neat image.

I'd like to go full frame, but -

The 5D is lacking certain features that I'd like, that I have on my 40D. (liveview/speed/af)

The 5D mkII certainly has the resolution, and the high isos look pretty nice too, but it still lags behind with certain things that mean a lot to me like the AF system and longer viewfinder blackout and shutter lag times and things like that (overall responsiveness)

The D700 does have a slightly more moderate resolution, (I'd like maybe 15-16mp) but it does have steller high iso performance, great af, fully sealed body af assist lamp with other nice features such as the grid in the viewfinder on demand, the intervolometer, and the sprit level like virtual horizon.

I think the D700 is one beautifully rounded camera...I might be heading over to a D700 later this year, I'm just waiting for a really nice deal, or a cashback offer.

[Sean]

D700.

[Keegan]

All bias aside, I believe the Nikon D700 was the best camera "overall", so I voted that. *Don't kill me fellow Canon users* :S

ditto lol

[narlus]

What's up with D700 bandwagon? According to side by side reviews, the 5D outshine the D700 image wise.


image schmimage...it's all about how many red boxes you see in the viewfinder.

[Miyagi-san]

By far the D700....camera floored me and I wish I could afford even half one....hey maybe i should get the d300....that's almost half right? :p

[Naturalworldphotographer]

By far the D700....camera floored me and I wish I could afford even half one....hey maybe i should get the d300....that's almost half right? :p

I'd say definately, unless you want the fullframe with better high iso performance, the D300 is still a top notch camera...The pixel densitiy is a definate plus if you need the reach, it doesn't miss out on many features that the d700 has to be honest.

[FlyingPhotog]

So how many out there have actually attended a consumer focus group hosted by Nikon where you were specifically asked what you wanted in a dSLR?

Don't suppose there's any chance that Nikon just "guessed" better than Canon this time around?

:rolleyes:

[HankScorpio]

So how many out there have actually attended a consumer focus group hosted by Nikon where you were specifically asked what you wanted in a dSLR?

Don't suppose there's any chance that Nikon just "guessed" better than Canon this time around?

:rolleyes:
3 of my Pro Photographer friends get regular visits from Nikon reps who ask if they're happy, if they want something new and often leave them new toys to play with. A few more are part of customer feedback type things.

Most of the Pro Canon shooters in my group of friends have some similar contact with Canon.

Given that the D700 has every feature I want with no add-on features that I'd never use and the 5D Mk II missed the mark on so many vital points and offered things I'd never use, I guess Nikon are more in-tune with the type of photographer I am. I don't know what market Canon are aiming at but given the amount of people I know who are switching to Nikon, they better have a re-think unless they've tapped into a new group of users at the expense of a lot of their old loyal white lens carriers.

[bacchanal]

So how many out there have actually attended a consumer focus group hosted by Nikon where you were specifically asked what you wanted in a dSLR?

Don't suppose there's any chance that Nikon just "guessed" better than Canon this time around?

:rolleyes:

No, I don't think there is any chance that guessing was involved. They took a bit of a risk creating the D700 with a feature set so close to the D3 at a significantly lower price, but I'm pretty sure they knew that they were creating a desirable camera based on proven technology.

Nikon brought weather sealing and pro level AF to the top end of the "prosumer" market with a gripless body and 5fps. Canon brought 21mp and 1080p video to the same market. Both are great bodies for sure, but the Nikon does seem a little more practical to me...if they would just make some more primes... ;)

[Naturalworldphotographer]

No, I don't think there is any chance that guessing was involved. They took a bit of a risk creating the D700 with a feature set so close to the D3 at a significantly lower price, but I'm pretty sure they knew that they were creating a desirable camera based on proven technology.

Nikon brought weather sealing and pro level AF to the top end of the "prosumer" market with a gripless body and 5fps. Canon brought 21mp and 1080p video to the same market. Both are great bodies for sure, but the Nikon does seem a little more practical to me...if they would just make some more primes... ;)

They even went so far as to bring the pro level AF, sealing and 6 fps (or 8 with grip) to the D300. :P

[cyrn]

They even went so far as to bring the pro level AF, sealing and 6 fps (or 8 with grip) to the D300. :P

yup.. and those are excellent cams.

But do note that the D300 and the D700 seems "slower" compared to D3.

I voted for the D3, it's the most affordable all rounder FF cam available in the market now.

[gregpphoto]

Nikon: D3 or D700
Canon: 5D MK II
Holga:

[gregpphoto]

I voted for the D3, it's the most affordable all rounder FF cam available in the market now.

No that would be the D700, which is FF and very similar to the D3 but for $2000 less.

[gregpphoto]

I'd like to go full frame, but -

The 5D is lacking certain features that I'd like, that I have on my 40D. (liveview/speed/af)

The 5D mkII certainly has the resolution, and the high isos look pretty nice too, but it still lags behind with certain things that mean a lot to me like the AF system and longer viewfinder blackout and shutter lag times and things like that (overall responsiveness)


I've never had any hands on experience with either but I can't see the 5D MK II having a slower AF than the 50D. I'm not sure I understand what you mean by viewfinder blackout and shutter lag (isn't shutter lag only for P&S's?)

[cyrn]

No that would be the D700, which is FF and very similar to the D3 but for $2000 less.

Of course the D700 is a bang for buck, but have tried both... D700 seems slower compared to D3... not much, but enough that you know like the 1 series AF compared to xxD series.

So, my preference is for D3 simply the AF is faster, although there's a 2K premium. Compared to the next FF with similar feature, the 1Ds and D3x. It's simply more bang for more bucks. :lol:

[cyrn]

I've never had any hands on experience with either but I can't see the 5D MK II having a slower AF than the 50D. I'm not sure I understand what you mean by viewfinder blackout and shutter lag (isn't shutter lag only for P&S's?)

All cams have shutter lag, but 5D, and 5D2 is simply more excessive, since the mirror have to get out of the optical path (quite leisurely I must add) first before the exposure can be made.

[gregpphoto]

Of course the D700 is a bang for buck, but have tried both... D700 seems slower compared to D3... not much, but enough that you know like the 1 series AF compared to xxD series.

So, my preference is for D3 simply the AF is faster, although there's a 2K premium. Compared to the next FF with similar feature, the 1Ds and D3x. It's simply more bang for more bucks. :lol:

Very true, I don't think I'd ever mess with any of the 1D's, I'd rather sell and get Nikon or rent one. But how much faster is the AF? If money is no object of course we'd all go for the D3 but $2000 for slightly faster AF doesn't sound like a good deal to me.

[gregpphoto]

All cams have shutter lag, but 5D, and 5D2 is simply more excessive, since the mirror have to get out of the optical path (quite leisurely I must add) first before the exposure can be made.

Well yes, but that's still fractions of a second, right? It's a bigger mirror I'm assuming so yea it's gonna take more time, but is it something you'd notice while shooting or something you'd have to read up to be aware of? Sounds like the latter to me, because if it were that bad I don't think canon would sell something with that kind of fault. At least I hope not!

[Naturalworldphotographer]

I've never had any hands on experience with either but I can't see the 5D MK II having a slower AF than the 50D. I'm not sure I understand what you mean by viewfinder blackout and shutter lag (isn't shutter lag only for P&S's?)

I've read several reports on the 5DmkII's autofocus being fast and accurate, but not as snappy as the 40D/50D. Also the outer 8 points are not cross type on the 5DmkII where as they are on the 40D and 50D.

As to the shutter lag, this does still apply to DSLRs, it's just more obvious on point and shoots. Viewfinder blackout is how long it takes for the mirror to return to it's normal position so you can see through the viewfinder again. So shots in quick succession won't be obscurred by the viewfinder being black for as long if the viewfinder blackout time is shorter.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EOS-5D-Mark-II-DSLR-Digital-Camera-Review.aspx

About halfway down that page there is a list of the canon DSLRs and their shutter lag times and some other specs. You'll notice that the 5D and 5DmkII have longer shutter lag and vf blackout times than the xxD series and 1 series.

[gregpphoto]

Wow. You people must be anal. 73ms compared to 59ms. Is there anyone alive who can tell the difference without reading up on it? C'mon! We're talking less than 15 milliseconds!!!!!

[cyrn]

Wow. You people must be anal. 73ms compared to 59ms. Is there anyone alive who can tell the difference without reading up on it? C'mon! We're talking less than 15 milliseconds!!!!!

of course we are! some are even comparing the 5d2 raw output between dpp and acr. :lol:

[Naturalworldphotographer]

Wow. You people must be anal. 73ms compared to 59ms. Is there anyone alive who can tell the difference without reading up on it? C'mon! We're talking less than 15 milliseconds!!!!!

Well, you asked, and I thought I might aswell give you the technical info...I have used it and it feels the same as the 5D with regards being noticeably not quite as snappy as my 40D.

[cyrn]

Well yes, but that's still fractions of a second, right? It's a bigger mirror I'm assuming so yea it's gonna take more time, but is it something you'd notice while shooting or something you'd have to read up to be aware of? Sounds like the latter to me, because if it were that bad I don't think canon would sell something with that kind of fault. At least I hope not!

it something I noticed while shooting... and yeah it's fractions of a sec... heck even my LX-3 pns shutter lag is in fractions of a second.

[MacBailey]

I think the best camera for the year is the one I have in my hands and I can afford and mostly enjoy shooting.

[cyrn]

I think the best camera for the year is the one I have in my hands and I can afford and mostly enjoy shooting.

LX-3. :twisted:

lol

[JBF]

5D Mark II

[Bob_A]

I have no doubt that the D700 is a great camera, but I wonder how many of the people in this thread who say they voted for the D700 have ever handled one let alone seen one?
I have just read another review putting the 5D2 ahead of the D700.

I have, and it's a beautiful camera.

As far as IQ goes both the 5D MKII and the D700 are close enough that it's splitting hairs. Noise is essentially the same (but different), 5D MKII has higher resolution, the D700 has better DR.

Either of these cameras will take great images, but for versatility (IMO) the D700 gets my vote as the better camera.

[Croasdail]

D700 - no doubt. Best balance of features, build and cost. 5D does stuff I just don't need right now.

[papucla10]

I think the best camera for the year is the one I have in my hands and I can afford and mostly enjoy shooting.

+1 here, 50D no doubt that is what I can afford and that is what I am happy with :D.

[ron chappel]

Im staggered how many here are voting for the D700(goes to show how weird the initial poll results are...)

Right from the moment the 5d mkII was announced the indignation from canon users has been the dominant theme.Not because it's a bad camera by any means...but just because canon got it wrong in too many small ways.

It's resentment,pure and simple.Canon can and should have continued making the best-or at least equal best!They had the resources and momentum

Here's something to think about-
As we all know pixel size and high ISO image quality are very closely linked.Imagine what kind of image quality the 5DmkII would have if it made do with a perfectly adequate 10-12MP......!!!!:D:D

[Bob_A]

Im staggered how many here are voting for the D700(goes to show how weird the initial poll results are...)

Right from the moment the 5d mkII was announced the indignation from canon users has been the dominant theme.Not because it's a bad camera by any means...but just because canon got it wrong in too many small ways.

It's resentment,pure and simple.Canon can and should have continued making the best-or at least equal best!They had the resources and momentum

Here's something to think about-
As we all know pixel size and high ISO image quality are very closely linked.Imagine what kind of image quality the 5DmkII would have if it made do with a perfectly adequate 10-12MP......!!!!:D:D

Exactly. And I was really hoping it was going to be no more than 14-15MP with the latest and greatest sensor design. Given that the MKII even comes close to the D700 with respect to noise tells me that Canon could have produced a camera that would have blown the D700 away ... but then again, only if they would have also:

Improved AF and AF point layout
Reduced mirror blackout
Improved DR
Improved AWB

I didn't mention increase fps because it doesn't matter to me :)

At this point the only reason I'm even debating whether to go with the 5D MKII over the D700 is due to the cost/hassle of making the switch to Nikon. If I end up going with the MKII I know I'll be pretty happy with it, but at the same time disappointed knowing that it could have been a lot better.

Or maybe I should wait for the 5D MKIII :lol:

[condyk]

D700 ... I don't see anything else even close as a photographers tool.

[Mike Bell]

It's horse for courses. There is no 'best for everything camera'. I had a go with a D700 a couple of weeks ago and despite being a confirmed Canon user I must say it looked like the 'best all-round general-shooting camera that doesn't cost the Earth' to me.

Pull your socks up Canon! :mad:

[Bob_A]

I decided to vote with my credit card :)

[Shasta]

^ One of those will be mine soon. But to answer the title "The one that's in your bag".

[karl7]

5d mkII is the king of DSLRs. i vote for it.

[Karl Johnston]

5D mark II from my personal experience, with the d700 looking pretty good.

Not sure why people are hating on canon for not making ends meet for them, they took a massive leap forward this past year with technology and probably will continue to kick the arse right off of the nikon d3x in the unleashing of the 1Ds mark IV this coming year.

God help that awful looking d3x, can't wait to punch out the poor sucker that buys one of them just for the mockery to medium format it pledges to plunge into. That said I could've re-invested in nikon again if there d3x would've been 4-6 000 like everyone on the net predicted but NOOOOOOOO....10 thousand freaking dollars. Up yours nikon.

[tunin]

http://www.toxel.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/nikond700cake1.jpg

[gregpphoto]

5D mark II from my personal experience, with the d700 looking pretty good.

Not sure why people are hating on canon for not making ends meet for them, they took a massive leap forward this past year with technology and probably will continue to kick the arse right off of the nikon d3x in the unleashing of the 1Ds mark IV this coming year.

God help that awful looking d3x, can't wait to punch out the poor sucker that buys one of them just for the mockery to medium format it pledges to plunge into. That said I could've re-invested in nikon again if there d3x would've been 4-6 000 like everyone on the net predicted but NOOOOOOOO....10 thousand freaking dollars. Up yours nikon.

And you think the 1Ds Mark IV won't be $10 grand? It's only a $2,000 jump from the 1Ds MK III

[flyinbrian]

5d mkII without a doubt :p

here here lets all cheer form the 5dmkII mbw!bw!bw!bw!bw!bw!bw