30D vs 5D vs D200

[ScottE]

According to Popular Photography, not only is the 30D not a 200D killer, the 200D more than rivals the 5D. A quote from the Popular Photography web site:

"Now that we've run the actual D200 through a host of Pop Photo Lab and field tests, we've discovered the answers to the first two questions. Images from the D200 rival those from the D2x in resolution, color accuracy, and overall image quality. The D200 averages 2,075 lines of resolution (see test results). That's the same as the D2x—and 300 lines higher than the Canon EOS 20D or new 30D (see our review of the 30D on page 62). It also delivers excellent color accuracy, on par with the D2x and nearly as good as the EOS 20D. But the real surprise is that the D200 captures images with slightly higher resolution and color accuracy than Canon's full-frame 12.8MP EOS 5D ($3,000, body only)."

http://www.popphoto.com/article.asp?...rticle_id=1844

I sometimes take the commentary in Popular Photography articles with a grain of salt, but their objective measurements are usually correct.

I expect that the 30D will be a short lived model before it is replaced with one that is competitive with the D200 and that the 5D is due for a tune up (5DN?) that will enable it to get the resolution that its sensor should be capable of. A 12 mp pixel sensor should not be out resolved by a 10 mp sensor in any test. Come on Canon. It's time to roll up your sleeves and get to work.

[Tsmith]

There's no doubt that Nikon has a very good camera in the 200D but for now the 30D will have what I've been longing for in a DSLR. There have been several reviews showing the 20D besting the D200 in image quality at higher ISO ranges. I'm happy with Canon's product line so if the 30D is short lived I'll still have a plenty of powerful camera for the time being that'll supply by needs.

[A.Ulleri]

Well that's been my problem this past month. I've been swinging back and forth between the 30D and the D200. Im buying all new equipment so I've been trying to figure out which company to go with. It's been tough to decide, but I'm heavily leaning towards the 30D these past few days.

[Diminished29]

Originally Posted by Bluedog_XT

There's no doubt that Nikon has a very good camera in the 200D but for now the 30D will have what I've been longing for in a DSLR. There have been several reviews showing the 20D besting the D200 in image quality at higher ISO ranges. I'm happy with Canon's product line so if the 30D is short lived I'll still have a plenty of powerful camera for the time being that'll supply by needs.

I'm surprised your getting a 30D when you already have a Rebel XT, which in my opinion is practically the same camera unless your a sports shooter and need the extra frames, ISO, 2 pts of focus or 1/8000 shutter, but your lenses don't show that. So, just curious. Not trying to step on your toes or anything, since the 30D is a fine camera and its also a metal body instead of plastic and probably a bit nicer feeling, but again just curious.

[prime80]

If you look at the sensor only, yes the XT is very similar to the 20D/30D. However, for me at least, the handling, control layout, better focusing ability, etc are big enough improvements that I will be upgrading mine as well. I'm just waiting on the 30D to show up to decide whether I get a 20D (used or new) or a new 30D.

[ed rader]

Originally Posted by Diminished29

I'm surprised your getting a 30D when you already have a Rebel XT, which in my opinion is practically the same camera unless your a sports shooter and need the extra frames, ISO, 2 pts of focus or 1/8000 shutter, but your lenses don't show that. So, just curious. Not trying to step on your toes or anything, since the 30D is a fine camera and its also a metal body instead of plastic and probably a bit nicer feeling, but again just curious.

could be he just wants a different camera...maybe one a bit bigger. a lot of what you read on these forums is folks rationalizing their "upgrades" anyways.

you know, bashing the equipment they used to rave about to justify buying the latest and greatest.

not that there's anything wrong with that .

ed rader

[Tsmith]

Originally Posted by Diminished29

I'm surprised your getting a 30D when you already have a Rebel XT, which in my opinion is practically the same camera unless your a sports shooter and need the extra frames, ISO, 2 pts of focus or 1/8000 shutter, but your lenses don't show that. So, just curious. Not trying to step on your toes or anything, since the 30D is a fine camera and its also a metal body instead of plastic and probably a bit nicer feeling, but again just curious.

Well Ok _ first off as I've said before if the 30D would have been available when the XT had I'd never would have bought the XT. The 30D offers a lot more features that appeal to me in a camera: ISO adjustable via the viewfinder, 2.5" LCD (same as 5D), Spot Metering, 25% more battery capacity, way better build quality and that's just to name a few of the most important things.

Now let me ask you: wanna buy a slightly used XT in a few weeks? _

[ghocking]

The D200 may have build and extras over the 5D, but what I have read and seen it cannot touch the 5D on IQ. There again if I was just starting out on the DSLR route and only had budget for D200/30D, I think I would go the D200 way.

[stjhie]

I think the biggest problem with 200D is that it has a very high noise above iso 400. That is not what you want form a dslr camera. 30D and 350D has surely a better management in noise.

[Tom W]

Originally Posted by ScottE

....
I sometimes take the commentary in Popular Photography articles with a grain of salt, but their objective measurements are usually correct.
....

I'd like to agree, but they do have that insistent habit of throwing out the unsupportable claim that the XT is "unuseable" at ISO 1600 from time to time. That's just plain untrue.

I do appreciate their more substantiated claims, but I always keep a grain or two of salt handy when reading since the other stuff gets thrown in from time to time.

[shiato storm]

Originally Posted by A.Ulleri

Well that's been my problem this past month. I've been swinging back and forth between the 30D and the D200. Im buying all new equipment so I've been trying to figure out which company to go with. It's been tough to decide, but I'm heavily leaning towards the 30D these past few days.

what sort of nudge do you need to go over the edge?

[roanjohn]

The D200 is a great camera.........its only downfall is that you cannot attach the 85 f1.2, 35 f1.4, 24 f1.4 and all the other EF lenses on it. So I guess at this time, even the XT is higher up with the D200 for me

Seriously though, the D200 is an AWESOME camera.....I got to play with one in B&H the other day.......IF anything, it is pushing the prices down on the new Canon offerings......which is a good thing. I think if you look at the specs, it will be D200 > 30D > 5D.........however, IQ and useable high ISO's, it will be 5D >30D > D200 (resolution does not count as you can have 35 mpx with really bad IQ).

Ro1

[kross]

I would have gotten the D200 if its noise performance is on par with canon.... Its features and price are simply irresistable!

[mdr]

Amateur Photographer carried out a thorough comparison test between the 5D and D200. They oncluded that the IQ of the 5D was visibly better than of the D200, even at low ISO's, the handling of the D200 was better, and the D200 was much better value for money, so the Nikon came out on top.

However, they forgot to take account of the fact that the test was carried out using the 5D fitted with, not digitally optimised Canon 28-135mm f3.5-4.5 IS USM lens released 8 years ago whereas the D200 was fitted with the just released top of the range, digitally optimised Nikkor 17-55mm f2.8 AFS lens. The IQ of the Canon combo turned out to be visibly better, so I wonder how the IQ would have compared if they had used the Canon 24-70mm f2.8 L lens which is optically in the same league as the Nikkor.

Regarding that value for money, the Canon combo is actually cheaper than the Nikon combo used in the test!

Test are always subjective, however 'objective' they are written.

[roanjohn]

I heard from a different forum that the extra resolution from the D200 are actually derived from its banding issues!!!

YIKES!!!

Ro1