Note: This is a cross-post from fredmiranda. You can see the original thread here.
Okay so I'm pretty sure I'm going to make the switch over to Canon, I have a D70 kit with 70-300mm, I love it. But I need something for bigger prints and more detail and a faster shutter actuation speed, there is a little bit of a lag between actuation and shot. Is the 20D better for the job, of motorsports and sports photography?The other question is the asking price, or trade value?
Jon,
I have not seen you make a compelling argument as to why you should switch yet. You list a couple of possible reasons, but mostly let others do the talking for you and none of the things you listed are even concrete. In my opinion the only reason someone should switch systems is if there is a SIGNIFICANT benefit which is DIRECTLY related to switching systems. In this case, I don't believe there is solid reasoning behind your decision.
The comparison between 6 and 8 megapixels is hardly signficant. I've seen prints from both and I'm sure if you saw large prints from both you couldn't pick out the one with 8 megapixels vs. the one with 6. There is about a 20% increase in image size between 6 and 8. Is this completely necessary? No. You are fine just where you are.
Thanks guys, the main reason I'm thinking of making the switch is because of the reasone stated above by Joe, and I think I'm going to need that quick shooting ability.I totally know how that happens, I'm on the field an awesome shot, and I miss the first time and oh.....I have to wait for the camera, and I've missed it!
This helps with the decision. Thanks everyone
Maybe the equipment isn't at fault and it's your timing and anticipation that needs a little polishing.
Jon wrote :
Maybe, but I don't think so.But thats only one reason, countless others have been mentioned.
You need faster shutter actuation speed? Do you really? When I first started motorsports photography, I used to burst all the time too. My first shot, oddly enough, would usually be the best of each series. As I began shooting more and more and getting experience with the sport and being out there I began to get more series with better first images. I'm barely even bursting anymore. The last event I covered, I did a full five frame burst two times (over a TWO DAY EVENT). It happened to be the last run of the day and I wanted to make sure I had something, but for most of the other runs I was only doing one shot series. You have to wonder why I'm getting the best keeper on the first shot. Is my equipment getting better or is my timing, anticipation, and knowledge of the sport I'm photographing getting better? I would argue the latter considering I haven't upgraded equipment in the last 6 months.
People are too quick to blame equipment for their faults. You purchase a $1,500 camera and expect your pictures to be great because other people with $1,500 cameras are taking great pictures. I more frequently hear people say something on the lines of, "My camera isn't working correctly" or "I need to get a better camera". The majority of the time, the problem has nothing to do with the camera, rather the person behind the lens eitehr doesn't know how to operate it or is too quick to redirect blame.
Secondly a lot of people have commented that perhaps you need better lenses. Your signature states that you are using a the kit, 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5 and a 70-300mm f/4-5.6. You seem to be all over upgrading equipment, but you overlook your own signature? There is no doubt in my mind that owning a D70 and a 70-200mm f/2.8 VR would vastly improve the chances of you capturing great motorsports pictures, not that the gear has a lot of impact on the types of pictures that you will be producing.
Unfortunately for you, it seems from your responses that you are determined to switch systems. You have already made your mind up and that is fine. I hope you enjoy your endless quest for the perfect camera, because no matter what system you're in there will always be flaws. Only one thing can counter those flaws, experience.
Phi Dong, PhD
To ask the professor a question, please e-mail fanmail@phidong.com