need digital slr advice...look away if this offends...

[Pherdinand]

After thinking about it for a few more minutes, I changed my mind.
Don't buy a DSLR, Joe.
Your current equipment is just fine. You say you like the results. You have the cream of the camera technology.
DSLR's (and zooms on them) are large and stupid. Sure they look professional; and they are good for some stuff, like, if you want to photograph a colibri's wings in flight, from a good distance. Or when you need 10 quick frames of a football player head-butting another one. Do you?

Today i've seen the World Press Photo 2006 exhibitions. Some of the best shots exhibited, (only prize winners are shown! so it's not only me saying they are within the best!) are done on black and white film, with rather large grains. Gorgeous prints.

Sell some equipment if that makes your soul happier, and buy film on the cash.

 

[IGMeanwell]

Bottom line recommendation - find a D50 and a 35/2 Nikkor or a 30/1.4 Sigma. Get a nice prime first before you start messing with zooms.

The D50 with the Sigma 30mm 1.4 is my main shooting rig ... though I own a few Nikkor lenses (85mm 1.8, 50mm 1.8 and 24-120 VR... 55mm MicroNikkor)

D50 Sigma 30mm 1.4 ISO 1600 @ f1.4

 

[back alley]

ok, nearing overload on entry level dslr cam info.
i have posted this question on a few sites and the answers are close to each other.
i am not sure that i need a dslr and even less sure that i want one.
i might save some money and start looking for a used rd-1.

the instigation for all this has been my frustration with smaller p&s digitals but in my heart i am an rf kinda guy and i have that oly kit i put together for when i need a change.

the panasonic fz20 really does have all i need/want in a digital, something for quick pics and a lens good enough for something a bit more serious if/when needed.

speaking of the z20, i discovered something while shooting some pics of the summicron for crasis' lens sale. it did just fine on macro and af for a few shots and then it would not focus properly for a few more shots. not sure what that is about but it would explain some of the really fuzzy shots i have been getting.

so, for now anyway, i'm putting the whole dslr thing on hold and will concentrate on getting more consistant results from the z20.

many many thanks for all the info.

joe

 

[CDT]

Do your self a favor and get an R-D1. I tried a bunch digital cameras (10D, 350D, DMC-LC1) trying to find a good rangefinder substitute. None will satisfy the itch. Get an SLR if you want an SLR. Don't get one if you want a rangefinder.

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

Joe, if you don't want to start a long path experimenting, get the Canon 20D (or in that case, the Rebel XT aka 350D)

Seriously. Trust me. The only reason why I don't have it anymore, is because I traded it when I got the 5D.

If you have the money, get the 30D. Really. Otherwise you're going to be spending money trying to find one that'll satisfy your itch.

 

[JeffGreene]

Where did you get your RD1? I have been looking around and can't find many. It seems when people do find them though, they often get a good deal.

I got my RD1 from Calumet back in May.

Joe:

You're a RF guy, and while it's not an M8, the RD1 is one hell of a camera! I am one of the fortunate who ended up with a good one. The only issue I had was when my shutter assembly disassembled, or rather, I accidentally disassembled it unscrewing a soft release I had transferred to it. The release is now back on M6 where it belongs! If you are seriously interested you might check with Stan Tamarkin in NY. I know of a few guys who got used cameras through him. His merchandise is always top drawer, and if there are problems there are never issues about returns.

Respectfully,