NYT Article on the Next Generation Digitals

[NashVegas]

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/31/technology/31pogue.html?ref=business

In the coming weeks, three new models, at various points along the price curve, will demonstrate just how fast S.L.R. technology is advancing. Canon’s popular Rebel XT will be joined by a sibling, the Rebel XTi EOS-400D ($900 with a basic 18-55-millimeter starter lens, $800 without). Nikon will replace its D70S with the new D80 ($1,300 with an impressive 18-135-millimeter lens, $1,000 without).

And Panasonic, intent on claiming some of the exploding S.L.R. market for itself, will introduce its first model: the startling Lumix L1, which will cost $2,000 with Leica’s first image-stabilizing lens. These are list prices; discounting online will begin soon.

...

The third new S.L.R. for fall is the Lumix DMC-L1 from Panasonic. It’s a seven-megapixel digital that’s sold only with a superb, vibration-reducing Leica lens that no doubt accounts for a significant chunk of the $2,000 kit price.

Part of what makes this camera so surprising is its retro design. It’s a wide, plain-looking, flat-topped slab that suggests the classic, 50-year-old Leica M film camera series.

There are no presets at all (Beach, Macro and so on). And get this: You set the aperture by turning a ring on the lens and set the shutter speed using a top-mounted dial. These are stunning throwbacks in this age of electronic camera menus.

[Whoa_Nelly]

1. Thanks for the article! Am still deciding on what new camera to buy

And have pretty much decided on a Canon.

Anyone here have a Canon Rebel XT? The new Rebel sounds interesting and affordable.

[F.Gordon]

2. There are several I've seen here that use the Rebel

And their photos are extremely good. But it's part Camera and part "the person using the Camera".

The new xti looks pretty friggin' awesome. For the money and the features it's probably hard to beat. Plus, if you've never held a DSLR (which you should do before you buy one) the xti will probably be very comfortable to hold and use.

Or, you can wait a bit. Canon will be replacing the EOS 1Ds Mark II. The "word" is that the new replacement will have even the most hardcore Nikon Pro holding a garage sale.
:rofl:

If you can afford it... get the new xti. Whatever you get... Canon, Nikon, Etc, Etc... you'll need to consider Lenses. That's where it gets a little tricky. :crazy:

[Whoa_Nelly]

4. Lenses recommendations?

Brand, sizes to have? Have been using a very old Kodak DS240 x(

Am thinking more along the line of Canon because of overall price, and I know the camera is good. My first one ever was the F-1 (1971), and had the 50mm and 200mm lenses for it. Damn! Wish I had never sold it!

[F.Gordon]

5. I don't like spending other peoples money

But... either the 24-70mm f/2.8 L or the 24-105 f/4 L lenses are excellent for almost any subject matter and will probably outlast your camera. But... But.. they are heavy and bulky once you slap on a hood.

All of my Bluegrass snaps were taken with a certain L Lens that I'm not allowed to mention here in the Photo Group. I made a promise.;-)

You might want to look at either a Sigma or Tamron lens as good cost and weight alternatives.

Or, you can just go for the John Holmes rig.
:rofl:



Conclusion.... I don't have any "good" lenses to recommend. Do some research.. check out the examples on pbase.... find something that will work for you and you can afford.
:hi:

[NashVegas]

3. Well

I'd look at the Rebel first, if only because I could get a T-mount and put my Fujinon lenses on it.

If money were no object, I'd think I'd go for the Panasonic.

[regnaD kciN]

6. Talk about journalistic bias...!

Two pages about the upcoming Canon, Nikon, and Panasonic D-SLRs, and not a mention of the Sony Alpha 100, despite the fact that the Sony equals or surpasses each of them in terms of features (and is priced lower than two of the three) and has received rave reviews from the major photographic magazines. I guess that, because the Sony shipped last month instead of next, it's not part of the "next generation" and can thus be safely dismissed. :grr:

[regnaD kciN]

7. A follow-up...

I owe an apology to David Pogue. I e-mailed him with a modified version of the tirade above, and was informed that he had devoted most of a column a few weeks ago to the Alpha 100.

[electricmonk]

8. I was all excited about the D80

Thinking that I might buy it with my year end bonus but Nikon decided to go with SD cards instead of CF cards. It's not a total deal breaker but since I have a D70 and a nice selection of CF cards it seems kind of silly to have to spend another 100-200 bucks for a whole new set of cards. I don't know, I would like a backup body and I like the features and specs of the D80 but then the last few months I've shot more photos with my 15 year old Minolta X-700 with b/w film than I have digital.