I know what Katherine is already going to say... SWITCH TO CANON!!! But seriously I really want to get a camera soon... and things keep coming up to where I can't get it. I'm either going to get the D50, D70, or switch and get the Rebel XT (which I would be at about the halfway point for right now).

I'm seriously getting soo anxious to get one!!! And I need it before my brother's wedding, so that I can get some of the other festivities (ie the rehearsal dinner, bachelor party, etc......) I so want one NOW!!!!

Oh and Nathan... I was tryin to remember was that website that I could sell my gear on KEH.com??

--- Gregg

Oh and does anyone know of any DVDs that would help me learn these cameras??

--- Gregg

You can sell your old equipment on keh.com, Adorama also buys used equipment. I sold them some of my old MF stuff and they gave me a really good price for it. Can't help with the DVDs, other than maybe looking on ebay. There's always videos out there about cameras.

I've shot with the D70, it's a good camera. Personally, I would buy a used Fuji S2. Basicly the same price and the S2 is a great camera. However, if you like to shoot raw you're probably better off with the D70. IMHO

Whatever you do, don't buy Canon.

Gregg...I can make a DVD.

"How to Switch to Canon and forget Nikon" by Katherine Tolentino

Dude...seriously....you have heard DJ and everyone talk about where Canon is going with their vision for the DSLR's. I say...bite the bullet and get the XT.

KK

As always I'm with KK.

Fact of the matter is....Canon is a better long term investment. If you don't believe me ask 100 photographers how many have switched from Canon to Nikon in the last five years. A bunch will raise their hands. Ask how many have switched from Nikon to Canon. The answer will be NONE.

Nikon aint bad. It's just that Canon is better.

Hey Gregg,

Forgive me but I dont know much about your background, goals, or current situation... but I went digital at the beginning of the year, and am just getting started in the business, so I think I can relate a little bit.

1st of all, there's a LOT more to digital than just the camera body, I'm sure you know this, but if you dont really budget for all the little extras, you'll be stuck. You're going to need a good computer with lots of storage, CF cards, a backup body, probably a few lenses, flash etc, etc... it ads up FAST. The camera body is only one small peice of the puzzle.

Personally I've always used canon, and I am a big fan.. however, if making the switch means you have to get all new lenses and flashes, it's really going to blow your budget. Contrary to popular belief, Nikons DO take pictures . I have used a D70 at a wedding, I have proof

If shooting weddings is your goal, what you want is a cabable SYSTEM that you can rely on and get to know and use well. You want this system to work for you as soon as possible. Once it works for you then you can start getting gigs that pay for new equipment. I'm assuming you already have some Nikon film cameras with lenses that will cross over.

This is what I'd do if I were in your situation (which I dont know much about, so I may be way off)...

Step One: Get started right NOW using my film cameras. I went digital because I thought I had to to compete in the industry.. I also thout it would save me money on film costs and would provide an easier workflow.... this is all partially true. What I didnt factor in was the huge cost of all the support equipment, software, etc that is necessary to make it happen. I also didnt consider that while I like the digital workflow better, it is WAY more time consuming and has a pretty big learning curve.

Step Two: Earn enough to buy a dSLR. If you are SURE you want to make the switch to Canon (which IMO is eventually a very good move), I'd evaluate my budget. If it's a stretch to get 1 body, I'd start out with a nikon dSLR. Something like the d50. Dont invest heavily in other nikon gear.. just get the camera, use the lenses you already have, and get to learn the workflow. Shoot it alongside your film cameras. You dont have to go digital all at once.
If you've earned enough to buy 2 bodies and some lenses, then sell your nikon stuff, and make the switch (this can be EXPENSIVE).

Again sorry I dont know much about you situation.. I just remember when I was trying to get started about 10 months ago I really thought I HAD to go digital. I was really happy with my film camera, but everyone in the industry seemed to be digital (not true). So for me it was between filling out my film camera gear (which would have eventually translated well to digital since I've always shot canon), or go digital. Now I have a 20D, a flash, and some nice glass (bye bye tax return, lol), but I have to use my film cameras as backup or borrow 20D's from friends when I shoot weddings. I'm still 50/50 about the desision I made. On one hand it is REALLY nice to not have to worry about film and developing costs (esp. for someone like me on a tight budget), but at the same time I love film (the look, and the feeling I get when making each exposure). The techie geek in me loves digi but the artist and the family guy miss film just a little bit.

So... this is probably more than .02 worth but I've been through something similar.. maybe you'll glean something helpful out of my experience and random thoughts. If you have any questions, feel free to ask...

why do you have to shoot digital at your brothers wedding?

Graet post Reuben!

"If shooting weddings is your goal, what you want is a cabable SYSTEM that you can rely on and get to know and use well. You want this system to work for you as soon as possible."

Very true!

WOW that was awesome Ruben. Very valuble for me and my life. Thank you so much!!

I'm not much of a gambler, but I was thinking that in life we start out making $1 bets and work up to $100 bets. Life happens, sometimes we get thrown off and when we get back in the game we think that we can still make progress with those $100 bets and they end up 'killing' us and stunting our growth. Sometimes we have to go back to those $1 bets. Switching tables can be a humbling experience, but it actually speeds up the process in the long run.

Ruben --- My bro wants me to make a quick presentation of the photos I shot at the bachelor party... the rehearsal dinner... and some random shots of them during the week before the wedding. I won't be shooting his wedding, because I'll be in it.

--- Gregg

Gregg,

Just wanted to say that I picked up a D70 in March and have LOVED IT!! It takes wonderful pictures. I shoot all in RAW and everything comes out great. If you've already got some lenses then this would probably be your best bet. One thing to note. The only major change with the D70s (new model) vs. D70 is a little larger screen on the back, and I believe they sped up the fps to 3.4 vs. 3fps continuous shooting on the original D70. So that's just to say that it's probably not worth getting the new 's' model.

Either way I'm sure you'll enjoy whatever you get.

I shoot with a couple of D70s and I love them. I went Nikon becuase I have always enjoyed the quality and different array of lenses they offered. The D70 produces professional results for an amateur camera. The truth about the differences of Canon and Nikon are a waste of time to argue about. The best photographers can take great pictures with any camera and any lens. It is silly to think that a camera system will work wonders for you. It is nice to have a big rugged body like the Mark II, but if you are not very good at photography you wont be able to make great photographs like D. Jay or others on this forum. I know a few wedding photographers who shoot with Mark II's that cant seem to get consistency with their exposures. It's not Canon's fault, it's the photographer.


If you want to read a great hands on review of the D70, check out this site

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d70.htm


good luck!

It's gonna be the D70... And soon....



--- Gregg

Great choice, Gregg. I'm sure you're excited. Make sure you give us a full review when it gets in!

Floyd

Congrats man I'm excited for you!

Hi Gregg,
Bless your heart! I know you have been stuggling to get a camera since I have joined this forum.
I know that you have a sincere desire for this to happen.
I have no techno advice about a camera for you.
But I can tell you that I love my 20D and have never looked back.

Say a prayer and ask the lord to direct you. Then leave it in his hands.

Keep your chin up and hang tough.

Best wishes,
L.

I've used a D70 for a little over a year, now. I don't think you'll be disappointed. True, it's no D2X, but it's very capable for weddings. Let me know if you want any guidance with it, once you get it, of course.

Hey guys... just wanted to update you on my progress... I'm super excited and I've been praying that if God wants me to get this camera that he would provide the money for it... Well today I went in to my 9 to 5 (not at the level you guys are yet)... So jealous you get to do something you love full time..... but anyways. So I've been praying and actually told my small group yesterday that I belive that this was something that God wanted me to persue (doing photo full time).

So I get into work today and my boss says that she wants to talk to me later in the day... Uh oh... I immediately think the worst... Oh no, I'm gonna be FIRED... and I'm so close to getting the camera again!!!

The whole day I am kinda in a funk and am dreading the meeting with my boss... Well right before I walk into her office after my shift, I say a quick little prayer and pray that God would be in control of the meeting.. So I sit down, sweat beading down my forehead.... And she tells me to relax... IT'S GOOD NEWS!!!!

I found out today that I have been promoted to the staffing and training manager at our restaurant!!!! It will mean a 2.50 an hour raise and I will get to choose my own hours (as long as I can get the new employees trained in a timely manner)!

Oh man... God is SO GOOD!!!

YEA GREGG! So stoked for you bro! Keep up the good work!

"The highest reward God gives us for good work is the ability to do better work."

RIGHT ON GREGG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That rocks...

Hurry up and get that bad boy.. I need a good photographer for our upcoming Luau on the 20th.

Keep track of your blessings!

BIG OL Promotion hugs from me!

L.

That totally rocks man congratulations!!!

I'm sooo happy for you Gregg! That's awesome

Yeah Greg!!

Congrats man!

Congrats, can't wait to see the images you'll be posting soon.

Greg, that's awesome. One of my favoirte things in the world is to watch (& contribute to) people grow and evolve their way to their dreams and success. It's happening. Praise God.

I'm excited to hear about the Lords next blessing on your journey.

Greg,

Here's an excerpt from my devotional from a few days ago... the first time I read it, it didn't impact me as it did when I came across it again today. Irony in and of itself:

"He is loving, gentle, and kind, and always waits until we are ready to accept what we need to see. Maybe it is a tad of selfishness, jealousy, or laziness that He wants to change. So, as you go about your day, you can rest knowing God will not show you more than you need to see."

Thanks everyone for all the encouragement, it really means a lot. I'm gettin closer and closer every day!

--- Gregg

Hey Monica... Where in Oxnard do you live?? I used to live very close to there... And I'm goin to be out in the LA area in November for 10 days... Maybe we could meet up??