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Can someone share some opinions about Canon EOS Digital Rebel (EOS 300D) vs. Nikon D100? I want to keep the camera for at least 5-7 years. I hike and travel a lot, although I do not rough-handle the camera. I already have Nikon 35 mm (Film) SLR and a few of its lenses. But the D100 body alone is about 1500$ as compared to EOS 300D body of 900$. I know I will have to invest some $ in EOS lenses. But aprt from the 600$ difference, are there any other obvious and over-riding considerations I must take into account? Thanks for all the guidance and help.

solapur29601 wrote:Can someone share some opinions about Canon EOS Digital Rebel (EOS 300D) vs. Nikon D100? I want to keep the camera for at least 5-7 years. I hike and travel a lot, although I do not rough-handle the camera. I already have Nikon 35 mm (Film) SLR and a few of its lenses. But the D100 body alone is about 1500$ as compared to EOS 300D body of 900$. I know I will have to invest some $ in EOS lenses. But aprt from the 600$ difference, are there any other obvious and over-riding considerations I must take into account? Thanks for all the guidance and help.

Not really apples and apples. The 300D is a fantastic piece of equipment for its price. But this is still a plastic body, cheapo chassis dSLR. But for sub-US$1000 it's revolutionary. The D100 was released at the same time as the Canon EOS D60, and since then Canon has superseded the D60 with the rather excellent 10D.

It's sad to say that Canon is seriously kicking Nikon's ass in the prosumer dSLR department. I'd say - if you want something NOW, get the Canon 10D. Otherwise if you want to use your Nikon glass, think about the Nikon D2X - I haven't yet been able to play with one, but it should be better than the D100 (a little clunky IMHO).

There's lots of good stuff at http://www.dpreview.com. Would suggest you go there and check it out.

Thanks for the reply. Where can I find info on D2X? When is it going to be released?

Whoops. My bad. It's the D2H, not the D2X.

You can find it here - http://www.dpreview.com/news/0312/03121 ... review.asp

How about the new Nikon D70? I think it is cheaper.
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0312/03120301nikond70.asp

Is D70 likely to be similar (or better) in specs to D100?

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The D70 will be Nikon's competition to the 300D and will be priced comparatively. It is supposed to arrive this sometime this spring. Details on it are sketchy though as Nikon is very tight-lipped about future offerings. I'm not sure if the D2H is really what you're looking for. It's more geared towards journalism and sports action shooters. It has less resolution (4mp) than the cameras you are looking at but is blazing fast when it comes to continuous shooting. I think it would be overkill for your needs as it's also big and heavy (which is a consideration when hiking). It will also set you back around $3000. If you can wait, then the D70 might suit you best seeing as you already have Nikon lenses.

Thanks for the reply. I looked at D2H but it is way above my budget. I am encouraged to read that D70 may be a better fit for my needs.

If you are looking to travel rough then look carefully at the seals and the like. I think the 300d is great but I dont think it would do well in blowing dust and high humidity. If you spend more you get a few more features, but more importantly you get a more solid body with o-rings and tight seals. It comes down to the odl question of endurance, will my saab mke the trip or should I buy a range rover?

Brennan,

Thanks. Is D70 likely to have Magnesuim body or plastic body like D100 and 300D?

Check out the Nikon USDA site for full spec's on the D70, official announcement was yesterday.