The switch from Film to Digital

[PTs Bro]

I'm just considering the jump from Film to digital, which will may well mean getting rid of my Minolta Dynax 7 kit and the lenses.

Most of my images are shot at Auto Grass meetings and it is difficult to find a reference point to pre focus on. Also as incidents are aplenty and almost entirely unpredictable I need the use of fast auto focus, therefore
I have always used auto focus for my action shots and they have been excellent 99.9% of the time.

I am considering the Nikon D100, the Canon D10, or even the new Olympus E1(bit pricey though).

I want to be able to use auto focus to the same degree that I have and wondered which one of these cameras would have the equivalent of the Minoltas 7 area focus zones and the speed of AF in Continuous Focus (Sports Mode).

Any help would be much appreciated.

[KC]

I have never used one, but I have heard that the Nikon offers the best predictive and autofocus lock system out there. My Olympus C2100UZ sometimes hunts a little, but it holds focus okay. Not nearly as good as the pro level SLRs.

[alfasud]

If you're considering the Nikon D100, then you ought to look at the D70 which has just been released this month. Word has it the US customers that have placed orders will get their D70's in March.

Some of the features like 1/500 flash sync, 1/8000 shutter speed and continuous shooting at 3 frames per second for a continuous burst of up to 144 pictures (JPEG normal) can't be found in DSLR's of twice the price:

http://www.dpreview.com/articles/nikond70/

The downsides would seem to be:
1. Pentamirror rather than Pentamirror viewfinder as found on the Nikon D100 and Canon 10D.
2. Body might be more solid than Canon 300D, but probaly not up to the standard of the metal frame Nikon D100 and Canon 10D.
3. There's always going to be something better in 12 months time.

[alfasud]

Originally posted by alfasud
Pentamirror rather than Pentamirror viewfinder as found on the Nikon D100 and Canon 10D.

Oops... I meant to say the D70 (like the Canon 300D) has a Pentamirror rather than Pentaprism viewfinder.

[Aysedasi]

I've just made the switch. I have a Canon 10D.

And I love it to bits......

(Mind you, I haven't taken a picture of a car with it yet.... )

[rescueboy999]

Go for the D10 - the prices are coming down rapidly and you can pick up second hand Lenes to fit Canon AF at some reasonable prices. I have had my D30 for 2 years and never looked back.....not only that but you never have to worry about processing & film costs ever again. Take a look at my website to see what you can do when you go digital
www.action-pics.co.uk

[rdjones]

Originally posted by Aysedasi
Mind you, I haven't taken a picture of a car with it yet.... )

Might be an idea to get some practice before that little event in June then Ayse........

[Aysedasi]

Very true Rob. Its just a question of working out where and when!