Need thoughts from wedding photogs on new camera

[JoyPetersKurtz]

I shoot weddings (about 15 in the last year) and also have a full time job.

I plan to purchase a new digital camera so that I can relegate my D100 Nikon to backup camera status.

I'm totally stuck. I could get two D20 Canons, or one D2X Nikon. The D2X will be released in January - 12 megapixels, top of the Nikon line, yada yada yada. I've heard wonderful things about the D20 Canon, and not much is known about the D2X from actual users.

I'm excited about the 12 megapixel size files from the D2X, but the 8 mp from the D20 may be enough.

What I don't like about the D100 is that it is not a fully professional camera (nor is the D20), and changing settings etc. is a little clunky. Also the autofocus isn't fabulous and it's 'old' technology.

Does anyone have any thoughts, specifically about using whichever camera to shoot weddings.

Thanks, Joy

I'd wait for the D2X, since you've probably got Nikon glass. I use the Kodaks 760 and 14N, however I'm waiting to see what the D2X can deliver, if it works as stated, the color should be great! I cut my digital teeth with the D1X, it is a great camera, but I lost the highlights in the wedding gown too many times, so I went with the Kodak system! I use the D70 now for candids and it delivers great images but it is all plastic or at least it feels this way! The D2X should be very Professional in feel and image quality, the ITTL system seems to be the best flash system! Since you'd have only one I'd join the Nikon Professional assoc. so that you'd be covered if a camera went down a day before the wedding! Once you've seen mega-pixels at work, it's hard to go back. Uprezing files has nothing on actual captured pixels! I have friends using the Mark II's and they have a very professional feel to them as well, very nice color files, however the 20D is less professional and the sensor is not the same as the Mark II! Personally if I was starting from scratch, I'd probablly go with the Canon system. It is the most popular and many have written specific processing algorythms for these files which should save time. Right now it would cost me too much to go that route!

[joeisayo]

The D2X high ISO is an unknown territory. The 20D will cost less than a third of the D2X and is amazing at high ISO and along with great AF in low light.You can buy two 20D's and add either 16-35 2.8L or 70-200 2.8L IS for about same price as the D2X. To be honest unless youre heavy wide angle shooter or shoot alot sports, I would recommend the 20D (based on value) over the MK II which I have along with 20D and 1Ds MK II.

Cheers

[Greg_Francis]

I can't comment on anything Canon since I've been a Nikon shooter for 17 years, but I have used the D1x for 32 weddings over 2 years and it hasn't once been in for service, and brides have been happy with 4x6's/8x10's. My D1x becomes my backup when I get the D2x in February. I didn't feel my SB80dx had enough punch when shooting group formals in the church, so I went to a Qflash t2 in A mode and those formals look a lot better. hope this helps a little.

Greg

[David_Buzzard]

D1x's can be had for less than $2,000 on eBay, and I think that's one of the best deals around. I use it for weddings, and I really like it. It's a big jump up from the D100 in build quality. The D2x will be a great camera, but I don't think it will be widely available until April or May, and it will be at least more than the current new price of a D1x.

David Buzzard

[JoyPetersKurtz]

Thanks for all your thoughts!

Renting is probably the way to go to make this decision. I am blocks from a great rental house in LA, and I'm sure they will stock the D2X as soon as they can. That's how I decided on my Mamiya 645AF - and it made me feel much more secure knowing I'd used the camera.

Greg, I use a Qflash with the 2x2 battery. I love it for the wedding and formals. For the reception I change to my SB800, and power that off the 2x2 battery as well. Amazing.

If you think of it in February, post your thoughts on the D2X!

Thanks, Joy