That's a difficult choice because the Olympus iS-series cameras have
non-interchangeable zoom lenses. While I personally don't consider that to
be a serious drawback, some folks might. The zooms of the iS-100/200/300
(iS-10/20/30 in the U.S.) cover 28-110mm, which is a "standard" focal length
range for cameras with interchangeable lenses. The somewhat more advanced
iS-3000 (iS-3 in the U.S.) has a 35-180mm lens.
The iS-series cameras can be fitted with adaptors to extend their wide angle
and telephoto capabilities, which you've noted.
The Canon and Nikon cameras are both excellent choices. The only real
difference is one of personal preference. To determine that, the user would
need to handle them. Ergonomically they feel very different to me. To me
Canon's layout of controls seems more comfortable, but hundreds of thousands
of Nikon owners would disagree. Both have a large selection of excellent
lenses, with Canon presently holding a slight edge (in my opinion) since
they have a variety of lenses with their proprietary Image Stabilization
technology which helps reduce the effects of camera shake. Again, many,
many Nikon users would consider that to be less important than other factors
in lens selection.
Since I'm a diehard manual focus SLR user my needs for an autofocus camera
are few and very specific. For me such a camera would be used primarily for
people photos where AF can have an advantage, especially when photographing
sports or children (pets too). I'd want a lens that covers approximately
35mm to 100mm, since that's the focal length range I use most often for
photographing people. I'd want convenient flash with flattering lighting
characteristics. I'd want autoexposure modes that make sense, with a
default mode that makes sense for 750f what I'd do. I'd want very fast,
precise focus. A bright viewfinder. Just enough manual overrides for the
occasions when I'd need it.
For me the Olympus iS-series meets all those requirements. Not just because
I'm a longtime Olympus user - I'm not. I'm a longtime user of Canon manual
focus gear. And I've carefully examined every autofocus system out there.
But I know what my needs are and they're very limited. My needs may be very
different from your son's, who might soon feel hindered by the relative lack
of interchangeable lenses, external flash and other accessories, especially
if he's a budding photographer with serious asperations.
Oh, yes, regarding exposure accuracy, all three of those choices would do
the job. No worries there.
Hope this helps some,
Lex Jenkins
===========
From: Bernard <Bernard@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [OM] What to buy ??
Date: Tue, 19 Sep 2000 14:21:07 +0100
Help ?
My son is about to buy a camera.
He as only these three choice's.
Which would U buy ??
Olympus is-200 with extender to 160mm (£279)
Cannon eos 300 with 28mm to 90mm (£369)
Nikon F60 with 35mm to 80mm (£199)
I asked him what he thought was most important
and he said exposure accuracy.
--
Best regards,
Bernard mailto:Bernard@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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