5 comments about Nikon N70 SLR Camera.

1. The user interface is intuitive but non-traditional. The only camera (to my knowledge) with a comparable on camera flash is the $1300 Minolta Maxxum 9. By the time you become a serious enough photographer to need Depth of Field preview and faster synch (which the N70 does not offer) it will be time to upgrade to a more expensive model; if you are just taking family/vacation photos you will not miss these features. Nikon lenses offer an excellent value to quality ratio. I suggest starting with the Nikon 50mm/1.8 AF-D lens before purchasing a zoom lens. Eyeglass wearers will find this camera more to their liking than the Canon Elan II which is also an excellent system. The N70 will fill your point & shoot needs as well as giving you creative manual control should you decide to make photography a hobby. Pentax also makes excellent SLR cameras and should be considered if you do not anticipate becoming really serious (because Nikon has such a large market share they can offer pro-grade lenses at a lower price point). Don't forget a sturdy tripod and a camera bag.



2. Years ago when I was looking for a SLR I was thinking of getting one of the expensive ones but people told me to start off with something like this. Well I did, and I am so happy. I love this camera. I have taken it to Italy, Netherlands, Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island in Hawaii. It has gone everywhere with me and given me some great pictures.

   If you are just starting off with these cameras or even if you have been using these types of cameras for awhile you will not be disappointed with the N70.




3. now that you can get one cheap, this is a great camera - even better for the money than most other used nikons



4. to serious amateur. I bot this camera back in 96 or 97. Took thousands of pictures. This camera takes great pictures and is very very reliable. Even did a couple friends' wedding with it.
   
   Work well with almost all nikon lens. Auto-focus could be a little sluggish when paired with some professional grade nikon zoom lens such as the excellent 80-200 f2.8D and 35-70 F2.8D lens. Other than that, it works well with all other lens including the popular 105 mm F2.8D. Having that said, with 80-200 F2.8D, it is still fast enough to catch my kids running around at the beach and freeze their action.
   
   It is a quality built camera in sharp contrast to those canon plastic toys. You got to hold it in your hand to feel it.
   
   The menu system is very different than the traditional camera. It took me a few minutes to get the hang of it without looking at the instructions. It is very similar to some of the digital camera's menu at present days. It was truely ahead of its time.
   
   It does not have DOV function which you may miss when your skill grow. But 99% of the time, you don't miss it. If you do, you are the type who would have bot the F100, F5 or F6 already.
   
   I took pictures with it along side with a N90s. I did not see any difference in the pictures. However, it does make a huge difference when you upgrade to the professional grade lens. Color fidelity, sharpness and contrast are greatly improved. I have pictures of my kids blown up to poster sizes.
   
   Spend your money on the lens not the camera. If you on a tight budget, this is the one to get.



5. I bought this camera (used) for only $15 shipped. (It's a F70)
   So I'm not complaining. (well, a little bit)
   It's a fine functioning product and a Nikon.
   One gripe though...after developing all my shots have a purple colored cast to them. Regardless of the lens, it's 'purple' dirt, purple giraffe, just plain purple. My Nikon N2020 & N8008 have no such problem using the exact same lenses.
   Needless to say, even though I like the way the F70 functions I'm back to using the other two older cameras.
   Maybe the digital cameras now have a good enough anti-shake (not blurry) that I should be looking into an upgrade. Problem is Nikon digital anti-shake mechanisms are inside the lenses so while my older film camera lenses can be used, I'm back to square one on digital shake.
   My Minolta lenses have no such problem with the Sony Alpha's. Their anti-shake is inside the camera so all old lenses get the benefit.
   Anyway, N70 or F70 it's 'Whoopee'...the color purple.

5 comments about Canon EOS Elan IIe 35mm SLR Camera (Body Only).

1. I've had my Elan IIe since 1998, bought on the advice of my former roommate who's also a part-time pro, and it's done exactly the job I needed it for. Much more sturdy than the EOS/Rebel line, the Elan IIe's got a good solid but lightweight frame (aluminum, I think). I wholeheartedly recommend paying the extra 100-200 USD or so to get into the good low-end SLR market without going too cheap (don't forget, buy cheap, buy twice!).

   Autofocus technology has improved over the last few years; but although I hear the Elan 7 is nifty with seven autofocus points to the IIe's three, I haven't seen one to say if it merits the bang for the extra buck. Of manufacturers, Canon has had the best autofocus tech reputation for years. The IIe has quite good eye control on 3 autofocus points, if occasionally finicky. It adapts to individual users' eyes, with or without glasses.

   Unlike one review I saw elsewhere, I have had plenty of use for the autofocus on landscapes or other nature shots requiring depth of focus. Want to go manual for closeups, portraits, specific situations? It's a flick of a switch on a Canon EF lens. I agree that spot metering is quite limited, but this puppy has three different metering settings that break up the field of view in different balances.

   I also dig the main dial setting for aperture-size priority while the camera automatically adjusts for shutter speed (to be sure, almost all automatic SLRs now have this option as standard). Bracketing exposures is also fairly easy (and necessary to get that precious photo just right over three exposure possibilities), and can be done manually or automatically. If you can't spin all of one or two easy-access dials, what are you doing playing with SLRs?

   For the techologically-intimidated or situations where you have no time to adjust, the main control dial has several easy to use modes that require no thought/adjustment. A little time spent with the camera will quickly and easily help you graduate from the point and shoot hordes. The manual is one of the clearer gadget manuals I've ever seen.

   Add my emphatic vote to those who advise going for deals with an upgrade possibility on a Canon 28-105mm zoom, and do *not* get stuck with a 28-80. The former is just a great all-around lens. Traveling as I do, I've discovered the need to add over time two other Canon lenses, a 75-300 mm (f 4.0-5.6, USM) telephoto zoom, and a 24mm wide angle (f 2.8) fixed lens (nice and sharp!). Sure, you might get a little sharper with Nikon lenses, but you'll pay another few hundred dollars for the privilege, not to mention the significantly greater weight of a more expensive Nikon body. For amateurs like myself, I can't justify that modest extra bang for the buck, especially given the utility and value of my setup while hiking in parks or stomping around fascinating East European cities and countryside.

   I try to take care of gear, but my Elan IIe did take a few heart-stopping bounces down some concrete stairs. While some nearby Montenegrins may have picked up several new English obscenities over the next five minutes, this camera picked up just a few scratches on the body and much more importantly, kept the lens alignment. Naturally, I strongly, strongly advise against trying to repeat such a heart-attack-inducing experiment, and probably got exceedingly lucky, but was impressed with the durability of this camera.

   Like I say, this entry-level camera rocks; you should only look at the next step down to see what you should skip.




2. I've been taking 35mm pictures for 35 years, and this is my favorite camera so far. I shot a couple of hundred rolls of film with this and it really feels like an extension of my vision. The light metering is sophisticated and usually does a great job even in tricky situations, the optical quality of the 28-105 Canon lens is stunning, and the frame is sturdy and durable. What's not to like?

   Well, there's the manual to begin with. There is no way you can access and understand all of the features that this camera has (and there are a LOT of features) by reading the manual. They just do a poor job of explaining, for example, the three metering modes and the three autofocus modes. I've had mixed sucess with the eye-controlled autofocus and find it a distraction now, and poor luck with the depth of field mode (if I could only get eye-controlled depth of field to work reliably). Depth of field preview? Pretty basic, my 35 year old SLR had it, the IIe's is not very functional. And for all the ballyhoo about the autofocus modes, the predictive focus mode hunts around so much that your subject will be long gone before the camera locks on to it (just try taking pictures of a puppy).

   Comparing this camera to the Rebel, I would wish for a combination of the two: I would like the light weight and functionality of the Rebel with the sturdyness and some of the flexability of the IIe. For a beginner, stick with the Rebel and a good lens (NOT the 28-80), you'll be much happier. As for me, I should be hunting up one of those MagicLantern manuals for the IIe and practicing with the eye-controlled autofocus.

   I would rate this camera 5 stars for what it can do, but decided on 3 stars based on what it should do and doesn't or says it can do but doesn't do very well.




3. The Elan II benefits from Canon's EOS system's advantages, like great lenses and speedlites. I've been using this camera to photograph from wildlife (mainly macro) to rock concerts (28-105 sigma lenses) and have been pleased to find that this camera really meets my needs. It's fast, reliable and obbeys your commands, even if you tell them with your eyes! :)
   It's a good buy and can be used by pros and amateurs.



4. I've owned my Elan IIe for about 4 years, and love it. Although it's been upgraded to the Elan 7e, I see no need. The IIe has such distinct features and ease of use, I haven't used another camera that compares. Excellent construction, and very durable.



5. After shooting digital for a few years, I started to realize just how much I miss slides. Let's face it. Looking at shots on a computer monitor just does not compare to an almost life-sized image on the wall. Plus, although digital captures fine detail REALLY well, I still like the colors that only good slide film can give you. So I figured I would buy a good film body - one that can use the same collection of EF lenses that I already have for my digital. I wanted something more upscale than a Rebel. SO I figured I would pick up one of the many Elan bodies that SO many people are practically giving away in these days of digital. And I can honestly say that I am NOT disappointed. The controls are VERY intuitive - at least if you are already used to using a Canon DSLR. And virtually EVERY shot I have taken with this camera has come out at least decent. I would DEFINITELY say that this camera has it all over my Rebel XT when it comes to both exposure and autofocus accuracy. So if you still want to shoot some film, why not get an Elan IIe? As I said before, people are practically giving these things away these days. You can find bodies all day long for less than $100.

5 comments about Olympus iS-20 QD Date 35mm SLR Camera.

1. I was looking for an entry level SLR and decided to try the Olympus IS 20 at the advice of a friend who works as a semi-professional photographer. After shopping around and comparing the Olympus to other brands such as Nikon and Cannon, I found that Olympus does not necessarily enjoy the reputation found in other brands. Still, I decided to get the IS 20 based on the functions it offered and the great price on Amazon. Since I have owned the IS 20 I have shot over 20 rolls of film including 200, 400 and 800 speeds. The camera is very user friendly and my photos are excellent. The last roll of film that I shot with 800 contained photos of Seattle taken from the incoming Bainbridge ferry at sunset. When I picked up the photos from processing, several members of the staff were waiting for me to compliment me on the outstanding colors and detail in my photos. They were convinced that I am a seasoned photographer with a superior understanding of manual cameras and photography in general; even though I only have a basic understanding! This camera is everything that I hoped it would be and I would highly recommend it for beginners. Also, if you buy this camera, there is a teleconverter lens available at the Oympus Emporium website (but in limited quanties.)



2. I purchased this camera for my 11-yr old daughter to use in a summer photography gifted & talented art class that required the kids to bring an SLR camera (I got a reconditioned model really cheap). What a find!! I bought it because it seemed much easier to use than a standard SLR (which befuddle me), but I didn't expect that the pictures or adjustability would be that great - I was terribly wrong. There was no discernable difference between my daughter's photos and the photos from the kids (most older & more seasoned in photography) who used a standard SLR - except she said that she got to take more pictures because she wasn't always messing with her camera. Her photos included color, black & white, landscapes, close-ups, and many "trick" shots with long exposures and light effects - everything the other kids did with their cameras. He teacher even recommended that she enter a couple of her photos in a local contest!

   The "one step" buttons for landscapes, close-ups, long exposure, and short exposure produce excellent results, and the automatic speed setting with the manual f-step option is very nice as well - no charts or graphs needed to figure it all out.

   My husband and I have always been interested in photography, but we never wanted to deal with the complicated SLR lenses, F-stop/speed settings, etc., but we were so impressed with the IS20 that we just purchased another one for our own use, and intend on doing a little hobby SLR photography ourselves! The IS20 actually makes photography fun! I've taken the best photos of my life in the past few days, and I'm excited to continue.

   I HIGHLY RECOMMEND for the beginning or even intermediate SLR user.




3. The pictures are terrible!!!!
   I thought it might have been the first roll of film because I left it in the car on a warm day so I tried two more rolls!!! They're sooo dark! Even the ones I took on the beach this morning on an absolutely gorgeous day.
   I carried this camera with me to my graduation instead of my bulkier camera because of its compactibility (is that a word?). I'm upset that I entrusted those memories to this camera.
   It's also very confusing to figure out. I have a Minolta QT-si that I'll stick with from now on.



4. I'm a photography student and this is my first SLR. I bought here on Amazon but through the MarketPlace at a highly discounted price. I am thrilled at the shots I've taken in the past six months. I've learned to use the manual features to enhance my pictures and feel comfortable in many situations to use the fully automatic focus, aperture, f stop, etc.
   
   I would highly recommend this camera from the beginner to intermediate. I love this camera!



5. I purchased this camera from my mother when she went digital. I like this camera, but the auto focus drives me nuts. As someone who takes lots of pictures of wildlife as i hike and horseback ride, it is frustrating to not get the picture because the auto focus won't focus for a quick shot. I have gotten good shots, as did my mother before me but we both dislike the auto focus.
   
   I will say that this camera is a very durable camera, we have been through some difficult horseback rides. ONe of which the camera in my saddle bag came off of the horse and still takes good pictures (except for the occasional issue when it won't focus on what I want it to)

5 comments about Canon EOS Rebel K2 35mm SLR Camera (Body Only).

1. I was looking for a film 35mm SLR and found this one on Amazon, I love it, I have the Canon Rebel XT and wanted a Canon SLR. I love how the film automatically advances the film and displays how much film you have left, and the speed of the film. I also like this camera because you can set it to AV/TV/M and play with the apertures, and shutter speed, and if you don't want to use these features you can set it to the basic zones where everything is automatic. I am still getting used to the settings but my pictures so far have developed very nicely.



2. Easy to use, takes good pictures. Can't wait to get more lens to try it out in farther pictures. Instrution book was eay to follow. Everyone in the family can use this camera.



3. I have been using this camera for a high school photography class, and it is definitely well worth the price. The lens it comes with is great. The camera is extremely user friendly. Though it is plastic, it feels very durable, and has survived 2 drops (USE YOUR STRAP NO MATTER WHAT! :P) without a mark. I feel I will be using this camera for a long time to come.
   
   Side note: the lens can be used with any canon cameras that support it, including digitals!



4. The information provided in the product description helped me choose what camera I wanted. The Canon Rebel with the 28-210 Lens kit is great!!!



5. simply great,effortless focusing and zooming and shutter is smooth enough to take high quality shots.battery consumption is low,images are sharp,crisp and controls are very easy to operate upon.
   excellent product from canon,

5 comments about Canon EOS ELAN 7E 35mm SLR Camera Kit w/ 28-90mm Lens.

1. For the record, I have been using this camera for over 2 years now and I shoot mainly nature and people.

   The Canon Elan 7E/EOS30 is a fantastic all around camera for beginners/intermediate photographers.

   At the time of buying this camera, there was a confusion whether to choose the rebel or the elan 7E. I would very strongly recommend anyone to consider buying the intermediate Elan 7 as compared to the basic rebel. The rebel has a very "plasticky" feel to it and if I remember correctly, there is a single knob to set both the aperture and the shutter speed. Once you move away from shooting it as point and shoot, you will realize that the single knob can get incredibely irritating.

   As for the "E" i.e. eye focus, I never really used it too much but am planning to shortly. So you can save some money by getting the Elan 7, if you so wish since the Eye feature is essentially just a gimmick. Now I also wish I had got the date feature, since down the road it might be an useful tool. (say, 40 yrs, from now, you want to know when the picture was taken ;) )

   The most wonderful thing about the ELan 7E is that it allows you to grow with it...It offers a whole bunch of features, that I think will take you from a beginning stage (point and shoot) to a more advanced stage (total manual) phase. After shooting over 20 rolls of film and slide, I still find myself reading the manual and noting down some new feature to try out on my next roll.

   Small piece of advice for beginners.. I realize now that the money you spend on lenses might be worth almost more than the money you spend on the camera. Coz even the best camera cannot produce a decent picture with a bad lens. I would strongly recommend avoiding the standard lens(28-90mm, I think) that comes bundled with it (even if the total package is cheap). I bought the body separate and then a canon 28-105 f/3.5-4.5 lens and I have never regretted the decision. Its a relatively sharp lens at both ends and is always mounted on my camera for shooting almost anything. If you are on a tight budget get the Canon 50 mm 1.8 II which sells in most shops for under $100. I am now slowly saving up for a L series lens.

   Besides the usual preset options like portrait,landscape,closeup,sports,night mode,the Elan 7E offers a whole bunch of features that I found really useful. Here are some of them,

   1) Depth of field preview button.
   2) DEP (depth of field AE) - this really helps if your lens does not have a distance scale (like the 28-105mm). Say for e.g., you need to preset the depth of scale from 0 to infinity, this feature helps you to achieve that effect without the distance scale on your lens.
   3) AE lock
   4) Exposure compensation - you can set the exposure compensation upto + or - 2 stops in half stop increments and you can do it without taking your eyes of the viewfinder.
   5) Auto exposure bracketting - for those really important pictures that you dont want to miss :)
   6) bulb exposures - allows you to have as long a exposure as you want. I found this really useful. I hear that some cameras have limitations on how long they can be exposed. (RS - 60E3 shutter release cable is really useful for this)
   7) multiple exposures
   8) mirror lockup etc etc etc.

   The built in flash suffices for all my needs. Lots of people in this website recommend the battery pack, but I would suggest anyone buying this camera to first check it out themselves. I find the grip good enough for me.

   All in all, I just love this camera. I have been having great fun for past 2 yrs with it and am confident of having lots more fun for few more years at least and I dont think you will get a better performance for this price...If you have the money, just get it & start shooting !!

   Strengths:
   1) Solid feel and good looks
   2) Enough bells and whistles to keep you curious and interested for quite some time.
   3) focussing point selection with seven focussing points (auto or manual)
   4) whole bunch of lenses to choose from
   5) built in flash
   6) Rugged build - have used extensively in real hot weather(AZ) as well as sub zero temperatures (MI)
   7)Relatively light and compact.
   8)Best price/performance ratio

   Weaknesses:
   1) I feel an LCD would have been invaluable tool to have during low-lit situations
   2)Lack of spot metering - this is one feature I would have loved to use.
   3)Auto focus fails to activate when you try to shoot closeups(macros), cloudy landscapes or under low light situations

   4) Depth of field preview button is hidden...I have never been able to activate it without taking my eyes off the viewfinder !




2. I read the previous reviews and agree with most everything. This is a great camera that can be easily used by a beginner but has the features wanted by experienced pros.

   The one thing I was disapointed in is that it did not say anywhere, until I already purchased the "E" model and read the manual, that the EYE CONTROL DOES NOT WORK IF YOU WEAR CONATCT LENSES. The "E" model was a waste of money for me due to this and that is the reason I gave this camera 4 out of the 5 stars.




3. Till yesterday I was all praises for this camera and would have given 5 stars. Its got the features for a beginner to reach a serious amature role with low cost. Well yesterday it died on me. I have had the camera for 2.5 years and shot probably around 100 rolls with it.
   
   Now its a great camera. Its given me some awesome pictures. I like the metering except the fact that is does not have spot metering. This is a disadvantage. More over the the partial region of the camera is not well defined. I have the eye control. 85% it works and its great. But it does fail and irritates me at times. Low light focus is not so good but with the speedlight(420EX) it focus in a sec. What a difference. The depth of preview button is at time hard to find
   
   I love the fash 4 frames per second. I used it twice but it gave me great results. I love the feel of the camera.
   
   With all its defects I love the camera and might go in for the same.



4. Talk about bang for your buck. This camera has everything you'd expect from a mid-range camera and some you usually only find on high-end cameras. The eye control focus works great though you do need to calibrate it many times in different lighting conditions. The controls are well placed and easy to use. The custom functions are relatively simple to set and allow you to customize how the camera operates. Functions like the true mirror lock-up and the 4 fps advance speed help place this camera securely in the top ranks of its class. The thing that surprised me the most was the near silent operation. Even on rewind you can only hear it if you place your ear near the body (unless of course you choose to rewind at the faster speed). Of course there are options I'd love to see added like a PC cable port and an interchangeable focusing screen but thats why there are pro class cameras. Like I said before, this camera is hard to beat for the price.



5. This is an absolutely great camera. Out of the 35mm's, it is the best model (in my opinion) and has some features desired in professional models. Very fast shutter speed, different shooting modes, DOF preview and many other features lead up to the cameras spectacular picture clarity (I shoot with a Tamron Lenses). You Will NOT regret this purchase

5 comments about Canon EOS Rebel GII 35mm SLR Camera Kit w/ EF 35-80mm Lens.

1. I purchased this camera based on reviews from several different scrapbooking message boards. Scrapbookers know their cameras as their hobby is all about GREAT pictures. I have an old Canon AE-1 Program that I purchased 18 years ago and I am a big fan of digital camera. I have an Olympus C-50.

   The Canon Rebel takes awesome shots. I took it to Disney World and did not take one bad shot. I used Kodak High Density film. The camera is so easy to use. The telephoto feature worked really well. In the auto mode it works like a point and shoot, but the pictures cannot be compared to a regular point and shoot camera. I am not the best photographer in the world, but this makes me look like I am. You won't be disappointed.




2. My personal background: I've owned several Point & Shoot cameras, both digital and film, as well as an old SLR back when I was in high school. I'm a decent photographer and since I bought this camera in late August (now early November) I've shot probably around 400+ frames.

   If you want to shoot in manual mode, this camera works wonderfully. The only downsides I've found is a tendency to under expose by about 1/3 stop and the 1 fps maximum. If you don't need high speed photography and can learn to compensate for the exposure (or take your film to a lab that does) there isn't a reason to buy any other Rebel.

   If you use the various auto modes (landscape, portrait, etc.) you'll find the camera works pretty well. Using these modes I can hand the camera over to a family member and expect the photo to come out reasonably well.

   The only serious downfall to this kit is the lens. It is about as crummy as lenses come. The photos look fine at 4x6, but if you blow them up, you'll notice they aren't very sharp. The good news is that when your skill develop enough that you realize this, you can go out and buy that nice 24-85mm zoom and 50mm prime and they'll work wonderfully. Expensive bodies are for people with money burning wholes in their pocket. This one is for you. :)




3. I bought this camera in the summer of 2003 which was when I started my photography endeavor. This camera has been awesome for everything that I have done from practice portraiture, landscape, close up, and everything that I was able to thow at it. I still constantly use this camera as it still continues to intrigue me with its abilities.

   Many, and I say MANY people complain online about the lense that is given in the kit. For the work that I have done, and the work that most amature to "prosumer" photographers do, you will not be so extremely dissapointed about this lense. I do have the EF 50mm f/1.8, which is awesome!

   The Rebel GII is also extremely light to carry around, especially when compared to older manual type SLR's. Sure, its not as light as a point and shoot but its NOT a point and shoot, its a great SLR. As I advance more in Photography, by December 2004 I'll be buying the Elan 7Ne to meet all of my photo needs. Due to the weight though, the Rebel will be my more rugged body for those shoots that I don't want to risk ruining the Elan. Great camera overall, go buy it!




4. I bought my camera the day I was on my way to Disney World(Magic Kingdom) in less then 1 hour I was taking pictures. this Camera is simple to use and takes great photos. I love my Camera and I have recommended it to all my family and friends. I think that day I took 120 picture (5 rolls) and all of them came out GREAT!!!!! It was GREAT indoors and outdoors. And the motion setting was great for in the car....



5. I started out with a Canon SLR camera from the 70's and over time saved up enough money to buy this one. It's absolutely awesome! I'm desperately in love with my new Canon SLR! It's lightweight and has tons of features.
   
   If you buy this camera, you should also think about buying extra lenses because the lens that comes with it is just your standard lens. Thankfully, Canon makes all different kinds that will work with this camera.

5 comments about NIKON F100 35mm SLR Camera Body.

1. This is another noncommittal review. The manual for this camera is not available at Nikon USA. You can get it at Nikon EU. Amazon apparently does not like including links in reviews so I will not include it here. The file is about 3.6 MB.
   
   The manual for the Nikon F5 is also available at that site. ( I posted the link on my review for the F5 but I am not sure if Amazon will post the review because it has a link )



2. Bought it when my Son was born, never let me down, always excellent pictures. You have to read the manual to get the full benefit. Would by Nikon SLR again.



3. I have had my D1x for a long time and needed something shot on film. I got the MB15 vertical grip to go with it. Now, the two are so much alike I have to check which one I am using.
   Seriously, the transition between the two is effortless.



4. Put simply, I'm a child of the 60's and all I ever knew was film.
   
   I shot film over the past few decades using Minolta SLRs and a point and shoot.
   
   Yea, I got a digital advanced point and shoot in 2007, yada, yada. To be honest, it's a boring way to do photography. I use the digital mostly for taking shots of items I sell on that auction site that begins with E. Otherwise I'd be a slave to Photoshop editing and manipulating hundreds of boring shots to make them look all fancy and unrealistic.
   
   I want purity.
   
   Being drawn to film because of it's superior print quality, I chose to upgrade my equipment and so bought a Nikon F100 with an SB28 Flash and 2 third party zoom lenses for a real bargain...a couple hundred bucks total. I think my old Minoltas are going to be gathering a bit of dust from now on!
   
   I'll tell you this about the F100, it's not really for beginners. It is/was designed for professional photographers. It can be set up to be used as a giant Point and Shoot for those who are not so familiar with photographical techniques, but if you know your stuff and READ THE MANUAL, this is the BEST 35mm camera EVER for pros and serious amateurs alike.
   
   There's so many features it's unbelievable. The camera just feels great in your hands. The autofocus options are both fantastic for whatever situation your in. I'd recommend the MB-15 battery pack/vertical grip. It makes a heavy camera a little heavier but having the ability to comfortably shoot vertically is priceless.
   
   I can't bring myself to spend all the $$$$$$$$ on a DSLR system so I'll gladly take the bargain 35mm SLR deals and let other crazy people spend $$$$$$ on a toy that will bore them within a few months.
   
   FILM FOREVER!! LONG LIVE FILM!



5. If you've been considering collecting a classic, now may be the best time to pick up the Nikon F100. While most reviewers talk about the D200/D300 being the digital equivalent, I'd like to suggest from a "retro" point of view that the F100 is the film equivalent to the digital!
   
   If you are familiar with the D200/D300 controls, then the F100 will be very easy. When the F100 was new, it retailed for well over $1000, and was the envy of almost every amateur photographer who could not afford to buy an F5. Now that Nikon is only manufacturing the F6 (and still quite pricey), a used F100 can be had for 1/4 to a 1/3 of the original price. What you get is what most people call a slightly stripped down F5 with better controls and a lot less weight. Without going into all the specifications, you get a lot of camera for the money, and having one with a mid-range zoom is a great backup for any digital.
   
   One of the best features is that you can use 4-AA batteries, which can be found anywhere. Film is still readily available and some of the same equipment can be used between digital and film. One major exception is the use of DX lenses. If you use a DX lens on the F100, you will get vignetting as the DX lenses are designed specifically for the digital sensor which is 2/3 the size of a 35mm negative. Only within the last year have full-frame digital SLR's hit the market in which the use of non-DX lenses can be interchanged between digital and film. At this point, most casual shooters will not invest the $4900-$8000 for a full-frame digital SLR just for the convenience of interchanging the lenses! In most cases, however, non-DX lenses can be used on digitals, but depending on the type and age, certain features will not work (such as metering, or even the motor-driven autofocus), so make sure you know exactly what will and will not work before you buy. Tamron has recently added motorized lenses to their lineup to accomodate the Nikon D40, D40x, and D60. Any lens other than an AF-S or AF-I will not autofocus on these models. Other lens manufacturers are starting to add motorized lenses as well.
   
   The F100 is built extremely well (magnesium alloy frame), with some exterior plastic. A few early models had problems with the rewind fork breaking. But aside from other minor things, overall, the F100 will hold its own as a Nikon classic. I don't understand why so many people are willing to give them up so readily since you get only a fraction of the value paid back.
   
   Consider the F100 a highly recommended backup camera for any occasion. I believe I share the same opinion as many others saying this is perhaps the best Nikon 35mm AF film camera ever made. I suppose I would say the same if I could afford the F6 (which is about the same price as a D300)!

5 comments about Nikon N80 35mm SLR Camera (Body Only).

1. I have had several digital cameras, including the Nikon 8700, I feel that digital is still got a way to go, they are wonderful, yet can be very tiring, printing gobs of prints for friends and family is tiring , tedious and expensive.
   The cameras unless using some exotic means still cannot focus well in low light, also dont like taking pictures at a place and the whole world standing over my shoulder.
   Soooo, happily back to film with the N80 and a Nikon 28-100 Nikon that I bought in a kit.
   Its so great to be back in film, now I can get some control back.
   As far as the N 80, it really is beautiful done and highly intuitive to use, well made, features are wonderful, a joy to own and use. I made the right move, know that now, shot a few roles of Kodak Color 200, results were so good, if I still want to get lazy, can have the photo processor put the shots on a disc, havnt done it yet, enjoying the prints too much, think I,ll run out and get some Echtekchrome. Photography is an important component for me in my life, the N80 is bringing it all back in a slick very competent manner and I completely enjoy it.



2. I bought this camera almost a year ago before I went on a trip to Italy... I was kind of worried about it because I had never had an SLR before, but I really wanted one, and I wanted to make sure I didn't have cheap looking pictures from my trip which I often had before.
   
   It worked perfectly! I only got a chance to use one roll of film on it before I went, but ALL of the pictures came out great! I just love this camera, I still use it all of the time. I am learning all of the features, like how to use the bulb setting. I used it for 4th of July fireworks, and they also came out wonderfully.
   
   I would highly recommend this camera!



3. I've been a serious amateur and occassional professional photographer for over 40 years. My experience spans the early SLR entries up to the present.
   
   I've also been a long-time Nikon groupie. In my opinion, they manufacture the best equipment of this type available, though in recent years the quality provided by a few of the tops seems to be closing the gap. By that I mean Canon specifically.
   
   That having been said, I'm the type of photographer that drags around a select few lenses and a couple of bodies so I can mix and match lenses and films.
   
   Speaking of which (films): I am not technology-averse. I love the idea of digital. I shoot home movies direct to DVD on Sony equipment. I also scan my 35MM negs/prints using the Canon 9950F (an excellent print scanner) or Nikon 5000ED Coolscan (the best slide/neg scanner)to digital files for further action in Photoshop.
   
   HOWEVER, that being said, I still shoot my stills in 35MM film.
   
   Several reasons: Current digital camera bodies simply do not afford the flexibility in speed, sensitivity, or versatility that film does.
   
   I HATE the fact that the CMOS sensors effectively double the focal length of all my lenses (with currently only one exception, by Canon, I think).
   
   I'm recording my images to the only currently available archival medium: film. Yes, I know bytes and bits are supposedly archival. But 50 years from now, is your DVD still going to be readable by any then-current technology? Remember Beta? Or 8 track tapes?
   
   However, Daguerre's and Matthew Brady's prints
   (both from the 19th Century) still will be. As will mine -- and yours if you shoot in film.
   
   That having been said, a few years back, as I decided my eyes no longer afforded me the luxury of manual focus and I decided to go for the auto-focus capabilities now available, I stuck with Nikon and bought my first N-80.
   
   I am so happy I did! This camera is simply outstanding in every way, affording you the ability to use it as a simple point-and-shoot if you wish (due to its extremely fast and sharp system coupled with the Matrix Metering system, and on-board pop-up flash), as well as the option to take direct control over every aspect of the creative photo process with intuitive and easy-to-use systems.
   
   I liked it so much that a couple of years later I bought a second as a backup and system enhancer (meaning two loaded bodies with different lens/film combinations).
   
   An additional benefit is that as the current fad seems to be toward digital bodies, N-80 prices have gone down significantly.
   
   An interesting phenomenon that merits a quick observation: in order to get the same quality of resolution available with a good film/camera body/lens combination as far as cropping or enlargment capability goes, you have to spend in the neighborhood of $3000 to $4000 for a body-only camera, and you're STILL limited as to the duplication of film sensitivity. Try duplicating a 3000ASA film speed on a digital camera. Good luck! You'll be blasted by "noise" on the image; what we used to call "grain" for film, i.e. a loss of resolution and sharpness.
   
   I'm finally making the move up to my next big camera purchase. Guess what? It's a Nikon F-5. Another film body. What does that tell you?
   
   Buy this camera! It's great!



4. I have been a Nikon user for nearly ten years. My first Nikon was a used N70 and I loved it. It wasn't until after I read a review that I learned it was supposed to be confusing, somewhat difficult to master, and not quite up to Nikon's standards. I loved the results and loved my Nikon camera. When the N70 needed repairs and the cost was prohibitive, I purchased its replacement, the Nikon N80 which in all likelihood will be my last film camera (I've just purchased the Nikon D70S).
   
   The N80 has the best features of the N70: an automatic mode and programs for portrait, landscape, night shots, action shots, and close up, settings that allow for manual focus and the ability to set specific apertures and shutter speeds, bracketing, and red eye reduction. It has more features than the N60, but works in a similar manner omitting some of the dials of the N70 that seemed to confuse many people who were used to earlier Nikon models. It's a light weight camera with an excellent. The features are easy too master and it allows a person to take sophisticated and creative photographs. It's also sturdy and I hope to use it for many years to come.
   
   My guess is that some people reading this review may be asking should I invest $300 for a film camera when I could also purchase a digital SLR camera for just a bit more. Digital is the wave of the future and the future is now, there's no question about that, and as I mentioned I own a digital camera. I believe that a film camera teaches a person to be a more careful photographer. I see a lot of people take lousy digital shots figuring they can be erased and miss great shots. While it is true that with digital the results can be seen, the screen is awfully small and until the images are downloaded and viewed on eth computer, what appears to be a great shot may in fact be junk. Film cameras teach the photographer to carefully frame a photograph if for no other reason than film costs money. Photography is also supposed to be fun, and seeing the results of film whether it be prints or slides can be fun. Also even though Photoshop can create a black and white portrait for a digital shot, nothing will ever beat the darkroom experience. Most serious amateurs and professionals I know use both digital and film and I'm assuming that for the foreseeable future I'll be using digital for candid shots and film for scenics, landscapes, and nature shots. If you are serious about taking good photographs and are looking for a film camera, the Nikon N80 is an excellent choice. It is reasonably priced for what it offers, is easy to use, and allows for the opportunity to take great photographs. To me, it's well worth the investment.



5. I receifed a F 80. The company had some computer problems. I got the lens and was told that the order was completed. I emailed them and asked where was my camera. They corrected the error. Offered me a full refund or a different camera.
   I took the silver body F80.
   It is a very nice camera. I am happy with it.

5 comments about Canon EOS Rebel 2000 35mm SLR Camera (Body Only).

1. The Rebel 2000 is great for a begining photographer looking for a high quality inexpensive camera. It has many features much more expensive cameras have. feature such as a built in flash, many different automatic modes, a very quiet shutter, and a light wight body. I highly recommend this camera.



2. it's like this thing has a timer on it. When the warranty expires, it will literally fall apart. I say stay away from it. I'm kidding, it totally rules. You should buy it.



3. I love the camera but it seems difficult to find some accessories which I had come to rely on with my old camera. I may just have to upgrade to another Canon SLR.

   I bought the Rebel 2000 over a year and a half ago. My previous camera was a twenty-year-old Canon AE-1. I was very happy with the AE-1 but was having trouble seeing to focus in low-light situations. So far the Rebel 2000 has been a great camera - I think I've used every feature at least once. I added a 100 mm portrait lens.

   My only dissatifaction is that I haven't been able to find a remote or off-camera shutter release that works. I was sold a Canon Remote Control RC1 which did not work. I like to use an off-camera shutter trigger of some kind in portrait and low-light conditions to minimize camera shake. I also can't find the cable to connect the hot shoe to my studio lights.

   On the whole, I am happy with the Canon Rebel 2000.




4. Being an entry level SRL, the camera body is cheap & light because it is made out of plastic. This more than fine for someone who'd like an SRL to use for specal occasions - kids'birthdays, graduations, or the occasional family road trip.
   
   But if you're a serious photogapher, who plans doing much heavier photography and / or traveling, let me suggest you look for a sturdier camera, since my experience with this camera wasn't very good. The body was very easily scratched, and basically burned out less than 2 years after I bought it.
   
   So if you're a photo enthuseist looking for a good camera - please consider the fact that this camera wears out quickly (partly because of the plastic), and sooner of later you may be looking for a sturdier body.



5. I bought this camera a year ago as my starter camera to learn about film photography. I really didn't know anything about photography when I purchased it, and I still have A LOT to learn, however, I feel as though it's a camera that can grow with me. It has automatic presets that make taking photos for a novice handy - not much thought required, but also allows you to set manual settings so you can experiment and learn.
   
   Another review mentioned the body being cheap. I disagree. The body seems fine to me, and to be quite honest, a camera is not something that you should be rough with. Set it down gently and handle it properly as to avoid ruining the lens or some component within the camera.
   
   The pictures have been fantastic. I highly recommend this camera for someone who is starting out and wants to learn more. It will grow with you. Enjoy!

5 comments about Canon Rebel T2 35mm SLR Camera with the EF 28-90mm f/4-5.6 III Zoom Lens.

1. Plain and simple, I LOVE THIS CAMERA!!!
   
   I had always wanted to own a 35 mm camera, and I had always been impressed by Canon cameras, so, I bought the T2. LOVE IT!!! LOVE IT!!! LOVE IT!!!
   
   Great pictures, ease of operation, price was great (and because Digital is cost-prohibitive right now, this film camera was perfect!!!), and, I got it in less than 1 week! Great camera, great shipping time, great price.
   
   I'm pleased!



2. I am very pleased with this camera. I am taking my first real photography class and this camera is perfect for such a class and for taking photos once I've finished the semester. I don't have to spend precious time trying to figure out which knob to turn or button to push. A quick read of the manual lets you know the basic functions and the camera really does a lot of the brain-work. The manual mode lets me fool around with things to get certain moods or feelings and the pictures are turning out great. A lot of the students are having a hard time reading their cameras' meters, but this camera's meter is really simple to read and very easy to see. The price was great and the quality is fantastic!



3. so i was in a pickle when trying to decide buying new lenses for my old canon ae-1 or just buying this so i can use all my digital lenses (EF canon lenses and Di tamron lenses) and my bounceable flash...i chose the latter and have not been disappointed. i got the date body so i could also use my little remote. it has the look and feel of my rebel xti. i also bought the battery grip which adds functionality and a certain "cool factor" to it. thing is, the grip doesn't have the exposure adjustment wheel/button, just the exposure button. but i'll knock down the battery grip's rating (also purchased on amazon), not the t2's rating.
   
   i was originally looking at the rebel k2, but after testing one out at the local camera shop, i decided to spend a few more bucks to get the t2. the k2 felt a bit "cheap" and it didn't have a few things i find important in a camera such as the DOF preview button and a built-in viewfinder diaptor adjustment.
   
   since the camera's newer, it was nice not having to advance the film after every shot. but then again, that can be found on any of the newer cameras. it's just a nice perk since i was 'upgrading' from an ae-1.
   
   i'm using this camera for school since they're still teaching the film process. i'm satisfied with the camera. this, coupled with canon's nifty fifty f/1.8 is a great setup! get it now! :)



4. My daughter rated this product as four stars. She just started photography classes at her school. I think it is a good camera for the beginning photographer.



5. Nice camera but it seems to take mirrored images. in other words the pics it takes are reversed. ????