Nikon D7000 vs Canon 7D for action shots

[FootLoose]

The crop factor does not change the focal length of a lens.

Richard,
what do the camera companies mean then, when they say the focal length of a particular lens on a camera with a cropped sensor is equivalent to 'Xmm' on a 35mm camera? I have always understood that particular spec to mean the affective focal length on the smaller sensor is longer. But... are you saying they are referring to the field of view of the lens?

[davidedric]

But... are you saying they are referring to the field of view of the lens?

In effect, yes. There is a tutorial on CiC which explains this, along with much else:

https://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tu...era-lenses.htm

It took me a while to get my head round it, and it seems very difficult to explain clearly.

The way that I look at is that a lens on a camera body projects an image onto the "sensor plane" - what we used to call the "film plane". A Full-Frame sensor is bigger, so it captures more of that image, and vice versa for a crop frame.

Then if you look at the two images on a computer screen, say, they will both fill the screen, and you will have a greater magnification, and a smaller part of the scene, on the image from your crop frame.

The other wrinkle is that, if both sensors have the same number of megapixels, then the image from the crop frame has potentially greater resolution than the middle (i.e. the bit that matches the crop frame image) part of the full frame.

I say "potentially" to avoid getting into a debate on the relative merits of different sized sensors!

[FootLoose]

Thanks for explaining that, David. And thanks for the link, I have been reading that and the other one on cropped sensors. Suddenly a penny has dropped.

[GrahamS]

I've shot both for action (sports mainly) and there is absolutely no comparison here. The 7D is way better for action hands down. That being said, every first photo with the 7d in Servo will be out of focus typically. It then locks on and you will see 95% keepers. BUT, you already are a Nikon shooter and the D7000 is a great camera and will still produce wonderful images, so why would you want to go two different directions with your outfit? Why not just stick with what you are used to and slowly build-up until you can afford a fast Nikon? You may lose a few images, but you will be able to condense your gear purchases and by better and better equipment. And you will still have plenty to show for your hard work so long as you invest the correct amount of time in perfecting your craft.

Christina, I have both cameras. I use the Canon 7D for wildlife, BIF and sports and some studio work. I use the Nikon D7k for travel. I agree with everything Chris has said and suggest that you take his advice.

[Brownbear]

Thank you Graham. I agree, and I will likely end up waiting a year to upgrade from my Nikon D80... Simply because I can't decide what I need. And if I upgrade to a Nikon 7000, it will be a while until I can afford a quality long lens. (the Canon long lens is more affordable)

The reason I was keen on the 7D now, is that the reviews and everyone says it is great for wildlife, including you and Hoffstriker. Wildlife in action is what I am keen on shooting and what I have the most challenges with, typically birds in flight. The 7D and long canon 400 mm prime lens is more affordable, and something that I could afford sooner rather than later (Nikon D7000 and prime lens)

[GrahamS]

Christina, in that case why don't you consider a "refurbished" 7D body from Canon Canada (guarantee you won't tell the difference between this and a "new" one) and a 400mm f4 L USM?

[Brownbear]

Thank you Graham... The Canon 7D I am considering is used (but in good condition) and within my budget. The Canon lens I was considering ran around $1500 but did not have image stabilization. The f4 400 mm L USM looks like it is priced at around $5800 which is not possible with my budget, and right up there in price with the Nikon long lens...

Perhaps, one day. Thank you.

[rpcrowe]

Christina, the Canon 400mm f/4L DO IS lens is a monster both in cost and in weight.

Either a used or refurbished 400mm f/5.6L or a 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS lens would be a lot less expensive and a fraction of the weight.

The 400mm f/5.6L lens doesn't have IS but, it is fairly light in weight and todays DSLR cameras have good high ISO capabilities which will go a long way in helping out. Additionally, the 400mm f/5.6 is quite sharp at its maximum aperture and I always shoot it at f/5.6.

Using some sort of a camera mount like the BushHawk or a similar piece of gear can also help stabilize the camera wearing the 400mm f/5.6L lens.

http://www.michaelfurtman.com/bushhawk_review.htm

I fabricated my own design:


Specs and instructions at:
http://rpcrowe.smugmug.com/Photograp...2870&k=FsRJDzT

Finally, using a monopod with a swivel head can work quite well. I don't lock down the swivel head but leave it loose when shooting. The pod and head will help stabilize the camers/lens yet allow you to follow birds or other action.

A used 300mm f/4L IS lens with or without a 1.4x TC is another consideration. The 1.4x TC makes this a 420mm f/5.6 lens with decent IQ and A/F.

[Brownbear]

Thank you so much for sharing so much great information, and also for the links. I'm afraid that I don't have the handy dandy building skills you have, but the bush-hawk or mono-pod with a swivel head both sound great.

Your photo of the mannequin head with the white balance card, certainly made me smile.

Thank you to all. As a result of this posting I have all the information I need to make a good decision.

[rpcrowe]

Actually, this support works pretty O.K. although you need to pretty well swing your body to follow a moving subject,

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hand-Free-Sh...item484bb332d3

The price is right too!

I tried one and it is a bit small for a guy of my size...

[Brownbear]

Just FYI... I've decided (yes, finally) that I will be upgrading to a Nikon D7100 and one of the long lens with image stabilization... likely just a 300 mm since the longer lens come with mighty prices.

With respect to buying the Canon 7D I was very tempted but I decided that it makes more sense to stick to Nikon and to have a lens with VR built in because I enjoy shooting wildlife in action, and find it hard to use a tripod when doing so.
I also noticed that Joe shoots with a Nikon D7000 and captures magnificent bird in flight photos that could grace the pages of National Geographic or Audoban. He also manages to get close enough without needing one of the super expensive Nikon long lens.

I decided to stick with a cropped lens vs a full frame because of the magnification factor bonus with a cropped lens, faster focusing, lighter weight, and lower cost. I know that the focusing speed and the iso performance of the D7100 will be far superior to my Nikon D80, and although not as great as a full frame DSLR, I can work around it by getting closer and choosing to shoot in better lighting conditions.

It'll likely be a few months until I upgrade my camera and lens. Nevertheless I wanted to express my sincere appreciation to everyone for advising... Your advice, knowledge and recommendations, allowed me (someone who really does not enjoy reading and learning about the technical specifications of cameras and lens) to make the right decision for my needs.

Thank you.

[kaneohebud]

Christina: If you want a crop sensor with IS built-in and 24 MP. Take a look at the Sony SLT-A77 before you buy anything. I just switched all my gear from Canon to Sony and am REALLY happy I did. The A77 with the 70-400G lens gives you 600MM and IS.

[Brownbear]

Thank you Bud. (I think )

I did look at the Sony SLT-A77 and it sounds like a super camera that would fit my current needs very well. Before I acquired my Nikon D80 I had a Sony alpha 200 dslr (still do but it has ceased to function) and I adored the in camera IS and also the rich colours...

That said, I believe I have made the right decision for me, because one day I would like to be a professional nature photographer, and everything that I have read says that Nikon or Canon are the way to go, for the service, the availability of lens and image quality. (once one gets up to using a high end professional camera) Right now it is just a dream, but if I can make it a reality, I think in the long run sticking with Nikon is the best choice for me. Nevertheless I will review the Sony choice once more...

Christina: If you want a crop sensor with IS built-in and 24 MP. Take a look at the Sony SLT-A77 before you buy anything. I just switched all my gear from Canon to Sony and am REALLY happy I did. The A77 with the 70-400G lens gives you 600MM and IS.

[kaneohebud]

You're right, and I'm not a salesman for Sony. I got frustrated with Canon after more than 35 years with their gear. I just didn't want to invest $15,000 more to get the same capability I now have with Sony.

[Brownbear]

Thanks Bud. I loved my Sony, and I'm not a salesman for Sony, either

Hopefully I will have made the right choice for the long term... If not, well I'll trade it all in for a Sony