DSLR Recommendations

I'm currently looking into the Nikon D50 (which is being discontinued at most retailers), the D80 and Canon's Rebel XT and XTI.  Does anyone have any experience with any of the above models with regard to weather (i.e. cold winter/spring overnight trips) and enlargements greater than 18"x24"? 

The 2 above items are what I'm lacking feedback from local retailers about.  I've been told to carry them in a plastic ziplock bag until you get to your destination, then remove.  I used to do this for my Nikon N80 film camera, as in the winter there would be the occassional condensation build-up on the body.

As for enlargements, I've seen some excellent 16x20 and 18x24's with the Nikon D50.  I'm just wondering with a good lens if you could get the same quality if one were to go 20"x30".  Most local shops recommend the 8 or 10 megapixel over the D50's 6 megapixel, but I think in part this is a marketing scheme to get one to purchase the latest & greatest.  Any input would be appreciated as I know there are a few DSLR users out there.

Kam used the d50 (may still use). He gets wonderful photos. He would be able to offer you info. BTW, I haven't done anything for my d200 when it comes to weather. I know its weather proof, but just a point of comparison. I've gotten it very wet, and even gave it a partial dip once when my tripod tipped over near a creek.

There are a few good sites that offer reviews. I don't remember the link to the one I like though. Sorry.

Good luck. There's a learning curve to the DSLR's but they are fun. Some post processing techniques are important too.

I've got a Canon Digital Rebel XT. I haven't had any problems with cold weather or moisture. I carry it on my chest in a Tamrac bag using an old Sundog harness. The bag has a zippered closure, which is important if you're skiing powder. I added a small buckle to secure the camera bag lid when I don't want to zip it closed (it's quicker that way). If the weather is really wet (rain instead of snow) I put the camera in my backpack. I carry two extra batteries on most trips.

The Rebel XT kit features a very light 28-88 (equivalent) lens, which can fool you into thinking you're buying a really light system. The kit lens is low quality. About a month ago, I left the lens on top of a peak, so I bought a better lens to replace it. Now the camera seems rather heavy. 

I haven't tried to make enlargements from my digital pictures yet.

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p.s. After carrying around the Rebel XT for a couple years, I recently bought a Canon SD800IS point-and-shoot, for those trips when you really want to go light. Being able to put your camera in your pocket is really addicting. I expect to leave the DSLR home on many trips.

Jason - I don't think you have to worry about any extra steps in protecting the D200. Most shops have raved about how bombproof that body is with regard to it's waterseal & tough construction in case it suffers a fall. However, I'm not spending $1,500+ at this point.

Lowell - Yes, I've heard the "kit lenses" are junk; however, as the shops put it, it's a nice option to have because if you were to buy individually it would be quite costly. I've noticed that you only save $50-$100 by purchasing just the body. Given you recently purchased a new lens, you'll probably notice a difference in quality as well. I do like the body size of the Rebel XT & XTI.

Thanks guys.

I have a D70, and have been pretty happy with it. It would be nice to have more megapixels, so that you can do more cropping of an image and still retain detail. I don't want to spend the $$ to upgrade yet, though. Or go with a wider zoom, but beyond I think beyond a 3x zoom factor, you start to lose sharpness. So a 28-105 or 70-210 lens are still pretty sharp at both ends, but a 28-300 zoom is only sharpest in the middle of the range.

I used to double bag cameras before warming them up after coming inside, to prevent condensation, but I don't take any special precautions in keeping them dry while out.

In good weather, I'll sometimes use a chest strap like this.
kgear.com/images/H152modelbig.jpg
and wear it around my neck for the downhill. It works pretty well, and is less bulky than a bag.

I haven't done any enlargements. You might check at nikonians.com or photo.net regarding image file size and print quality.

Jason - I don't think you have to worry about any extra steps in protecting the D200.  Most shops have raved about how bombproof that body is with regard to it's waterseal & tough construction in case it suffers a fall.  However, I'm not spending $1,500+ at this point.

Lowell - Yes, I've heard the "kit lenses" are junk; however, as the shops put it, it's a nice option to have because if you were to buy individually it would be quite costly.  I've noticed that you only save $50-$100 by purchasing just the body.  Given you recently purchased a new lens, you'll probably notice a difference in quality as well.  I do like the body size of the Rebel XT & XTI.

Thanks guys.

I've been using the kit lense and it hasn't been bad (they are better than most I think. I don't know if it is the same kit lense on the other d series cameras). The lense I'm using now is worse since the auto focus has crapped out (alrighty then, maybe they are crap ). If you want good glass it is going to cost a lot as I'm sure you know. I've had a lense in a shopping basket for weeks now, but haven't had the courage to purchase yet. It's 1200 dollars.

I think if you bought the d50 or 70 you'd be happy. You could also go cannon. I've had some issues with nikon when it comes to availablity of lenses and batteries, etc. I doubt thats a problem with the d50-70 stuff though. I would look on dpreview. They have very comprehensive reviews and a message board where you may be able to get more info. The d80 is an option too. Some of the coolpix cameras might be worth looking at also.

www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Nikon/ here is the reviews page. It shows all of the cameras for nikon and links to more info. I would really check this page out.