D30 or S1

Jerry Schmidt · Nov 18, 2001

These cameras are close to the same price these days and I just sold a pile of darkroom stuff, so I am ready to buy something but not the $5000 dollar variety. I do own Nikon lenses but I am not opposed to changing.

I have also noticed several D1 cameras on ebay around the $2200 range.

Any comparisons welcome--Jerry S

Roln · Nov 18, 2001

Hi Jerry,

I found two local photographers that have the D-30 and the S-1. Both claim the S-1 has a better sensor. I'm going to visit one of the guys tomorrow and see some prints from each camera. In fact, I'm going to take my CF disk and take some pics with the D-30. If I like what I see, I'll order a D-30 this week and hopefully get it by Thanksgiving.

Roln

Jack Winberg · Nov 18, 2001

Jerry:

You are in the Canon forum, so will probably get a bunch of replys passionately recommending the D30.

I have (and love) the D30, but also had a chance to use an S1 for a day. I liked it, it handled well, and produced good images. I chose the D30 because I had Canon lenses, and I liked the image smoothness (lack of noise), dynamic range, and tendency to NOT blow out highlights. I am very fond of my D30.

It also depends on what your application will be, if for action, you may want a faster AF machine, or one with more FPS in rapid fire mode. I do not experience either as a problem.

BUT they are both good cameras, IMHO, and you may well be pleased with either.

I hope this helps more than obscures. Best of luck......... Jack Winberg

Joo · Nov 18, 2001

I was deciding between a used D1, Canon D-30, and a Fuji S1 also a couple weeks ago. I decided on the Canon D-30. Here are some of the reasons I went with the D-30

low weight (compared to D1)
Could use the full range of lenses by canon
low noise
shooting priority design
good battery life
friends had canon lenses, so I could borrow them.

Joo

Andrew Grant27981 · Nov 18, 2001

If you want to keep your Nikon lenses I would buy a used D1 or spend a litle extra and buy a new D1h. I don't really like the S1.

As far as image quality goes it is arguable which is better, some prefer the Fuji S1, some the D30. What is not arguable is that the D30 is a much better body than the S1. Its frame rate and AF performance are not in the D1 (or 1D class) but better than the S1. It has Canon's excellent E-TTL flash system, DOF preview, can use all of Canon's EF lenses and can shoot at three frames per second. It can also create RAW files.

The S1 is built on Nikons discontinued N60 body. This was the cheapest body Nikon made and it shows. It cannot take advantage of Nikons AFS and VR lenses, flash metering is primitive, to shoot in continous mode (at about 1.5 FPS) you have to switch to one of the idiot modes.

Maurice Joubert59901 · Nov 18, 2001

Thats's the point.

As many of us, I suppose, we plunged into D-SLR to use the glass we collected in our argentic period.

So there was no choice : wait until Canon releases a diigital SLR or sell everything and invest in Nikon system who produced the first "affordable" SLR camera.

Fortunately, CANON released the D30, and even more fortunately, it happened to be an excellent camera.

I have always considered a SLR camera (digital or not) as a "lens holder" and prefer spend my hard earned money in lenses who are more durable investments.

I just hope that the EF standard will last longer than the FD one...

going_digital · Nov 18, 2001

I seriously considered the S1, but 1) using a phased out Nikon body, 2) that it was a product combining parts from two companies (which results in some inconsistencies in user interface, dual battery systems), 3) and that the 6mp Fuji claims amounts to the camera performing mathematical transforms on a 3.xmp image which you can't turn off, led me to choose the D30.

I didn't have any Canon EF lenses, so this decision was not based on wanting to leverage my existing infrastructure and capital investment in a specific brand. In the end, am fully satisfied that I made the right choice.

Tim Koverman · Nov 18, 2001

Both are good cameras. I would bet Fuji will come with an upgrade using a better body.

If you get a D 30 you will like it. Great camera.

Peter Sills · Nov 18, 2001

Compared the same two cameras myself and chose the D30 for the following reasons:

1) Full compatibility with the entire EOS line of lenses (Fuji does not support a wide range of Nikon glass).
2) Superior Flash system of Canon (Fuji is basically manual).
3) Build Quality (The Fuji just didn't feel solid)

4) Flexibility (I think the Canon is a much more flexible system due to the CMOS and the system - the Fuji is great at portraits, but high ISO noise render it useless for my needs).

Those are my reasons.

Peter

seattlechronic · Nov 19, 2001

I too was looking at both of these cameras and decided on the canon EOS d30….It just seemed to be a better camera ( all-around ) especially with lens availability. I shoot mainly food and motocross, two totally different subjects and the D30 seems to the best of both worlds ( action and portraits ) better than the s1….But the main kicker is the canon lens, the L glass and IS make this camera the best bet in IMHO….Love my D30! And paired with great canon glass it is even better….

sean64805 · Nov 19, 2001

what a GREAT reason! too bad I do not have friends like that

Joo wrote:
friends had canon lenses, so I could borrow them.

Garry Ford · Nov 19, 2001

If you already own Nikon lenses - forget the D30. Get a D1X or S1

here's an S1 Pic

Try getting colour like that from a D30 ! I tried for 2 months !

ChefoftheFuture · Nov 19, 2001

I would say with your investment in Nikon lenses, go with the S1. I have a D30 and a co-worker has an S1, they're not that different, they're both great. I don't see a need to spend more money on new glass.

Martyn38590 · Nov 20, 2001

That's odd, I wonder why your D30 gave you so much trouble. Good that you've found a camera you are happy with, that's what counts in the end isn't it?

Do you have any D30 pics from your 2 months of b*ggeration?

Cheers and enjoy

Martyn

PS what do you reckon to the colour on this shot. Obviously the tonality is different, the lighting was fairly harsh!

Garry Ford · Nov 20, 2001

Hi Martyn
Nice Shot !

Looks a bit oversaturated to me (unless it was taken late afternoon)but still very nice. Was this straight from the camera ?

I Still have my D30 and do agree that it is a fare better body than the S1 but as I shoot mainly weddings (lots of pics) I find that I use far more "straight from the camera" shots from the S1.
Glad you are happy too

Take Care

Garry Ford

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D30 or S1

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