23: The Kennet and Avon Canal flows right through the heart...

The Kennet and Avon Canal flows right through the heart of Reading's shopping malls

10 comments so far...

Volker June 05, 2009, 04:21 PM

Amazing picture!!! The reflection in the front is on the roof from the boat?

StevieB June 05, 2009, 04:27 PM

Yes, it's the roof's reflection, but it looks almost as if it's part of the water, don't you think?

Volker June 05, 2009, 04:41 PM

You're right, Stevie! I needed a second sight to realize it. :-)

PimpDaddy June 12, 2009, 12:00 AM

How are you liking the d300? As a Canon shooter I've been tempted alot by Nikons offerings lately. Especially the AF system and ISO performance looks nice on Nikon.

StevieB June 12, 2009, 09:38 AM

@Nicholas: I love that D300! I've had 3 Nikons now (D70, D200, and the D300) and this is by some distance the best. The high ISO performance is very good, and I can allow the camera to set the ISO up to 3,200 with confidence that the result will be usable up to A3 size prints. The AF system is excellent by all accounts, although I take virtually no action shots, so it's a bit wasted on me!

Having said all that, I doubt any camera is really worth swapping systems for because of the investment in lenses, and Canon make cameras just as well as Nikon do! My only regret is that I've put so much money into Nikon DX lenses that I can't now afford to upgrade to the D700 with its FX format. But actually the D300 is perfectly good enough for what want to do, and upgrading would simply be an indulgence anyway!

PimpDaddy June 12, 2009, 12:59 PM

Being an action photog it's exactly the AF system I'm envious about :).

IMO Canon is behind in the prosumer market right now. Compared to Nikon they have medieval AF systems(40D, 50D, 5D), not so good ISO performance(besides the 5D) and a lack of smaller features that could be included for almost nothing and provide a much better complete package.
But hopefully they'll come around sometime soon. One thing is for sure: Nikon has become a bigger competator in the DSLR market compared to just a few years ago! Hopefully this will speed up development of new and improved cameras :D

StevieB June 12, 2009, 01:40 PM

they have medieval AF systems

Oh, I think that's a bit harsh - they've at least reached the Renaissance and are closing in on the Age of Enlightenment!! :))

But I think you have a point about the Canon/Nikon race at the moment. If I were Canon I'd feel a bit nervous. Canon used to have the clear leadership at the pro level, but I think the D3/D3x has closed that gap pretty much. And actually ever since the D70 vs Canon Rebel I think Nikon have produced better photographers' cameras at the serious amateur level. Canon still wipe the floor with Nikon for P+S though!

The AF on the D300/D3/D3x range is measurably better for action shots though, so I can understand your frustration! But everything else is really marginal, and no-one's really going to notice any difference, I think.

PimpDaddy June 12, 2009, 05:15 PM

Hahahaha. Sorry messed up the period canon AF are in at the momemnt :D.

The closed the gap for sure! Now I know this site only tests the sensors but I think their highscore lists speak for themselves regarding Nikon overtaking Canon in the image quality department in the bodies themselves: http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/eng/DxOMark-Sensor

Great comeback from Nikon!

Anyhow in the end of the day it's more about the skills of the photog. behind the camera. But being a gearhead too I never stop craving the best of the best :).
So yeah. The difference is probably not that big looking at it from afar.