I'm looking at upgrading from a one-shot 0-360 lense and a Canon Powershot 5G. Time for the big leagues. But I want to take the step by step approach. I know the initial out lay is going to be expensive so I want to with baby steps. I have been reviewing all the wonderful advice here and have been looking at the Canon 40D, or a Nikon D300. I really prefer the D300.

I just need to know the following:

What lens? , What panohead?, Tripod? and anything else I may be missing.

I've recently upgraded to TW4 and have played with the RAW format for the full screen option but it does compare to you guys.

Any helsp would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Lee

Have a great safe and Happy New Year

Phil 4:16

Actually reading over the forums and viewing the websites you all have "You, Smooth" and a few others I am in Awe of your work. I wish only to grow up and be as good as you all.

I also noticed that you have and use the Canon 40D and 28-135 lens for $925 w/ warranty. And I figured that would be a good starting point to get into the market.

The 5D is out of my price range (I see why you would send the address I gotta talk to Santa)

I can get the D300 for around $869 http://1wayphoto.com/products.asp?product_id=13377   But would still have to retrofit with the rest of the gear.

I really want to step up my skill set and most importantly what I can offer my clients.

I looked over your suggestions and they look really good. I believe I am going to really look at the 40D.

Thanks so much for you insight, it is MUCH appreciated!

And may you and your family as well have a Blessed New Year

Proverbs 27:17 

Pixel,

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! Web searches are not always the best buy! The Canon is from Craigs list here in (FL). I looked at the Canon site at the EOS Rebel XS 18-55IS Kit and it looks like a perfect match for the price. It should work well with the above mentioned items.

I presently own the Canon Powershot G5 and it's time to upgrade and sell this Kit. I appreciate all you advice and suggestions.

Once I am up and running I will send you my before and afters

BTW I really love your logo - who designed it? I am not that visual

1 Peter 5:6

Lee

Hi Lee and welcome to the forum. As you can see below I am a Nikon D300 user. Whether you buy Canon or Nikon is probably not that important unless you are looking way down the road. Nikon's new D3X will set you back about 8K and all your D300 lens would work I believe. But seriously, the point I am trying to make is don't make the mistakes most of us have already made by not getting the very best you can afford. You WILL upgrade down the road. I would love to have 1/2 the money back that I spent on upgrades. Pix has made some great suggestions for the Canon and you already know what to get in the Nikon line. If you go Nikon I would suggest you stay Nikon all the way, lens and flashes if you need them. I just purchased 2 Nikon SB900 flashes and they are great. No wires no separate transmitters no receivers for off camera operation. Everything is set from and controlled by the D300.
You can't go wrong either way so good luck and let us know what you decide on.

PS: Pix is correct, be weary of cheap web prices, I also use B&H Photo when I can't find it local.

Hello Lee,

Mate, I'm not bias one way or another on brands. The Canon and Nikon models you are considering are both fantastic cameras. Currently I own a Canon 5D (soon to be upgraded to the new MKII) and a Nikon D300. For me the Canon is excellent with it's full size sensor and when used with the Canon 15mm f/2.8 fisheye it yields very nice results. The Nikon D300 is without doubt the best small sensor DSLR ever made to date and when mated to the Nikkor 10.5mm f/2.8 fisheye it is hard to beat. 

That said, the trusty Sigma 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye works extremely well on either camera and is well respected.

It comes down to how many images you can live with when it comes to shooting panos. You basically will need to decide between 4+ or 6+T minimum unless you get a full size sensor camera and then you can shoot as little as 3 shots with the Sigma 8mm Fisheye.

Don't let Pixel or Jerry undersell their results either they have improved leaps and bounds and should be well proud of their work.

OK clean slate, If I had to start fresh and go shopping today I would purchase Hmm,......

Full Size Sensor: I would love a Canon 5D MKII and Canon 15mm f/2.8 Fisheye but it would be a hard toss up between that and a Nikon D700 and Nikkor 16mm f/2.8 Fisheye. Fact is, I would be happy with either!

APS-C/DX Sensor: I would buy the Nikon D300 over the Canon 40D, But I would buy a 40D over a 50D. So if was to go the Nikon you have to have the Nikkor 10.5mm f/2.8 Fisheye because it is a great lens. (Read the D300 conclusion on DPReview)

Budget Buying: Easy, Canon 450D/RebelXSi with Sigma 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye no risk! I wouldn't buy below the D300 in Nikon (Maybe D90) and I wouldn't buy the Canon 1000D because the 450D is not that much more and a far superior camera.

Bottom line, buy the best you can afford and really whatever that is it will be quite capable of great panoramas far exceeding the quality you get from any One-Shot mirror.

Regards, Smooth

All you guys are great!!! Thanks for the wealth of information . I am a firm believer in "not re-inventing" the wheel.

A knowledgebase is nothing without those who share and you ALL are wonderful in the sharing, caring and mentoring department.

That is a true sign of character, professionalism, and security in your selves.

I know this is just the beggining. Once I get the equipment then the fun will begin. I have decided to go with the following (budgetary reason)

Canon EOS Rebel XSi EF-S 18-55IS Kit

Sigma Fisheye 8mm f/3.5 EX DG Circular Fisheye

Manfrotto 322RC2

Manfrotto 055XPROB