Upgrading to DSLR

Aengus Moran · Issue 27, Nov/Dec 2005 · pp. 25–28

Products mentioned: Canon EOS 350D Digital Rebel XT, Nikon D70, Nikon Coolpix 5000, Canon EF-S 10-22mm, Sigma 50mm EX DG Macro, Ikelite housing, Ikelite DS-125 strobes, Ikelite eTTL2 circuitry, Ikelite EV controller

Upgrading to DSLR by Aengus Moran What motivated the upgrade to dSLR? A photo dive to the wreck of the USS Aaron Ward in mid 2004 had highlighted the limitations of the Compact camera to me. The Ward sits at 60 metres and I was shooting wide angle with natural light. Post dive I really noticed the poor performance of the Compact at increased ISO and the lack of detail on the wider angle shots. My Nikon Coolpix 5000 had served me well for 2 years but I felt a Digital SLR with its larger sensor, better quality lenses, and ability to write raw files fast, was my answer. Which camera? My price point was entry level. The popular 6MP Nikon D70 and newer 8MP Canon EOS 350D Digital Rebel XT were principal candidates - In late April I bought the 350D. I knew mega pixels weren’t everything, yet the higher pixel count of the 350D would give me better crop options. Initial reviews also reported bett…