Cameras 'n' more

[liveSTRONG]

nice pics, mojo!
so...which camera would you guys recommend for a beginner DSLR? Nikon D40 or Canon Rebel XTi? I'm interested in getting started...would love to take pics of my car, nature, family, etc...nothing too crazy/serious but I love the look of a great wide angle shot.

 

[DrWebster]

nice pics, mojo!
so...which camera would you guys recommend for a beginner DSLR? Nikon D40 or Canon Rebel XTi? I'm interested in getting started...would love to take pics of my car, nature, family, etc...nothing too crazy/serious but I love the look of a great wide angle shot.

Both are nice cameras. Don't get fooled into thinking "more megapixels must mean it's a better camera"; anything 6MP or more will suit most anyone's needs. Go to a camera store (I like West Photo) and play with both of them. Take some test shots, see which feels better in your hands. I've shot both Nikon and Canon, and they're the two top brands for DSLRs. I prefer Nikons myself.

 

[ZoomZoom Diva]

Personally, I would not do into a DSLR and get a digital Rebel. I would compare the D40 to the Canon 30D rather than the scaled back Rebel series.

 

[liveSTRONG]

Personally, I would not do into a DSLR and get a digital Rebel. I would compare the D40 to the Canon 30D rather than the scaled back Rebel series.

Any reason for that? I thought the XTi and D40 were supposed to be pretty close in comparison...but I have no idea what I'm talking about!

 

[ZoomZoom Diva]

Generally the Rebel line sacrifices features and adjustments to lower the price, along with a less robust body. If you're getting an SLR, get one with the full range of adjustable features. Otherwise, there are excellent large bodied point and shoots that are a better value.

 

[liveSTRONG]

So...I went to national cameral exchange tonight to browse around and the new Canon XSi came highly recommended...I guess they stopped making the 30D. Might have to seriously consider the XSi...read lots of reviews and it sounds pretty awesome.

 

[mOjO]

I'm likely to meet resistance with James on this, but if you're looking for great technical camera (and now lens) reviews check out dpreview.com

Some other things to take into consideration when buying a camera are:

How does it feel in your hand? Can you grip it confidently?
Are the features that are important to you easily accessible?
Does the camera use storage media that you already have? CF vs SD
How is the lens that comes bundled rated?

Aside from which DSLR brand you choose, both Nikon and Canon offer a wide array of lenses offering basic quality to exceptional. Both brands have several quality manufactures producing lenses that'll fit (Tamron, Sigma) for a reduced cost over their own make. Both have a wide assortment of accessory manufacturers.

The Canon you picked up was a small body for a DSLR. I found that when searching for my own that I much preferred a med size body because it allowed my entire hand to fit on the grip instead of three fingers and a thumb. It just felt more secure and better planted in my hand. A med body camera will probably cost outside of your budget however.

If you're interested in a great entry level book I would HIGHLY recommend the following: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Digital-Photography-Book/Scott-Kelby/e/9780321474049/

Barnes & Noble has it in store if you want to introduce yourself to it before buying.

 

[Big Nate]

nojo good advice.

James makes a good point about the features and what-not. I have a rebel XTI and love it. They are very userfriendly and a good starter DSLR. And if it turns out you want more features you will most likly need better lenses (Lens are the expensive part by the way) and at that time you can upgrade your body. or else it would be like my wife driving an Indy car. useless without the knowladge and xp.

 

[ZoomZoom Diva]

Matt, I am not against dpreview. However, I do believe you need to take their reviews with a grain of salt, consider your use, and consider other sources as well.

I am of the school to buy something once and to be done with it. Therefore, to me it makes more sense to buy a camera with more features now that you may grow into over time than to replace the camera body later. (I'm pissed off that I might be forced to rebuy everything because Konica-Minolta sold their cameras off to Sony.) The difference between a fuller-featured camera and an Indy-Car, is that generally those features won't get in the way of your picture taking when you don't wish to use them.

 

[liveSTRONG]

mojo and diva - so, if you were in the market for a DSLR right now just starting out, what would you buy?

I started out with the Canon Rebel XTi (400D) which would be around $400 with a lens kit...then the Canon Rebel XSi (450D) was recommended would would be around $800 with a lens kit. Now I'm hearing the Canon 40D is where I should start which is around $1250 with a lens kit.

Within a couple of weeks I've doubled and then tripled my starting point...yikes! If I could be happy with the XTi for a couple years and learn the SLR basics, I'd be happy to pony up and upgrade if I was still in love with photography. By then, maybe the next 40D will be out with even greater features.

Things that make you go hmmmm...

 

[ZoomZoom Diva]

I would wait for Nikon to finish the shakeup of their lines and get a 60D when it moves down to the realm of the 40D where it is expected to be.

 

[DrWebster]

I agree with James, go for a D60 (or if you can afford it, a D80). IMHO, Nikon offers the best value in cameras. Canon makes fine DSLRs too, but there's a price premium for them over a similar-spec Nikon. Nikon also offers a fantastic 18-200mm f3.5 VR lens (which I sure hope I get for Christmas this year).

EDIT: OK, maybe you won't want that 18-200 right away, it costs $800.

 

[mOjO]

What would I buy for an entry level camera? Well, to be honest my first DSLR (although not my first time using them) was the Nikon D80 I got last December. However, If I were to pick out an entry level one, it'd be the D60 once it replaces the D40. If you're not willing to wait a few months for that to happen get the D40 w/ the new 18x55 kit lens. Great overall lens for its cost. It's got image stabilization for lower light situations, and has sharp looking macro capabilities.

Once you've gotten an idea of how into it you are, you can easily buy better/different lenses. Then once you've reached a point where your skill level outmatches the cameras capabilities, upgrade the body. It's likely you'll hold onto a quality lens far longer than you will a camera body....

Also, I've come to realize that what makes photography enjoyable for me is learning new things, else I get bored of the mundane. To help curb this, I've found a good site for giving myself tasks to complete...lessons (listed below). Perhaps we could form some sort of "class" on here where we take a tip/trick from somewhere online, each apply it in a photo and post it. My preference would be to keep it very informal and more importantly, positive in feedback. What do you guys think?

http://morguefile.com/archive/classroom.php?lesson=1

 

[ZoomZoom Diva]

Considering the cost of a DSLR camera body, my only disagreement is I recommend spending more on a camera that you will grow into over its usable lifespan than one that will need quicker replacement because you have outgrown its capabilities. The only way I'll outgrow my Konica Minolta is that it is a 6.1 MP camera. I'll never want for more features or adjustments.