[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Digital SLR (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 1/9/2008 12:28:59 PM EDT
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I'm need to purchase a digital SLR camera, $500-900 range. I've been out of the scene for a while. What's recommended? ETA: It'll be used for general photography like portraits, outings, pets, and "nature shots". It'll also be for a photography class. Most likely will not be used for sports. ETA 2: I've decided to go with the XTi. I think I may be purchasing through B&H. Looks like it's a referral link (through the photography forum) and I'll be supporting ARFCOM too. Thank you to everyone for helping me to pick it out! |
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I have a Canon Digital Rebel XTI. 10mp, BIG screen, good battery life. I got mine from B&H Photo and Video. They have great prices and are trustworthy. There are tons of online dealers that deal in relabeled products, black market, or just plain thieves. B&H is #1 in my book. Check the photography forum here on ARFCOM. I know that at one time they were working on a referral program with B&H so that ARFCOM would get a kickback from them. I paid a little extra for the image stabilizing lens, it is very nice. Especially in low light, and considering the fact that is is a f/5.6 at full zoom. I also have the really cheap 50mm prime lens, and for the price it is an awesome piece. EDIT: in fact, I am awaiting the arrival of Mitt Romney and I will be shooting some pictures inside and out just for fun. Search my posts later tonite, ill probably post some shots if you wanna see what the average user gets out of it. EDIT2: Canon vs Nikon is like Glock vs. 1911. I would not be surprised to see your poll stay pretty even. |
It'll be used for general photography like portraits, outings, pets, and "nature shots". It'll also be for a photography class. Most likely will not be used for sports. [updated original post] |
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If it were my money I'd go with Nikon. The Drebels I've handled all feel chintzy. Both brands will take decent to excellent pics (dpreview.com for reviews) and you can often get the Drebel for less $$$. Look into a kit from Sam's Club or Costco if you have one near you. Best deal around for one. |
| I'm a canon guy...I like their glass better than Nikon's but to be perfectly honest as a "prosumer" camera you really won't notice a huge difference. But I'm a fan on Canon's I have a 20D and love it. Got it a few years ago when my son was born along with some "L" lenses and it's served me well but I've always been into SLRs so... |
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I am a Canon fan.... Nikon just doesn't do it for me. The XTi is a good starter. They are cheaper now. if you have a few hundred extra, get the 40D. The key is the lens. Don't cheap out with the standard kit lens. there are nicer aftermarket kits which have a nicer lens. If you don't need the high speed of the 40d (or other features) the XTi and a nice lens would make you very happy. |
THAT is some good advice (though I'm loath to suggest buying digital equipment used for some reason  )A coworker has a 20D and that is a VERY good camera. |
Autofocus with AF-S AND AF lenses. The D40(x) only auto-focuses with AF-S lenses. That is NOT a good handicap to have unless you are sticking with the kit lens only. There are other differences too, but that one tends to be a deal maker/breaker. The Canon kit lens for the Rebel series is OK, but the equivalent Nikon kit lens is VERY GOOD. |
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Me too mac, I got mine from keh.com that was labled in like new condition by the site. I was going to get one from Craigslist, but I didn't trust any of the sellers for some reason. You can also find a brand new 30D at some websites, it will run around $750-800 bucks, but still worth it. |
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D80 Nikon Canons are "plasticky" they have some nice glass & can also take good pix but do not feel as durable, IMO ETA: Go to a Ritz camera and handle them both before purchasing. B&H is ok to buy from, bought two or three Nikons there. Don't go wild with zoom ratio, try Nikonians.org for advice & reviews for what lenses are good and what are not (both Nikon & 3rd party are discussed) |
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Buy the D40, not the D40x, unless you need to print pictures larger than 11x14. Below that, you don't need the extra pixels. I'd HIGHLY recommend reading Ken Rockwell's site. Here's a link to the D40 page, but there are many others to help you make your choice. www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d40.htm I picked the D40 over the Canon. It takes amazing pictures. |
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I found the reviews here to be pretty helpful when I bought my last digital camera www.dpreview.com |
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Good choice. Pick up a flash. I cant tell you how much better it makes the pictures. Even outdoors. I was at Arlington nat cemetery earlier this year, in broad daylight, and especially for getting the details on headstones, a flash makes things look much better. Also, if you plan on doing indoor work, with or without a flash, consider the fastest lens you can get. I have the f/3.5-f/5.6 lens, and it is a little slow sometimes indoors. my next lens will be something wider and faster. |
Well, Circuit City has them for about $669 locally. I am gonna go by and take all my Minolta lenses and try them out on the display model, but if they work, I'm gonna get it. 
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The camera convention isn't until the end of the month. That was when the rumored announcement would happen. |
the d40 is a good camera but it all depends on what you want to do with your camera. I have a d70, d40, d200 and a cannon 850is and i find myself grabing for the d200 or 850is for all my situations I would have to of course now have to recommend the D300 but i cannot justify buying one because of the few improvements over the D200. But if you do not allready have a dsl look very hard at the d40 for casual use and the d300 for serious use. I would also recommend looking at Kens website as well |
I think you'll be surprised and happy with it. 
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I got it! I like it. Will post some comparison pics and more details later. Got if for the "open box" price. It was the last one Circuit City had and I got a pretty good deal. Anyone want to buy a Pentax ISDL?
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Oh god...I've made you spend money  Glad you like it. I'm happy with mine  Mark |