Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

I decided to upgrade from my Sony Cybershot digital camera to an SLR.

I purchased a digital photography book and intend to read it cover to cover and really get a basic handle on photography.
I'm looking for something that will be easy to learn all the features but also one that will allow me to do evertything I may want to do.

People have been saying the Nikon D80 or Cannon Xsi are good entry-level SLR cameras. I'm still a little partial to Sony.

What do you photography buffs reccomend?

I'd like to keep it below $1000, but could justify going over if it will really make a big difference.

Thanks in advance for any/all help.

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

Hey Patrick. I'm sure you are going to get a lot of votes for Nikon and Canon.
But i have always been partial to Sony myself. So I stuck to my guns and got a Sony Alpha 300 with a Sony Alpha zoom lens. I love this set-up


http://www.fototime.com/754CD8D739AED4D/standard.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/F0E10FE949A503C/standard.jpg

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

There are plenty of great slr's out there. I used to shoot Nikon, but now I shoot Canon. I do alot of High ISO low light and IMO Canon has less noise. But both are GREAT cameras!

I shoot freelance for some pros...and they ALL tell me the same thing..NEVER buy new equipment...your probably going to end up upgrading soon enough so dont buy new.

You probably want to stay with Nikon or Canon. Reason being...its not the camera that makes great pics...its the GLASS! (and the photog but good glass with make an average photog look great) And Canon and Nikon have tons of lens out there, it will be easier to find used lens and there are just more options.

On that note, I suggest the Nikon D40, or the Canon 40D.

also check out kenrockwell.com

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/recommended-cameras.htm

That guy is awesome!

Another place to find good stuff is fredmirand.com in the buy & sell forum.

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

Canon would be better for zoom, Nikon for macro. I use Canons myself. You can get a good Canon 20D on Ebay that will let you do most anything you want and it will be fairly inexpensive for a prosumer SLR. Unless you are going to make posters or crop the heck out of your pictures, the megapixels will be fine. And you'll have a great number of lenses to choose from depending on what you want to do. Good luck to you, let me know if I can help. www.fredmiranda.com has some very good reviews.

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

First, what are your intentions with the camera? That will help to suggest a camera. If you're going pro then I'd suggest something like a D300, but if it's just for pics of the kids, then a D40 is plenty of camera. So, let's start with that...

I shoot Nikon after switching from Canon, but both are great and will do what's necessary.

I will suggest a book though: Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. It's a great learning resource.

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

Patrick,
I have the Nikon D80 and love it.
I primarily use one lens (28mm to 105mm).
For flash, I use the SB800 with a Gary Fong diffuser (about $50 and well worth it).

I strongly recommend you look at the new D90.
It incorporates all the features of the D80, with yet more megapixels and in addition, it adds HD video. How neat is that?

There are a whole lot of fans of the Canons. I considered one prior to my D80 but for the money, a got a better bang out of the Nikon, specially with the better lens that I got. There are some great ones to be had there too. I have owned them all in my life. From Canons, to Nikons to Mamiya, to Hasselblad. The key is not the brand but instead, the quality of the lens. That should be your first consideration.

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

also you can do side by side reviews of the cameras your looking at here

dpreview.com

here is a direct link to the side by side review section

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sidebyside.asp

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

Great link. That guy makes an excellent case for the D40...definately has me leaning that way! Thanks.

Not going pro, just want to take great shots of everything... black and white also!

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

Nikon or Canon - can't go wrong with either one. I'm partial to (and own) Canon myself in the SLR's but buy the Nikons in the point and shoot.

I'd also recommend the Canon XS - just bought that for my daughter as her entry level. It has everything that you would need to get up and running and to learn on. The kit can be had for under $600 bucks (check Circuit City) and that leaves you money to pick up another lens - maybe a 75/300mm - giving you two lens, and a case for it all.
There is a Canon starter kit for the XSi/XS that will give you a case, UV filter and extra battery for about $100.

But again - you can't go wrong with either the Nikon or Canon. And I would say also that when it's time to upgrade you wont have any problems moving Nikon or Canon equipment since they are the mainstreams. There is no sense in spending any more money than needed to learn on and make sure that's what you want - but you also want to be able to sell or trade equipment later on - and I can't say that there would be a ton of buyers lining up for Sony, etc used equipment.


Ron

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

I hav looked at the D90. Someone at the camera place I went to said they are not going to make the D80 anymore. Its really nice but may be more than I need. Hopefully I don't pass on it and then regret it. I like the HD video idea, but I have a Sony HD camcorder.

Another great link. Thanks.

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

Patrick,
The great thing about digital and a good flash set up is that you can put a photographer out of business.
I could set up a full blown studio with a background and multiple lighting to create a Rembrandt effect but instead, with a good flash, with a Gary Fong diffuser and the light aimed upwards, here is what you can get.
I can make this shot better many ways but why bother? It was a simple point and shoot, totally automatic.

Again, my point is go for the lens quality and make sure you get the best, strongest flash made for that camera and use a good diffuser with bounced lighting (always), all on automatic.
You will soon be a pro.

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s...o/CSC_0213.jpg

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

If you're just looking for an all-around camera, then I'd just buy the Nikon D40 and put the rest of the money in some good lenses.

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

Yeah, but you can put it away and use only one item for all things.

BTW,
Screw this camera stuff.
Wife needs info.
What is my step-niece wearing size wise?

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

Telephone call incoming. Tell Clara not to bother. Alana was very well taken care of yesterday!

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

This is what use and it's perfect.

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

No doubt about the D40.
However, with the drop in prices lately, I would go for the 80.
Side by side, big differences.
The 80 also offers an included protective cover for the screen that comes in very handy. That is not available with the 40 and can haunt you if careless in handling.
The 80 also offers a greater array of options and is closer to a professional model.
The way I look at it is that if you have the tendency to get anal about things and learn as much as you can, go bigger. If you are not looking for that, the D40 is an incredible camera and a great buy.

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

Patrick,
I haven't laughed so hard as when just talking to the guy that answers the phone at the number you left me.

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

I left a number there too :r

no matter what camera I use the pics look crappy:bh

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

I have the Nikon D40X and it is a pleasure to shoot with. Interface is very easy, and you can take pictures like this one.

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...0/DSC_0053.jpg
This is from my tank at home Taken with the D40x no flash.

Happy hunting

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

Shot with the Alpha 300 and 250 zoom.


http://www.fototime.com/3528FC93B110114/orig.jpg

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

I'm looking into buying a dSLR camera also. I want the d90, but its way too much camera for me. I'm coming from the Nikon Coolpix S1. Looking into the d40 also.

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

Circuit City has the Nikon D40 for $450 with lens kit and the D60 for $560 with lens kit. Good prices -



Ron

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

So apparently some people like the D40 better then the D60. Pixels don't matter? Unless you're printing ginourmous pictures. I'm still reading, but leaning towards the D40.

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

:hm

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

You can print great 20X30 posters with 6MP, right now the MP wars are just sales pitches (and mine is bigger than yours arguments) Most professional print labs can enlarge your prints and make them look great. For someone who is just getting into SLR's the D40 or Canon's 30D are great cameras, and you can get them for dirt cheap.

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

how big is your thumb?

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

While megapixels do matter if you are going large with prints, for the average 8X10, it will take quarter dissections of the photo, amplified to a new 8X10 to actually see differences if compared side by side with one another (meaning a quarter section blow up and compared to another photo taken with a camera with different megapixels).
Otherwise, to the naked eye, I agree a six megapixel is comparable to a 10.
However, if you expand to large posters or blow up the picture in a zoom fashion when editing, there will be a noticeable difference.

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

didn't know saint luis rey made camera's? :hm

:r

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

you dolt

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

I worked for a while doing sports photography for a university, which is some of the most rapidly changing movement intensive type to do (so I'm told).


We used a Canon Rebel Xt (DSLR) for everything, which took amazing pictures and was a real gem to work with. The only downside was the weight with a 300mm wide angle zoom lens cause it to be rather bulky, but the camera itself with stock lens was a treat to use.


I think now the Xt has been replaced by the XSi.

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

Buy a used 30D, 40D something like that.

The D40's and lower end Nikons are GREAT cameras BUT you can't use some of the classic amazing glass that Nikon made since there is no focus motor in the D40, you have to use the newer AFS lenses with the motors in them. Which means no 50mm 1.8 or 1.4, 85mm 1.8 or 1.4 or any of their great primes.

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

I speak your language and know exactly what you are talking about.
However, for Patrick, this is what that information sounds like:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Abz9JPfH3TA

:r:r:r

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

hahahahaha

Yeah that's true and that is what bothers me about Nikon's marketing of these cameras. If you want to grow in your photography you HAVE to upgrade because you can't upgrade your lenses.

Some of the BEST Nikon lenses do not have focus motors in them but they try to sell a consumer camera to everybody expecting them to ONLY use consumer cheap lenses.

Buy a Canon 20D, 30D or 40D for $400-500 and then I can tell you what lenses to buy for another $500-700 and you will have a GREAT setup. :)

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

If it wasn't because of the cost associated with it (120 or 220 film) and how limited labs have become, to me, nothing beats my Hasselblad 500CM with my Carl Zeiss lenses. No automation. All manual but if good enough to go to the moon, darn good enough for me. Too bad it is all just sitting in camera cases collecting dust. To that, add my Mamiya C330's (three of them) and a number of other medium format cameras. I don't even want to get into the Lumedyne conversation as I will cry over how much is stored away.

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

Oh now you are talking camera ****!!!!! (oops P O R N is edited) heheeh

That Hassy is a thing of beauty.....LOVE it!!!

I've always wanted to pick up a C330 just to play with, I still shoot with 120 in my Holga and will never give it up. Dust those off and have some fun. :)

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

Patrick is a friend so let's continue the threadjack for "learning purposes".:r

I used the C330's for candids mostly and used my Hasselblad for portraits. I swear that camera shows absolutely no wear as I was so anal with it. The C3330's show wear but still in very good condition overall. Even though they had a twin lens, it was a great feature as I could shoot low speeds like 1/15 handheld, with no shutter movement and capture awesome available light. In my days, I could even do 1/8 handheld as long as objects weren't in motion.
I have been often tempted to pull them out and use them again but why bother with the film costs with digital being so easy to use? I might be tempted in the future to use them again for portraits of my grandson. I just need to get a new portrait background and been thinking of getting Alien Bees to update all my lighting. I would hate to buy new battery packs for all my Lumedynes. I still have all my lightboxes and umbrellas well maintained, as if new.

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

Oh good stuff!!!!

Alien Bee's are amazing. I've got a few and a ring light from them too. Great stuff for the money.

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

hello

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

Canon 20Ds can be had for pretty cheap now n days and are a very good camera. Even a rebel with a nice lens should do fine. I'm partial to canon tho! :)

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

I have the Canon Xsi and love it. Reading a few introductory books before buying is a great thing to do. Your initial decision on which brand to start with is important as it means investing in that manufacturer's lenses, flashes and accessories. These things cannot be used on other manufacturer's equipment, with a few limited exceptions. If you decide later to switch from Canon to Nikon or vice versa you are pretty much starting over. This isn't necessarily all bad, since the good gear that Canon and Nikon make resells well, but can be a big hassle if you have become accustomed to a certain manufacturer. I've heard some say it is like switching from a PC to Mac. And of course, in this case, Canon is the Mac. :D

I don't know how Nikon works exactly but make sure whatever camera you get can use all the lens that that manufacturer makes. If it won't accept them all then you are limited in the future. In the case of the Canon Xsi, it is not a "full frame" camera in that the sensor is not a 35mm sensor (it is smaller). Special lens were introduced for this camera called EF-S, versus the EF lenses for full frame cameras. So, as long as I buy EF lenses I'll be able to use them now, on my Xsi, and on any future camera I may buy. Some manufacturers don't allow their lower end SLR's to use the same lenses as the higher end SLR's, this limits upgradability.

For a better explanation of this see this link: http://photonotes.org/articles/begin...enses.html#efs

Happy Shopping! Now is a good time to buy, I've seen a number of good deals on cameras amongst all the post-Christmas sales.

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

I bought a Nikon D60 for my wife a few months ago. She wanted to upgrade from her point and shoot camera. I did some research online and was going to buy her the Nikon D40 but they were OOS in my area at that time. I also picked up a 55x200 vr zoom lens to go with it as well as an external flash. I think it's a pretty good entry level camera for the price that also has some nice features built into the camera itself. I went this route because she is just getting into photography and has enrolled in a night photography class at a local college. A few years down the road if she gets continues to enjoy photography and gets a better understanding of all that goes with it I will probably look at higher end cameras. For now...I'm happy with the purchase. The D60 takes great photos. I'm sure any DSLR camera you go with will take great pictures wether it be Nikon, Canon, Sony, etc.

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

:mad: now that is just nasty...

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

how do you feel about jackass?:r

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

Thanks for all of the great info...please keep it coming. I'm learning a great deal.

Also, if anyone else is following this thread to buy a new camera, buy from a reputable vendor!! If it's too good to be true, it usually isn't!! I'm finding out there are many shady online camera sales websites that are all affililiated with each other and are scam artists. BEWARE!

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

:r:r:r

........................................I told you so? :r

What is sad for all reading to also know is that I think I can safely say what Patrick just stated can apply to approximately 90% of these vendors.
Do your research on them before you buy.
Check online for complaints against the vendor and reasons for them.
Bait and switch, grey market products with no US warranties, short on items ordered when received, wrong items sent......on and on, all part of their games.

There is one place and only one place for me when I was a professional photographer and even now in my long retired days........B&H in NYC, that says it all in photography for price, selection, reputation.

The other place that was a favorite of mine mostly because of their ability to customize anything for me was Armato Photo in Long Island. However, Armato was always pricier but completely reputable and man can they build anything custom or repair your equipment. Anyone ever need camera equipment repairs, send them to Tony.

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

A lot of people get all up in arms about grey market. It is the exact same product, made in the same factory, the only difference is in the warrenty. Its just about how it is distributed. There is nothing "grey" about grey market lens or cameras. Its not like they are knockoffs.

Most retailers who sell grey market lens will include a warrenty that equals Canon's manufacturer warrenty (usually the warrenty is provided through Mack).

Another thing, if your purchasing used then it doesnt matter because Canon's warrenty is non-transferable.

I purchase most of my stuff used, and the new stuff I buy here http://www.adorama.com/

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

sounds like you run the scam

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

Plenty of great deals to be had on used equipment.
I have always gone new because in the photography business I was in, I needed reliability and a warranty to address any issues.
Some of my friends bought used stuff that worked very well for them and likewise, some stuff broke down sooner than would be expected as it already had ample wear. That is the risk they took for the discounted price.

However, on the grey market conversation? I would stay totally away from it. While you are right in what you state, if I spend thousands of dollars on a Hasselblad as an example, I want a warranty I can rely on. You are correct that the only difference between the two is the warranty but boy, that is a major difference.

When I bought my D80 over a year and a half ago, the $1600 I spent on my package was significant enough money for me to want to be able to address repairs in my country, directly with a reputable manufacturer as Nikon and not some third party.

Many folks buy grey market stuff of all kinds. Take the Mercedes Benz fad in the 80's as an example and many of them lived to regret it. The savings just doesn't justify it. With camera equipment, you are usually talking small amounts in cost difference. It is not like you can buy a D80 US for $800 now and buy a grey market for $400. The diffence is less. I say to save small amounts of money like that, just don't buy that large. Buy a cheaper camera that you can afford but with a US warranty.

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

Nope I am not in sales.

Re: Looking for a SLR camera - any suggestions?
 

This is true, I just wasnt sure if he was looking used or new. If used, grey market and us model are identical. There was a time when the grey market stuff was quite a bit cheaper. But these days you can usually get the us model from places like adorama for cheaper than the grey market.

I just wanted to make sure he was informed about what grey market is, people hear grey market and think of black market...they are no where near the same thing.