Help me buy a DSLR!

[spayne]

Okay, so if you've read my "angry" thread, you know I'm in the market for a new camera. Photography is my other obesession. I want to step up to digital SLR. The Sony H1 was a good in between camera for P&S to DSLR... and it served me well. (sad)

CCR recommended the Canon Rebel... which I was considering. I'm also thinking about the Nikon D50 or possibly D70. What other camera bodies do you guys recommend or prefer?

Also, what lenses should I be getting? Shoot, I wasn't ready to go DSLR yet so I have my research cut out for me! I know I need a general purpose lens, a macro lens and eventually one for distance. And flash... that's not built in either!

So throw me some suggestions as I'm busily researching. I'm going down to Best Buy and looking at cameras, just for preliminary research. Not buying today! Gotta wait for my money from Jay's nasty store. I really do hope they come through and reimburse me/Jay for the theft.

[CCR]

AGAIN THE CANON you can shot your corals on sport mode and don't need the flash, anyway we could get any we wanted. The color reproduction and detail is trully amaizing> we take it to sports games, and the pets, grandkids ect. Shop for a kit, Costco had them, then if you don't like it. No hassle return!!!!! oUr daughter has the same one, Good Luck, and happy shopping!!!

[Nyles]

I got it.... you can come over and take pics of my tank.... Since I can't get a good pic, I'm holding your Blue Ora Millipora hostage... here is a pic of him (I edited out the bandit with the black mask for my safety (scratch)). Your zoo's are just below. LOL, See you guys tomorrow.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n184/nyleswright/Reef%20Tank/tank8-19-06004.jpg

[CCR]

pic from 2002?????

[Nyles]

Ya Ya, everytime I turn it off it resets, so I gave up on the date changing, Its a pile of crap camera! Spayne is coming over to take pics... lol. The pic was from today.

[sknoch78]

My vote would be for the Canon Rebel XT. I wnet back and forth over Canon and Nikon. I am very pleased with my Canon.

Shawn

[andy]

I'm a Nikon fan from way back, so I'm slightly biased and think you should get one :-)

Either the new Canon Rebel or a Nikon D50/70 would be a good choice, each have different strengths and weaknesses. If you can afford to spend a *bit* more, you really should check out the new Nikon D80. It looks like a great successor to the D70.

In general, Canon's are viewed as having slightly better autofocus than Nikons, and Nikons definitely have a better speedlight system. The Canon sensor is a bit less noisy at ultra-high ISO settings, while Nikons feel sturdier. One could go back and forth like this for hours ;)

I'd spend some time playing with whatever models interest you; visit a reputable camera shop (Pro Photo Supply (http://www.prophotosupply.com/) in Portland is a great shop) and just chat with a salesperson. You might even consider renting a couple of different cams for a day or so. Really, any 'quality' difference between similarly featured high-end cameras is likely to be overshadowed by differences in how each model fits in your hand, or which interface you prefer, or just which 'feels' better.

As far as lenses go, I'd suggest buying the 'kit' lens that comes with the body -- they're usually something like 35-80mm zooms. On the Nikon side, the kit lens for the D70 was actually surprisingly good considering the price. I can't comment on the Canon equivalent. This is the lens I use the most, for casual shooting, for portraits and for aquarium shots. If you're serious about macro photography, you might consider a prime (non-zoom) macro lens in the 100mm range. A telephoto zoom can be useful, but I don't use my 100-300mm zoom very much at all. You can't go wrong by picking up a fast 50mm prime (like a f/1.8) -- they're super useful, and pretty cheap (around $100).

An external speedlight is very useful for portraits, events and casual candids. I haven't found them to be much use in aquarium photography, they blow out the subject and flatten the image. Figure a couple hundred bucks for a decent speedlight.

Feh, I could babble on for hours about this DOH! Have fun, take your time, and *never* buy sight-unseen. It doesn't matter how highly rated a camera is at some internet photo site if it is too heavy or the shutter release is in the wrong position for you hand.

EDIT: Oh yeah, forgot to mention... Be sure you budget for a good quality tripod and head if you want to get the best aquarium shots you can. A good tripod is a pleasure to use, and a cheap one will just sit in the closet.

[H20cooled]

I vote for the Canon also, I have the Canon 20D and it be far one of the best cameras I have ever used.

Oh and for a cheap and good tripod, check out eBay. I picked a pro style one for a lot cheaper then I could find them anywhere else.

[spayne]

Thanks for all the great advice! You guys rock! And Andy... I was eyeballing the Nikon D80, but I'm not sure if I can convince Jay to get me one (like he doesn't have an expensive hobby himself! (laugh) ). Unless I can guilt him into it for getting my camera stolen. It's going to drive me crazy not having a camera... and my Nikon CoolPix 2100 just isn't going to cut the mustard for me. There certainly is a lot of buzz circulating about the D80!

I went to Circuit City and Best Buy and handled the Nikon and the Canon. The Nikon has a pretty bulky handgrip for my hands... but it fits Jay really well. Course, he's not the shutterbug in the family either so his opinion doesn't count! The Canon fit nicely. I have a rough time deciding as that little Nikon P&S that I have took some really awesome pics for what it was. Then I handled a Sony and got sad... but I think I definitely want to stick with either Nikon or Canon.

I will definitely look into renting one... and playing with Nyles' Canon when I come over. And by the way, my zoas look AWESOME!!! I am so excited!

[Nyles]

Just get this already!

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A0533285

[spayne]

Just get this already!

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A0533285
Jay... it's only $85 a month... I'll never ask for another thing ever! (flower)

[andy]

Heh. $85 a month... forever! Bwahahaha (devil)

[spayne]

Heh. $85 a month... forever! Bwahahaha (devil)
Shhhhh!!! ;)

[Nyles]

Actually I have a cupon for 25% off... LOL

[spayne]

There's a new option! Canon is updating the Rebel XT to the XTi. Just announced today, although I've heard rumors about it. So now I'm down to:

Nikon D80
Canon Rebel XTi
Sony A100

The specs all look pretty comporable between all of them. I have a soft spot for Sony since that's what I had. They also bought out Konica Minolta, so it's kind of a Minolta which is cool. I held it and it fits my hands nicely. But what really matters is the picture taking ability.

The Nikon... I haven't gotten ahold of a D80 to hold yet. Have handled a D70s though. Bit big, but I'm after the quality of the camera. The one thing that worries me about Nikon is it apparently doesn't come bundled with a RAW editting program. It's just a tester.

The Canon XT seems a bit... flimsy for lack of better words. The XTi doesn't come out until next month though, so that model might be a bit different.

So that's how the search stands now. ;)

[andy]

Looks like you're doing your research :) The lack of included software with the Nikon *IS* really annoying. However, most users end up using some other tool than the one included with their camera anyways so I dunno how big a deal this really is. It sure is annoying though.

I'm anti-Sony nowadays, given the absolute-crap quality of the last DVD player and VCR I bought from them. That, and their proprietary memory cards :(

[spayne]

I am a research fiend! That's why I so love the internet! I've been lurking in several photography forums as well, seeing how users like their cameras. Course, no one has the D80 or XTi yet... so I guess my camera purchase won't be happening in the immediate future. Jay still hasn't gotten the reimbursement for the stolen camera yet either.

Sorry you had a rough go with Sony products, Andy! I've always had good luck with them, but that doesn't mean diddly! I loved the H1 although I was a bit peeved that they came out with the H2 within a few months with the Carl Zeiss lens. Also, amusingly, the D80 uses a Sony CCD. (laugh)

Can't wait for the D80 and XTi to be released so I can see how people like them!

[Nyles]

Comp usa has 25% off the rebel right now. that makes it 599 till sept 2nd

http://www.compusa.com/specials/promos/fandf/default.asp?cm_ven=chth_em&cm_cat=em_082706&cm_pla=cusa_cc&cm_ite=nfl&cm_cmem=

[rmhuntley]

Go w/ the D80. I"m a nikon man myself.

[CCCP]

Well i'll tell you this if you want to wait till the end of the year the new Nikon D80 comming out, body that you can buy will be priced at 999$ ,----darn a good deal.and another new DLSR comming out at the beggining of the next year Olympus and Panasonic Conpanies Making a new model Same price
But what ever camera you will chose make sure it has planty of ISO.You also get lower visual noise, which is great when shooting in low light situations or when you set the ISO to the upper end of its range. Some DSLRs can shoot at an ISO of up to 6400, which gives you phenomenal performance for high-speed action or very low light.

[CCCP]

ISO speed is the sensitivity of your film or digital to light. The higher the ISO, the more sensitive to light it is, allowing you to use faster shutter speeds or to shoot in bad light.

But higher ISO speeds reduce quality, so it's a good idea to use lower ISO whenever you can.

[JManrow]

Jay... it's only $85 a month... I'll never ask for another thing ever! (flower)

Hey Jay! If you print this, and get Stacy to sign it, buy her the camera... it will save you money in the long-run! lol:D

[CCCP]

Good one ! :P\

[Chief]

Every day I'm a little poorer. (sad)

(wife) (wife) (wife) (wife) (wife)

But every day that my wife is happy is a good day. (clap)

I may never have to buy her a camera, she can't decide on one.

Jay

[CCCP]

THink chief think who did you borowed money ????? us long us someone owe's u your never broke!!

[spayne]

But every day that my wife is happy is a good day. (clap)

I may never have to buy her a camera, she can't decide on one.
Aw! That's just the sweetest thing ever! :o

He's right... I can't decide on a camera. Nikon seems to have the lowest noise of most cameras, Canon has this huge fanbase that loves the Rebel... even the Olympus Evolt 500 has some nice aspects to it. And of course, my last camera was a Sony which I ADORED which makes the a100 a serious contender.

I didn't know Olympus and Panasonic were coming out with new models next year. But man... I don't know if I can hold out for that long. I'm seriously aching for a camera! It literally pains me not to have a camera!

Thanks for all the info CCCP! Feel free to enlighten me more about the wonderful world of digital SLRs! Sometimes I get a little overwhelmed and want to say "to heck with it!"... especially when it comes to figuring out lenses.

And don't worry, my beloved husband. You will be dropping a serious chunk of change in the near future. I just want to make absolutely sure I'm making the right choice! (scary)

I don't think I can go wrong with Nikon or Canon. Olympus does have a nice thing going giving you two kit lenses. Seems like it's 14mm to 150mm. But one thing I have learned, it's all about the glass. Crap lens, incredible camera... crap pictures. (laugh)

[andy]

If you are serious about a DSLR, I'd suggest sticking with either Nikon or Canon. There is going to be a shakeup in the industry, and some familiar names are going to end up going away. Nikon and Canon won't be on that list; just about all the others are possibilities.

If you are still thinking about a point-and-shoot (even a high-end one), you have a bit more latitude since you aren't buying into a given manufacturer's lens system.

If you are still researching, Thom Hogan's site (http://www.bythom.com) is a good place fro Nikon info. http://www.bythom.com/d80comment.htm is particularly interesting if you're considering the D80. Rob Galbraith (http://www.robgalbraith.com) gives a good rundown on the new Rebel (http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/multi_page.asp?cid=7-7897-8492) here.

Decisions, decisions eh? :-)

[spayne]

If you are serious about a DSLR, I'd suggest sticking with either Nikon or Canon.
Then that narrows it right down. Either the Nikon D80 or the Rebel XTi! Maybe I should do a friendly game of rock paper scissors with Jay! (laugh)

[andy]

DPReview has a Canon XTi400 preview up (http://www.dpreview.com/articles/canoneos400d/). Since it is just a preview, it doesn't have any subjective info... that'll come later in the full review. Still an interesting read, though.

Damn it Stacy, buy a camera quick -- it's a matter of life and death! All this discussion about new cameras has me starting to think it's time to upgrade, and my wife'll kill me!

[spayne]

Damn it Stacy, buy a camera quick -- it's a matter of life and death! All this discussion about new cameras has me starting to think it's time to upgrade, and my wife'll kill me!
But I can't decide! I'm takin' you down with me! rofl

[CCCP]

well if you are trying to decide between nikon and Canon i would take nikon any day, they got more lenses to choose from, more accesories and the new D80 should be something that everyone was waiting for :D. But again, it's all about what lens youll get, the better the lens the better the color............ blah blah blah of the picture. About olympus with 2 lenses that they are selling right now, well the thing is the lenses they are selling with the camera are the cheepest from the olympus brands. believe me i have olympus e-300 lenses that came with the camera will do the job, but not somethign u want. so be preperd to get yourself something else. I did i got myself a 50mm macro lens and 18-200mm zoom lens and the difference in color and sharpness is undesc. Once again it's all about lenses.

[andy]

Well for what it's worth, I know of one 2.5 year-old Nikon D70 that has very recently stopped working.(sad) The owner is relieved he didn't spring for a new macro lens.

Edit: Class problem. (http://support.nikontech.com/cgi-bin/nikonusa.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=13688&p_created=1127751253&p_sid=-efBW8hi&p_accessibility=0&p_lva=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPSZwX3NvcnRfYnk9JnBfZ3JpZHNvcnQ9JnBfc m93X2NudD0yMjYmcF9wcm9kcz0xOSw1NiZwX2NhdHM9fmFueX4 mcF9wdj0yLjU2JnBfY3Y9MS5_YW55fiZwX3NlYXJjaF90eXBlP WFuc3dlcnMuc2VhcmNoX25sJnBfcGFnZT0x&p_li=&p_topview=1) Free repair. Owner is now happier than he was a bit ago.

[spayne]

Well for what it's worth, I know of one 2.5 year-old Nikon D70 that has very recently stopped working.(sad)
No!!! I'm glad it's a free repair though! So how long are you going to end up going without a camera? (scary)

I think I've decided on the Canon Rebel XTi. Mostly decided because of price, although the XTi fits my hands a bit better. I had Jay handle both the D80 and the XTi and he liked the Canon better as well. Course, the price tag could very well have been a factor in it for him! (laugh)

I think I'm just going to get a body and forgo the kit lens. I want to get better quality glass. I've been doing my research on f/stops and such, so I think I'm getting a grasp of lenses and all those weird symbols! DOH!

[spayne]

I did it. I bought the Canon Rebel XTi... course, they'll call when it comes in. It was out of stock. I ended up getting the kit lens because I just got so overwhelmed with the decision of what lens to purchase in its place!

So now I just need to get a CF card, because I don't think the old 64 mb one in my Coolpix 2500 is going to work. (laugh) And of course I need to get a macro lens (looking at the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM) and some of those close up lenses to go along with it so I can magnify even more. And I still need to get a zoom lens. I didn't realize how costly image stabilized lenses cost! :eek:

As soon as I get my new camera... and get it figured out, I'll post up some pics! (clap)

[andy]

Congratulations! It sounds like you made a good decision, I'm sure you'll be really happy with the Canon. Buying the kit lens was a good idea too, it'll be fine for general photography.

After that macro lens: a tripod, a head, a full-sized camera bag for your whole kit, a smaller bag for everyday use, a travel bag, a speedlight, a copy of Photoshop, a few Photoshop plug-ins, a long zoom, a macro ringlight, a spare camera body (just in case!), an underwater housing (for those *extreme* closeups (laugh)), a flash meter, a colorimeter for calibrating your monitor, a color printer, etc etc. And you thought aquaria are an expensive hobby (devil) ;)

[spayne]

Guess what Jay brought home today... my Sony DSC-H1. Apparently the golf course had another golf tournament today and the camera was mysteriously left there. All of Jay's pics he took were still on there and a couple of new ones of the perpetrator's garage. Crappy pics, by the way... apparently he had the shakes.

So it's cool to have it back... but now I feel a little bad about getting the new camera. Well, okay. The guilt for buying the new precious passed! (whistle)

Jay might have someone to sell it to at the store anyhow... the Sony, not my precious! Now I just need a faster computer. Doing preliminary adjustments to the RAW files in the Canon program then tranferring it (and converting to TIFF) to Photoshop takes a ong time! I have to say, I love shooting RAW and being able to adjust the white balance after taking the pic. That is just awesome! (clap)

[Nyles]

Weird.... Maybe Jay wanted a new camera? LOL....

I will take the old one! LOL

[powdertang05]

what i dont get it you left the camera and someone had the camera took pic then returned it back to the golf tournement?

[spayne]

what i dont get it you left the camera and someone had the camera took pic then returned it back to the golf tournement?
I don't get it either. They stole the camera at the last golf tournament along with all the raffle prizes set aside for the golf course sponsoring the Ray's tournament. Apparently the golf course had another tournament today and the camera just "showed up" in the pro shop. Jay said it was someone from the Kiwanis (Ray's and the Kiwanis put on the golf tournament to help the schools together) and told Jay that the camera turned up.

It all sounds fishy to me. I'm more inclined to think it was an employee of any of the three establishments. But hey, I got it back... and I was really surprised to see it again!

[powdertang05]

is their any pic of the person that stole it? or just his snakes???

[mister crabs]

probably a golf course employee like a caddy or something....maybe a greens maintenance.....he probably got it home and realized it wasnt a new prize for the raffle and felt guilty and brought it back.....very strange though!

[Michael7979]

Sell it to help pay for the new camera or new frags! Glad you got it back though.

[Reefin']

Now I just need a faster computer.



maybe loan your computer to jay .....lol

[spayne]

maybe loan your computer to jay .....lol
Brilliant idea! rofl

I probably will end up selling the Sony. I want to get a 70-300mm zoom lens because I like nature photography. I definitely need a good zoom lens for that! Just gotta talk to Jay about the price to sell the old one for.

[Nyles]

Now they could have at least been a little creative and put on a mask and took a picture....
Someone stole something of mine in the office and I got a randsom note the next day (saying my wife has to bake cookies) with a pic of the perp with his head covered and holding a gun to the stolen object.... People I swear.. LOL

[acrylics]

Has the Canon come in yet?
I've been considering one myself. My "old" SLR is a Canon and have already invested "a bit" of $$ in lenses and I'm pleased with Canon but would like to hear first hand accounts if'n ya don't mind :)
James

[spayne]

Has the Canon come in yet?
I've been considering one myself. My "old" SLR is a Canon and have already invested "a bit" of $$ in lenses and I'm pleased with Canon but would like to hear first hand accounts if'n ya don't mind :)
James
I'm really pleased with the camera. Haven't had any problems with it. Battery life is excellent, takes great pics (though I really need a better quality lens than the kit lens), and I absolutely love the option of shooting RAW! I don't regret the purchase one bit. But remember, I'm jumping from prosumer to DSLR, so I'm pretty easily impressed! (laugh)

Can't wait for Andy to have his photography workshop so I can learn a bit more about the manual settings though! ;)

[acrylics]

Thanks for the quick review, I'll have to go check them out.

James

[reefhut]

Can I come to the photography worhshop? When is it? OH BTW congrates on your new camera. Sounds like a nice piece.

How deep would the ocean be with out sponges?


I'm really pleased with the camera. Haven't had any problems with it. Battery life is excellent, takes great pics (though I really need a better quality lens than the kit lens), and I absolutely love the option of shooting RAW! I don't regret the purchase one bit. But remember, I'm jumping from prosumer to DSLR, so I'm pretty easily impressed! (laugh)

Can't wait for Andy to have his photography workshop so I can learn a bit more about the manual settings though! ;)

[spayne]

How deep would the ocean be with out sponges?
rofl

Nice line! Yeah, I'm with you... I can't wait for Andy's photography workshop. Hopefully he'll give us the who/what/when/why and hows here pretty soon! :D

[blown65]

Brilliant idea! rofl

I probably will end up selling the Sony. I want to get a 70-300mm zoom lens because I like nature photography. I definitely need a good zoom lens for that! Just gotta talk to Jay about the price to sell the old one for.

Good luck with the camera. I just returned my XT and have the XTI on order. Should be here soon. :)

I have a 75-300 IS lens that I'm thinking of parting with and getting a Sigma 50-500 lens. Anyhow have fun.

[spayne]

Anyhow have fun.
Oh, I'm having fun! Course mostly right now I'm researching my lenses and squirreling away money for it. And drooling at the L lenses because I know they're awesome based on reviews, but there's no chance I'm going to pony up the big bucks to get one. Although there is an L lens that is actually feasible, but it doesn't have IS... and I have shaky hands.

[blown65]

Ya IS is nice. I'm not sure if I'm going to do the 50-500 or get the 100-400 and get IS that way. I sure like it on the 75-300 though.

[spayne]

I sure like it on the 75-300 though.
That's good to know since that's the range I'm looking into. IS is a must have for me.