Digital SLR Question
- Started
- Last post
- 40 Responses
- Gucci
I figure a lot of you guys would know - so here goes:
I'm looking to buy my first SLR and was hoping for something in th $500(ish) range. I was told the Nikon D40 was the way to go.
What do you guys use and/or recommend.
Thanks in advance.
- Jaline0
I am also buying one within the next month in that price range (or a bit higher).
- jonatne0
I had a good time with my Sony Alpha 100
- pylon0
I'm guessing that you've got no glass from a *film* SLR? In that case it just comes down to price vs feature-set for y'all.
I've got Sony's, which I'm happy with but that's because I had Minolta glass from film-days.
I'd personally go with Canon, Sony, Nikon in no particular order. If you're thinking about buying lots of lenses have a look at the offerings by each manufacturer — that may help inform your decision as you'll be committing not only to the camera body but also a lens system...
- I also own 'glass' from Minolta 35mm film days. Which manufacturers did you find that accept those lenses?ghandolf
- Is it just Sony digitals that accept them? (Minolta 201 & 5 lenses)ghandolf
- 201 is manal focus right?
Will need an adapter AFAIKpylon - Yes, it's manual focus. This says, 'NO' - http://answers.yahoo…
Hmmm....ghandolf
- Jnr_Madison0
SLR's must be a lot cheaper in the US.
- the British often have the highest prices for cameras in the worldsikma
- readyok0
You can actually buy a Canon 20d body for around that price these days. If I were you, I would save some cash and buy the Canon 5d. It is more expensive, but in the long run, it will serve you better. Canon is really excellent as far as the lens range. There are so many lenses for the Canon, and usually the Canon brand lenses have a wide range of price. They make a cheapo 50mm lens for like $70 that is just great. It is a great lens to start with. Then you can move on to bigger and better. One thing with the cheaper SLR cameras is they arent full frame. Meaning, when you have a 50mm lens, it is really like a 70mm or something like that. I would recommend Canon any day of the week.
- d_rek0
I have a Digital Rebel XT and love it to pieces. The body works with just about any canon lens too(I go between the packaged zoom and a macro). Tons of features for amatuers and pros alike. I know they have a Digital Rebel XTi out now too which has a higher megapixel (8.2 vs 10.0) i believe) and a few more features than the XT.
You can check out some of the stuff i've shot with my drebel XT on my flickr:
http://flickr.com/photos/1391804…
- readyok0
What are you going to use the camera for? Someone mentioned running around with it? Are you going to be doing a lot of photography for work or is it just for taking nice shots at your friends bbq or something. If it is the latter, I recommend getting the Digital Rebel. It is a great camera for that kind of thing. It also allows the ability to switch lenses and all. I will say it again, the range of lenses you have with the Canon mount is superior (imho) to any other range.
- Meeklo0
I'd go for the rebel as well.
- lumedia0
Any of the Digi Rebels are amazing for the price. I have the XTI for a couple of years now and dont have one bad thing to say about it.
Dont get a sony.
I have just had bad experience with them, plus why would you buy a camera from a general electronics company when you can get real quality for a similar price.
- Sony is an amazing brand, but if you must buy a camera from them, get a point n shoot, stick with a camera brand for slrMeeklo
- Gucci0
Thanks for the tips, readyok. i'll be using it for work, but also just because.
- senseg0
get a little more money and buy 40d. its worth it.
- jaylarson0
Anything under 1k, get a canon.
- canuck0
I have an xt. My advice would be to save up for something a little better. I would imagine the xsti is somewhat similar. The body construction on them suck. Also the stock lens that comes with the camera isn't all that fantastic either. Maybe they have improved over last couple of years though.
- Really depends on what you're using it for - I'm an amatuer so the stock lens works great for most occasionsd_rek
- besides canon has an amazing line of wide angle and zoom lens' available tood_rek
- he says is his first camera, rebels are perfect for that line of use, and it will be many years before he feels like moving to something elseMeeklo
- something more advanced, which will depend on his experience with this camera, I think at least..Meeklo
- lvl_130
like readyok mentioned, you can get a canon 20d for like $450 off craigslist. i've bought 2 in the last 6 months, and both were in mint condition.
i would def. say that for under $500 the 20d is easilly the way to go.
- JG_LB0
I've found that shooting Nikon and Canon slrs are completely different experiences. From how they feel in your hand to the sounds they make.
Image quality will always be comparable, especially in the consumer market cameras.
Go to the store, walk around with them around your neck one at a time, shoot some flicks, figure out which one you like the most. Sign the receipt. Never buy without trying.
- lvl_130
like readyok mentioned, you can get a canon 20d for like $450 off craigslist. i've bought 2 in the last 6 months, and both were in mint condition.
i would def. say that for under $500 the 20d is easilly the way to go.
- readyok0
Yeah, if you want something brand new, go with the Digital Rebel. If you dont mind used, go with the 20d. The 20d is a better camera. It is extremely powerful, all kinds of settings. I shoot with the 20d, and I am now a sworn loyalist for the Canon empire. Like I said though, it isnt full frame (neither is the rebel), so you can really use your lenses to their full potential. 5d is the way to go, if you want full frame. Or, if you are feeling really frivolous with your cash, go with the Mark III. I held one the other day, and nearly started crying. it is a beautiful piece of equipment. Also, get that cheapo 50mm lens. I shoot with it on a regular basis (and I have an expensive redline series lens). It is fun and easy to replace if you break it.
- yeah that cheap 50mm lens is great. Its only 89 bucks and works greatTheDrago