Beginner DSLR recommendations

[Blazer88]

So I think I want to make the leap and get a DSLR in the next few months in the $800'ish price range. What do you guys recommend in that range? I've seen a few 20D's on craigslist in my area for $1K'ish which I can go for but would like to get a new camera if possible. What about the Rebel XT or Nikon D50? Should I just stick to either Canon or Nikon? I'm new to the idea of lenses so I have no idea what to look for. I want a lense for macro shots of my tank and another one for general shots outdoors. I know this is really broad but any help is appreciated!

 

[DebsSisterFlo]

Well I have a Rebel XT which I just love, and I scored a 100mm macro lense off ebay (lucky lucky lucky!). I'm so happy with it and have zero regrets, I'd recommend it to anyone. There may be better cameras out there, well lets face it, there's always going to be something better, but this camera will do whatever I'd ever want to do, and I hope that someday I can learn to use it to it's potential!

 

[BlueCorn]

Of the cameras that you mention they all have very similar capabilities and will produce good pictures when used correctly. You need to realize that with a DSLR you're buying a system not just a camera. I like Canon, and they have the largest market share, but other folks are just as sold on Nikon. Go to a camera store in your area and hold all of them. Spends some time and see what feels good in your hand. Pick the one that feels best and starting sharing pictures with us.

Cheers

 

[Blazer88]

I understand the results have a lot to do with the person behind the camera. I am attracted to the Rebel XT since I can buy it from Coscto.com and return it a year later if I want DebsSisterFlo, do you have any pictures to share? Also, what does a decent macro lense cost for that camera? I saw a Canon 10D locally but think that may be over my head.

 

[BlueCorn]

Blazer88, I have a DRXT and like it a lot. I also believe that Costco carries the 20D.

Here's a shot from mine last week:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=887814

 

[Blazer88]

They do sell the 20D but that is more than I'm willing to spend. I read the review on dpreview.com about the XT and it sounds really nice. What lense did you take that picture with? It may be a really close-up shot...it's tough to tell how large the crab is I really am looking to get some nice macro's, here are a few that I took with my Kodak before I returned it. I am hoping I can vastly improve these as well as my non-macro shots.

 

[BlueCorn]

That shot was with a 70-200 f4L

My 100 macro was in the car and was farther away than I wanted to walk. The crab is about 1.5" across.

 

[astrogazer]

You did a nice job with the Kodak you had. Nikon vs. Cannon is kinda like Coke vs. Pepsi, it's really a matter of personal preference, I favor the Nikon myself. I would make it a point of going to a camera store and get your hands on each one, even if you plan on buying it on the net or at cosco, a reputable dealer will let you shoot a couple of frames, especially if you have your own memory card. BEWARE when you buy online, all warranties are not created equal. You could find yourself with expensive equipment and no factory backup.

 

[Blazer88]

I'll run into a local camera store and check them out the Canon 350D and Nikon D50 in person. And costco has the best return policy...whenever you don't want it any more I had my Kodak for 8 months before I returned it. I went into the store and they gave me cash back, no questions asked. I leaning towards the Canon since I'll be able to return it if they drop the price or when a new model comes out.

 

[DebsSisterFlo]

Blazer88, my avatar was taken with the macro lense, that is a pj cardinal. Please go here to view my online gallery (it's a great host too if anyone needs one!). Oh, and the macro lense, it is a Canon lense, the 100mm macro, it retails here for $799, I got it off ebay, new, for $350.

http://jessica.photos.us.com/

 

[Blazer88]

That shot of the PJ Cardinal is great...probably the only picture I've ever liked from those, lol. I think the Rebel XT fills the bill for what I am looking for but I'll go and play with one in person. I wish I had a CF card so I can take a few images home, but oh well. I will keep searching and reading reviews in the meantime. Thanks for everyone's recommendations!