DSLR Recommendations $500 - $1000

[PSam]

Search function down isn't returning what I need, so what does everyone like for DSLR? Looking to spend up to $1K on the camera + whatever lens it comes with. Aside from general picture taking, I'm headed to Botswana next fall, so I'd like something of decent quality & fairly light. So far, I've been recommended

Nikon D50 or 80
Canon EOS
Canon Rebel xti

What else should I take a look at, or what do you like?

Also, any lens recommendations for Africa?

Thanks!

 

[mbierzyc]

If you can wait a bit, Canon has the successor to the XTI coming out in April, the XSI. I've read 4/15 is the release date but don't quote me.

for $899 you can get the XSI with the 18-55 IS lens which is supposed to be really nice, and would be a good every day lens. This looks a lot cooler than the XTI and I'd wait.

I've never been to Africa, but if I was going I'd look into one of the 300mm telephoto IS lenses.

I have the Canon 40D and like it a lot. It's only slightly over your price point, and the XSI should do quite a bit of what this can.

 

[PSam]

Thanks for the reply. I think I saw a post of yours over in CMAS a while back? One of which was a good looking dog, right? Was that the 40D?

Yeah, I see on BH approx. arrival April of the Canon you mentioned.

 

[BlueCorn]

Lenses are more important than the camera body. If I were in your shoes I'd buy a used 20D or 30D and put the saved money toward a nice tele-zoom. The 100-400 IS would give you some really nice reach. That is, however, over your $1000 limit.

 

[PSam]

That's what I was looking for - was wondering if I could skimp on camera body and put more towards a nice lens.

The $1K limit is for camera body and maybe whatever standard lens package I might find - just happens to be the number I have from a fish / studio equipment 'garage sale'. Obviously spending less on the body is preferable if the lens is what makes it?

On the used front, I just don't know too much about cameras and am a little uncomfortable buying a used one, as opposed to new from reputable dealer... plus BH takes Paypal...

 

[PSam]

Anyone lean one way or the other between Canon / Nikon models?

I see great photos with all of them here... weight is a little issue though. Lighter is better.

 

[Phyl]

I think every owner of one or the other leans that way. I'd suggest Nikon, while the two posters above would clearly recommend canon.

I'd suggest a used D200 and a decent lens. Great camera, and people are giving them away to get into the D300. ;D

Since weight is an issue, I'd rather suggest a D60.

 

[PSam]

Ok, so skip the brand question if it's coke v pepsi thing.

I do like beerguy's advice about less expensive body, more $ to lens. The D200 is more than I'm willing to spend on a camera right now. I'd rather drop that extra G or so on a nice lens like he posted.

The nikon D40 seems to get pretty good reviews as a general camera for average user (me). What about something like that plus a couple nice lenses?

 

[BlueCorn]

I'm getting lazy in my old age. This is my standard post:

--
If you decide to go the DSLR route you need to consider more variables than you do with a point and shoot (P&S) camera.

The order of importance, in regard to picture quality, with a DSLR is:

Photographer skill, lens quality, camera body.

Every DSLR body on the market today will take excellent pictures. Your lens choices are far more important than which body you buy.

You also have to be comfortable with how the camera feels. If you're not comfortable with your camera you won't be out shooting with it. Go to a local camera store (avoid places like Ritz, Best Buy, etc.... if at all possible), play with several different camera bodies and see what feels the best in your hand. Buy the one that feels best.

/ personal rant /
If you go to a local store with subject expertise (again, not a Ritz, Best Buy, Wolf Camera, etc) and take advantage of the knowledgeable folks buy your camera there. You might pay a little bit more but they deserve to be compensated for their assistance. In the long run building a relationship with a local store can be very helpful as a good camera is a long term investment. I have no problem buying online to save money; I just don't do it if I've involved the local store in the sales process.
/ end rant /


Buying a DSLR is more than buying a camera, it's buying into a system. That being said Canon and Nikon currently have most of the market. Choosing one of those gives you more choices for expansion down the road. The new Sony looks good as well and it's compatible with Konica/Minolta lenses.

If saving money, by buying used gear, allows you to spend more money on lenses you should go that route. A good lens on a used body will take better pictures than a cheap lens on a brand new body.

Cheers

 

[aural]

I'm personally a Nikon guy - but both Nikon and Canon make excellent bodies and glass. When i was first starting out, it boiled down to the feel of the camera. For me the Nikon camera just fit better and felt better in my hand - so that's the route i went and I've never regretted it.

As far as your situation, you can get a brand new D80 for around $700 - or you could get a used D70s for substantially less money and have even more money for glass.

I'm sure you want a good walk around lens. I've had the Nikkor 18-70 kit lens which was very good, and now i have a Nikkor 18-200VR which is the most versatile lens i've ever owned. both come highly recommended.

I'm sure you'll want a macro lens as well. I have the Nikkor 60mm macro and i have had nothing but good luck with it. I thought about selling it and getting the 105mm VR macro, but in the past i've liked to to top down shots in my tanks so the 105 would be a little long.

while i agree that spending the lions share of your budget on glass will serve you better in the long run - don't jump right into an eBay purchase of a used camera body. There is something to be said for being the only owner of a piece of kit and having a manufacturers warranty to back it up.

 

[PSam]

Thanks, aural. Yeah, used camera has been out of the question since the get go. I do not know enough about cameras to trust buying a used one. I figure I can find a good new camera body for 1K or under, and was guessing that $500 would be low end.

Sounds like I should head to the store and get a little hands on.

 

[aural]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12003615#post12003615 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by PSam

Sounds like I should head to the store and get a little hands on.

That is an excellent idea my friend. The more hands on you can get better!

Steer clear of clouding your head with other people's opinions on what brand is better. When you pick up the right camera for you, you will know it!

 

[PSam]

Should I get a body with auto focus? Am I understanding it correctly that this will leave me with more lens options in the long run?

 

[Husky_1]

FWIW, I am an Newbie, and know that I am the biggest hurdle in good pictures. I ended up buying the D40, refurb, for $400, I added the 2 year Nikon extended warranty so I was out the dor for $469 with the lens. After research, I think the best bang for the buck was the d40 in a Canon v Nikon world, but in the end it was still the comfort in my hands that sold me.

 

[djc1026]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12003651#post12003651 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by aural
Steer clear of clouding your head with other people's opinions on what brand is better. When you pick up the right camera for you, you will know it!

This is exactly what happened to me, I was looking at Canons and Nikons, but went to a local shop which also had Pentax, Sony and Olympus. I fell in love with the Olympus 510 and went and researched it to death and then bought into the 4/3s system.

Beer guy is also correct in that every DSLR is capable of producing good pictures, so it comes down to other variables like lens choice, feel and plain old personal preference to name a few.

Get out there and handle a few different bodies, then research the one or ones you narrow it down to.

Dave

 

[PSam]

Ok, thanks to all ideas. It definitely helped playing around with them. I liked the overall layouts of the Nikon over Canon. Felt more natural to hold them. No nikon D60's in stock yet. D80 was very nice. D40 as well. I did like the Canon EOS 40D, but it felt too bulky and more than I was looking for. So far, I did like the nikon D80 quite a bit, but not the layout for the button that you thumb through.

 

[megaspoot]

I have a d80. It's a great beginner camera. I would suggest going with nice glass as well, rather than spending the extra for a newer body.

 

[zibba]

I have a d40x and would recommend that or the d80. d80 especially if you want auto focus on non-af lenses since the d40 doesn't have that option. The best way to spend your money if you go with Nikon is IMO:
18-200 VR (great all around)
105 VR (perfect for shooting your tank)
70-300 VR (you mentioned africa - good size and would do nicely unless you want to spend some serious cash on the fixed 300/400/500/600mm lenses)

I think you should save some money and buy the body only and get the 18-200 VR lens. This lens makes the 18-55/18-135 kit lens obsolete. You won't regret it!

 

[PSam]

great ideas. thank you.

i'm close to sold on the D80. I liked the weight and buttons on the d40 better, but i do want auto focus after reading up today. I'm going to go back again and play with all of them for a second time (EOS 30 & 40, and D80). first impressions aren't always the best. I still didn't like the placement of the shutter button on canon though.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12009692#post12009692 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by zibba
I think you should save some money and buy the body only and get the 18-200 VR lens. This lens makes the 18-55/18-135 kit lens obsolete. You won't regret it!

That's exactly what I was told earlier - get the body I want and then this lens - that it isn't the "best" at anything, but it's good at everything, if that makes sense.

 

[zibba]

Here's a review on that lens. Maybe this will sell you on Nikon!

http://www.bythom.com/18200lens.htm