I have owned my own photography business since 2001 and I started out with the Digital Rebel. Now this was the 6.0 megapixel model but it worked flawless for me. I have since sold it and upgraded to the 5D but the Rebel was a work horse and it never failed me. I am mainly an event photographer specializing in Drag Racing and little league football so I take a ton of action shots and the Rebel was great for that.
DSLR Recommendations $500 - $1000
- Thread starter PSam
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spscrackhead
New member
deff go for a cheaper body. save money for glass. if you arent comfortable buying used from a person, try bh or adorama. adorama offers referbished. thats what i have, refurbished. just like new
PSam
Active member
So, the plot thickens. I stopped by a BB on the way home from work since it was on the way. The Canon eos 40 is out, I like it's layout and it was comfortable, but as I felt earlier this afternoon, it's just a bit too heavy for my liking. The Nikon d80 felt really good, but I really just don't like the way the back panel is laid out. May be petty, but I don't like it.
Maybe nikon d40 after all, like eveyrone is saying save on the body and get good lenses. I could also wait for the 60, but I do want plenty of time to play with it before we leave. They needs certain lens for the auto focus though.
This is as bad as choosing a skimmer....
Maybe nikon d40 after all, like eveyrone is saying save on the body and get good lenses. I could also wait for the 60, but I do want plenty of time to play with it before we leave. They needs certain lens for the auto focus though.
This is as bad as choosing a skimmer....
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snommisbor
Premium Member
I was in Africa last summer and the lens to get if Nikon is the 80-400 VR, if you go Canon 100-400 IS. You will need the reach and the 80-400 which is what I have is great it is not too heavy and has the reach.
PSam
Active member
So let's say I go Nikon D80, a good all around lens to use for a while to learn the camera might be the 18-200. Then for one more lens to take on my trip, the 80-400.
So now let's say I like the Canon 30D. All around lens for that might be, what, the 28-200? And then the 100-400 for africa?
Does this mean the canon won't take as wide of a shot? Will this matter that much to me?
Thanks for all the input thus far, I'm at least narrowing down.
So now let's say I like the Canon 30D. All around lens for that might be, what, the 28-200? And then the 100-400 for africa?
Does this mean the canon won't take as wide of a shot? Will this matter that much to me?
Thanks for all the input thus far, I'm at least narrowing down.
aural
New member
Yes, this is absolutely correct. Not only is the lens not as wide but the 30D has a 1.6 focal length multiplier (whereas the D80 has 1.5. the closer to 1.0, the closer to full frame)
So with the D80 you will not only get a much wider lens, but you will also get a (slightly) lower crop camera.
Personally, i like having a wider lens. taking pictures of views, vistas, landscapes is much more dramatic with wide shots.
PSam
Active member
Yeah, I did see some comparison of the crop between the 2 cameras online, seemed negligible. A wider lens will certainly come in handy for vistas (also heading to Victoria Falls while in africa. I gotta also assume there will be some nice landscapes).
It seems that if I want a wide angle lens that means an additional purchase with Canon, but I would maybe be all set with Nikon 18-200?
I've been looking at photos of the cameras online for the last hour, and I do like the 30D layout better, but I like the weight of the D80. Any functionality button wise, or controls that you guys like / dislike about your camera?
It seems that if I want a wide angle lens that means an additional purchase with Canon, but I would maybe be all set with Nikon 18-200?
I've been looking at photos of the cameras online for the last hour, and I do like the 30D layout better, but I like the weight of the D80. Any functionality button wise, or controls that you guys like / dislike about your camera?
aural
New member
my first DSLR was a nikon, and it had a bit of a curve to get comfortable with the buttons, but within a few hours of working with the camera, it was all second nature.
I have the 18-200 as my walk around lens and i find it hard to complain about. its extremely versatile & nice and sharp. It was more expensive when i got it, but i still feel that it was one of my best purchases.
I have several other lenses, but the 18-200 and my 60mm Micro are the ones i use the most.
I'm not going to slam Canon because i honestly believe that they make a fabulous product as well and I'm going to imagine that either way you go, you won't regret it!
I have the 18-200 as my walk around lens and i find it hard to complain about. its extremely versatile & nice and sharp. It was more expensive when i got it, but i still feel that it was one of my best purchases.
I have several other lenses, but the 18-200 and my 60mm Micro are the ones i use the most.
I'm not going to slam Canon because i honestly believe that they make a fabulous product as well and I'm going to imagine that either way you go, you won't regret it!
PSam
Active member
I went to a local shop this afternoon (Calumet), tried out a couple cameras with the different comparable lenses, and did end up settling on the D80 w/ 18-200mm lens. Like you all said, it felt right in my hands. Very happy with the purchase, though the downside is that the battery doesn't come charged 
Thanks again everyone for the great advice. Hands on sold it.
Thanks again everyone for the great advice. Hands on sold it.
