Good camera?

I don't know much about Canon DSLRs, but if you go with Nikon, I'd avoid the D40 and D60. They both lack an autofocus motor (which means some lenses won't autofocus, like the incredibly good and cheap 50mm AF 1.8) and bracketing. Bracketing may not be missed by most people, but if you ever get into HDR, you'll miss it. I'd get the D90, D80 or D50 instead. I'd take a serious look at getting a used model from Craigslist. You'll save a ton of cash that way and have money left over for some nice lenses, like the 105mm macro lens.
 
Given your budget constraints, I would try and pick up a good macro lens and a very inexpensive used body. As beerguy mentioned, the bulk of the investment is in the overall lens system while camera bodies come and go. This is especially true in the digital age where there are dramatic improvements in technology. Having said that, an older digital SLR body will still take fantastic photos. It may lack some of the newer features, but the basics are all there. With it you can learn what all the various manual settings are and find out what features are important to you for your next camera.

A new Canon 100mm macro is about $455 (rebate available). With the remaining budget, I'd look for a camera like a 20D or 30D, whichever you can afford. I think bhphotovideo has a used 30D for $500.

I've posted these two images in my other thread, but I'll share them here as well. One of them was taken with my very first DSLR. The other was taken with a 5D mk2 that costs about $2500 more. They are both using the exact same lens:
IMG_3812.JPG


IMG_0065.JPG
 
The buying into a system bit isn't anything to be scoffed at. You need to choose between Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax, and Olympus (those are IMO the power 5).

Whichever you choose will likely stick with you for life, as your lens quiver worth thousands of dollars won't be transferable.
 
MSHUR, I'd avoid that package deal on eBay. Instead I'd try to find a used body, then buy good lenses. For example, check these links out since you're in NY:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...Interchangeable+Lens&basicSubmit=Submit+Query
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...+Lens&at=Brand_Canon&basicSubmit=Submit+Query


http://newyork.craigslist.org/search/sss?query=nikon d80
http://newyork.craigslist.org/search/sss?query=canon 30d
http://newyork.craigslist.org/search/sss?query=canon 40d

I'd try to avoid the package deals with several lenses unless you're sure you actually want all those lenses. I see the 70-300mm lens come with a lot of Nikons and in my opinion it's not a terribly useful lens. I'd much rather use the 55-200 VR lens than that.
 
Guys,
I choose Cannon EOS body.. now i need to get a two best lenses
what you think about 18-55mm and 100mm?

mike
 
18-55 boooooooo!
100mm f/2.8 Hurrrrayyyy!

Which EOS body you buy will play into which lenses will work best with it. The 100mm is good to go with any EOS body.

Is it an
xxxxD i.e. 1000D or Xs
xxxD i.e. 450D or Rebel Xsi
xxD i.e. 50D
xD i.e. 5D or 1D(s)
 
let the canon people do all the talking....I'll just be quiet and listen. :D

Don't know much about canon lenses but I vote for 5d markII body, spend a bit more and you will get one of the best d-slr in the market right now. It's over-budget, I know, just wanna give you an alternative choice. Try it yourself first before you make final decision.

Nikon D90 can take HD video too, beside all other things.
I'm a nikonian for life but 5d mkII could be the only reason why I would sell all my nikon gears and switch to Canon.
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Nahhhhh ! Nikon Rules!

PS : nothing serious here, Canon Nikon combine for over 90% of market-share...They both make outstanding products. Find something that best suit yourself ,your level, and budget.
 
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