Help w/DSLR

I appreciate that lengthy post and all the info you provide, I actually just read that last night. I was just hoping someone with DSLR experience had any personal recommendations for the $500-750 price range because I would hate to spend that kind of money and get mediocre results.

Do you have any personal recommendations?

I was looking at the Nikon D5000 (the D90 is a little out of my range) and the Canon Rebel XSi
 
If you're looking to go on your top end of the price range I'd buy this:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/613613-REG/Canon_3818B002_EOS_Rebel_T1i_500D_.html

You could also probably find a used one cheaper.

If you're wanting the d5000 for video, the t1i can do higher res video. The t1i has the new screen instead of the xsi or d5000 using 230,000 pixels. The new screens are pretty nice.

Or it looks like you can get an xsi for a little under 600$ and put the savings toward a better lens.
 
Octoshark said:
I would hate to spend that kind of money and get mediocre results.
Click to expand...

That's the whole point of the article. There isn't a single "bad" DSLR on the market, with the possible exception of the Canon XS but that's a controls thing not an image quality thing.

Pick a price range and go handle, play with, demo, etc.. ever camera in your price range.

Buy the one that feels the most intuitive, comfortable. Done.
 
How about recommendations for a used camera?
All we have is a 'pocket' $300 camera for vacations that doesn't take good close up pictures of tank corals (no manual focus).
Anything I can get off ebay that'll take a close up picture which resembles what I'm actually seeing in the tank?
That's probably all it'd be used for since it wouldn't be nearly as portable.
Thanks!
 
BradR said:
How about recommendations for a used camera?
All we have is a 'pocket' $300 camera for vacations that doesn't take good close up pictures of tank corals (no manual focus).
Anything I can get off ebay that'll take a close up picture which resembles what I'm actually seeing in the tank?
That's probably all it'd be used for since it wouldn't be nearly as portable.
Thanks!
Click to expand...

If I was just getting started and trying to minimize cost I would probably look for a used Canon 40D, 100mm macro and plan on adding a decent tripod.
 
DetectiveTofu said:
Can you elaborate on this statement, regarding the Canon Rebel XS?
Click to expand...

Don't take that the wrong way as you can take excellent photographs with the XS.

My issue with it is that in an effort to "simplify" the camera they made it difficult to use in anything but automatic modes. It's hard to be creative if the camera is making all the decisions for you.
 
Canon or Nikon. you can get a D40 OR D60 FOR 400-600 depending on the lens. I have a D-90 with a prime Macro lens. I have been gone for awhile it seems all my pics and posts have been deleted bummer. Some of my pics where used on RC
 
beerguy said:
Don't take that the wrong way as you can take excellent photographs with the XS.

My issue with it is that in an effort to "simplify" the camera they made it difficult to use in anything but automatic modes. It's hard to be creative if the camera is making all the decisions for you.
Click to expand...


Haha, no offense taken Doug :) I don't even own an XS, but my brother does, so I was just curious what was meant.
 
Octoshark said:
...I would hate to spend that kind of money and get mediocre results.
Click to expand...


Pretty much any DSLR will get you great results, but any DSLR in the hands of a mediocre photographer will likely get you mediocre results. :-) Simply using a DSLR doesn't guarantee you'll get great photos.

That said, any Nikon or Canon DSLR in that price range will be more than competent for tank shots. Go try out the current Nikon or Canon DSLR in that price range and see how it fits your hand. From a capability perspective, they will be more than plenty.

I think the bigger question is what kind of lenses will you have. You can get decent FTS's and wide shots with the kit lenses that come with these cameras, but to get the magazine cover close-ups of coral polyps, you'll need to get a macro lens. And in those, I personally prefer the 105mm focal length.
 
i got my nikon d3000 with the body, 18-55mm lens, 55-200mm lens, 4gb memory card and a carry bag for $599. Been pretty happy with it so far although i am a photo newb and just learning the camera still.
 
it seems to me that your quality wise almost all cameras in that price range are neck n' neck what it is likely to come down to is personal preference... and comfort... so go to a camera store pick up and play with every camera in your price range. you may find one that you love or hate either way at least you know how it feels.
 
DP review has a nice layout with reviews and compasrisons of tons of digital cameras. It's a nice resource.
 
Mako Shark II said:
Sorry, but that shouldn't be a $500-750 camera. For that, you can get the std. D90.

If this vendor proves straight (because I'm looking at them myself for the new EOS 7D), the EOS Rebel XSi should be a $300. rig.
http://skypointdigital.com/skypoint/product_info.php?products_id=320635

It is a great camera and I hope you enjoy it.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your concern, however, the Rebel XSi is not a $300 camera. We left you some feedback in your other thread about that vendor; they list it cheap for a reason ;)
 
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