Looking to buy new camera

[650-IS350]

I was thinking of getting a new camera for me and the wife. I was looking at some D-SLR's. Something great for taking family/party pics etc... but also awesome for taking macro shots for aquaria pics.. please let me know..

I'm looking for around $700-$800 range nothing really more.. as I'm not getting this for use as a photographer but daily pics and pics of my tank..

thanks in adavance.

DELSOL650

 

[TIMMYE]

You can get a Canon rebel body for around 500 and then you can add all prupose lens for a couple hundred. Or you can buy the package for 550 with 18-50MM lens. Most people tend not use lens.

There is also a similar Nikon package available, I belive it is for D40. But I am not a 100% on this. One of the Nikon guys will clarify this.

 

[650-IS350]

Yeah, I'm trying to get the whole shabang for $800 tops.. with the lens.

 

[returnofsid]

Nikon D40 and D40X are both great options. I'm in the same boat as you, looking for a new camera. So far, I've narrowed it down to a

Canon Rebel Xt...the only real advantage of the Xti is the built in dust removal system and a couple more points of AF. The added 2 mega-pixels is pretty useless IMO. At a couple hundred less, I would go with the Xt over the Xti.

Nikon D40x. Also a very good camera and comparable to the Rebel Xt.

Sony A100 Alpha. This is also a great camera that has the added benefit of Image Stabilization built into the body. The IS isn't as good as getting IS lenses but IS lenses are WAY expensive. I've seen several really good Sony packages that include 2 lenses.

From what I've learned, so far, the kit lenses included with the Nikon and Sony are actually quite a bit better than the kit lens included with the Canon.

I'd say, go to a camera shop and handle all the cameras you're interested in. Of the above, they're all very adequate cameras and for me, it'll come down to which one "feels" best in my hands and the best package price I'm able to find.

Check out these links as well.

http://www.fredmiranda.com/
http://www.dpreview.com/

And if you plan to purchase on line, definitely check out this site.

http://www.resellerratings.com/

Here's a couple links to places that have offered the best deals I've found so far on the cameras I'm interested in...and also have good ratings at www.resellerratings.com

http://www.adorama.com
http://www.sigma4less.com
http://www.bhphotovideo.com

 

[650-IS350]

Thanks, I guess I know what I'm doing for a couple hrs during my next weekend :lol:

 

[gregr]

If you plan on getting the Nikon make sure you're aware of the price of the macro lens. It has vibration reduction built in so it's on the expensive side ($740-900 on my quick search). The Canon 100mm macro lens does not have VR, or as Canon calls it "IS" for image stabilization, but it sells for $470. Macro lenses in the 100mm range are the best for aquarium photography.
I don't know anything about the Sony other than I have a strong dislike for Sony as a company.

 

[nmywrx]

A D-SLR for $700-$800 is going to be tricky. It can be done, but then what about the lenses. That is where a lot of the magic of these cameras happen.

Another thing to consider is you are also looking for a camera that is good for party pics. I have a point and shoot I use for these situations because SLRs in gerneral are big and bulky and can become quite annoying hanging around your neck. I usually will put mine down, and by the time you find where you put it the moment is gone. Hence the point and shoot. That's my $0.02 for what it's worth