What should my first dslr be?

[jhawkor]

I'm looking to buy my first dslr. I have always loved photography but I've never really had a good camera. I just got my first job (I'm 17) so I can finally afford one. I'm thinking about the Canon t1i or maybe going with a Nikon d300 and buying a nice lens instead. What would you do? I mostly would like to shoot pictures of nature and sports. What would be a good lens to look at?

Thanks a ton.

 

[Chris3323]

I too am in search of the same. I heard Nikon d3000 is pretty good.

 

[palawan]

My neighbor has the Canon t1i and it's awesome. Video cam and slr in one.

 

[BlueCorn]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1503490

 

[Rhizo]

Every DSLR body on the market today will take excellent pictures. Most importantly, you have to be comfortable with how the camera feels. Buy the one that feels best.

These three lines are key for beginners.

 

[cody6766]

I started with a Nikon d40 (my mom's) and now have a Canon Rebel XTi. I love both cameras and take great shots with both. I guess that backs up the statement in quotes above!

 

[gaucho30]

Costco has some pretty decent packages. I got a Canon XTi 3 years ago because my dad had old canon lenses laying around so I just bought a body. Either way I think both Canon and Nikon make great entry level DSLRs and it is more a personal preference thing than performance thing.

 

[jubjub]

+1 find what feels good in the hand...i personally got the d5000 imo its better to spend the lil extra then the d3000 because of the ccd vs cmos sensor. d5k has live view and 720p video on it..

 

[t5Nitro]

Look at what lenses the company offers to do allow you for more upgrading later.

 

[dclaassen]

The Nikon line is awesome, I have a D40 and would recommend it. I believe the D3000 is the current 'starter' camera for them.

 

[xtm]

Held a D3000 a month ago and was very disappointed with the build quality. I think that the previous line of D40/D60/D80 were built better. The D300 is an awesome body and can be had for cheap these days since it has been superseded by the D300s (now with video ) You can get one used for around $1K.

Don't be afraid to spend more money on glass. Your body will be obsolete tomorrow but a great glass today will still be a great glass 30 years later.

If you're just starting out with limited budget, I suggest a used D40 ($250) and a good glass. Pick up a 35 1.8 or a sigma 30 1.4 and grow up with it. Most beginners fall into the trap of wanting to cover all focal lengths (they rush out to get the 18-200) and eventually develop a bad habit of not learning how to move their feet and compose properly. If you absolutely need a zoom, the 18-70 is the best entry level zoom in the Nikon lineup IMO.

You need to go to a camera store and HOLD the camera. You might not like what I like.

 

[JHemdal]

I have a D300, I don't think I'll ever learn it well enough to take advantage of most of its features, but I'll have fun trying!

Ken Rockwell's page says forget the D300 and go with the D3000 instead, but just last year he was saying the D300 is the "do all end all" - so he is pretty quick to jump ship when a new model comes out.

Jay

 

[BlueCorn]

I have a D300, I don't think I'll ever learn it well enough to take advantage of most of its features, but I'll have fun trying!

Ken Rockwell's page says forget the D300 and go with the D3000 instead, but just last year he was saying the D300 is the "do all end all" - so he is pretty quick to jump ship when a new model comes out.

Jay

That and he's quite often just dead wrong.

 

[t5Nitro]

Pick up a a 50D kit from BH for 1157. They offer better glass but it'll run you more.

What is your budget?