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01/27/2007 12:22:18 PM · #1 |
Okay, so I'm seriously considering jumping in to the DSLR thing. Unfortunately, I don't know anything about DSLRs, lenses, etc., though I'm starting to think the aperature, ISO, shutterspeed thing makes sense.
So, in looking for a camera, being a beginner and a bit of a cheapskate, what are the qualities I should look into most in a camera? Y'know, how should I go about doing my research, because at this point, I don't even know how to look into stuff.
Thanks! |
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01/27/2007 12:35:36 PM · #2 |
| i'd just reconment the canon rebel xt. It's pretty cheap ($700 new, 600 used @ b&h, and as low as $400 on ebay). I bought mine a while back, and i love it. It's pretty simple, long battery life, and decent AF. The color isn't that great, but i'd call it the best in the price range (the next being nikons at 800+). |
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01/27/2007 12:43:04 PM · #3 |
Tell us about what you like to shoot. Cheapskate, eh? DSLRs will cure you of that! ;-)
You'll have the biggest lens choice with one of the "big two" either Canon or Nikon. Both have outstanding selections, each with their strong and weak points. My advice is to start with a body and the "kit lens" and also a 50mm f/1.8 prime (either system has a good one). The kit lenses can do a good job, but realize that once you see the results from the 50/1.8, you'll see why folks upgrade from the kit lens.
Go out and shoot, shoot, shoot. Explore the camera settings, learn to shoot in "full manual" and understand what the results will be like. You'll learn fast, and soon you'll be confident in knowing in what directions your future lens acquisitions should go.
Just a friendly warning; you'll eventually spend more on lenses (by far) than you spend on a body. Thus the comment above about "curing a cheapskate." |
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01/27/2007 12:58:12 PM · #4 |
| FYI- Dell has the Canon Rebel XT with kit lens for $560 shipped. You can find other DSLRs in that range, notably the Nikon D50/D40 models, but also cameras from Pentax, Olympus and others. As Kirbic noted, Canon and Nikon offer the widest range of lenses and accessories for future upgrades, and whatever camera you choose will likely be the platform you keep for many years since you'll continue to use the same lenses even if you upgrade cameras. I'd suggest a visit to a local camera or electronics store to see what "feels" right to you. |
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01/27/2007 01:01:47 PM · #5 |
Pentax K100D comes highly rated. It is reasonably priced, competes well with the Canon 350D, has anti-shake sensor and a vast range of Pentax lenses.
Message edited by author 2007-01-27 13:02:02. |
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01/27/2007 03:31:29 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by kirbic:
Tell us about what you like to shoot. Cheapskate, eh? DSLRs will cure you of that! ;-)
You'll have the biggest lens choice with one of the "big two" either Canon or Nikon. Both have outstanding selections, each with their strong and weak points. My advice is to start with a body and the "kit lens" and also a 50mm f/1.8 prime (either system has a good one). The kit lenses can do a good job, but realize that once you see the results from the 50/1.8, you'll see why folks upgrade from the kit lens.
Go out and shoot, shoot, shoot. Explore the camera settings, learn to shoot in "full manual" and understand what the results will be like. You'll learn fast, and soon you'll be confident in knowing in what directions your future lens acquisitions should go.
Just a friendly warning; you'll eventually spend more on lenses (by far) than you spend on a body. Thus the comment above about "curing a cheapskate." |
Oh, I like to shoot everything! At least, so far. So something good and versatile would be nice. And definately a cheapskate, but also a technoholic... it's pretty frustrating!
It looks like the Canon Rebel XT sounds good... and $560 isn't a bad price, as far as I can tell, and I do like Dell. Is this a camera that would be versatile enough to accomodate any growth I manage to pull off, or is it a body I'd have to replace relatively soon? Or is growth all through lenses with this one?
Thanks for answering all my questions! |
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01/27/2007 03:37:21 PM · #7 |
| I've no complaints about the e500 so far. And it was pretty cheap, with two lenses in the kit! |
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01/27/2007 03:41:37 PM · #8 |
I think the XT is a very good choice. It has enough creative features to keep you learning for quite some time. The more recent XTi is supposedly an upgrade, but I wouldn't recommend it over the XT; I think the XT is a better value right now.
You *will* eventually get the itch to upgrade the body. You can consider camera bodies to be like computers. Every three years or so, they start to look technologically ancient. That said, there are a lot of >5-year-old DSLRS out there taking stunning photos, and I'm sure some of them will still be doing so in another 5 years.
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01/27/2007 03:46:30 PM · #9 |
As far as I'm aware all the "entry-level" DSLRs will provide solid service and can take very good pictures with a good lens on the front and a good photographer on the back :).
I'm certainly happy enough with my 350D (Rebel XT to you American folk).
And yes, you can go a long way with lenses before there is any need to upgrade. However if you decide to go with Canon you should consider whether it's worth paying a bit extra for a 400D (Rebel XTi) at this stage - you get a better screen and AF system and of course 2 megapixels more and the dust reduction stuff.
splidge
Edit: I mostly agree with what Kirbic said about the Rebel XT being better value than the XTi, and if as you say money is tight that probably favours the XT. But I think you should be aware of the tradeoff and decide for yourself...
Message edited by author 2007-01-27 15:49:14. |
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01/27/2007 04:35:58 PM · #10 |
First thing you have to ask yourself is WHY do you want to switch from a P&S to a DSLR. Answering that question will guide you quite a bit...
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01/27/2007 05:37:03 PM · #11 |
That's a good question, and I had to really think about it! I'm really frustrated with my point and shoot right now because it's not giving me the amount of control that I really want. For instance, if I want a really fast shutter speed and a sharp image, I have to turn it to a certain setting and leave the flash on or turn the ISO up unreasonably high (and then the grain is really unacceptable) (the flash is now making me very crazy) or I can just leave it on landscape all the time, but then it never really focuses. Also, sunset shots tend to blind the sensor altogether, which is really bad because in summer I won't be able to take any daylight photos at all (AZ sun is BAD), though I may be pleasantly surprised having only gotten my camera in August... but I remember having daylight issues then. The white balance is making me nuts and tends to work only in extremes. And the shaker sensor is making me crazy because in half the 'modes' it won't permit me to take a picture at all if my hands (or the surface I'm standing on) isn't holding perfectly still.
I do, however, love the macros my P&S does.
Maybe these aren't good reasons?
Edited to add: Really leaning towards the Rebel XT because $560 is $340 less than I expected to have to spend and that makes my heart pitter-pat! Though spending $500 makes it also freak out, so I'm required to spend a couple days researching. Worried, though, because I don't understand lenses.. oh, I'll go find a website about lenses!
Message edited by author 2007-01-27 17:38:25. |
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01/27/2007 09:10:32 PM · #12 |
I have no advice on cameras except wait a bit for the latest version. Not to buy it, but the previous versions will be cheaper. That's what I did. I was looking at the Canon 10D, then the Canon 20D came out and the prices dropped on the 10D. That's when I bought it.
Also, if you buy it online, make sure it's from a good place. There are a lot of fly by night online retail photo outfits that do bate and switch. They'll advertise for really cheap, then try to sale you the battery or lens for way inflated prices. Just check them out before hand and if it's too good to be true, it is.
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01/27/2007 09:14:41 PM · #13 |
Originally posted by EducatedSavage:
Worried, though, because I don't understand lenses.. oh, I'll go find a website about lenses! |
Fred Miranda's review section is a good place to check out user reviews of lenses. Don't worry...you'll learn. And then you'll wish you hadn't. ;)
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01/28/2007 02:28:47 PM · #14 |
Thanks so much, MK, for that link! I've been reading it quite a bit and have managed to rustle up some more questions!
The $560 offer for the XT comes with a 18-55mm 'kit' lens? Is this a lens that's going to be versatile enough to use for a bit without buying more lenses or should I be specifically budgeting, if I decide to go with this camera, to also pick up some lenses as well? Also, buying just the body would be $510 - would it be wiser to save the $50 and get a different lens?
I'm pretty excited, though - my cousin was using a SLR with film and has just decided to try the DSLR thing since the darkroom costs had gotten too high for him to continue with film. He's thinking about the XT and the XTi but has offered to send me his spare flash from his SLR Canon camera (is that something that would work?).
Also - how soon before the new models come out (as Nullix mentioned)? If I wait too long, I'll spend my money on dumb things, like bills, instead, but I do like the idea of even lower prices!
Message edited by author 2007-01-28 14:30:46. |
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01/28/2007 02:46:05 PM · #15 |
Before making any decision go to B&H site and check out the Pentax K100D, it is $520 with $50 mail in rebate. You may find the anti-shake sensor useful when you start with a DSLR. All old Pentax lens fit, although some require an adapter.
It is easy to go with the big 2, Canon or Nikon, but don't forget the others. There are plenty of sites that give indepth reviews. DPReview is a good source. It is a big investment and take a little time to consider options.
Good luck with whatever you choose, I am sure you will have great fun and a few headaches as you try to sort your way through the manuals etc. |
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01/28/2007 03:15:26 PM · #16 |
I think the 350D is a great choice for a beginner. That is what I chose and I have no regrets. IMO, the kit lens should only be purchased if you either don't care or just don't want to spend the extra money to buy a better lens right now. It does work and can do some good work, just look at the lens under equipment, but I think most people will out grow it rather early on. Of course you can sell it later and make back some money (I sold mine on eBay for $80 just 2 weeks ago). But if you have a little extra money now, skip the kit lens and buy something better. Or buy the body and the 50mm f/1.8 to start and then look for a general purpose zoom lens. Many people choose the Tamron 28-75mm XR lens but I think a wider lens might be better for a beginner, think something like 17-50mm or 18-200mm.
Message edited by author 2007-01-28 15:16:56. |
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01/28/2007 03:24:30 PM · #17 |
One thing you might try is shooting everything by looking through the viewfinder. Its not easy lol but 99% of dSLR's dont have a live view a couple do though including 2 Olympus models.
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01/29/2007 09:17:53 PM · #18 |
| i was like that, thought i could get a dslr for like $200 lol but i ended up coughing up $800cad for my XT and im super happy, i didn't know the first thing bout aperture/shutterspeed and ISOs now ive got it down fairly good i think. Its not as bad as i thought, I still have yet to clean the sensor which is next on my list, so far it hasn't effected my photos much (nothing photoshop cant fix anyways lol) But just keep in mind that theres much more to a dslr that you gotta think about then in a P&S, |
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01/29/2007 09:29:51 PM · #19 |
i'm also looking into a dSLR as my next camera, and here are my own lists of things that I WANT and NEED, based on personal experience with cameras so far:
1. anti-shake in camera body (can be turned OFF if you have it on your lens, if ever)
2. dust-reduction (it's a fact, dSLR sensor cleaning is a nuisance and $$$)
3. good details at high ISO (not noise, it's details)
4. bright viewfinder (some dSLR has really dark viewfinders!)
5. very fast AF (especially for dark scenes)
so that sums up my wants/needs in a dSLR for now.
I'm not purchasing one so soon ($$$ issue) so I still leave my options open for anything upcoming as well. Hope this helps.
crayon |
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01/29/2007 09:50:46 PM · #20 |
Originally posted by crayon:
1. anti-shake in camera body (can be turned OFF if you have it on your lens, if ever)
2. dust-reduction (it's a fact, dSLR sensor cleaning is a nuisance and $$$)
3. good details at high ISO (not noise, it's details)
4. bright viewfinder (some dSLR has really dark viewfinders!)
5. very fast AF (especially for dark scenes)
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You might want to consider the Pentax K10D:
1) Check. Works wonderfully.
2) Check (although I don't really think it works).
3) Check. Can't beat Canon, but otherwise detail and noise are well balanced.
4) Check. Pentaprism.
5) Unfortunately, fast AF in dark scenes is the K10Ds weakness. AF works to EV -1, after that you need the flash up for AF assist. The new SSM lenses coming out this year will definitely improve overall AF speed, but I dont know how much of a difference it will make in low light.
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01/29/2007 10:04:56 PM · #21 |
Originally posted by kawana:
i was like that, thought i could get a dslr for like $200 lol but i ended up coughing up $800cad for my XT and im super happy, i didn't know the first thing bout aperture/shutterspeed and ISOs now ive got it down fairly good i think. Its not as bad as i thought, I still have yet to clean the sensor which is next on my list, so far it hasn't effected my photos much (nothing photoshop cant fix anyways lol) But just keep in mind that theres much more to a dslr that you gotta think about then in a P&S, |
Heheh. I paid a lot more for my p&s than $200! Unfortunately, one of the reasons why I want to switch is because I would like to be able to go "clicky-clicky, twisty, snap!" instead of the endless cursing I do at my P&S. Sometimes it refuses to focus at all unless I turn the flash on! I long for the days when I can focus the camera on my own and when I hit the button it'll take a picture instead of arguing with me!
I've decided to go with the Rebel XTi... I'm so excited! Decision was partly made because of all the good reviews, the good sale prices (though B&H ended up being cheaper - I laughed while I watched all the virtual tours, those were awesome!) and because my cousin has spare Canon parts he's gonna send me! So frugal, I am!
So, after I get a little shooting under my belt, I'll be looking into various accessories, such as lenses, filters, and tri-pods (and bags, but that will likely be pre-shooting).
Thanks for all the advice everyone! And good luck,  crayon |
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01/29/2007 10:14:51 PM · #22 |
| I feel your p&s frustration, I am also going to change to a dslr so I can take photos without the camera arguing with me. However, that is a few months away. |
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01/29/2007 10:19:05 PM · #23 |
Originally posted by davyaldy:
I feel your p&s frustration, I am also going to change to a dslr so I can take photos without the camera arguing with me. However, that is a few months away. |
i think the EOS-40D is coming soon. should be announced around PMA
what i'd like Canon to do is, shock everyone with an IS in-camera body.
of course, this shouldn't hinder IS lens since the body IS could be turned off at will.
Message edited by author 2007-01-29 22:19:54. |
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01/29/2007 11:48:35 PM · #24 |
| With all the Canon attack ads targeting in body IS, I think its safe to say that you wont see in body IS on a canon DSLR anytime soon. |
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01/29/2007 11:51:27 PM · #25 |
Originally posted by option:
With all the Canon attack ads targeting in body IS, I think its safe to say that you wont see in body IS on a canon DSLR anytime soon. |
hard to say - they used to attack the dust-reduction thing too, didnt they? and look what they put into the 400D today. |
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