Recommend a good BEGINNER DSLR camera

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G

02/27/2007 03:09:40 PM · #1

What would you recommend as a good DSLR for a beginner on a very limited budget ?

It's looking like my A85 might be dead - and if that's the case, I will be camera-less until I can invest in an inexpensive (relatively speaking that is) DSLR.

What suggestions ?

I have a 512MB Compact Flash card that I'd like to still be able to use.

Valdo

Canon EOS-40D

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

02/27/2007 03:12:20 PM · #2

What is your budget? 512mb card will be too small for any DSLR you will see ;)

ETA: If possible get one of the rebels, then when the time comes for you where money is not a problem you will have a system already.

Message edited by author 2007-02-27 15:13:47.

hyperfocal

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 105mm f/2.5 AIS

02/27/2007 03:15:57 PM · #3

B&H has the highly rated Nikon D40 kit with lens with a Lexar 2GB SD card for $595 US and a $14 rebate on the card.

jbsmithana

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 12-24mm f/4.0G IF-ED

02/27/2007 03:21:12 PM · #4

Before the debate over systems starts you might want to take a look at this thread as to why people chose the system they did. It may help mnaking a decision on which entry level DSLR to purchase. Just remember that when you move to a DSLR it is only the beginning of the expense. With that said you will likely be happy with your choice no matter which system you buy into. Good luck.

Why people chose their system

kashi

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G

02/27/2007 03:32:02 PM · #5

Originally posted by Valdo:

If I play my cards right, my budget will likely be about $1000 CDN (tax refund time).

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

02/27/2007 03:50:19 PM · #6

FWIW, I'd stick with Canon or Nikon. There are significantly more lenses and accessories available for these two systems; the used market is especially rich for the Canon system.
From the standpoint of creative control, I'd steer clear of the D40. It's kinda crippled.

fotomann_forever

02/27/2007 03:52:47 PM · #7

Originally posted by kirbic:

From the standpoint of creative control, I'd steer clear of the D40. It's kinda crippled.

Ditto that... I'd go with either the Rebel XT (or XTi) or the Nikon D70s

SteveJ

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM

02/27/2007 03:57:01 PM · #8

Hate to keep banging the drum, but look at Pentax K100D and K10D, both can use any Pentax lens ever made. With an adapter, cheap on ebay, you have the whole range of M42 screw mount lenses. Some of the M42 prime lenses are class glass. Although it means manual focusing and apeture, although the cameras give the shutter speed.

Well worth considering before going down the Canon/Nikon road. Also check out the reviews at dpreview.

nemesise1977

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO Macro Super for Canon

02/27/2007 04:00:29 PM · #9

Sony Alpha, Canon or Nikon, alpha is a bit high on noies and prolly a bit out of your price range. Recommend go to a local store and seei if they will let you test drive a few in the shop. THen decide, you may not buy it from them though cause if you go to like pricegrabber.com or froogle.com you can most likely find what your looking for cheaper. Also Kit lenses are not bad but there are often better ones there. Finally think long term, if you plan on getting a camera like the 5d that is full sensor then don't buy all your glass as ef-s (or nikon equiv)

Emerkaza

Canon EOS-50D

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

02/27/2007 04:01:34 PM · #10

I'm a beginner and I LOVE my Canon Rebel XT.

02/27/2007 04:08:33 PM · #11

Pentax K100D + DA 18-55 3.5-5.6 + DA 50-200 4.0-5.6

Just under $1000 Canadian. Add a 2gb SD card and your set.

02/27/2007 04:11:07 PM · #12

Originally posted by option:

Pentax K100D + DA 18-55 3.5-5.6 + DA 50-200 4.0-5.6

Just under $1000 Canadian. Add a 2gb SD card and your set.

Heh 989 US grab the K10D with 18-55mm lense 1GB card and 3 year extended warranty.

Or in an *ist users case for 1,000 get the K10D Body, Battery Grip 2 batterys 1GB memory card and 3 year warranty. And reuse the old lenses, Not a case for a starter.

Retroesque

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

02/27/2007 04:11:41 PM · #13

I have a Canon 300d as do a few of my friends - we LOVE them.

It has more than enough on it to 'learn' with.

The newer model is the 400d - haven't used it - but know it's smaller than mine - GRIN!

02/27/2007 04:13:30 PM · #14

Originally posted by RainMotorsports:

$200 more, one less lens. Extended warranties are for suckers :-P

02/27/2007 04:13:44 PM · #15

Originally posted by iamwoman:

I have a Canon 300d as do a few of my friends - we LOVE them.

It has more than enough on it to 'learn' with.

The newer model is the 400d - haven't used it - but know it's smaller than mine - GRIN!

You forgot about the 350D inbetween.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

02/27/2007 04:15:24 PM · #16

Originally posted by option:

Originally posted by RainMotorsports:

Heh 989 US grab the K10D with 18-55mm lense 1GB card and 3 year extended warranty.

Or in an *ist users case for 1,000 get the K10D Body, Battery Grip 2 batterys 1GB memory card and 3 year warranty. And reuse the old lenses, Not a case for a starter.

$200 more, one less lens. Extended warranties are for suckers :-P

Heh you obviously havent had the luck of most of the poeple ive read about in the forum. And its 200 more but guess what its 10 MP versus 6, 9 Fram raw burst versus 3. its a whole step up. K10 versus K100 although for a beginenr the K100D is enough assumng they dont want continous shooting or a bettery grip.

Citadel

Nikon D7500

02/27/2007 04:18:32 PM · #17

Originally posted by fotomann_forever:

Originally posted by kirbic:

From the standpoint of creative control, I'd steer clear of the D40. It's kinda crippled.

Ditto that... I'd go with either the Rebel XT (or XTi) or the Nikon D70s

The D50 is another option and it takes pretty darn good shots. Its actually cheaper now than the D40.

thecamerastore.com currently has the D50 kit for $659. It takes SD rather than CF cards but you can get 1GB cards for cheap enough to get you started. I'd say the D50 is probably the best bang for the buck. If you have a bit more cash I'd look at the other cameras mentioned.

SteveJ

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM

02/27/2007 04:24:00 PM · #18

Originally posted by RainMotorsports:

Originally posted by option:

Originally posted by RainMotorsports:

Heh 989 US grab the K10D with 18-55mm lense 1GB card and 3 year extended warranty.

Or in an *ist users case for 1,000 get the K10D Body, Battery Grip 2 batterys 1GB memory card and 3 year warranty. And reuse the old lenses, Not a case for a starter.

$200 more, one less lens. Extended warranties are for suckers :-P

Heh you obviously havent had the luck of most of the poeple ive read about in the forum. And its 200 more but guess what its 10 MP versus 6, 9 Fram raw burst versus 3. its a whole step up. K10 versus K100 although for a beginenr the K100D is enough assumng they dont want continous shooting or a bettery grip.

What are you talking about?? Option has a K10D, and knows what it can do! I have a K100D and it beats any 350D hands down. Either camera would suit a beginner or more serious user as they have many of the same functions. Don't be so quick to dive in with limited knowledge.

02/27/2007 04:26:02 PM · #19

Originally posted by RainMotorsports:

3 year warranties cost like 2-300 bucks. If somethings going to break, it'll break in the first year (actually, stuff is most likely to show its defects in the first two weeks).

Battery grips, high FPS, etc, aren't beginner features. The difference between 6mp and 10mp is less than you'd think, as 6mp sensors tend to perform better per pixel than the newer 10mps of the same physical size. The K100D is more than enough camera for someone just getting into the dSLR world.

If someone doesn't need the weather sealing, higher res, larger size, faster operation, etc, I dont really see any reason to recommend a more expensive camera than they need, especially when they can get a camera and a 2 lens kit for the price of the K10D body only.

Message edited by author 2007-02-27 16:28:01.

02/27/2007 04:27:52 PM · #20

Originally posted by formerlee:

I know option has a K10D me and him have been emailing back and forth all wek about the K10D. But i dont think he realised when i quoted the K10D with one lense and memory card with waranty he didnt realise i was not quoting a K100D like he was. He Quote a setup with 2 lense and no card and basic warranty for 1,000 canadian. I quote a setup for 989 US dollars with 1 lense a memory card and 3 year warranty. But he says 200 more and 1 lense less and warranys are for suckers. But i dont think he realise di wasnt talking aboutthe K100D i was pushing one model up.

and i wasnt talking to option when i said "Not a case for a starter." I was talking about a kit with no lenses at that point. Not even talking to or about options post.

02/27/2007 04:29:10 PM · #21

Originally posted by option:

Originally posted by RainMotorsports:
Heh you obviously havent had the luck of most of the poeple ive read about in the forum. And its 200 more but guess what its 10 MP versus 6, 9 Fram raw burst versus 3. its a whole step up. K10 versus K100 although for a beginenr the K100D is enough assumng they dont want continous shooting or a bettery grip.

3 year warranties cost like 2-300 bucks. If somethings going to break, it'll break in the first year (actually, stuff is most likely to show its defects in the first two weeks).

Battery grips, high FPS, etc, aren't beginner features. The difference between 6mp and 10mp is less than you'd think, as 6mp sensors tend to perform better per pixel than the newer 10mps of the same physical size. The K100D is more than enough camera for someone just getting into the dSLR world.

If someone doesn't need the weather sealing, higher res, larger size, faster operation, etc, I dont really see any reason to recommend a more expensive camera than they need, especially when they can get a camera and a 2 lens kit for the price of the K10D body only.

As i covered when i said "although for a beginenr the K100D is enough assumng they dont want continous shooting or a bettery grip." I most literally saids they dont need continous shooting or the battery grip and the K100D is perfect enough.

02/27/2007 04:30:12 PM · #22

Originally posted by RainMotorsports:

But i dont think he realised when i quoted the K10D with one lense and memory card with waranty he didnt realise i was not quoting a K100D like he was. He Quote a setup with 2 lense and no card and basic warranty for 1,000 canadian. I quote a setup for 989 US dollars with 1 lense a memory card and 3 year warranty. But he says 200 more and 1 lense less and warranys are for suckers. But i dont think he realise di wasnt talking aboutthe K100D i was pushing one model up.

Ya I got that. The OP is on a budget, so I was going for the best system I could think of that fits her budget.

Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM

02/27/2007 04:32:40 PM · #23

Originally posted by option:

Originally posted by RainMotorsports:
But i dont think he realised when i quoted the K10D with one lense and memory card with waranty he didnt realise i was not quoting a K100D like he was. He Quote a setup with 2 lense and no card and basic warranty for 1,000 canadian. I quote a setup for 989 US dollars with 1 lense a memory card and 3 year warranty. But he says 200 more and 1 lense less and warranys are for suckers. But i dont think he realise di wasnt talking aboutthe K100D i was pushing one model up.

Ya I got that. The OP is on a budget, so I was going for the best system I could think of that fits her budget.

Thats cool i was throwing something up that had a memory card, but theres the diffeence between american and canadian ofcourse. 1,000 Canadian is actually LESS then 989 US. But if their looking for that zoom lense then it sprobly the better deal.

(ill have to go do the conversion but when iw as in high school 10,000 canadian was 6,942 US)

Message edited by author 2007-02-27 16:34:49.

SteveJ

Canon EOS-7D

02/27/2007 04:35:55 PM · #24

Plus, K100D does have continuous shooting although not up as high as some higher priced DSLRs, but enough for most shooters. It is not as much a beginner's camera as is being suggested. It is a very capable item.