Tell me how good your camera is....

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

02/21/2007 04:30:00 PM · #1

Okay here is a chance for you to brag about how good your camera is.....

With my camera currently on the limited duty list due to injuries...I think it's time to start looking into upgrading my camera. So I'm looking for ideas on a decent camera.

My first idea is to just upgrade to the Canon PowerShot S2 I3 or another advanced point and shoot, but I'm considering getting a DSLR. I don't want to spend more than $600 and would prefer to stay somewhere under $500. I'm not looking for the newest and greatest camera...I'm looking for a camera that works well for the price...so please oh Please...lay the ideas on me.

SteveJ

Canon EOS-7D

02/21/2007 04:32:49 PM · #2

Take a look at the Pentax K100D. Good price in UK, image stabilised body, all old Pentax lens fit, even M42 thread with an adapter.

jdannels

Nikon D300s

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM for Nikon

02/21/2007 04:51:25 PM · #3

For your price range I would go with the Nikon D50, although you may be able to find a used D70 on fredmiranda.com. I upgraded to the D200 a few months back and when I go shoot I put a wide angle lens on one and a walk around lens on the other and shoot all day without worrying about image quality differences at all. Even now for challenges I will enter shots from either camera, depending on which one got the shot I wanted. I learned almost everything I know using that camera. And you can get a remote for 20 bucks and take SP's that will focus and up to 30 min long exposures.

zeuszen

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

02/21/2007 04:53:57 PM · #4

Considering your budget, I'd look at a used rangefinder, a Sony DSC 828, even a 717.

Many people these days purchase DSLRs without realizing the hidden costs: expensive glass, expensive tripods, heads for that triod, a way to transport the equipment safely and intelligently, a computer that can handle the files with a monitor fit for editing, a fast card reader, memory cards, PS etc.

The true cost of a DSLR, not initially, but in the long run, probably equals what it costs to make a downpayment on a house.

Fromac

Nikon D7000

Olympus 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Digital ED

02/21/2007 05:12:20 PM · #5

The Canon Powershot G7 is a lot of camera for the money. If you decide to stick with a P&S, this is probably one of the best.

Message edited by author 2007-02-21 17:13:04.

chimericvisions

Canon EOS-60D

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II

02/21/2007 05:13:46 PM · #6

If it wasn't Wednesday, my camera would kick your camera's ass.

jbsmithana

Nikon D300

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

02/21/2007 05:19:06 PM · #7

Stick with a good P&S unless you are willing to spend quite a bit more than $500 in the first year. It's already been said that there are many hidden costs to a DSLR. Unless you are really ready to make that jump you will be happier with the newer P&S cameras out there. A good place to look at reviews is:

DPReview

Good luck.

Message edited by author 2007-02-21 17:19:43.

tate

Apple iPhone 15 Pro

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D

02/21/2007 05:23:05 PM · #8

EDIT to say: since you have a point and shoot already, use it as a carry around ... use the DSLR as a learning tool and you'lll grow with it.

The Nikon D70 with a 50mm 1.8 or 1.4 to start. Now that they have a slight upgrade in the D70s, you can get the D70 for cheap and many people are upgrading to a d200 or something so seeling the D70.
Check dpreview for expert reviews on good cameras.
PS: the d70 is even better than the D80 in ways, like the flash sync speed of 1/500 vs 1/200 I believe on the D80. Also take a look at the images people shoot with it under "equipment"

Nikon D70 !!!!!!!!!!! (used) You won't regret it.

Message edited by author 2007-02-21 17:29:49.

02/21/2007 06:00:46 PM · #9

Wow..looks like a Nikon D70 is stealing the show. i thought I'd hear more for an old version of the Canon EOS...but so far no votes for that.

With tax returns coming..I might be able to spend the $600 for a camera.

As for all the new hardware...I'm not to worried about finding a computer with a monitor and such..I have no problem with computer and software..and have the ability to upgrade laptops every three years (I'm already in my third year of the one i have). The glass would be the most expensive accessory I'd be looking at.

Should probably keep in mind that I'm eventually planning on submitting photos to stock (please don't judge by just my challenge photos...they are usually very last minute and don't represent my work completely). So I need a camera that can capture good images.

eckoe

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28-300mm f3.5-5.6G ED VR

02/21/2007 06:21:50 PM · #10

Meh, some hours you get canon people, some hours you get Nikon people...

I loved my 300D, didn't use a 350 or 400D, but I assume they're still good cameras, only real complaint I heard was "small" from people that had them. I REALLY like my 30D. It's predictable, has good weight, good controls, and have had 0 issues with quality.

I'd reccomend going down to a camera store (without your wallet if you'd dealing with budget) and see if they have any older models to hold, touch. Both Nikon and Canon. With film the film camera's I've bought, and the digital, I've told myself I need a camera, or didn't need a camera, by the way it felt in my hands.

NikonJeb

Nikon D850

02/21/2007 06:59:30 PM · #11

Originally posted by zeuszen:

The true cost of a DSLR, not initially, but in the long run, probably equals what it costs to make a downpayment on a house.

I vehemently disagree with this statement on multiple levels.

It depends on your perspective and what you want.

It can go like that but I doubt that my camera needs ever will, and it's because in the long run, I want to have one body and one lens for 90% or better of what I need to do.

Ultimately, I'd like to have the 18-200 Vibration Reduction lens that is available for my Nikon, but only after I have sold enough pictures to cover at least half of that.

I have an 18-70 and a 55-200 now, and along with the body, I've got $1300 in pretty much everything I need for what I want to do.

And if I could get rid of two lenses and have just the one, I'd be a happy camper.

I can get an 18-135 for half what the 18-200 is, and that may well be good enough.

The 55-200 is just too much for everyday use and I'm spoiled by the 18-70 for my close work.

I will be getting a Nikon D40 for my daughter pretty soon, $600 is the kit price for that little beauty and it seems to be taking the entry level DSLR market by storm.

You may find that it will be all you would need and any of the DSLR Nikon lenses work on it.

My main interet is that my daughter and I can share lenses, and if I do get either the 18-200 or the 18-135, she can have my other lenses.

I know people who have to have the latest and greatest of everything, but I am certainly not that guy, and who knows.....I may never get into any other lenses other than what I have now. I would like the convenience of the one lens for all, but I see it as a gift for doing well, not a must-have.

NikonJeb

Nikon D850

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28-300mm f3.5-5.6G ED VR

02/21/2007 07:31:58 PM · #12

Originally posted by eckoe:

I'd reccomend going down to a camera store (without your wallet if you'd dealing with budget) and see if they have any older models to hold, touch. Both Nikon and Canon. With film the film camera's I've bought, and the digital, I've told myself I need a camera, or didn't need a camera, by the way it felt in my hands.

Or even the new ones.

That's what I did.....after doing all the research as to which one my pocket and wants dictated I had it down to the Nikon D70s and the EOS 350 Rebel XT.

I was leaning toward the Rebel, I had a Canon A-1 for 25 years, but after holding them and getting a feel for them, the Nikon was so much better for my hand and the way it looked and felt.....TO ME!!!

I am very large, I have a very large hand, I'm a 51 year old mechanically inclined guy, and the big, solid, heavy Nikon was exactly what I wanted. The Canon just felt dinky and frail to me......it was strictly a visceral choice.

I can actually change my settings and take a pic one-handed if I need to with the way that the D70s fits my hand.....kids, do NOT try this at home!.....8>)

One of my best friends says you can have her EOS 350D when you pry her cold dead fingers from it.....it fits her hand and needs perfectly.

They are both excellent entry level DSLRs....and IMNSHO Nikon has the edge right now 'cause with their D40, they're able to edge out Canon in the pricing game without sacrificing the quality in their newest offering in an entry level DSLR.

But....since Canon had the edge for a while with the EOS 300, it's time Nikon had a chance.

Canon and Nikon have the market share and they are constantly in competition with each other in the price and quality game....and we win!

fotomann_forever

02/21/2007 07:58:44 PM · #13

Actually, I prefer the Rebel XT over the larger cams... it fits me perfectly, so yeah "feel" has a lot to do with buying decisions.

zeuszen

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

02/21/2007 08:29:01 PM · #14

Originally posted by NikonJeb:

Originally posted by zeuszen:
The true cost of a DSLR, not initially, but in the long run, probably equals what it costs to make a downpayment on a house.

I vehemently disagree with this statement on multiple levels...

I would have disagreed myself - a few years ago.

tate

Apple iPhone 15 Pro

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D

02/21/2007 08:59:12 PM · #15

I know Getty stock requires a D200 - if you want further explaination I can give it. Anyway, the lenses ARE the expense that you KEEP. DON"T Get a D40! .... I can explain if needed (can you say only auto-focus on applicable lenses?? =0?

Go D70 ... 400$ max on ebay. Deal of the year.

Originally posted by albc28:

Panasonic Lumix G 14mm F2.5 ASPH

03/01/2007 09:15:18 AM · #16

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME....my birthday was Tuesday...and miraculously I recieved a $2000 bonus at work....so I'm going to get a camera this weekend. Of course with that bonus....my price for a camera has increased...I'm willing to spend up to $800 for a camera...

So please lay it on me on the camera choices now...or even camera and lens kits....

(if I don't get an extra lens this weekend...i will surely get one when I get my income tax check...)

Olyuzi

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7

03/01/2007 11:02:26 AM · #17

PMA starts next week where camera manufacturers will be announcing new cams and lenses that they'll be coming out with in the near future. The prices of existing stock should then be coming down to make room for the latest offereings and you could probably be able to walk away with a "steal" for whatever camera you decide on. A little patience can go along way because with the extra money that you've just gotten, and the savings from discounted cameras/lenses, you may be able to sneak in an extra lens or accessory to your bag.

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

03/01/2007 01:32:57 PM · #18

Patience??? that's going to be hard. I feel like a kid in a candy with an all you can grab candy store coupon. I can't wait to get use it.

Elvis_L

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

03/01/2007 01:43:28 PM · #19

in that range i would say the canon 20d is a great camera.

kiwinick

Sony DSLR-A550

Sony DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Aspherical ED Zoom Lens for Sony Alpha

03/01/2007 01:47:22 PM · #20

the Sony 100 is at good price at the moment 10mp and it takes all the KM lenses and the sensor is the same as the D200 Nikon

Message edited by author 2007-03-01 13:51:01.

Spork99

OM System OM-1

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

03/01/2007 03:57:56 PM · #21

Originally posted by zeuszen:

Originally posted by NikonJeb:

Originally posted by zeuszen:
The true cost of a DSLR, not initially, but in the long run, probably equals what it costs to make a downpayment on a house.

I vehemently disagree with this statement on multiple levels...

I would have disagreed myself - a few years ago.

I'd say the truth in the original statement derives mostly from the source.

zaflabout

Nikon D300

Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) for Nikon

03/01/2007 04:00:06 PM · #22

i can tell you this much , D50 is a great camera on every level.
i mean now of course you have the new D80 which is awesome, but for budget purposes i think d50 will get you the best bang for your money

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

03/01/2007 04:01:54 PM · #23

A 20D??? You are trying to get me the real state of the art stuff huh...I was still considering the 350D...aka the XT. Maybe the XTi?? But I realize that they use CompactFlash Memory cards...means i wouldn't be able to use all the SD cards I bought already.

soup

Canon EOS-30D

03/01/2007 04:04:57 PM · #24

maybe a used canon 20d. i'll second that.

sure - you'll use the SD's in s2IS you've got already...

Message edited by author 2007-03-01 16:05:49.