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Showing posts 26 - 39 of 39, (reverse)
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08/25/2007 08:16:01 AM · #26
Get a Pentax K100D with Image Stabilization built-in. You can't get this feature yet with a Nikon or Canon body.
08/25/2007 08:24:43 AM · #27
From a Nikon user here.... nothing wrong with the 350D or the 300D to be fair, they are made from hard plastic, they can take a bit of rashing, but like anything else, you over abuse it then it will break it, same goes for the D50, D70 Nikons.

The pentax K100 is another option too, very cheap now to buy the batteries are the only issue I personally don't like AA batteries in my camera.

Happy shopping and I hope you get a nice deal with your Camera
08/25/2007 08:27:31 AM · #28
Originally posted by ETphonethishome:

i want to get a digital slr camera. i got a about $900 to spend (yeah, i guess im looking for a cheap beginner's camera) I want a camera that is very sensitive to light so that i can take pics in a low light situation and doesn't get too much noise. maybe an image stabilizer so that low shutter speeds dont get motion blur (btw image stabilizers only help reduce camera shake, right?) and does anyone know how to tell before you buy a camera if it can take inferred pics? and while im at it, (im a beginner) what should i look for in a SLR camera?

does anyone know any good places to look for cameras?


Right now the hottest thing selling is the Olympus E-510. It has in body IS and comes with two pretty good kit lenses for right around $950. Good low light performance although some Canon users would argue that. I would have no problem putting low light images from E-510 against any Canon or Nikon in the same price range. You would be really hard pressed to tell the difference. DPReivew rated this camera as "Highly Recommended" also. (Sorry it was the E-410 that got this rating but it is about the same camera but with IS)

Message edited by author 2007-08-25 08:43:13.
08/25/2007 08:38:07 AM · #29
Originally posted by JBHale:

Some people like the Nikons at that level for their ease of use. Many people also find them more comfortable to hold. They are a bit heavier I believe, but once you go SLR, they're all heavier than most point and shoots.


Well said. I'm not sure if it was just my impression, but the Nikon felt more sturdy -- perhaps due to the slight weight difference.

I'm sure either would work great.
08/25/2007 08:41:24 AM · #30
Originally posted by mcmurma:

Get a Pentax K100D with Image Stabilization built-in. You can't get this feature yet with a Nikon or Canon body.


Do realize that when buying a DSLR, you are buying into a certain lens mount system. I chose to purchase the D50 and spend my money on lenses. I didn't get pro glass, but I did invest in some (what I consider) good glass. I can always upgrade to a great body (drooling over the specs to the new D300) later.

Just make sure whatever camera you get has lenses to back it up. They are much more important than the body in most cases.
08/25/2007 08:44:14 AM · #31
Canon Rebel XT or XTi... you can't go wrong with the camera and price, and their quality :)
08/25/2007 10:44:47 AM · #32
Originally posted by Atropos:

P.S The d40 is slightly better if you're choosing between it and the rebel xt.

BTW I am also a fan of Canon. Don't let anyone tell you I'm just a Nikon enthusiast saying that because of brand loyalty. It's cheaper, sturdier, easier to hold, and you'd be hard pressed to notice a difference in image quality under any circumstances.


Yeah, you've got a reputation as being really brand agnostic...

Which one of these makes the D40 better than the 350D:

- less resolution (6mp vs 8mp)
- not all nikon lenses will auto-focus on it
- only a 3 point auto-focus system instead of 7
- no exposure bracketing versus both exposure and WB bracketing
- 2.5 fps versus 3fps

Sorry, but for the same money you (OP) would be better off going with the 350 as a starter unless Grandpa left you a closet full of Nikon glass.

I have read plenty of Nikon owners saying the D40 isn't the best of Nikon's offerings.

08/25/2007 04:32:34 PM · #33
For $900 i would go for a XTI body and the Tamron 17-50 f2.8 (possibly used), and maybe a spare battery if i could afford one.

This gives you a good solid camera, a great walkaround lens and that all important spare battery.

And a word on the Canon build quality: so far with mine it's been flawless. I've used it in rain, snow, on the beach, from a moving car, it's been dropped onto concrete, in puddles, on corners of benches, had coffee spilled on it in starbucks, been in a smoky pub/club and it still works as good as the day i got it.
08/25/2007 09:50:29 PM · #34
Another idea (depending on where you live) is a used Canon 10D/20D or Nikon D70/D70s. These can be purchased from sellers on Ebay or Craigslist for $400 to $500, many times including a kit lens. Be sure to only buy from a local seller, with original receipts, in original box, and meet the seller and demo the camera first. Asking for the original receipts and box shows the seller was probably a careful owner. Meet at a local high-end camera shop, many times the proprietor will be glad to give an opinion. You can get more quality at less price, and you can always sell for almost what you paid when you are ready to upgrade.

For the entry level SLR, the lens has much more to do with the ease of use and quality of pictures than the body. For starters, try a 1.8 50mm prime lens - available new for Canon around $75 and Nikon for around $110.

This combination will give excellent learning experience without a big investment. My two cents worth...
08/26/2007 10:53:06 AM · #35
I love my 350D and have had amazing luck with it. BUT, having said that...here might be another option (just in case).

See this thread.
08/26/2007 11:42:53 AM · #36
Definitely get the 350 over the d40. But, my basic advice is to get the cheap canon, and spend the money on glass. All the current slr bodies are excellent; d40 strikes me as a little crippled,but choose one that feels right and get on with it.
08/26/2007 11:51:24 AM · #37
You could pick up a 350 and 50mm for just over $500. Then save your money for L-lens. Or sup up your computer for the images processing with the other $400.
08/26/2007 11:56:15 AM · #38
This will go over budget, but I think it might be a great camera/lens combination.

Nikon D40x and Nikon 18-200 VR.

D40x without lens: $635 with free shipping

Nikon 18-200mm F/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor Lens, With 5-Year USA Warranty - $749, in stock

Total Price: $1384

That lens is great, and may be the only one you need for a long time.

Ok, that's over your budget, but you will get a great lens and good camera. And if you want later, you can upgrade the camera to a D80 or D90 when it finally comes out (I'm thinking it will be a mini D300), and that lens will still be one you'll want to keep.

Buydig and Beach Camera (really the same) are safe, good, stores. I've bought several cameras from them already, and I know Scalvert buys from them too.

Message edited by author 2007-08-26 12:53:42.
08/26/2007 12:24:56 PM · #39
I vote PENTAX K100D - currently, least expensive body and/or w/kit - massive amount of older excellent glass - by most all accounts BEST 6.1 available.
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