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

12/26/2008 07:08:50 AM · #1

Ok.. So I've always had kodak cameras from walmart - around 250-300.00. I'm looking to finally upgrade to the world of Canon. I'm VERY much an amateur... Just mainly take pictures at family events... that sort of thing - but I'm looking to start doing more and getting a little more serious with it :)

I'm leaning towards a Canon Rebel XSi - they have one at Best Buy with two lenses (Canon 18-55mm IS lens and a Canon 55-250mm f/4-5.6 telephoto zoom lens) for 900.00. Good buy? Should I pick a different Canon? I don't want to spend more than 1200.00 for the Camera and lens(es). Also, what other accessories are necessary to get started???

Thanks!

DCrest01

Nikon D800

12/26/2008 07:21:43 AM · #2

Hi and Welcome. I to am new to everything. I just upgraded my Kodak to a Nikon D60 and I love it. Althought I still use both for different things. I got a package deal as well for about 750. Good Luck with whichever you chose. I'm sure you'll love it.

Diane

Covert_Oddity

Nikon D700

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

12/26/2008 07:27:05 AM · #3

Sorry, can't help you with the Canon stuff as I use Nikon, but just wanted to say, welcome to the world of SLR photography, where there is always more and more stuff you will want to buy!

If you're just starting out remember a couple of the extras you'll also need to consider:

Memory Card - No need to go over the top here, you can always buy a second later on and use them both

Bag - Always worth getting a bag that will protect your equipment, try and pick up one that will carry your camera, lenses and some other stuff (because I guarantee you will end up with more stuff in the future)

Tripod - Not an immediate necessity, but will come in handy if you want to use the SLR to do things like longer exposures, gorillapods are great and they are easy to take everywhere with you but not a complete substitute for a proper tripod.

Lens cleaner - you can usually get the store to throw stuff like this in, but I would recommend picking up something dedicated to use for cleaning the lens or your going to be tempted to use your tshirt (there was a whole thread on this recently). Remember and put it in your bag with the camera!

Lens filters - Again, not necessary, but I usually put a UV filter on my lenses as soon as I get them and just leave it there unless I'm doing something that requires me to take it off. These cost around $20 or so and protect the lens, if it ever takes a crack you can easily replace it and be thankful it wasn't the glass itself!

That's all I can think of, good luck, and enjoy the new camera!

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III

12/26/2008 07:30:05 AM · #4

Thanks for the welcomes :)

Also - for the Canon people - XSi or go ahead and get the D40? If so, why? I'll be checking the forum today before heading to the store tonight when I'm off work :)

Thanks again!

Melethia

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0 L IS

12/26/2008 07:38:14 AM · #5

dpreview has very good information. I think you can even do side by side comparisons. Take a look at the reviews for both cameras you're considering and see if either one strikes you as more to your liking.

If you can, go the store and hold both cameras. See if one feels "better" in your hands than the other. Both are quality products and very good for getting you into the dSLR world. And don't forget to drop back by and let us know what you picked up!

Final bit of advice (and no, I don't work for the site) - fork over the $25 for a year's worth of membership - you'll get a portfolio to which you can post pictures. This will make it easier for you to get advice from people here when you might need it. Welcome aboard!

awpollard

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS

12/26/2008 08:48:10 AM · #6

Originally posted by malenurse1979:

Go down to the store and hold them all in your hand. The XSi takes pics as good as my 40D but when I hold it (without a vertical grip) I can barely get three fingers on the grip. If I am concentrating on not dropping the Cam them I am not gettting the best shot I can. It is a small body. The camera is going to become an extension of your arm, you want it to be comfortable.

The other thing take a looksee at is the button layouts on the back of the cam. If you have never held a dSLR before it might be tough to know if you will like the layout or not, but try to get a sense that it will work for you. Being able to use the buttons/wheels without removing the cam from your eye is very usesful. You eventually will want to be in full manual, changing Shutter and aperture should be easy. Changings ISO, Metering and AF Mode without removing the camera from you eye also saves time.

Look in the View Finder of each on you pick up. Is the stuff inside big enough for you to read, does the layout make sense? Is there stuff missing like ISO? Big 3" displays and LiveView are really nice but you will be looking through the View finder most of the time.

Pick out a camera that makes sense to you. It has to feel good in your hand. You want to work the camera not it work you. The more comfortable you are with your purchase the easier it is to learn.

icu1965

Sony DSLR-A200

Sony 75-300mm f/4.5-5.6

12/26/2008 10:29:33 AM · #7

N/M, looks like I'm slow, someone already gave you my advice! :)
Good luck with your decision!!

Message edited by author 2008-12-26 10:30:29.

NikonJeb

Nikon D850

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

12/26/2008 01:06:26 PM · #8

One thought you may consider.

Though I have a little experience and knowledge under my belt, I *HATE* that whole bag full o' stuff that most photogs seem to carry around.

I have ONE body and ONE lens, and sometimes that means that because I take it everywhere, and am used to doing that, I get shots I otherwise wouldn't.

So bear in mind that if you're not necessarily looking to be a gear freak, you can get by nicely for some time with the basics.

Prash

Nikon D90

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

12/26/2008 02:08:06 PM · #9

An XSi kit with two lenses, 18-55 and 55-200 was on sale in Costco for less than 799 USD. My advice is to buy it online or in Costco, dont pay more than that. Nikons are great too. Adorama had a D90 kit (18-105mm) for 1095 USD last week. Even thats in your budget as you stated.

Good luck!!

Prash

Nikon D90

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

12/26/2008 02:09:07 PM · #10

Originally posted by NikonJeb:

Good advice. It may not be for everyone, but in general I would agree.

david_c

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0 L USM

12/26/2008 02:46:00 PM · #11

Originally posted by malenurse1979:

I'd pass on the Nikon D40....the D80 would be the Nikon equivalent of the XSi. Having said that, I love my XSi...I initially bought the 55-250 IS with it and the 18-55 kit lens, but shortly I realized lens quality counts for a lot. A LOT. That 55-250 is only just OK, but I sold it to help pay for the 70-200 F4 L, which you will too, if you're at all serious about becoming a DSLR freak. My advice would be: shop around for the best XSi + 18-55 kit lens price, get used to it, and then save up for the L-lens you're inevitably going to want.

Yes, you'll need a bag, an SD card (or 4), and a tripod. Then, once you have the fever, you'll buy a 580EX II flash unit, some radio triggers, a light stand + shoot-thru umbrella, a second flash unit, some background paper, a battery grip, more lenses, a better laptop for tethered shooting, and some models on modelmayhem. Are you sure you want to go through with this?

Message edited by author 2008-12-26 14:46:37.

Yo_Spiff

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

Olympus 12-100mm f/4.0 M.Zuiko ED IS PRO

12/26/2008 03:25:07 PM · #12

The 580EX was a more expensive flash that I was willing to go for, but I am very happy with a used 430EX I recently got for well under $200. N matter what flash you choose, it will improve you indoor shots immensely. Even the lesser powered flash I got for $99 from Wolf camera ins a huge improvement on the pop up flash and is sufficient in an average sized room.

I agree that a good bag and tripod are imprortant. Accessories. I have a slingpack from Lowepro and I am very happy with it.

Biggest thing about your choice of camera is not so much the camera itself, but the system of lenses and accessories you will be now limited to. If I had not found my Rebel on a great sale, I woudl have probably gone with an Olympus. Despite of what a Canon or Nikon fan-boy will say, they are all good cameras, withe their own strong points and idiosyncrasies.

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100

12/27/2008 08:34:56 AM · #13

Thanks everyone :) After much reading yesterday I finally just went with the XSi. I've always only used P&S cameras so the size and weight isnt an issue :) Feels fine to me lol. I also picked up the Rebel starter kit (Rebel bag, Canon UV filter, extra Canon battery).

I'm probably going to go today and pick up the 580ex ii if I can find one. That should be all the spending I need to do for a while huh? :)

And on the memory card - Got an 8Gb Sandisk Ultra II... ? That any good for this camera? SHould I have gone/go Ultra III? The ultra 2 is 15 mb/s and the 3 is 30 mb/s I think..

spiritualspatula

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

12/28/2008 01:09:20 PM · #14

In regards to speed, Ultra II's are slower than the fastest available, but this shouldn't really be a big deal for you since the body tops out at 3.5 frames per second. Where you would see the impact is your buffer filling faster (IE, if you take lots of frames close together, at a certain point your camera will generate images faster than it can write them, and you will experience a slowdown). It should be perfect for now, since you are just getting used to things. Later you can always upgrade to a faster card, especially since prices for storage go down quickly.