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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Recommend an SLR
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 02/14/2007 06:16:50 AM · #1
I have a student (English student) who owns his own flower shop. It's a very nice, busy shop. He mentioned that he wanted a new camera to take pictures of the flowers they have, as well as pictures of his family. He wanted something more 'professional'. I have a Fujifilm, and he liked the pictures I took. However, I wanted to recommend an SLR so that he could swap lenses and get more out of his pictures eventually.

Since I have no idea what would be good, I thought I would ask here. I think the most important thing is to keep it cheap. Something for a beginner.
 02/14/2007 06:27:37 AM · #2
If you can pick up a Nikon D50 they've dropped in price dramatically and they're all you'll need to start and finish your photography introduction.
 02/14/2007 06:33:52 AM · #3
Originally posted by shalrath:
If you can pick up a Nikon D50 they've dropped in price dramatically and they're all you'll need to start and finish your photography introduction.


as a previous D50 owner, i agree that they're awesome cameras. but i think a D40 would be better. it's more geared towards users who don't understand SLRs ... it's probably the best camera on the market for that demographic.

as well as the fact that it takes awesome pictures! :)
 02/14/2007 07:10:48 AM · #4
I think what he's really looking for is a good lens and that any Nikon dSLR would be good enough for the job.
 02/14/2007 07:13:12 AM · #5
Oh yeah... forgot about the release of the D40, if you grab that with the kit lens it'd be a great basic starter.
 02/14/2007 07:28:34 AM · #6
he should definitely choose an entrey level canon or nikon.
the canon 400d is great (can still find the 350D at lower prices too).

don't know the D40/D50, but definitely good choices.

And by doing any of these choices, your friend will not be making any mistake in terms of "platform". I mean when you enter the DSLR world you are all focused on the body. After a year or two as an amateur, I can tell you that the body is the least of your problem/costs (ok maybe exagerating but you get the point). Lenses, flash, tripod, bag etc. will soon pile up to a point where they represent the largest part of your gear. And then your friend will be happy to have chosen one of the 2 main brands with hips of accessories available. Not to mention that if he ever changes body in a few year time, he'll want to recycle all this gear.

02/14/2007 07:48:43 AM · #7
Nikon D80 *Nods*
 02/14/2007 07:50:40 AM · #8
My suggestion would wait until after March when PMA convenes. I believe they, as in at least Canon, are announcing quite a few new cameras! This could drive the price down on the ones that are out now and that I think are just fine!!!
 02/14/2007 07:53:59 AM · #9
Nikon D50 or D80. The D40 only autofocuses with the latest AF-S lenses. This would be a deal killer for me.

Message edited by author 2007-02-14 07:54:22.
 02/14/2007 08:13:08 AM · #10
Originally posted by krafty1:
Nikon D50 or D80. The D40 only autofocuses with the latest AF-S lenses. This would be a deal killer for me.


if you're a beginner, who doesn't own any lenses, it shouldn't matter. it just means you only buy new af-s lenses! no big deal.

if you own a bunch of old lenses, then i understand ... but otherwise it's an irrelevant point.

Message edited by author 2007-02-14 09:03:02.
 02/14/2007 08:22:32 AM · #11
"...for me."

This would hinder, if I am not mistaken, the use of auto-focus on one of the best and most inexpensive Auto-focus lenses out there the Nikkor 50mm 1.8. There are a lot of older quality lenses out there. I wouldn't hamstring myself if an option like the D50 was available at such a minor price difference.

edit: grammar

Message edited by author 2007-02-14 08:23:18.
 02/14/2007 09:01:18 AM · #12
Originally posted by super-dave:

if you own a bunch of old lenses, then in understand ... but otherwise it's an irrelevant point.

No, it's not. It's just one you want to ignore.

Used lenses are often a very important part of a beginner's kit. Don't write something off that is actually a very important consideration for an SLR.
 02/14/2007 09:02:59 AM · #13
Don't listen to the people who own Canons they dont know what their talking about >.>

O.O *Runs*
 02/14/2007 09:09:33 AM · #14
krafty -

for you ... right! as i said if you own older lenses already, then i understand.

but the thread poster doesn't own anything. so it shouldn't be of consequence.

nards656 -

"used lenses are often a very important part of a beginner's kit"

i would have agreed with you a few years ago, but i think that nowadays it's changing. i certainly wouldn't say OFTEN and i wouldn't say VERY important part.

many people are getting into DSLR photography with little knowledge of cameras and no intentions of buying anything except new kit ... especially lenses.

so people aren't put off by the limitation of not having the ability to use older lenses.

i started out 20 years ago with a pentax k1000 my dad gave me. my 2nd camera was an old canon eos rebel that i got from a friend. when i bought my D50 i bought 2 older lenses to go with it ... but now, all my lenses are new.

i recommend D40s to new users all the time. i think it's a great entry level camera because the menus and displays actually help people learn about SLR photography (such as a visual representation of what the aperture is).

i don't think that being able to use older lenses is a crucial point ...

:)
 02/14/2007 10:09:49 AM · #15
Thanks for the great replies.

My student is a beginner. He just needs something to get himself started. He'll likely end up with one lense for the first few years and if he gets more into it, he'll buy more. Knowing that I'm into photography, he asked for my opinion. Now I can do a bit of research from the replies and give him and INFORMED opinion.

Thanks again
 02/14/2007 10:42:18 AM · #16
Originally posted by xXxscarletxXx:
Don't listen to the people who own Canons they dont know what their talking about >.>

O.O *Runs*


That's for sure :)
 02/15/2007 06:06:22 PM · #17
Canon and or Nikon they both offer entry level stuff that rocks! Pentax and so forth? Uhhhh not so much.....
 02/15/2007 06:18:07 PM · #18
Canon 5D
50mm f 1.4 Lense.

Fantastic Camera and Fantastic Lense
which will meet his requirements without any Probs.

Cheers.
Joe
 02/15/2007 06:51:01 PM · #19
^Lol, i think that might be a bit overkill for a beginner, £2500 worth of kit!?

I think either a used 350D or a D50 would be perfect with the respective kit lenses.
 02/15/2007 08:13:07 PM · #20
Originally posted by crazedfost78:
Canon and or Nikon they both offer entry level stuff that rocks! Pentax and so forth? Uhhhh not so much.....


Thats a rather ignorant statement. The Pentax K100D is every bit as good as the D40/50.

For $800 your friend could get a Pentax K100D and the excellent Pentax FA 50mm f/1.4. Did I mention that the lens would be stabilized? How many stabilized 50s do Canon and Nikon offer? I don't want to stir the pot there, just irked at crazedfost78's baseless statement...
 02/15/2007 08:16:35 PM · #21
Originally posted by Ben:
^Lol, i think that might be a bit overkill for a beginner, £2500 worth of kit!?

I think either a used 350D or a D50 would be perfect with the respective kit lenses.

Hey Im a begginer my camera and lens cost me $2,500 and was worth every cent
 02/15/2007 08:21:42 PM · #22
The guy wants to take pictures of his flowers, and wasn't gonig to get a slr at first. I don't think he'd find that money well spent.

NB- There's quite a big difference between £ and $.

Message edited by author 2007-02-15 20:22:07.
 02/15/2007 08:30:14 PM · #23
If the need is primarily shooting flowers then the need is for macro capability. This can be served with a decent P&S that has that capability. If they really want o go to the next step and get an DSLR then any of the main DSLR bodies will do. The real need would be a lens like the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro.
 02/15/2007 08:41:46 PM · #24
Originally posted by jbsmithana:
If the need is primarily shooting flowers then the need is for macro capability. This can be served with a decent P&S that has that capability. If they really want o go to the next step and get an DSLR then any of the main DSLR bodies will do. The real need would be a lens like the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro.


Yeah, I was thinking of suggesting a macro, but apparently the student also wants to do family shots, etc. A 100mm-ish macro lens is a little long for casual portraiture, isnt it? Whichever brand he goes with, IMO a fast 50 would be the ideal lens.
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