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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> looking for a new camera
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 08/21/2007 02:19:57 PM · #1
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?

Message edited by author 2007-08-21 14:37:52.
 08/21/2007 05:48:34 PM · #2
With that price range, you aren't going to get all of your requirements or wishes. Your best bet at this point for that budget is either the Canon 350D Rebel XT or the Nikon D40. Both have good low light performance but the Rebel is slightly better. Neither will have in body IS, look for the Sony for built in IS. Getting IS on Canons and Nikons requires an image stabilized lens ($$$) and yes, IS only corrects for camera shake not subject movement. Both cameras I mentioned are capable of doing IR work. The most important thing to remember though is that it's not so much the body, it's the lens so look for a good lens to go with. For a small budget like $900, you most likely won't get an IS (canon) or VR (nikon) lens but save up and you'll get one quick. Right now the 350D goes for about $480 body only and you can get a Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 SP (fantastic lens) for about $350 more leaving you just enough to get some memory and maybe an extra battery.
 08/21/2007 05:52:05 PM · #3
You could squeeze a 350D and 28-135 IS out of 900 bucks. BH pricing for both looks like you'd have a couple bucks change.
 08/21/2007 05:56:53 PM · #4
I will avoid the XT Rebel if I were you (it is a very cheap built camera, maybe one of the worst in terms of built quality). I will try to save more money and spend them on a 30D (a very superior built camera).

Since Canon has announced the release of 40D, I suspect the the price for the 30D will significantly decrease (150-200$)...

If you look for Canon, Canon 30D seems to be a very good choice.
 08/21/2007 05:58:35 PM · #5
Originally posted by msieglerfr:
I will avoid the XT Rebel if I were you (it is a very cheap built camera, maybe one of the worst in terms of built quality).


This is sheer nonsense.
 08/21/2007 06:03:30 PM · #6
This is sheer nonsense.

Well, do not tell me that you would like to trade the built quality of your 5D over the XT rebel (regardless the respective price).

Built quality: 30D vs XT rebel?...By very very far the 30D...and the price of this latter camera is going to drop, so I think 900 $ will do it very soon.
 08/21/2007 06:12:50 PM · #7
Originally posted by msieglerfr:
This is sheer nonsense.

Well, do not tell me that you would like to trade the built quality of your 5D over the XT rebel (regardless the respective price).

Built quality: 30D vs XT rebel?...By very very far the 30D...and the price of this latter camera is going to drop, so I think 900 $ will do it very soon.


I have owned the 350, 30 and 5D. Still own the 350 and 5. The 350D is not built like the 5D, it also costs about 1/5th the price. However to say it is maybe the worst camera available in terms of build quality is nuts. Mine is two years old, has gone on plenty of vacations, been used in foul weather, dropped, etc - and has never once been sent to Canon for repairs.

What's your experience?
 08/21/2007 06:18:09 PM · #8
Originally posted by routerguy666:
Originally posted by msieglerfr:
I will avoid the XT Rebel if I were you (it is a very cheap built camera, maybe one of the worst in terms of built quality).


This is sheer nonsense.


Ditto. I only cameras I have had have been REbels. Had the XT for 2 years, passed it on to a friend, and save the CF reader pins being bent (friend got a bit excited and pushed too hard he wrong way), I have had ZERO, Z-E-R-O, problems with the Rebel. I know, I know, I MUST be one of the lucky ones.

msieg, you are a Nikon enthusiast, as you started the thread about Nikon needing to catch up. I will assume that your intentions are honorable, despite how it seems to come off here.

cheers.

BTW, to the OP, the XTi, is well within your price range, PLUS you wont be disappointed. It's the one I use & I LOVE it!
Good luck with whatever you choose (Canon/Nikon pseudo wars, notwithstanding)
 08/21/2007 06:18:43 PM · #9
My 350D has gone through it's fair share of hard conditions as well. Everything from being transported by planes, trains, and automobiles to being taken to the beach with sand and salt spray, to being taken hiking up a mountain and still performs like a champ. Never been sent for service, never even had a hiccup. It's not built like a 30D or 40D, but it can still take it's fair share of being banged around.
 08/21/2007 06:21:36 PM · #10
The point is not about my own experience. I despise the XT camera because it just does not fit right in my hand, I do not like the way it feels, the plastic is also of very low quality. What is inside (the electronic part) is a different matter...

The point is: choosing between a XT and a 30D. What one will choose if one has a 900 $ budget and knowing that the price for the 30D camera is likely to drop?

And yes, I am a Nikon user, but I admit that the 20D/30D/40D were/are/will be rather impressive cameras! If I have to change from Nikon to Canon...I will go for the latest version of this semi-pro camera (i.e., 40D). I like the way they feel in my hands and this point is very important

Message edited by author 2007-08-21 18:24:28.
 08/21/2007 06:23:15 PM · #11
Originally posted by msieglerfr:
The point is not about my own experience. I despise the XT camera because it just does not fit right in my hand, I do not like the way it feels, the plastic is also of very low quality. What is inside (the electronic part) is a different matter...

The point is: choosing between a XT and a 30D. What one will choose if one has a 900 $ budget and knowing that the price for the 30D camera is likely to drop?


Probably a body that is going to allow him to purchase a lense as well otherwise it might not be as fun.
 08/21/2007 06:26:30 PM · #12
Originally posted by routerguy666:
Probably a body that is going to allow him to purchase a lense as well otherwise it might not be as fun.


You mean I need a LENS on the front of this thing? Damn.. that explains all of the black exposures!

;o)
 08/21/2007 06:27:20 PM · #13
Originally posted by roba:
Originally posted by routerguy666:
Probably a body that is going to allow him to purchase a lense as well otherwise it might not be as fun.


You mean I need a LENS on the front of this thing? Damn.. that explains all of the black exposures!

;o)


Damn looking at your lense list you could toss one to the OP and save yourself a chiropractor bill heheh.
 08/21/2007 06:27:24 PM · #14
Probably a body that is going to allow him to purchase a lense as well otherwise it might not be as fun.

Maybe waiting a little bit is wise so that the amount of extra money will help him to get a fair set of lenses start with.
 08/21/2007 06:27:57 PM · #15
Originally posted by msieglerfr:
Probably a body that is going to allow him to purchase a lense as well otherwise it might not be as fun.

Maybe waiting a little bit is wise so that the amount of extra money will help him to get a fair set of lenses start with.


Yeah right, 'waiting'. Clearly this discussion has moved into the realm of fancy.
 08/21/2007 06:29:02 PM · #16
Originally posted by routerguy666:

Damn looking at your lense list you could toss one to the OP and save yourself a chiropractor bill heheh.


wife = assistant = pack-horse ;o)
 08/21/2007 06:32:46 PM · #17
Originally posted by roba:
Originally posted by routerguy666:

Damn looking at your lense list you could toss one to the OP and save yourself a chiropractor bill heheh.


wife = assistant = pack-horse ;o)

LOL! I should get my girlfriend started in the biz. :P
 08/21/2007 06:45:42 PM · #18
Originally posted by routerguy666:

Yeah right, 'waiting'. Clearly this discussion has moved into the realm of fancy.


Blablabla...Strike the wall... :P
 08/21/2007 06:53:50 PM · #19
Originally posted by msieglerfr:
Blablabla...Strike the wall... :P


uuuuuuuhmmmm... Like this ?
 08/21/2007 07:11:15 PM · #20
Eric - I agree with Samdo1s original posting. But !!
With all this talk of the release of the 40D I would be inclined to wait a few weeks. I know everybody says "the waiting game" but I think with the release of a new model (I know this isn't in your price range) there will be a flow on effect. If you can hold off a few weeks it may be to your advantage (maybe).
As everybody clammers for the new model (and sales of the other models slow) you might find a few bargains to be had.

I have the 350D and have been quite happy with it. I would love weather sealing (unless Pentax - you don't get this in this price range) but it has received its fair share of rough treatment with no ill effects. In fact I have just returned from a month in Borneo (the camera and lenses just throw in a shoulder bag) and it never missed a beat.

I would also agree about the lens. The kit lens isn't that great. Maybe the 50m 1.8 might be a better (and possibly cheaper) option. The tamron 28-70 f2.8 would be a better option. I also have this lens and it is basically my walk around lens.
 08/22/2007 02:56:04 PM · #21
Originally posted by roba:
Originally posted by msieglerfr:
Blablabla...Strike the wall... :P


uuuuuuuhmmmm... Like this ?


I love it...thanks...Yes, it was something like that.
 08/25/2007 01:20:13 AM · #22
Thanks a lot. you guys are really helpful
 08/25/2007 01:21:36 AM · #23
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.

Message edited by author 2007-08-25 01:24:58.
 08/25/2007 07:40:41 AM · #24
Both Nikon and Canon have cameras in this range. I paid under $700 US for my D50 w/ 28-80 kit lens. Looking back, get a different lens.

The image quality between the Nikon and Canon are going to be negligible in this price range. It's all about what you want and what feels good to hold. I've held both the Canon Rebels and the D40 and both seemed too small for my hands. I'm glad I got the D50 before they were replaced. It's slightly larger than the D40/D40x and feels much better to me.

Try them both. Get what feels good to you. They both take great pictures.
 08/25/2007 08:08:49 AM · #25
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.
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