If I wanted to move up to a nice camera...

[tnf]

What would people recommend as my first 'real' camera?

Up to this point I've just had the basic digital cameras that don't offer much at all in the way of expandability or features. I'm wanting to move up to a nicer SLR that I can start to collect lenses and whatnot for over time, something that will be good for action shots, portraits, all that impressive shit that you guys here do.

My main question - if you are looking at spending between $600-1000 for an entry level camera, is there a lot of difference between something like a Nikon and a Canon that are comparably priced, or are the main brands are pretty much the same in terms of performance and features when in that same price range?

Any info is appreciated.

[saturn]

There's almost no difference in the low price entry level DSLR range. It's a safe bet to buy Canon or Nikon or Sony.

Just remember, it's all about the lenses: you'll get what you pay for.
And don't believe the megapixel myth.

Here's a top 15 entry level DSLR list:
http://photocritic.org/top-entry-level-dslr/

[seremtan]

my nikon D40 has done pretty well. even the kit lens isn't bad, though i'd recommend getting a 50-200 zoom with VR asap. also, if you're new to DSLRs and want to get the best use of it grab one of those dummies/idiots-guide-to books and learn how to shoot in manual or aperture/shutter priority mode. also also what sat said about the MP myth

tripods/remotes are cheap too, for portraits, night/lowlight shooting etc

[Dark Metal]

I just bought my GF a Pentax K200d. Seems to be a nice camera, easy to use.

[menkent]

jesus. how is $1800 an entry-level camera?

[tnf]

There's almost no difference in the low price entry level DSLR range. It's a safe bet to buy Canon or Nikon or Sony.

Just remember, it's all about the lenses: you'll get what you pay for.
And don't believe the megapixel myth.

Here's a top 15 entry level DSLR list:
http://photocritic.org/top-entry-level-dslr/

Thanks for the link.

What is the 'megapixel myth'? Is that the idea that more megapixels always = better camera or something?

[seremtan]

pretty much. unless you're planning to make wall posters out of your pictures anything more than about 8-10mp is unnecessary

[Fanatic X]

Go to the store and hold a Canon rebel and Nikon D40/60 in your hand. If the petite size is okay then go with which ever feels most comfortable. Nikon bodies are a tiny bit more intuitive when it comes to layout and controls. Order it online after you play with them.

If it was me, I'd go with the older Nikon D80 or newer D90. SLR lenses is a whole new ball park in relation to $$$.

If I wanted a Canon, it'd be the 5D(or 5D II) only.

[menkent]

and is there anywhere in particular online that has better prices than, say, amazon?

[Doombrain]

I would go for a Sinar Hy6-s65r

[seremtan]

yeah definitely

[tnf]

Costco has deals on the D40, D60 and the Canon Rebel Xsi (it is the priciest). I think I'm going to wait for a few months and see if prices on the D80 or D90 drop a bit. Thanks for the info, that list Saturn posted was definitely helpful.

[menkent]

erm, amazon has the d80 with an 18-135mm lens for $728 right now... $120 less than costco.
edit: oh, and they have the d60 with both an 18-55 and 55-200 for $695 ($470 for the body only)

[ForM]

I'm looking at the Canon 5d Mark II currently. And I'm waiting on a hill side of beans to see if it comes tumbling down like the 40d did.

A hill of anticipation to see if my choice of my first FF body is a flop or a goody.

I've waited and scrimped and save to buy either glass or a full frame, and as of now I can actually do both in a toss up sort of way. But I long for a full frame body.

Reviews will tell a story over the next couple of months.

However, one reason I did not go with Nikon........ the Len's.

[Fanatic X]

Unless you like using $1500-$2000 fast auto-focus primes, Nikon lenses will do the job as well as any Canon.

I'm shooting with manual lenses 75% of the time nowadays. Auto-focus is used only if shooting moving objects or people.

The 5D MkII will not flop. In fact it will be a camera you can use and keep for the next 10+ years without having to upgrade.

[Fanatic X]

If you get a Nikon, the 18-70mm is a great lens to start with. It's a better performer than the other 18-XXXX and has been around since 2004. My entire China/Malaysia trip this year was shot with this lens and the D80(friend's gear). I had the 18-70mm with my old D70 for two years and it was great. If you have a bit more to spend, I'd recommend the 16-85mm VR. This might be the next lens I pick up for general purpose/travel.

[Doombrain]

All the reviewers I've spoke to love the 5d mk2 and say it'll be a real interest to journalists because of the increasing demand for video footage.

[StormShadow]

my nikon D40 has done pretty well. even the kit lens isn't bad, though i'd recommend getting a 50-200 zoom with VR asap. also, if you're new to DSLRs and want to get the best use of it grab one of those dummies/idiots-guide-to books and learn how to shoot in manual or aperture/shutter priority mode. also also what sat said about the MP myth

tripods/remotes are cheap too, for portraits, night/lowlight shooting etc

Yup, I have a D40 w/ kit lens atm. I am upgrading to the 50-200 VR lens as we speak (early xmas). When their higher end bodies get a little cheaper, I can upgrade, and keep the good lens, and eventually build myself up to a decent setup.

A good lens is almost as important as a good camera, and you rarely get a really good lens with a kit. So don't feel like you have to spend your whole camera budget on a kit - you can get a body and a decent lens separately.

[Dr_Watson]

A good lens is almost as important as a good camera, and you rarely get a really good lens with a kit. So don't feel like you have to spend your whole camera budget on a kit - you can get a body and a decent lens separately.

i was always under the impression that good lenses more important.

[Fanatic X]

Yup, I have a D40 w/ kit lens atm. I am upgrading to the 50-200 VR lens as we speak (early xmas). When their higher end bodies get a little cheaper, I can upgrade, and keep the good lens, and eventually build myself up to a decent setup.

A good lens is almost as important as a good camera, and you rarely get a really good lens with a kit. So don't feel like you have to spend your whole camera budget on a kit - you can get a body and a decent lens separately.

Shut it n00b. Every sentence you wrote is flawed except the first one "Yup, I have a D40 w/ kit lens atm".

[Eraser]

I've bought a Canon Eos 350D some time ago (asked for advice here on Q3W as well) and I'm having a good time with it.

However, I'm also thinking of buying a cheaper point 'n shoot camera again, because I just don't dare taking my Eos on trips to themeparks or when I go canoeing or something like that. I'm too scared it breaks or it gets water on it.

[Doombrain]

my nikon D40 has done pretty well. even the kit lens isn't bad, though i'd recommend getting a 50-200 zoom with VR asap. also, if you're new to DSLRs and want to get the best use of it grab one of those dummies/idiots-guide-to books and learn how to shoot in manual or aperture/shutter priority mode. also also what sat said about the MP myth

tripods/remotes are cheap too, for portraits, night/lowlight shooting etc

Yup, I have a D40 w/ kit lens atm. I am upgrading to the 50-200 VR lens as we speak (early xmas). When their higher end bodies get a little cheaper, I can upgrade, and keep the good lens, and eventually build myself up to a decent setup.

A good lens is almost as important as a good camera, and you rarely get a really good lens with a kit. So don't feel like you have to spend your whole camera budget on a kit - you can get a body and a decent lens separately.

lol, good one.

[plained]

i got a really minty f717 off thebay i really like thelense and it has very nicecolors

[Dave]

I've bought a Canon Eos 350D some time ago (asked for advice here on Q3W as well) and I'm having a good time with it.

However, I'm also thinking of buying a cheaper point 'n shoot camera again, because I just don't dare taking my Eos on trips to themeparks or when I go canoeing or something like that. I'm too scared it breaks or it gets water on it.

Putting them in danger is half the fun

[tnf]

Is this a good deal?
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.as ... =en-US&s=1