Help Me Choose a New DSLR
I got a small bonus at work, and I've decided to be irresponsible and blow it on a DSLR camera, but I can't decide which one to buy. My budget is around $1200, and I would like to purchase a camera and a decent zoom telephoto lens.
Given my history, it's safe to say that I'll be using it mostly to take landscape pictures, but now that I have a new daughter I would like to be able to do portraits, as well. I would also like to do some skiing/hiking action shot, and wildlife photography.
I'm leaning towards the Canon Digital Rebel XTi, with a Canon EF 70-300mm zoom telephoto lens. But, I'm concerned that the kit lens is junk. (General consensus is that the kit lens is soft, and exhibits some purple fringing and barrel distortion).
I'm also considering the Nikon D80. My friend just bought one, and I've been pretty impressed with the camera. Since that's a more expensive camera I probably can't afford a good zoom telephoto lens right now, so I'd have to put it on the wish list.
I should also note that with a zoom telephoto lens I want something with image stabilization or vibration reduction built-in so I don't have to tote around a tripod while I'm skiing and hiking.
What do y'all think?
Re: Help Me Choose a New DSLR
Wow. You want it all. :lol8:
Are you tied to either Canon or Nikon? I personally am a Canon fan, but both options are more than functional. But I'll speak to my experience, and say the XTi will fit you nicely. There are other options too, like the pentax, sony, and olympus. Problem is, if you want to "grow up" with your gear, they don't have as many upgrade paths. Still good starter kits though.
The lens is where you will drop the most coin. I personally think the kit lens gets a really bad rap. For heaven's sake, it is only about 60 bucks. It ain't perfect, but it is decent enough for almost any casual user. I'd say get the kit, use it, and figure out what you will need later , then sell the kit if you really don't like it. I'd bet that if you aren't a measurbator, you wouldn't be able to tell the difference. I used the kit lens for a long time before moving up to nicer glass.
Basically, you'll need two lenses. Wide, and Telephoto. The kit is a functional wide angle to start. In Canon glass, the telephotos within your budget are a 70-300 (~$180), a 70-300IS (~$600) and a 70-200 f4L (~500). Only one has IS, but the 70-200 is considered a professional grade lens, and is really fantastic. That's the one I own for backpacking and hiking. It's not super long when it comes to telephoto, but it is sharp.
Body: Rebel XTi = $700 (with kit lens)
Wide Glass: Kit (18-55) (included in above)
Telephoto: 70-200 ($550)
Comes in at 1250 or so. Another option would be to buy used. Deals can be had, especially on bodies. (I have a rebel XT I might sell here soon, btw).
You can also consider "third party" lenses, like Sigma, Tamron, or Tokina.
Sigma makes a 17-50 2.8 (no IS, but on a wide, it isn't as important) that would be killer for landscapes and portraits. It runs about $400, IIRC. But that wouldn't leave room for much more.
Re: Help Me Choose a New DSLR
Quote:
Originally Posted by CarpeyBiggs
Sigma makes a 17-50 2.8 (no IS, but on a wide, it isn't as important) that would be killer for landscapes and portraits.
I use the Sigma DC 17-50 lens on the Sigma SD14. It takes some sweet landscape shots :2thumbs:
Quote:
Originally Posted by CarpeyBiggs
User error, Alex? :haha:
Ahhh, go easy :mrgreen: Not everybody can manipulate these things :haha:
Re: Help Me Choose a New DSLR
Quote:
Originally Posted by JP
Quote:
Originally Posted by CarpeyBiggs
User error, Alex? :haha:
Ahhh, go easy :mrgreen: Not everybody can manipulate these things :haha:
Na, Dan has all the right to give me $hit. He almost saw a dead russian that one day up in the mountains :lol8:
And ya, I really don't get the whole manual photography. I've gone out with Dan a couple of times now and he just looks at the damn mountain and knows that it's a F22, ISO200, 1/64 shutter speed with exp compensation of +3 with flash off......I look at it and see an "Auto" setting :eek2: :lol8:
So that's why I tried to find the most dumbed down dSLR I could.... d40 came pretty close. Also, the whole thing about the motor for the lenses, that's only if you use older lenses or some odd ones with no motor on them (as I was told). Most normal Nikon lenses would have a motor on it. Isn't that right Dan?
Re: Help Me Choose a New DSLR
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alex
Quote:
Originally Posted by JP
Quote:
Originally Posted by CarpeyBiggs
User error, Alex? :haha:
Ahhh, go easy :mrgreen: Not everybody can manipulate these things :haha:
Na, Dan has all the right to give me $hit. He almost saw a dead russian that one day up in the mountains :lol8:
And ya, I really don't get the whole manual photography. I've gone out with Dan a couple of times now and he just looks at the damn mountain and knows that it's a F22, ISO200, 1/64 shutter speed with exp compensation of +3 with flash off......I look at it and see an "Auto" setting :eek2: :lol8:
So that's why I tried to find the most dumbed down dSLR I could.... d40 came pretty close. Also, the whole thing about the motor for the lenses, that's only if you use older lenses or some odd ones with no motor on them (as I was told). Most normal Nikon lenses would have a motor on it. Isn't that right Dan?
I have to say if that is all it takes to be a pro, Im there..... :cool2:
The lack of the autofocus drive can cause issues with higher end nikon lens, other than that you should be good.
Anyhow, I have experience with the XTi and D40X(had a buddy that bought the XTi and he ended up taking it back for the 40X). I really didnt care for how the XTi was set up(menu and button placement) and didnt think it fit my hands. I got to say that the D40X is simply got to be the most power little DSLR on the market at 10+MP. I was able to pick it up, go over the menu for a min and shoot in manual. Sometimes it can be testy when you want it to do something the processor deems not in your best interest, but whatever. The focal points can only be selected in PASM modes, a pain if you should in auto or programed modes. I think the shutter response and color was a bit better with the 40X as opposed to the XTi, but that may be my Nikon bias coming through.
Anyhow as the others have stated either will meet your needs and I would say dont skimp on price now to have to buy another one later. Ive been saving up for my D200(hoping to catch it on a price drop when the 300 and 3 come out) as I feel I would be selling myself short with the D40X and D80. Keep an eye out on KSL for good deals.
Lastly most shots come down to light and composition, as Im sure others will agree. Photoshop helps, but only when you know what your going to have to compensate for later when your shooting.
