I'm looking for a digital SLR to play around with. Not sure what brand or model. Anyone have any recommendations? I'll most likely be buying used too, what should I look for? Thanks!
entry level digital SLR?
- Thread starter 83 chif
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
I like my Canon SD100 IS.
Small, Light, Sturdy, big screen, rechargable batts and you might find it as last years model. be careful buying used as these are fragile devices. good luck
Small, Light, Sturdy, big screen, rechargable batts and you might find it as last years model. be careful buying used as these are fragile devices. good luck
NLXTACY
Wits' End
You can NOT go wrong with the Nikon D60/D70/D70s/D80 or D90
All are fantastic cameras.
Decide on budget then decide on glass. Nikon's VR lenses are the shiznit!
If you are looking for something super telephoto and/or extreme action shots then Canon glass is the way to go. But those are $$$$$.
All are fantastic cameras.
Decide on budget then decide on glass. Nikon's VR lenses are the shiznit!
If you are looking for something super telephoto and/or extreme action shots then Canon glass is the way to go. But those are $$$$$.
x2 on Nikon.
the
and I both LOVE our d80. I got a pretty good deal on a d80, a couple of lenses, carrying case and a few other odds & ends from flea-bay.
--jeff
the
and I both LOVE our d80. I got a pretty good deal on a d80, a couple of lenses, carrying case and a few other odds & ends from flea-bay.--jeff
Canon 10D - used market $399 or less. Then save your $$$'s for quality lenses. My photo abilities improved 1,000 fold when I went from a 35mil OM1 (all manual) to the 10d. I take probably 1,000-2,000 photos a year for work - which has nothing to do with photography, and my pool of very-good to excellent photos has increased 1,000 fold in the past 5 years I've been digital SLR. Bob
Either a Canon or Nikon.
You really can't go wrong with either.
Hit the store and play with both their entry level models and see how the ergonomics work for you.
I'm a Canon guy myself because the ergonomics work better for me with my neanderthal sized hands.
Play with them in store and see what works for *you* - make sure the controls fall naturally under your fingers etc.
In addition I'd avoid the kit lenses like the plague - buy a 50mm fixed f1.8 instead. Cheapest lens in canon's lineup, but it's RAZOR sharp with great contrast and color. Kit lenses don't give satisfactory results IMHO.
They do sell body only cameras - though any retailer will try to upsell you to the "kit" with the garbage lens. If the retailer won't then head over to B&H photo online and get it.
Not having a zoom may seem like a disadvantage at first - but it'll help you understand the relationship between aperture and depth of field better when you are just starting out.
Focus on composition etc and zoom with your feet
Elephants Pic
More Elephants
You really can't go wrong with either.
Hit the store and play with both their entry level models and see how the ergonomics work for you.
I'm a Canon guy myself because the ergonomics work better for me with my neanderthal sized hands.
Play with them in store and see what works for *you* - make sure the controls fall naturally under your fingers etc.
In addition I'd avoid the kit lenses like the plague - buy a 50mm fixed f1.8 instead. Cheapest lens in canon's lineup, but it's RAZOR sharp with great contrast and color. Kit lenses don't give satisfactory results IMHO.
They do sell body only cameras - though any retailer will try to upsell you to the "kit" with the garbage lens. If the retailer won't then head over to B&H photo online and get it.
Not having a zoom may seem like a disadvantage at first - but it'll help you understand the relationship between aperture and depth of field better when you are just starting out.
Focus on composition etc and zoom with your feet
Elephants Pic
More Elephants
Last edited:
I second the Canon line up. You can pickup an old XTi for dirt cheap with decent glass. My XTi has served well for the past couple of years. Check out Digital camera photo galleries, gallery database, info and forums they have a good community as well as lots of used stuff!
I have a D300, not exactly entry level. However you really can't go wrong with Nikon or Canon. A thing to realize is that once you pick a brand - stick with it. The expensive part is slowly getting a bunch of glass (lenses) - and then sticking with that and upgrading bodies as needed. One reason i chose Nikon over canon was some pro friends have a TON of fast glass (large aperture - for low light/fast shutter) which i can borrow if needed. Some lenses will be 1000$ and up so definitely a nice bonus.
You need to give us an idea how much you are willing to spend. That will definitely steer your suggestions more accurately. I purchased a used D80 for my GF - got it from nikonians.org for sale section. There are definitely some good deals out there as people want to upgrade (to D90, D700, or D300 (nikons example)). I'd look at nikon or canon sites (like nikonians), and your local craigslist.
Keep an eye peeled - and money handy. It's just a matter of time before one pops up.
I'm no pro, but have some shots published. I STRONGLY recommend a fixed 1.4 or 1.8 50mm!! Inexpensive *relatively*, Amazing in low light, and tack sharp! A good macro (105mm 2.8 is great) - and depending on budget keep an eye out for used lenses. Folks will want to upgrade to the VR lenses (which are nice) - selling non-VR for a deal.
So - what's your budget, and what do you plan on shooting?
GL!
rob
You need to give us an idea how much you are willing to spend. That will definitely steer your suggestions more accurately. I purchased a used D80 for my GF - got it from nikonians.org for sale section. There are definitely some good deals out there as people want to upgrade (to D90, D700, or D300 (nikons example)). I'd look at nikon or canon sites (like nikonians), and your local craigslist.
Keep an eye peeled - and money handy. It's just a matter of time before one pops up.
I'm no pro, but have some shots published. I STRONGLY recommend a fixed 1.4 or 1.8 50mm!! Inexpensive *relatively*, Amazing in low light, and tack sharp! A good macro (105mm 2.8 is great) - and depending on budget keep an eye out for used lenses. Folks will want to upgrade to the VR lenses (which are nice) - selling non-VR for a deal.
So - what's your budget, and what do you plan on shooting?
GL!
rob
- Thread starter
- #10
cameraaaa
Hey everyone, thanks for the info, and sorry for the delayed response.
I'm going to hit the camera shop this week and get a feel for both the Cannon and Nikons.
A few more questions...
How can I tell if a camera has been abused, anything to look for besides obvious scratches?
How old is too old? How much has changed in these models over the past few years?
My budget is tight at about 350 beans. I'm graduating college and am planning on doing a lot of traveling this summer, and just plan on taking photos of pretty much everything I can. Not portraits or artsy landscapes I guess, just everything in between.
Thanks again!
Hey everyone, thanks for the info, and sorry for the delayed response.
I'm going to hit the camera shop this week and get a feel for both the Cannon and Nikons.
A few more questions...
How can I tell if a camera has been abused, anything to look for besides obvious scratches?
How old is too old? How much has changed in these models over the past few years?
My budget is tight at about 350 beans. I'm graduating college and am planning on doing a lot of traveling this summer, and just plan on taking photos of pretty much everything I can. Not portraits or artsy landscapes I guess, just everything in between.
Thanks again!
C6H12O6
SILVER Star
Pretty good reviews here: KenRockwell.com
He gives a pretty realistic review of all the Nikon and Canon stuff, old and new, and has good things to say about each company. The bodies change very fast. Our antique D80 is a dinosaur in digital SLR age but still takes amazing photos. Lots of good deals on new gear out there, even if it is an outdated model from a few weeks ago. Not much reason to buy a used digital SLR body, in my opinion.
He gives a pretty realistic review of all the Nikon and Canon stuff, old and new, and has good things to say about each company. The bodies change very fast. Our antique D80 is a dinosaur in digital SLR age but still takes amazing photos. Lots of good deals on new gear out there, even if it is an outdated model from a few weeks ago. Not much reason to buy a used digital SLR body, in my opinion.
all entry level cameras are pretty good. dont be fooled into only nikon or canon. yes they're both good, but so are the others. try them all. at $500 starting point for most entry level kits, they all perform pretty much the same. dont be scared into thinking that once you buy your first camera...youre 'committed' to that brand and that brand only. back when entrylevel dslr's used to cost well over a thousand dollars..yes that was the case. not so much anymore.
the main points i always tell people is to see how it feels in your hands, how the controls work and how accessible they are and how it looks through the viewfinder. you can worry about 'glass' once your needs get to that point. youll soon realize that spending $1000+ on a 2.8 lense is just crazy. digital slrs are so cheap these days, theres no point in buying used, especially an entry level body. some cameras have stabilization in the camera and others in lenses only. stabilization reduces the blurry pictures that result in low light picture taking where the shutter speed is long. when you realize you need better high iso performance, HD capabilites, faster burst rate, faster shutter speeds at lower light levels, then will upgrade to a more advanced model.
that being said...if you're planning on using it for travelling, id suggest forgoing an slr, and sticking to a midrange 'bridge' (bigger than a point n shoot, smaller than an slr) camera. they're smaller, lighter and can do most things a digital slr can with exception of uber fast action pics like indoor basketball with no flash. but for general landscape type vacation pics..they're a better fit. dont have to worry about lugging a big cam which can attract unnecessary attention. youll get a longer range lense where an slr youll require either 2 separate lenses, or an ultra zoom (18-250) which is bigger/heaver than a kit lense and usually much lower quality. $350 will get you a very good (new) cam of this type..and they usually have superior lenses in them compared to entry level. (panasonic lumix G1, canon G10..etc)
for a very technical review site with sample galleries of hundreds of cameras, check out dpreview.com
this is just my opinion so ymmv. i get asked what first dslr cam to get alot, and i always give the same advice. it always ends up depending on what they're comfortable carrying around and what their main subjects will be.
and remember...its not the camera that takes great pictures. its the person pressing the shutter button!
the main points i always tell people is to see how it feels in your hands, how the controls work and how accessible they are and how it looks through the viewfinder. you can worry about 'glass' once your needs get to that point. youll soon realize that spending $1000+ on a 2.8 lense is just crazy. digital slrs are so cheap these days, theres no point in buying used, especially an entry level body. some cameras have stabilization in the camera and others in lenses only. stabilization reduces the blurry pictures that result in low light picture taking where the shutter speed is long. when you realize you need better high iso performance, HD capabilites, faster burst rate, faster shutter speeds at lower light levels, then will upgrade to a more advanced model.
that being said...if you're planning on using it for travelling, id suggest forgoing an slr, and sticking to a midrange 'bridge' (bigger than a point n shoot, smaller than an slr) camera. they're smaller, lighter and can do most things a digital slr can with exception of uber fast action pics like indoor basketball with no flash. but for general landscape type vacation pics..they're a better fit. dont have to worry about lugging a big cam which can attract unnecessary attention. youll get a longer range lense where an slr youll require either 2 separate lenses, or an ultra zoom (18-250) which is bigger/heaver than a kit lense and usually much lower quality. $350 will get you a very good (new) cam of this type..and they usually have superior lenses in them compared to entry level. (panasonic lumix G1, canon G10..etc)
for a very technical review site with sample galleries of hundreds of cameras, check out dpreview.com
this is just my opinion so ymmv. i get asked what first dslr cam to get alot, and i always give the same advice. it always ends up depending on what they're comfortable carrying around and what their main subjects will be.
and remember...its not the camera that takes great pictures. its the person pressing the shutter button!
"all entry level cameras are pretty good. dont be fooled into only nikon or canon. yes they're both good, but so are the others. try them all. at $500 starting point for most entry level kits, they all perform pretty much the same."
Yes and no.
While other brands definitely have good gear - it's important to remember when you buy a camera you are buying into the SYSTEM rather than just the initial purchase of a camera and single lens.
Lenses are expensive and once you get the good glass fetish changing systems becomes a VERY expensive proposition indeed.
Nikon and Canon have the best systems out there IMHO.
Also you can rent lenses for special trips that you'd never consider buying - I hauled a $6500 500mm f4 IS to Africa - I rented it for ~= $500 for a 3 week trip.
Most of the rental places will carry both Nikon and Canon - but try finding a Minolta or a Sony rental....
I'm not knocking the quality of the other manufacturers - just pointing out that you should consider the overall system rather than just the bits you buy initially.
The suggestion of looking at something like a Canon G10 is an excellent suggestion if budget is tight - I have one that I carry when I get the "This is not a photo trip" speech from. It's very flexible and has full manual control that lets you do everything a DSLR will do except switch lenses. Which isn't that big of a problem as the lens on it is excellent.
Images from the my G10 can be every bit the equal of images from my 5D with L glass on it - I know of quite a few pro nature shooters that are selling images from the G10 and they print very well indeed.
It's got a way to go to compete with my 4X5 sheets from my Ebony for pure detail though
Yes and no.
While other brands definitely have good gear - it's important to remember when you buy a camera you are buying into the SYSTEM rather than just the initial purchase of a camera and single lens.
Lenses are expensive and once you get the good glass fetish changing systems becomes a VERY expensive proposition indeed.
Nikon and Canon have the best systems out there IMHO.
Also you can rent lenses for special trips that you'd never consider buying - I hauled a $6500 500mm f4 IS to Africa - I rented it for ~= $500 for a 3 week trip.
Most of the rental places will carry both Nikon and Canon - but try finding a Minolta or a Sony rental....
I'm not knocking the quality of the other manufacturers - just pointing out that you should consider the overall system rather than just the bits you buy initially.
The suggestion of looking at something like a Canon G10 is an excellent suggestion if budget is tight - I have one that I carry when I get the "This is not a photo trip" speech from
. It's very flexible and has full manual control that lets you do everything a DSLR will do except switch lenses. Which isn't that big of a problem as the lens on it is excellent.Images from the my G10 can be every bit the equal of images from my 5D with L glass on it - I know of quite a few pro nature shooters that are selling images from the G10 and they print very well indeed.
It's got a way to go to compete with my 4X5 sheets from my Ebony for pure detail though
Last edited:
We just got a Canon Rebel XSi for my wife. Amazing!!!
It is made in Japan, whereas my brother's Nikon D80 is made in Malaysia or Thailand or some damn place.
Japan electronics are still the best IMHO.
It is made in Japan, whereas my brother's Nikon D80 is made in Malaysia or Thailand or some damn place.
Japan electronics are still the best IMHO.
That site had the D40 in the same league as the D60. is it worth spending the money on the D60 instead of the 40?
My wife wants to take a photography class this fall at the local college and I want to set her up with at least a resonable camera
My wife wants to take a photography class this fall at the local college and I want to set her up with at least a resonable camera
You might look at a Canon S5Is. Good used ones can be had in your price range.
Very versatile camera, will let you take video as well. Basically a high end "point and shoot" but has manual features too.
Some pretty good "hacks" out there now for it... (allows it to do much more than Canon intended for the consumer).
Very versatile camera, will let you take video as well. Basically a high end "point and shoot" but has manual features too.
Some pretty good "hacks" out there now for it... (allows it to do much more than Canon intended for the consumer).
I have a D50 and love it. I have a small photographers background and reading the difference between the 60 and 50. The 60 has a few more features than the 50, but you said your looking for basics. The 60 has to many features that you'll may never use. I won't even use them cause I'm not a professional photographer. The 50 has everything you need plus a lil more just in case you want to get deeper into photography. Just my 2 pennies.
Google the D50 and D60 and see what others have to say.
Google the D50 and D60 and see what others have to say.
Right now, Costco has some screaming deals, and all come with the 90 day return policy plus two-year warranty through Costco's Concierge Service at no additional charge. If you pay with an AMEX card, you get a third year for free. Pretty hard to beat. Costco is where we bought my wife's Canon.
Canon Rebel XS
Nikon D60
I think they also have a new Canon Rebel XSi package in the warehouse for $929, which comes with both the 18-55 IS and 55-250 IS lenses.
Hope this helps.
Canon Rebel XS
Nikon D60
I think they also have a new Canon Rebel XSi package in the warehouse for $929, which comes with both the 18-55 IS and 55-250 IS lenses.
Hope this helps.
When I was shopping for our D80, there wasn't any discernible difference in price ($50 iirc), so I opted for the 80.
--jeff
--jeff