Suggestions on a new camera

[Christine]

I am toying with idea of getting a new camera. I currently have a Panasonic Lumix FZ10, I do love it, but I am thinking about upgrading. I am considering a DSLR. What camera would you recommend and why? What type of memory card does it use? I would appreciate any suggestions, so I at least have a place to start.

[maryjos]

Here's another thread with some discussion on this:

http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22773

[Christine]

oh thank you, I hope it has some easy to understand terms, I have been looking and I don't know what all of the specs mean. :D

[maryjos]

Well, feel free to ask if there are specific things you would like more explanation on!

[Emma]

the newer dslr cameras typically use SD cards, like new Canon Rebel and 30D or Nikon D50 or D80. Those are the entry-level of those brands, and you can't go wrong with either one. The D70s has SD cards also. I have a used D70 with CF card since we already had a bunch of those. Our small Canon Powershot uses SD. Check www.dpreview.com buyer's guide where you can click the cameras you're interested in and see them side by side.
As for lenses for a DSLR, you'll wnat a mid-range zoom like 24-70, and depending on what you shoot something like a wide-angle for scenery, group shots, architecture, or a telephoto 70-200 for outdoor sports or portraits. If you're really into portraits, the prime 85mm for outdoors or 50mm for really close up are standard choices. Another option would be a really long zoom like a 18-200 for "never" changing the lens. Unless you're going used, make sure any lens you get has image stabilization/vibration reduction IS/VR depending on brand, especially on longer zooms. My lenses are used, so that feature was not available yet.
Let us know what else you're looking for or what you decide!

[joannknnrd]

I use a Nikon D50 it uses a SD card. I love this camera, it's super easy to use and the shots out of the camera can be stunning! I have the kit lens 28-80mm, which works great for portraits (though I NEED the 50mm), and A 70-300mm, good for candids and those zoo trips. Let me tell you this, Chris, DSLR'S are very addictive. If someone would have told me I would own as much camera gear as I do now, I would have laughed in their face! Have fun shopping!

[maryjos]

Hhm, to my knowledge the lower-end Canon DSLRs all use Compact Flash (CF) only, not SD. You have to go to the really expensive models like the 1D to find SD support. That camera supports both SD and CF...and has the really awesome feature of being able to write a RAW image to one card, and a JPEG to the other. The consumer digicams though generally all use SD these days...well other than some brands like Sony that use their own proprietary memory formats.

If you want a really awesome lens to get started with, skip the kit lens and take a look at the 28-135 mm IS lens. It runs about $400 but gives you an excellent range of focal lengths and great image quality, along with the image stabilization that is really useful particularly indoors. It makes a superb portrait lens and can handle a good deal of outdoor shots until you feel you want to add a longer telephoto. This was the first lens I bought when I went to DSLR and it still is a primary walkaround lens for me.

[Emma]

I'd love a lens in that range since most of my shots are around 70-100mm, and my main lens only goes up to 70...I hate that, but it's 2.8 at 70mm, which I love :)

The Nikon D50 has SD card, which is one reason I didn't go with it. Not sure about the Canons, though the Rebel has CF. I'm not sure the latest Rebel model, if there are any!

I agree to get just the body, not a kit, and choose your own lens. It's cheaper to get the kit, but most would agree the kit lens is adequate. I've seen a lot of great photos with it, but it does get a lot of bashing! I hear the Nikon kit lens is better, but still not wonderful.

[maryjos]

Yeah, that extra reach is just invaluable, and the image quality on this lens is about as good as any non-L lens you will find. Add in the IS and it really is a great bargain at the price for what you get. Another great Canon lens I often recommend to people ready for a serious telephoto, if they are able to spend just a bit more and don't mind a bit heavier lens to work with is the 70-200mm f/4 L lens. By buying the non-IS version you can get this lens at less than $600 online and the image quality compared to regular zoom telephotos is just unbelievable. The color and sharpness is just superb...and you have a much better max aperture to work with at the long end than the average telephoto zoom. The L lenses also blow away the regular zooms on the speed and quietness of their autofocus. It's really quite noticeable the first time you work with one. They don't have issues like zoom drift (where the lens keeps zooming itself from its own weight) since the mechanism is always internal and they are totally build like tanks. If you need a lens that will keep up with kids running around doing sports, this one is up to the task and then some. You simply cannot find any better lens for the price, the glass quality is the same as the f/2.8 lens at over twice the price. Of course, if you have the money to spend, the f/2.8 is even better (but also considerably bigger and heavier as well). But most people can't really justify that kind of cost. This one though is definitely worth saving your pennies for if you really are serious about getting great telephoto shots.

Both the new Rebels and the Canon 30D still use Compact Flash. Considering the high MP shots they take, it really does make sense since SD cards are considerable more expensive once you get up in the multi-gig range.

I would say kit lenses are usually barely adequate...and that really is all they are intended to be, as a starter lens that most people will replace eventually. Most people I know dump them pretty quickly in favor of a lens with a wider range. Canon has started offering some different kits with some better kit lenses included, but there still tend to be better options available separately.

[carolyn d]

I use a Nikon D50. My primary lens is a Nikkor 55-200mm. It gives me great versatility for the types of pictures I take. (I got it on Ebay for $125.00 used 5 months with intact warranty)

Anyway, my suggestion would be to hit a camera store and play around with the different cameras and lenses.That way you can see how the camera feels in your hands, ease of controls etc. You can also put different lenses on the body to see which type suits your photographic needs best. And at a camera store, you will have your questions answered by knowledgable personnel.

There's tons of info online... I would suggest cnet.com and check out not only professional reviews but user reviews as well. They are very helpful.

Good luck and have fun with your shopping.

[maryjos]

Ebay can indeed be a good place to get a good buy on a lens, if a bit risky. You won't get any warranty and you have to be a savvy shopper and not get taken in by a deal that seems "too good to be true" as DSLRs in particular seems to be prone to a lot of sham listings.

It's definitely a good idea to play with the various cameras and lenses at a local camera store...but look for a true pro store and not a place like Ritz which often has less-than-knowledgeable staff. Remember that regardless of where you go, their primary goal is to make a good sale, so you are not always going to get the most accurate information. Do your own research online as well.

I'm not a huge fan of cnet myself for camera reviews, although it doesn't hurt to check their user reviews as well. They just aren't a dedicated pro photographer staff there so not always particularly accurate and do little more than a quick hands-on overview. I like sites like dpreviews.com and steves-digicams.com for more comprehensive, in-depth reviews. dpreviews.com also has great forums where you can find all kinds of opinions on these cameras, see lots of photos people have taken, and also get a feel for the kinds of issues that come up with them.

If the cost of going to DSLR is too much, I highly recommend the Canon PowerShot S3. Canon just announced the S5 so prices may even come down on this great camera. It has excellent image quality for a non-DSLR and the 12x zoom gives you an excellent range compared to other compact cameras. You also have excellent built in digital camcorder features as well. There are a number of other similar types of cameras, but I do think the Canon is the best of the bunch the last time I looked at them. The S5 looks really awesome with a bunch of new features and may be worth waiting for if you are not in a rush. It's supposed to be hitting stores in July.

[carolyn d]

iagree completely. I should've beeen more specific. I was lucky at eBay, but then again, I knew what I was looking for. And I was lucky enough to deal with an honest person.

Just FYI, it took me three months of online research, and hands on "fiddling" before I made my choice.

[Christine]

I think I am overwhelmed! I obviously need to do some more research. My friend just got the XTi, so first thing I am going to do is play with hers. (Can you tell she is a really great friend?) Her hubby actually picked it out and she didn't even realize how many people on this site would drool over it. :lol:I will be back w/ more specific questions, once I have done more homework. Thanks so much for all of your input.

[Emma]

it can be overwhelming, I remember being there and so frustrated! If you have a good friend who's into this, getting the same camera or at least the same brand can be really helpful. You can't go wrong with Canon or Nikon, and the Fujis are also highly recommended. You just have to make sure you like how it feels in your hands, that the buttons and menus are easy to use, and that you get a good deal and no lemons. They both have great customer service as I have owned both Canon and Nikon and dealt with them positively.

The only, only reason I chose Nikon in the end, because I couldn't decide, was because my sister is a Nikon fan and can help me and sell me her used equipment. I also got sick of the Nikon bashing by die-hard Canon fans, lol! Since I bought my camera, all sorts of Nikon users have come up to me, and I had no idea they were into photography before. Wish I'd been able to talk to them, but I guess I only found Canon users while shopping!!! If you know you want a DSLR, go to a local camera store, shoot with all the models you'd like to try, and just go for the one that feels best in your hands and emotionally. Then the lens research begins for a new game of confusion and frustration!!!!! :D :pray:

[maryjos]

LOL, there's plenty of bashing done by die-hard Nikon users too, believe me! It's like being in a Mac-Windows war sometimes. I try to avoid all that myself. I like Canon better for various reasons, but the Nikons are certainly nice in other areas, so it really just comes down to personal preference. And once you start getting some lenses, you pretty much can't afford to switch regardless! It's a good point about what your friends and family use...I've been able to dump some old, crappy lenses off on various people that have bought a Rebel and couldn't afford to get anything else for it. It's amazing the way all the extra stuff adds up too...camera bags, decent flash, tripod, etc.

[Emma]

Nikon

[Sharon1313]

LOL, I was going to post a thread raving about my... Panasonic Lumix FZ20!!

never mind... :)

[Emma]

Nikon

[Tina]

Well, as a proud former owner of not 1, 2, or 3, but 4 Canon EOS SLRs, I say you cannot go wrong with a canon.

I had 3 Canon EOS film SLRs, and 1 Canon EOS SLR Digi (which I have had for over 3 yrs)- that is until the end of this month when I will get my new XTi.

I have recommended Canons to numerous people, NONE of which have had anything but raves for it.

Look in my gallery and see the photos- they are all from a Canon Digital SLR. :)

That said, I will say again.... (just for Emma's sake)...Canon!

[Karen]

I'm with Tina, I've had 3 Canon SLR's and 3 Canon DSLR's with each one I have upgraded.
You will always find diehard Nikon owners who will run Canon down, and vice versa, thats just the way of the world, each to their own I say.
As others have already said try the cameras yourself, see which is more suited to your hands, which is easier for you to control, to understand.
Canon or Nikon either one will be an investment :)

[Emma]

Nikon

[Lauren]

Yes if you go to dpreview and look at the Canon forum you will find lots of canon bashing done by nikon lovers and then if you go to the nikon forum you will see vice versa - I made my decision for my first dslr based on reviews by Ken Rockwell - www.kenrockwell.com - My previous camera used SD card so I was pleased that the D40 which I bought and love also uses SD cards although with memory cards being cheaper these days I dont think this is such an issue - personally I wanted a camera that was easy to use but would allow me to grow with it for a few years - I got the twin lens kit - 18-55 and 55- 200 - that covers just about every range I would want - any longer and i would definitely need VR ( nikons version of image stablisation) - Im tempted to get the 18-200VR lens so I dont need to swap lenses - but thats really just a convenience issue for now so Im happy with what I have .
( I should add that my 2 previous point and shoot cameras were both Canon and both had issues that needed repairing - be it my bad luck or poor quality product I dont know but it did put me off Canon - but if I had read that the equivalent Canon was better than the camera I bought I might still have been tempted )

[Emma]

my view is that Canon and Nikon are the big 2, and both make excellent products. I knew I would be thrilled with either purchase! Again, I'm not sure why Jennifer chose Nikon, but I knew her help would be invaluable (it is), and her great deals to me on her used equipment (pristine! good as new!) was a huge motivator to go Nikon. So I guess I chose Nikon for whatever reason she did, lol! I've used my friend's Canons, too, they're awesome. I'm not brand loyal. My little P&S is a Canon. The bashing honestly cracks me up, since pros and die hards use both and take gorgeous images alike! And I know plenty of pros who use both!

Now, that said, just in the spirit of cooperation

NIKON!!!

[jreid13]

Yes if you go to dpreview and look at the Canon forum you will find lots of canon bashing done by nikon lovers and then if you go to the nikon forum you will see vice versa - I made my decision for my first dslr based on reviews by Ken Rockwell - www.kenrockwell.com - My previous camera used SD card so I was pleased that the D40 which I bought and love also uses SD cards although with memory cards being cheaper these days I dont think this is such an issue - personally I wanted a camera that was easy to use but would allow me to grow with it for a few years - I got the twin lens kit - 18-55 and 55- 200 - that covers just about every range I would want - any longer and i would definitely need VR ( nikons version of image stablisation) - Im tempted to get the 18-200VR lens so I dont need to swap lenses - but thats really just a convenience issue for now so Im happy with what I have .


Hi everyone.

I'm sort of new to DSP and have been check out the forums. I orignally had a Canon AE-1 SLR film camera and I loved it. It went missing in one of my many moves and since then have only had Point & Shoot digitals. I recently started looking for a DSLR. I did a lot of research and like Lauren found Ken Rockwells as well as dpreview very helpful in my decsion. I just recieved my Nikon D40 w/18-55 kit lens which ifor me is nice lens. (granted i am an amature so nice to me doens't acutally hold a lot of wieght.). I will be purchasing the 55-200 VR lens so i have a broader range and have been playing with all the settings. I purchased the Nikon over the Canon for several reasons. I am not a professional and really do not know a lot about lens I heard the Kit lens on the Nikon is a little better than the Canon. I also use SD cards in many other electronic items like my PDA.
Sorting through all the information, trying them in stores to see how they felt really helped. I am very happy with my Nikon and hope to be able to produce some wonderful photos like the ones I have seen on DSP.

[maryjos]

personally I wanted a camera that was easy to use but would allow me to grow with it for a few years - I got the twin lens kit - 18-55 and 55- 200 - that covers just about every range I would want - any longer and i would definitely need VR ( nikons version of image stablisation) - Im tempted to get the 18-200VR lens so I dont need to swap lenses - but thats really just a convenience issue for now so Im happy with what I have.
Yeah, that 18-200 VR lens is really groundbreaking. We've seen similar ranges from the off-brand companies but they are pretty awful, but this one looks really great. It's so popular though, that it's very very hard to find one. They actually sell more on Ebay than you can buy them new! I do hope Canon gets around to making a similar lens. Much as I like my 28-135 lens, I'd dump it in a heartbeat for a 18-200 lens of similar image quality. One of the biggest issues with swapping lenses is the sensor dust...I had the unfortunate experience of coming back from a week in Yellowstone with spots all over my photos as a result of constantly swapping the lenses in the field. Even the new sensor-cleaning function doesn't work 100% of the time when you get some really determined dust! :lol:

[Karen]

Canon have the 28-300 IS lens, a big heavy sucker, but great when I don't want to have to carry the 24-70 and the 70-200 IS :)

[maryjos]

The Canon 28-300 lens is nothing at all like the Nikon 18-200 lens and certainly hasn't generated anywhere NEAR the kind of interest. Yes, it's big, it's heavy, and it's also WAY more expensive (at least twice the price). From what I've seen, its quality is not quite as up to par as it should be for an L-series lens unless you stop down a bit. Certainly not as good as the dedicated telephotos that we know and love. And I just don't find that focal range as useful. I'd still need to have my wide-angle lens, particularly on most DSLRs that have the 1.6x crop factor (thus worsening the difficulty of doing wide angle shots). Getting up to 300mm is nice, but for a walk-around lens, I'd rather have one that covers the wide angle and I can always stick on a tele-extender to extend the telephoto range in a pinch. Particularly when we're talking a really significant difference in size and weight. I'd have to check the specs, but that Nikon 18-200mm really didn't look much bigger than my Canon 28-135mm! When I do serious telephoto work, I'm going to use a different lens regardless. What I really want is a perfect light travel and everyday lens so I don't have to bring along multiple lenses and constantly have to change them. Part of the issue for me is that I have both arm and back problems and am always looking for some way to lighten the load!

[Lauren]

Yeah, that 18-200 VR lens is really groundbreaking. We've seen similar ranges from the off-brand companies but they are pretty awful, but this one looks really great. It's so popular though, that it's very very hard to find one. They actually sell more on Ebay than you can buy them new! I do hope Canon gets around to making a similar lens. Much as I like my 28-135 lens, I'd dump it in a heartbeat for a 18-200 lens of similar image quality. One of the biggest issues with swapping lenses is the sensor dust...I had the unfortunate experience of coming back from a week in Yellowstone with spots all over my photos as a result of constantly swapping the lenses in the field. Even the new sensor-cleaning function doesn't work 100% of the time when you get some really determined dust! :lol:
Funnily enough they are pretty easy to get here in NZ - Id have no problem picking one up tomorrow - but thats at NZ prices of course which are much more expensive than US prices - Im still tempted but I think I would rather put my money toward another trip to the US right now!!- its more than a one way fare!!!

[maryjos]

Funny how that works, isn't it Lauren? Maybe next time you come over you can try to buy one here! I think part of the reason for the availability issue is that Nikon is using it as a kit lens so there aren't as many available singly... and then you have people grabbing those up and trying to resell them for profit.

[maryjos]

Here's a fun tongue-in-cheek comparison of Nikon versus Canon.

http://dgrin.smugmug.com/gallery/1134620

These are using more pro level models...but still pretty much illustrate that either can take great shots! Interestingly enough they do touch on one area where Canon still seems to really hold the upper hand...low light/high ISO noise. Even if I weren't heavily invested in Canon lenses, I'd be hard-pressed to consider switching, as I often do dog sporting events indoors and can't use flash, so good performance at high ISOs is essential for me. My last show I had to use ISO 3200 to do the job, and was really impressed by how well the 20D did. Generally it's not something that most users will care about though. I did find it telling though that the Nikon guy wouldn't even post a high ISO shot!

[Lauren]

And one thing to remember - its not just the brand of camera but the nut behind the wheel which is one of the most important things to remember!!-
We could go on and on and on debating which brand is better - but so much depends too on who is taking the photo, what the photo is, what the day is like , what time of day it is, where you are, etc etc etc - I really do think debates on brand are pointless!!!- if you go with a camera that feels right to you - that fits the criteria YOU are looking for then its the best camera for YOU - it may not be the best camera for me - but it is the best for you - if one brand stood out over all the rest then the rest wouldnt be there for long!!

[Karen]

The Canon 28-300 lens is nothing at all like the Nikon 18-200 lens and certainly hasn't generated anywhere NEAR the kind of interest. Yes, it's big, it's heavy, and it's also WAY more expensive (at least twice the price). From what I've seen, its quality is not quite as up to par as it should be for an L-series lens unless you stop down a bit. Certainly not as good as the dedicated telephotos that we know and love. And I just don't find that focal range as useful. I'd still need to have my wide-angle lens, particularly on most DSLRs that have the 1.6x crop factor (thus worsening the difficulty of doing wide angle shots). Getting up to 300mm is nice, but for a walk-around lens, I'd rather have one that covers the wide angle and I can always stick on a tele-extender to extend the telephoto range in a pinch. Particularly when we're talking a really significant difference in size and weight. I'd have to check the specs, but that Nikon 18-200mm really didn't look much bigger than my Canon 28-135mm! When I do serious telephoto work, I'm going to use a different lens regardless. What I really want is a perfect light travel and everyday lens so I don't have to bring along multiple lenses and constantly have to change them. Part of the issue for me is that I have both arm and back problems and am always looking for some way to lighten the load!

no thats right the 28-300 isn't the same as the 18-200, the Canon covers more at the telephoto end, and as I use it on the 5D it works well as a wide angle as well, the quality is fine I have 3 L lenses and all are terrific, the only difference is the other 2 open up to f2.8 this one is f3.5.
Don't really understand the comment of when doing serious work you would use a different lens regardless, I think an L lens with IS is for serious work :)
Its certainly not a lens for anyone with arm and back problems though cause its no lightweight, but if you are used to working with the 70-200mm f2.8 IS then it isn't much of a difference :) and working with these lenses everyday you get used to the weight and I think the quality that I get far outweighs the weight issue :)

[Karen]

And one thing to remember - its not just the brand of camera but the nut behind the wheel which is one of the most important things to remember!!-
I really do think debates on brand are pointless!!!- if you go with a camera that feels right to you - that fits the criteria YOU are looking for then its the best camera for YOU - it may not be the best camera for me - but it is the best for you - if one brand stood out over all the rest then the rest wouldnt be there for long!!

Hear hear Lauren well said :)

[maryjos]

Don't really understand the comment of when doing serious work you would use a different lens regardless, I think an L lens with IS is for serious work :)
Its certainly not a lens for anyone with arm and back problems though cause its no lightweight, but if you are used to working with the 70-200mm f2.8 IS then it isn't much of a difference :)
Several reasons *I* would not tend to use it. First, I do tend to shoot wide open a lot and need the faster f2.8 lens. The 28-300mm is f/5.6 at the high end, which is simply not useable for a lot of sports work, which is what I do. The push-pull design is not great when you are doing sports work as well. It also doesn't take Canon tele-extenders I believe which is kind of a bummer. And finally, from the reviews I've read, it also is a lot softer at the high end (and wide end as well) than other L lens in those ranges. This is really only to be expected with the wide range of lengths it covers...but since when I am doing serious telephoto work I don't really *need* the wide angle ranges, it only makes sense to use a lens that will give me the very best performance. When the lens performance is crucial I usually can stick everything on a monopod and pretty much stay in the same place more or less, so the weight of the lens is not an issue. I don't use my 70-200 mm lens as a "walkaround" everyday lens either, as with my arm problems I simply cannot handhold it for long.

[maryjos]

And one thing to remember - its not just the brand of camera but the nut behind the wheel which is one of the most important things to remember!!-
We could go on and on and on debating which brand is better - but so much depends too on who is taking the photo, what the photo is, what the day is like , what time of day it is, where you are, etc etc etc - I really do think debates on brand are pointless!!!
Certainly very true. I know so many people that move up to a digital SLR but never really learn anything about taking photos, and what ISO and aperture and shutter speed is and how to use modes like shutter-priority, or spot metering, etc. They want to just stick the camera on fully automatic and not worry about it...and then wonder why the photos don't look better! Regardless of what camera you get, the best thing you can do is get a basic digital photography book and learn some basic skills. Or take a class!

[Jennifer]

I recently purchased a RebelXT for my daughter. I also bought a new 50/1.4 lens to go with it. I seriously can't figure out what all the Canon fuss is about. My low light (in fact it seems all my images) are better with the Nikon than the Canon. I was expecting more I guess. I love the RebelXT, it's quite good on the green mode ;) I find it frustrating that so many of the common commands I need are buried in a menu instead of easily accessible with a button! I have to keep reminding myself that the Rebel is not in the same league as the D200 and to quit comparing apples to oranges. I'm going to go try some L glass on the RebelXT and see if my opionin goes up. It also feels like a toy, but there again, I'm not comparing it to the lower end Nikon like the D40 and D50. I need more time with it but at this point the best sugestion I can give you is... take pictures with both... See what YOU like. I hear the "Why don't my canon photos have that beautiful Nikon color?" and "Why are my high ISO photos so bad on my Nikon compared to the Canons?" It's such personal preference of what YOU will personally be shooting. Good luck, it's the lens buying that will drive you NUTS!

[maryjos]

Hi Jennifer, yeah you certainly can't compare the D200 to a Rebel, it's probably more comparable to the Canon 5D...or at least a 30D. The Rebel certainly is much lighter and has a somewhat toy feel with all the plastic, you won't get that in these other models. Buttons and menus are definitely something that most people do seem to prefer on the Nikons, but I never have found it that big a deal on the Canons, probably from being a long-time user. Really my only gripe is that the ISO setting is not displayed on the LCD, they really should have added that by now. As for low-light, I assume you mean high ISO shots? If I recall the Rebel only goes up to 1600 at which point the difference in the Canon and Nikons is relatively negligible (although still noticeable on a close crop). It doesn't become real obvious until you get to the 3200 setting, which is only on the higher models. I'd guess any color issues you see may also be due to model differences. I certainly get great color with good lenses on my 20D. I did find this really nice article comparing the Canon, Nikon and Sony DSLRs under $1K and they actually gave the XTi the highest rating on color:

Canon Rebel XTi vs. Nikon D80 vs. Sony Alpha A100 (http://www.digitalcamerainfo.com/content/Canon-Rebel-XTi-vs-Nikon-D80-vs-Sony-Alpha-A100-Head-to-Head-to-Head-Digital-Camera-Review-.htm)

[Emma]

Jennifer, I can tell you after owning a D70 and using a D200 and a 20D and a Rebel that even the D70 can't compare to the D200 as far as all the dials and settings being on the OUTSIDE of the camera. All the buttons are fast and easy to access on the D200, and while D70 menu items are not as buried as the Rebel, they're not as nice as the D200. The 20D was not quite as good in that either, but much better than the Rebel.

[maryjos]

Thanks for the info Emma...does make sense that these smaller cameras would not have as many settings easily available...there's not enough room for the buttons! I really like what I've seen with the D200....if I could get my hands on the kit with the 18-200 lens I'd seriously consider switching from Canon (since I've been wanting to sell off a number of lenses anyway). I just worry about the noise issue....I'd love to get my hands on some real digital files from a D200 shot at ISO 3200 to see how well they would clean up in PS with Noise Ninja. I don't care so much about the noise if it's correctable.

[Tina]

Ok, I'm on info overload here!

I couldnt make heads or tails out of Emma's last post.

Mary Jo, what camera are you using? I know a Canon, but which?

[maryjos]

LOL, Tina, yeah we're just having a good time debating all this stuff! The basic gist of it really is that the cheaper the camera, the more stuff that gets hidden in menus versus having quick access on the camera. With the higher-end models, Nikon does seem to do a bit better job in this respect though.

I'm currently using the Canon 20D. I wouldn't mind having the sensor cleaning and larger LCD on the 30D, but it's not quite worth it to upgrade. I'd really love to see Canon come out with a truly ground-breaking new model in this price range. I do think Nikon has pushed ahead in the last few years a lot more.

[dobegal]

Well, I just purchased the D-50 (discontinued) from Cameta (ebay). It has a 28-80 lens and a 70-300 lens. Are these both good "everyday" kind of lenses to use? I know there are not high-end, but I'm a beginner.

[Karen]

Well, I just purchased the D-50 (discontinued) from Cameta (ebay). It has a 28-80 lens and a 70-300 lens. Are these both good "everyday" kind of lenses to use? I know there are not high-end, but I'm a beginner.


You have a great range covered there with your 2 lenses dobegal, perfect for starting out with :)

[dobegal]

Thanks, Karen, and I got it for a great discounted price :)

[dobegal]

Jennifer, I can tell you after owning a D70 and using a D200 and a 20D and a Rebel that even the D70 can't compare to the D200 as far as all the dials and settings being on the OUTSIDE of the camera. All the buttons are fast and easy to access on the D200, and while D70 menu items are not as buried as the Rebel, they're not as nice as the D200. The 20D was not quite as good in that either, but much better than the Rebel.

Well, just looked up "D200" - For $2,000 it better have good buttons LOL! :D

[maryjos]

Well, I just purchased the D-50 (discontinued) from Cameta (ebay). It has a 28-80 lens and a 70-300 lens. Are these both good "everyday" kind of lenses to use? I know there are not high-end, but I'm a beginner.
Are they Nikon lenses? Those are decent starter lenses for most people. I'm not a huge fan of the low-end Sigma/Tokina types off-brand lenses, those can be pretty awful. Particularly their autofocus, it's not going to be great on any cheap lens, but will be significantly better with the Nikkors.

[MommyPanda]

You might want to try and go a completely different route than limiting yourself to just Canon and Nikon. I got my Olympus E500 E-Volt last October and have been having a great time taking wonderful shots! It came as a bundle from Costco.com with 2 lenses. Great price and great camera!

Take a look and see what I got...

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11204680&whse=BC&topnav=&browse=&s=1

[maryjos]

LOL, well you can get a D200 from a reputable online seller for a good bit under that, but yes, it's not a cheap camera, nor is the Canon 30D. These are models intended for serious amateurs. And for someone that really is serious about their photography, it's not a bad idea to consider one. I often use fairly large telephoto lenses, and the Rebel really would be too light and small for me to grip. When you have a heavy lens, you really need a larger camera, for balance. A lot of men also prefer the larger models because they just need more camera to grip with larger hands. I do a lot of tweaking and changing my settings so I definitely need the faster and easier access to these that you get. They generally have more memory buffer and faster shutter speeds which is important for shooting fast action. And the photo quality I have seen does tend to be a bit better on the higher end models...although not as much as you might think in many shooting situations.

It's funny though, still doesn't seem that long ago to me that you couldn't get ANY digital SLR for under $1000.

[maryjos]

Yeah, the other manufacturers are coming up with some decent SLR models these days and may be worth considering for someone on a budget that wants to go fairly cheap. You can google any model and find some good reviews on them. I generally find that with the other models you'll often find the images to be a bit more grainy at the high ISOs and of course you aren't going to find the huge range of high-quality lenses and other accessories that Canon and Nikon have. But for the average user, that probably is not a big issue. Another thing to check, if you use a program like Photoshop and would like to try shooting in Raw (which I highly recommend you do!) it may not support Raw images from manufacturers like Olympus.

[dobegal]

Are they Nikon lenses? Those are decent starter lenses for most people. I'm not a huge fan of the low-end Sigma/Tokina types off-brand lenses, those can be pretty awful. Particularly their autofocus, it's not going to be great on any cheap lens, but will be significantly better with the Nikkors.

MaryJo,

They are "Tamron" lenses. -- The sets came with either. I chose the Tamron bc I heard they are a "little better" close up. Comments??

[maryjos]

They are "Tamron" lenses. -- The sets came with either. I chose the Tamron bc I heard they are a "little better" close up. Comments??
Well, they are what they are. You're not going to get awe-inspiring photos with these, but in the end, there's probably not going to be a huge difference between the Tamrons and the Nikons. With lenses, you really do tend to get what you pay for and no under-$200 lens is going to give great shots. The main reason I tend to recommend the Nikons is the price really isn't that much higher...and they're going to hold resale value better. People generally just don't want to buy cheap, used Tamron lenses. What you might want to do is start saving up for the 18-200mm VR lens and get that in a few years when it hopefully will be easier to find. That lens will replace both of these and give far better images.

[Karen]

MaryJo,

They are "Tamron" lenses. -- The sets came with either. I chose the Tamron bc I heard they are a "little better" close up. Comments??

Like most things there will be dogs and there will be the goods one, I had a 28-200 Tamron lens a long time ago and the quality was more than enough for when starting out, hopefully your lenses are the 'good' ones dobegal :)

[dobegal]

Thank you both. For a beginner, I'm not worried. When I get to the pricier lens, I will be more selective!

[Karen]

Thank you both. For a beginner, I'm not worried. When I get to the pricier lens, I will be more selective!

I wouldn't be worried either dobegal, imho you have a great set of lenses to give you a really good start, looking forward to seeing some shots, how about posting in the PAD (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=2387)Gallery or even just in the Photography Gallery (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=506) :)

[dobegal]

Thanks, Karen, I plan on it -- could use some cc from the wonderful photographers here :)