Intro to dSLR

[I Am Luna]

Wanting to purchase an entry level dSLR? I will try to provide you with a guide on the basic stats and what to look for when getting into digital photography with a dSLR. Keep in mind, this post was written from a Canon owner. I will try hard to bug my friends into writing one about Nikon but if you really want to compare, post and I'll help you as quick and as accurate as I can.

Entry level digital single lens reflex cameras are the first step photographers take into the digital world of semi-professional photography. But don't be fooled, anyone, and everyone can step up to a dSLR for sharper photos and some creative fun. dSLR cameras provide the user with advantages and options that regular point & shoots (P&S) can't offer.

Shooting in RAW (a file format that offers you to do post processing on your PC), interchangeable lenses, interchangeable flash units, bigger photo sensors, high mega pixel count, faster shots per second, and clearer images.
Canon offers a few choices when it comes to entry level dSLR cameras. The EOS 350D (Rebel XT), the EOS 400D (Rebel XTi) and the EOS 450D (Rebel XSi). For beginners getting ready to step it up, these cameras are a great learning tool and quite "cheap" with all of them under $800. Your more likely to spend more on glass (aka lenses) then on the actual camera. They come with a less then decent "kit" lenses but you can find a cheap upgrade for around $200 or less.

When searching for a digital camera, you want to tailor it to your needs. That is how most photographers work: "What do I need from my camera? What lenses do I need for that? And what equipment will I need for that?" So are you looking for fast continuous shooting? High ISO levels for low light situations? Big sensors for full frame shots? Any one of the above mentioned cameras will do for a beginner to get his/her feet wet. The cameras shoot at a rate of 2.8, 3.0 to 3.5 frames per second, are from 8 - 12 mega pixels and allow all the configurations and options needed to learn the more advanced features of professional digital camera. Anyone of them will be enough to get the gears started provided you read a little of the manual and test run it a lot.

Canon Digital Rebel XT 8MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 Lens (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0007QKN22/fybixcom-20)
$698.85

Canon Digital Rebel XTi 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000I1ZWRC/fybixcom-20)
$614.95

Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0012YA85A/fybixcom-20)
$679.99

My next post will be about a few of these options and examples. I'll try to throw in more about lenses and how to read all that writing on them. Thanks for reading!
(Anyone else who is a photohog, feel free to jump in and help!)

PS:
I throw in those Amazon links because everyone loves Amazon, but I think B&H is a little better for these photography needs.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com

[P_chan]

I've wanted a rebel for a while now. But the wife said I have to wait:(

My current panasonic FZ18 shoots in RAW but what program do you use to edit the photos afterwards?

[RODSCALIP5]

Nikon D40 is a great SLR starter camera and has a great price. If you can afford it, go witha D80.....:

http://www.msprotege.com/members/RODSCALIP5/Oki1.jpg

http://www.msprotege.com/members/RODSCALIP5/Oki3.jpg

[I Am Luna]

My current panasonic FZ18 shoots in RAW but what program do you use to edit the photos afterwards?
Photoshop (http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/index.html) or Lightroom (http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshoplightroom/) or Aperture (http://www.apple.com/aperture/). Those are my top 3.

What is holding your wife back? ....if you don't mind me asking?

Edit:
Also, the D80 is nice, but to get those images above, you have to use HDR, a technique used to light up dark shadows but sometimes people go too far and change the entire photo to be surreal. Its not bad, but its an acquired taste.

[P_chan]

It's expensive, and I got a new camera last christmas.

[RODSCALIP5]

Photoshop (http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/index.html) or Lightroom (http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshoplightroom/) or Aperture (http://www.apple.com/aperture/). Those are my top 3.

What is holding your wife back? ....if you don't mind me asking?

Edit:
Also, the D80 is nice, but to get those images above, you have to use HDR, a technique used to light up dark shadows but sometimes people go too far and change the entire photo to be surreal. Its not bad, but its an acquired taste.


Yeah, I shot those up north a couple of weeks ago, Im still fine tuning the HDR techniques.

[Sharon]

before getting into DSLR you should probably get into the basics of shooting.

Why don't we plan a photography get together?

[My Monster]

I'm game. I have a Nikon D80. My wife got it for me July 07...I'm bad, over 7000 shots with it so far, some of them actually look okay. LOL

[Sharon]

would you want a studio set up?

with a person and my friend and I can show you lighting info.

and them the next one we can do outside.

[My Monster]

funny enough, my outdoor shots turn out great, my indoor shots, not so great. I'm still trying to figure out the whole white balance thing. DSLRs seem to be alot different then my old SLR. I used to shoot alot of b&w. Now its mostly in jpeg and playing with the basics as far as editing goes, I have a lot to learn with post editing.

[uriel]

before getting into DSLR you should probably get into the basics of shooting.

if you're suggesting getting a different camera first to learn the basics, that, to me, is nonsense. there is no point to wait on getting the camera you want to shoot with until you learn the basics. you don't have to, and shouldn't really wait. get the camera, get some books, shoot, read, repeat. and get together with others to learn.

i would stay away from the d40. i say that because it is not compatible with as many lenses. oh, they'll mount, but you won't get auto focus because of the body. the a nice dslr, and learn. the d80 can be had for fairly cheap because the new d90 is out. or, say screw it and get the d90. no reason to spend a good deal of money on a "beginner" camera that you may end up being disappointed with if you do advance your skills. even the d40 isn't "cheap".

[Sharon]

funny enough, my outdoor shots turn out great, my indoor shots, not so great. I'm still trying to figure out the whole white balance thing. DSLRs seem to be alot different then my old SLR. I used to shoot alot of b&w. Now its mostly in jpeg and playing with the basics as far as editing goes, I have a lot to learn with post editing.

we can do post as well.

[Sharon]

if you're suggesting getting a different camera first to learn the basics, that, to me, is nonsense. there is no point to wait on getting the camera you want to shoot with until you learn the basics. you don't have to, and shouldn't really wait. get the camera, get some books, shoot, read, repeat. and get together with others to learn.

i would stay away from the d40. i say that because it is not compatible with as many lenses. oh, they'll mount, but you won't get auto focus because of the body. the a nice dslr, and learn. the d80 can be had for fairly cheap because the new d90 is out. or, say screw it and get the d90. no reason to spend a good deal of money on a "beginner" camera that you may end up being disappointed with if you do advance your skills. even the d40 isn't "cheap".

I mean before discussing what DSLR to buy. someone needs to learn what photography is. So that they know their needs. So we should provide basics of photography. Otherwise the manual function means crap.

[uriel]

are we speaking in general? or from a post here? because if you are speaking about a post here, i haven't read anything that would lead me to believe that they don't understand photography.

like i said earlier, get some books. read them. get a general understanding, then buy a camera. i've heard the "so they know their needs" thought before, but really, what if their "need" is to have a really nice dslr that they can play with? the manual function may mean crap at the moment of purchase, but until they learn basic aperture and shutter speed and the like, there are still the auto settings and the aperture priority and the shutter priority setting which can be easily learned by reading the instruction manual. if someone is talking about dslr's, pros and cons, and knows the very basics of photography, they have some idea of what photography is. granted, they may not have the full grasp of the ev values and bracketing and whatnot, but they know what photography is.

besides all this talk, no one gave so much concern to any of this, other than price and quality, when 35mm SLR cameras were out. these aren't F-22 raptors we're talking about. it doesn't take a degree to start using the manual function, experimenting, and learning to shoot. make a choice like buying an "entry level" camera, and you may find yourself limited more than you would like.

[My Monster]

I experiment quite a bit with the settings as far as the priority settings go and still find myself using the manual settings the most...old school way of doing things I guess

[uriel]

i learned manual from using 35mm slr. then i quit shooting cause i was lazy. now i have a d80, and am only slightly less lazy, so i'm not as good as i would like to be, but i have fun, and that's my main goal.

[Sharon]

are we speaking in general? or from a post here? because if you are speaking about a post here, i haven't read anything that would lead me to believe that they don't understand photography.

like i said earlier, get some books. read them. get a general understanding, then buy a camera. i've heard the "so they know their needs" thought before, but really, what if their "need" is to have a really nice dslr that they can play with? the manual function may mean crap at the moment of purchase, but until they learn basic aperture and shutter speed and the like, there are still the auto settings and the aperture priority and the shutter priority setting which can be easily learned by reading the instruction manual. if someone is talking about dslr's, pros and cons, and knows the very basics of photography, they have some idea of what photography is. granted, they may not have the full grasp of the ev values and bracketing and whatnot, but they know what photography is.

besides all this talk, no one gave so much concern to any of this, other than price and quality, when 35mm SLR cameras were out. these aren't F-22 raptors we're talking about. it doesn't take a degree to start using the manual function, experimenting, and learning to shoot. make a choice like buying an "entry level" camera, and you may find yourself limited more than you would like.

because a DSLR is not necessary.

take Stephen Eastwood for example. www.stepheneastwood.com

http://www.modelmayhem.com/po.php?thread_id=249588&page=

often he shoots the same images with a point and shoot camera.

it is all about knowing what your doing. The camera is a tool. It is the photographer that matters.

Does this mean I don't want a Hassy? no, I want one very badly. But I won't go buy a great camera under the delusion that it will make me a great photographer. You buy a camera. Even a cheap film camera. and you learn to shoot.

[Sharon]

all I am saying is maybe this thread is jumping the gun. Teaching about what to buy before you learn how to do.

Like in diving. you don't learn what equipment to buy until you know what the equipment does.

[leahjackson]

Personally, I am willing to sacrifice some of the good stuff for small size. I think excellent photography is about 80% composition and exposure, so the DSLR's additional capability over a point and shoot is worth only about 20% to me.

I want to research that Canon G9 though - it's about time for a new point-and shoot.

[My Monster]

I have a blast with mine. My mastiff is my best subject, she doesn't move as much as my kids...LOL

[uriel]

because a DSLR is not necessary.

take Stephen Eastwood for example. www.stepheneastwood.com

http://www.modelmayhem.com/po.php?thread_id=249588&page=

often he shoots the same images with a point and shoot camera.

it is all about knowing what your doing. The camera is a tool. It is the photographer that matters.

Does this mean I don't want a Hassy? no, I want one very badly. But I won't go buy a great camera under the delusion that it will make me a great photographer. You buy a camera. Even a cheap film camera. and you learn to shoot.

understood, but i thought we were talking about someone who had already decided on a DSLR. if not, then yeah, there are a lot of options. i realize that the camera is a tool. that has always been my philosophy also, but in the same vein, would you rather use walmart tools, or something nice like snap-on or mac? a DSLR is far more flexible if you are looking for a dslr. yes, it is possible to do it with a point and shoot, it just takes a little more patience, understanding composition, and more effort definitely.

yes, a hasselbad is a great camera, but as you implied, use it for what it's best used for, be it landscapes or portraits or whatever. nobody said or implied a nice camera would make you a better photog. but, if you buy a camera that isn't compatible with many different lenses that you would have a need or desire to use because it's cheap, that wouldn't be a good thing. you and i both know that it is nice to want to use a different lens for different situations, and if you can't, it can be frustrating.

[Sharon]

understood, but i thought we were talking about someone who had already decided on a DSLR. if not, then yeah, there are a lot of options. i realize that the camera is a tool. that has always been my philosophy also, but in the same vein, would you rather use walmart tools, or something nice like snap-on or mac? a DSLR is far more flexible if you are looking for a dslr. yes, it is possible to do it with a point and shoot, it just takes a little more patience, understanding composition, and more effort definitely.

yes, a hasselbad is a great camera, but as you implied, use it for what it's best used for, be it landscapes or portraits or whatever. nobody said or implied a nice camera would make you a better photog. but, if you buy a camera that isn't compatible with many different lenses that you would have a need or desire to use because it's cheap, that wouldn't be a good thing. you and i both know that it is nice to want to use a different lens for different situations, and if you can't, it can be frustrating.

most of the people I know who want to buy a DSLR want it because they see that it is the camera "good photographers use" and they want to be a good photographer too.

[uriel]

wow. can honestly say i see that not very often at all.

i got one because i hated point and shoot with a passion for most things, and i like using an SLR. picked mine up at a pawn shop for 75 bucks. then after a few years i found out film is expensive to buy and develop. so, i got a DLSR. now that point and shoots don't have horrible shutter lag that make you miss 90% of shots of family moments, i don't hate them. i just strongly prefer to use DSLR.

[Sharon]

wow. can honestly say i see that not very often at all.

i got one because i hated point and shoot with a passion for most things, and i like using an SLR. picked mine up at a pawn shop for 75 bucks. then after a few years i found out film is expensive to buy and develop. so, i got a DLSR. now that point and shoots don't have horrible shutter lag that make you miss 90% of shots of family moments, i don't hate them. i just strongly prefer to use DSLR.

my husband bought mine. He had shot frequently in high school and he knew exactly what he wanted.

and I stole it. At first I shot decent. But then I read a few books and I shot ok, I was better.

And then I found a few other photographers to explain things... and my abilities skyrocketed.

[Sharon]

actually the most annoying thing in photography is photographers who compare cameras like penises.

"hey, you have the ______ ______, I have the _____ _____ and its more expensive/bigger/digital/film/more megapixels. I am a better photographer."

[I Am Luna]

actually the most annoying thing in photography is photographers who compare cameras like penises.

"hey, you have the ______ ______, I have the _____ _____ and its more expensive/bigger/digital/film/more megapixels. I am a better photographer."
I have never heard that before but if I did, I'd laugh so hard at that person.

Well, to point out to the others, this thread wasn't to jump any gun about anything. Actually, the first question was this in the post:

Wanting to purchase an entry level dSLR?

It was for someone looking to purchase an entry level dSLR. That is all. Nothing about skill asked or involved.

( Oh, I was looking for someone to post the entry level dSLRs from Nikon but he never did =( )

[uriel]

depends on what you consider "entry level". d40x is entry level according to nikon. then d60, d70, and d80, with the d80 being closer to, uh, not entry level, if that makes any sense. according to ken rockwell, the only thing that puts the d80 above the d40 is that you can use non af-s lenses and have autofocus.

[I Am Luna]

Hense why I only posted Canon's entry level dSLR camers, as I only know so much about Nikon. A buddy was suppose to post Nikon's entry level but he didn't.

[uriel]

from what i've seen of canon, their lenses are pretty much all more expensive, on average for comparable lenses.

[js9234]

I've been thinking about getting one of these cameras for a while but scatred to because I have no experience at all with them. I want something user friendly with beautiful pics and affordable interchangeable lenses. Are the Canons you posted good starter ones to learn with or would you recommend something else?

[uriel]

from what i've seen and read, at the intro level, they really are all quite similar. when you say no experience, do you mean with photography in general or you have experience with film slr's and none with digital slr's? if with photography in general, i'd suggest reading up on the subject, talking to photographers, and basically just learning. you can find good prices for used gear on fred miranda, i've been told. but like with anything else, just gotta be careful who you buy from.

at the price that you're looking for, intro level, it can pretty much boil down to what feels good in your hand also. just go to a camera store and start picking up cameras and seeing what feels good to you. having a camera that is uncomfortable to hold and use can be very frustrating and annoying.

[js9234]

I have no experience with photography other than my cheap digital camera and that's it. I'm just looking for a hobby here since I can't really do my other hobbies here. I don't mind buying new and spending a little extra money. Been interested for a while and I love taking pics. Especially here on the Island. Just curious on what ya'll would recommend.
from what i've seen and read, at the intro level, they really are all quite similar. when you say no experience, do you mean with photography in general or you have experience with film slr's and none with digital slr's? if with photography in general, i'd suggest reading up on the subject, talking to photographers, and basically just learning. you can find good prices for used gear on fred miranda, i've been told. but like with anything else, just gotta be careful who you buy from.

at the price that you're looking for, intro level, it can pretty much boil down to what feels good in your hand also. just go to a camera store and start picking up cameras and seeing what feels good to you. having a camera that is uncomfortable to hold and use can be very frustrating and annoying.

[js9234]

I had my eye on this. Supposedly a newer version from the original posters suggestions.

Canon Rebel XS 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black)
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-10-1MP-Digital-18-55mm-3-5-5-6/dp/B001CBKJGG/ref=dp_ob_title_ce

Or the Canon XSI

[I Am Luna]

I had my eye on this. Supposedly a newer version from the original posters suggestions.

Canon Rebel XS 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black)
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-10-1MP-Digital-18-55mm-3-5-5-6/dp/B001CBKJGG/ref=dp_ob_title_ce

Or the Canon XSI
See, entry level cameras are mainly crop sensors so you aren't getting a full frame.
Here is the idea behind this:
People purchase entry level dSLR so they can take better pictures or because they are interested in photography. This is the deciding factor that dictates if you want to keep going into photography and purchase a full frame camera.
It isn't a set path and you aren't really losing anything since you don't know much about photography to begin with. The X* serise is a good starting point because they are nice entry level cameras. But if you know you are going to be a serious shooter then these entry level cameras will fall short in some areas that might displease you. But who is to say that this should stop you from buying an entry level camera.

I shot film for awhile before I went into digital. But when I knew I wanted to go digital I still didn't feel like dishing out a grand and some more for a full frame. I tried both entry level cameras from Nikon and Canon and I liked Canon's for my taste.
Now I could have skipped the entry level and gone to Full Frame but I didn't know if I was going to keep shooting digital and be willing to spend the money on it. After all, I still liked film and if I didn't like digital, I would have saved my money for a nice Leica or a similar range finder camera. But since I have experienced a taste of what digital can do and it fits my taste, I will now be upgrading to a 5D or 5D MK II.

So get a entry level dSLR, shoot it, learn it, learn about lighting, talk to people, do assignments and when you are ready & feel that you require more then your entry level can provide, move up to full frame.

Or don't. Rent and get a feel for them instead. :w00t:

Edit:
Oh, and I'll be selling my Canon XTi with a Canon 50mm f/1.8 II lens and a BG-E3 battery grip soon ;)

[leahjackson]

from what i've seen and read, at the intro level, they really are all quite similar. when you say no experience, do you mean with photography in general or you have experience with film slr's and none with digital slr's? if with photography in general, i'd suggest reading up on the subject, talking to photographers, and basically just learning. you can find good prices for used gear on fred miranda, i've been told. but like with anything else, just gotta be careful who you buy from.

at the price that you're looking for, intro level, it can pretty much boil down to what feels good in your hand also. just go to a camera store and start picking up cameras and seeing what feels good to you. having a camera that is uncomfortable to hold and use can be very frustrating and annoying.

Agree - just go to some store like Best, Yamada or Kojima and play to your heart's content. They have most of the latest models set up as demos, and sometimes have some great prices.

I don't have a DSLR but from my old film days I learned that the cost differences among rather equivalent lenses usually is due to small differences in optical performance that the pros are willing to pay for, but in regular use make very little difference. Whether a lens feels "right" or not usually is a matter of personal preference, not cost. I guess some AF and IS systems work better than others but I would rely on the reviews to learn about that.

[Sharon]

I've been thinking about getting one of these cameras for a while but scatred to because I have no experience at all with them. I want something user friendly with beautiful pics and affordable interchangeable lenses. Are the Canons you posted good starter ones to learn with or would you recommend something else?

the Rebels are good for that.

[Sharon]

from what i've seen of canon, their lenses are pretty much all more expensive, on average for comparable lenses.

canon lenses you pay for the glass and some features. I buy Canon because I like the lenses.

[Sharon]

I have no experience with photography other than my cheap digital camera and that's it. I'm just looking for a hobby here since I can't really do my other hobbies here. I don't mind buying new and spending a little extra money. Been interested for a while and I love taking pics. Especially here on the Island. Just curious on what ya'll would recommend.

I highly recommend beginning on a Rebel. with maybe 1-2 lenses

[chewyterry]

Nikon is starting to come out with some really good cameras, you can go to this site, it has some good info about photograph and cameras. And it is a good podcast.

http://reviews.cnet.com/indecent-exposure-podcast/

[uriel]

canon lenses you pay for the glass and some features. I buy Canon because I like the lenses.

yes, but the higher price isn't justifiable when nikon has the same quality for cheaper. you're paying for a name. what features do they have that nikkor lenses don't? VR?

[leahjackson]

yes, but the higher price isn't justifiable when nikon has the same quality for cheaper. you're paying for a name. what features do they have that nikkor lenses don't? VR?

Nikon must have changed their marketing strategy. Back in film days (I mean going way back to rangefinders and through the film Rebel era) Nikon was always the gold standard, and Canon was always slightly lower-tier.

[uriel]

why would you say nikon may have changed? their still right up at the top. they trade spots with canon and vice versa, but canon are averaging out to be more expensive, with similar quality.

[leahjackson]

why would you say nikon may have changed? their still right up at the top. they trade spots with canon and vice versa, but canon are averaging out to be more expensive, with similar quality.

That's what I mean - Nikon used to be more or less in the Leica price and quality class. (They first became famous during the Korean war when photojournalists started buying them in Japan, having found that they were as good as Leicas.)

The Nikon F was the top SLR for many years, and much more expensive than any others except a few odd German makes. Now and then they put out a cheaper camera like the Nikkormat. At some point they seem to have decided to directly enter the mass market with cameras like the Coolpix (or is that Sony?). Anyway,　it seems that Nikon isn't the Mercedes brand it used to be.

[uriel]

i disagree. even mercedes has low end models. they had to. it is very hard, if not impossible for a company to grow if they are focused strictly on the niche market while abandoning the mass market. their glass is still at the top though, for the most part.

the coolpix is nikon.

[leahjackson]

Maybe I should have said Rolls-Royce.

[uriel]

meh, semantics. i'm glad they aren't that way though. i'm part of the mass market! i can't afford niche even if i wanted to...

[Sharon]

yes, but the higher price isn't justifiable when nikon has the same quality for cheaper. you're paying for a name. what features do they have that nikkor lenses don't? VR?

better glass. I like some of Nikon features, but I think Canon has higher quality lenses

[uriel]

honestly, i don't hear that too often. almost never, really. it's usually people saying they like the layout or setup of the bodies better. still it's personal preference. canon, as with nikon, can in no way shape or form say that they have all better glass. doesn't happen. each has their strenths, each their weaknesses. canon has more lenses in their lines, but more doesn't always mean better. it just means more variety.

[js9234]

Did some research online and found the camera I want. I won't order it until December but once I get it I'm sure I'll be asking for help :thumbup: Any of ya'll have experience with this camera? Will that lens work to get started?

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi kit w/ 18-55mm lens, black
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Digital-Camera-18-55mm-3-5-5-6/dp/B0012YA85A

Just realized it was the 3rd one on Luna's list lol

[dk]

Did some research online and found the camera I want. I won't order it until December but once I get it I'm sure I'll be asking for help :thumbup: Any of ya'll have experience with this camera? Will that lens work to get started?

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi kit w/ 18-55mm lens, black
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Digital-Camera-18-55mm-3-5-5-6/dp/B0012YA85A

Just realized it was the 3rd one on Luna's list lol
That looks a lot like my camera:

http://www.mobilemag.com/content/images/9253_large.jpg

[js9234]

Damn, guess I'll have to find a different one :grin1:

That looks a lot like my camera:

http://www.mobilemag.com/content/images/9253_large.jpg

[dk]

I love my camera. One of these days, I'll take formal classes on it and read books about technique. For now, I just appreciate a camera that takes good pictures nearly all the time.

[Sharon]

honestly, i don't hear that too often. almost never, really. it's usually people saying they like the layout or setup of the bodies better. still it's personal preference. canon, as with nikon, can in no way shape or form say that they have all better glass. doesn't happen. each has their strenths, each their weaknesses. canon has more lenses in their lines, but more doesn't always mean better. it just means more variety.

I like Nikon's features and Canon's lenses so I went with Canon. Plus their customer service department fixed my camera for free after some retard took a pocket knife to the inside of my CF card holder.

[uriel]

ouch. so far i haven't had to test out the customer service and i hope i never have to. glad you got a free fix though.

[I Am Luna]

Cameras is different then glass IMO.
I like Nikon's wide angle but Canon has those monster IS lenses. Just depends on what niche you are shooting.
To be honest, I flipped a coin and it landed on Canon. So far, I've been happy with them.

[js9234]

Well, after doing some more research I may be getting the new Nikon D90. Anyone have any experience with this one? It is a few hundred more than the Canon.

[I Am Luna]

Higher ISO level (ISO3200) but besides that, its about how it feels. Have you hand tested both?
I think how it feels in your hands will bug you waaaay more then the features when it comes to entry level dSLR.

[OKI4EVR]

Well, after doing some more research I may be getting the new Nikon D90. Anyone have any experience with this one? It is a few hundred more than the Canon.

if you have access to the AAFES online catalog the Nikon D90 kit is onsale until the 1st of December 2008 for $1195.00. an okay deal. :thumbup1:


I think I will just stay with my Canon gear. :army:

[I Am Luna]

if you have access to the AAFES online catalog the Nikon D90 kit is onsale until the 1st of December 2008 for $1195.00. an okay deal. :thumbup1:


I think I will just stay with my Canon gear. :army:
One of these days I'll sell all my Canon gear and make the switch but that day isn't for a while. I heart Canon.
But the D90 is a sweet camera and that lens is decent too. The camera can also record video in High Def. Its a really solid camera.

[js9234]

Yeah, the D90 sounds awesome from all the reviews I've read. I'm just a little worried about getting in over my head. Moneys not a problem but inexperience is.

[OKI4EVR]

Yeah, the D90 sounds awesome from all the reviews I've read. I'm just a little worried about getting in over my head. Moneys not a problem but inexperience is.


the Nikon D90 shouldn't too much for you. Have you considered the Canon 40D? they are both good cameras at a pretty reasonable price. I do not think you would be getting in over your head at all with the D90 40D. If you should decide afterwards that they are too much camera for you then reselling would not be too much of issue. They both would hold their value provided you keep them in decent condition. Since money is not an issue "Go for it"! :thumbup1:

[js9234]

Ok, finally ordered the Canon Rebel XSI with 18-55mm lens, Tamron 18-200mm lens, extra battery, 8g memory card and DSLR backpack. I was gonna order the Nikon but they were out of stock. Is there anything I should also order that I missed? They have a DSLR class on base that I'm gonna take as soon as it comes in. Doesn't get here until January though.

[Bones]

As posted by js9234:

They have a DSLR class on base that I'm gonna take as soon as it comes in. Doesn't get here until January though.

Can you tell me a little bit more about this DSLR class? Where is it being offered, how much does it cost, and what time the class starts? I bought my XTi, last October.

Bones

[js9234]

As posted by js9234:



Can you tell me a little bit more about this DSLR class? Where is it being offered, how much does it cost, and what time the class starts? I bought my XTi, last October.

Bones

Here's the link
http://kadenaservices.com/artsandcra...Desc-Dec08.pdf
The DSLR class is $99 and Photography is $25...

[Bones]

Thanks js, I may just sign up for the DSLR class myself.:thumbup1:

Bones

[My Monster]

Bones...let me know when, I'll sign up with you...

[Bones]

It will have to be after the holidays, but next month looks good.:thumbup1:

[My Monster]

:thumbup: Damn holidays...

After New Years would be better for me as well...