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Need suggestions for DSLR

enyownz

enyownz

[H]ard|Gawd
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Jul 31, 2009
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hey guys, looking for first dslr. i never owned a dslr before and i really want to get into taking photos. Looking for suggestions on something sub $800 but I don't want something so beginner-ish and no so complicated. I was looking at the canon rebel x1i because I read reviews that it was better than the d5000. What do you guys think and what would you recommend?
 
It really is Nikon vs. Canon. Frankly I would go to a store and play with both in your price range.

Both perform really well, both are very reliable, both have models at all price points. For me I prefer Canon because of the layout and lens selection, others find the Nikon layout to be better and like their lens selection.
 
I have a sony dSLR. It is the best value with anti-shake, etc. but if you plan on buying lots of lenses (which in itself gets costly) nikon and canon are better options.
 
As Grentz said, go to a camera store and try them out. Their image quality is close enough that it really doesn't matter, and that you really should be looking at their ergonomics and lens lineup. I personally prefer Nikon for their control layout and use a D40(I find Canon's awkward), but this will vary between person to person, as some prefer Canon's control layout, and others Olympus's, etc. Just go to a camera store and try them out.

Also, if you have a photography friend using a certain system, it would be an advantage to use the same system, since then you can let each other borrow lenses, etc. One of the big reasons I chose Nikon was because my friend shot Nikon, and nowadays I regularly borrow his 50 1.8, and I regularly lend him my 55-200.
 
I'm a Canon fanboy and that's all I can recommend.

I can point you in the right direction if you tell me what the $800 budget is for. Body only? Body and beginner lens? Kit?
 
I'd say pick up some used gear: a nice XSi ($450ish) and a kit 18-55mm IS lens ($90ish), add to that a 50mm f/1.8 ($80ish) and a 430EX II ($180ish). That will be plenty to get your feet wet and your interests peeked. Learn how to use that camera and compose great pictures, then turn around and sell it for a about 80% of what you paid for it and upgrade.
 
CaliGirl said:
I'd say pick up some used gear: a nice XSi ($450ish) and a kit 18-55mm IS lens ($90ish), add to that a 50mm f/1.8 ($80ish) and a 430EX II ($180ish). That will be plenty to get your feet wet and your interests peeked. Learn how to use that camera and compose great pictures, then turn around and sell it for a about 80% of what you paid for it and upgrade.
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If he's just starting with DSLRs, he probably won't need a $200 flash right away. It also depends on what he will be shooting. Also, I would not suggest getting that kit lens...it's a pretty bad one.

I would also advise against the Rebels because they are beginner DSLR bodies and most photographers outgrow them rather quickly. Therefore, I'd be more inclined to look at something along the lines of a used/refurbished EOS 30D or 40D, or possibly the X1i.
 
PC_User said:
If he's just starting with DSLRs, he probably won't need a $200 flash right away. It also depends on what he will be shooting. Also, I would not suggest getting that kit lens...it's a pretty bad one.

I would also advise against the Rebels because they are beginner DSLR bodies and most photographers outgrow them rather quickly. Therefore, I'd be more inclined to look at something along the lines of a used/refurbished EOS 30D or 40D, or possibly the X1i.
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For his stated budget, I would not recommend a 30D or even a 40D. There's nothing wrong with the Rebels, the XSi is more than sufficient for a beginner or even advanced user. While some may outgrow the Rebels, someone is always looking to jump into the hobby-so the used market is always in need. Besides, buying used will save money and the resale value will be about what he paid for it. The kit lens is not the best glass but far from being pretty bad. If looking for something else-he could grab a 2nd hand Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8. With the new model coming out, the older version can probably be had for around $275-300 with patient shopping. It is an excellent lens for the money. I disagree that a flash is not needed right away. Learning how to use and manipulate light is a basic principle that often gets overlooked and passed on for newer bodies and nicer/faster glass. Learn how to use the flash indoors and outdoors goes hand in hand with learning how to properly expose a scene. I would not recommend a used 40D as the going used market still has them selling around $600. Maybe a 30D if one can be found around $450 or so but $800 is not a lot when starting your kit from scratch.
 
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CaliGirl said:
For his stated budget, I would not recommend a 30D or even a 40D. There's nothing wrong with the Rebels, the XSi is more than sufficient for a beginner or even advanced user. While some may outgrow the Rebels, someone is always looking to jump into the hobby-so the used market is always in need. Besides, buying used will save money and the resale value will be about what he paid for it. The kit lens is not the best glass but far from being pretty bad. If looking for something else-he could grab a 2nd hand Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8. With the new model coming out, the older version can probably be had for around $275-300 with patient shopping. It is an excellent lens for the money. I disagree that a flash is not needed right away. Learning how to use and manipulate light is a basic principle that often gets overlooked and passed on for newer bodies and nicer/faster glass. Learn how to use the flash indoors and outdoors goes hand in hand with learning how to properly expose a scene. I would not recommend a used 40D as the going used market still has them selling around $600. Maybe a 30D if one can be found around $450 or so but $800 is not a lot when starting your kit from scratch.
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i also wanted to comment that your price range for the selected products was off by about 50-100 on each of them, bringing him to 11 hundred roughly. Regardless, some questions/statements i had.

What is wrong with the rebels, sure it does not have a full sensor, but unless you shoot professionally, you wont really need anything else than the rebels am i rite?

And isn't the external flash not necessary for a beginner? Im sure an on board flash is all the OP needs for now.
 
Why limit yourself to a Canon?:p You really should look at Nikon, Olympus, Sony, Pentax, etc. before making a decision, and also try them out...test their ergonomics, how they fit in your hand, etc..
 
CaliGirl said:
For his stated budget, I would not recommend a 30D or even a 40D. There's nothing wrong with the Rebels, the XSi is more than sufficient for a beginner or even advanced user. While some may outgrow the Rebels, someone is always looking to jump into the hobby-so the used market is always in need. Besides, buying used will save money and the resale value will be about what he paid for it. The kit lens is not the best glass but far from being pretty bad. If looking for something else-he could grab a 2nd hand Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8. With the new model coming out, the older version can probably be had for around $275-300 with patient shopping. It is an excellent lens for the money. I disagree that a flash is not needed right away. Learning how to use and manipulate light is a basic principle that often gets overlooked and passed on for newer bodies and nicer/faster glass. Learn how to use the flash indoors and outdoors goes hand in hand with learning how to properly expose a scene. I would not recommend a used 40D as the going used market still has them selling around $600. Maybe a 30D if one can be found around $450 or so but $800 is not a lot when starting your kit from scratch.
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Some valid points. However, until we know what the OP actually plans to shoot, we can't come to the conclusion that he needs a $250-300 flash. Secondly, he would be better off getting a used Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 as opposed to that Tamron. Less vignetting, sharper images, and a longer focal range. Also, I don't agree that the Rebel is better than the 30D. A 30D/40D body is one that the OP can keep for a while, especially if he is on a limited budget in the future as well. On the contrary, Rebels are small bodies mainly used by beginners who are looking to replace them in due time. Also, many find the Rebel bodies quite small and uncomfortable, and that is a subjective point that should be addressed by holding the physical cameras prior to purchase. As far as the lens goes, the EF-S 18-55mm is of poor build quality but is optically OK, so I guess it can serve the OP for some time until he can upgrade to better glass.

P!rate said:
What is wrong with the rebels, sure it does not have a full sensor, but unless you shoot professionally, you wont really need anything else than the rebels am i rite?
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Not quite. While they are enough for the entry-level DSLR consumer, you certainly don't have to be a professional to appreciate the significant advantages that the next lineup (30-50D) has to offer.

P!rate said:
And isn't the external flash not necessary for a beginner? Im sure an on board flash is all the OP needs for now.
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It depends on what he is shooting. If he is shooting portraits or is using the camera frequently in low-light conditions, the flash may come in handy.
 
Here's a fairly good deal:

Canon EOS Rebel T1i 500D EFS 18-55mm IS lens+ Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens + PIXMA Pro 9000 Mark II Photo Printer $856 AFTER REBATES

EOS Rebel T1i / 500D EFS 18-55mm IS Kit
EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS
PIXMA Pro 9000 Mark II Photo Printer

Add all three in the cart, and before checkout you'll see $200 instant rebate, which brings the total to $1256 before $400 rebate!
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http://slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1638728
 
XSi kit with the 18-55 for $600, and a 35 f/2 for $240 would be a pretty good start for around $800. If you go used you have a bit more to work with and could consider swapping the kit lens for the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8.
 
enyownz said:
hey guys, looking for first dslr. i never owned a dslr before and i really want to get into taking photos. Looking for suggestions on something sub $800 but I don't want something so beginner-ish and no so complicated. I was looking at the canon rebel x1i because I read reviews that it was better than the d5000. What do you guys think and what would you recommend?
Click to expand...

Nikon D40 with kit lens.

That's what 99% of people on the forums need.
 
Hulk said:
Nikon D40 with kit lens.

That's what 99% of people on the forums need.
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Normally I would agree but I hate using the center point. If you are serious about getting better composed shots, you will find those 3 little focus points limiting.. I am a fan of selecting focus points manually instead of half press-recompose. After a few months the OP is going to tried of boring dead center shots.
 
I always use the center point and focus-recompose on my D40. 3 focus points is enough unless you shoot action. Heck on my N90 I only have one AF point and I like it.

(old guy accent) Back in my day, you had one focus point if you're lucky, and usually you didn't even get no stinking autofocus. And we liked it! Why did they have to change?
 
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