What is the best all around Digital SLR Camera...I need Tips!!!!?

Question

I am Taking Media arts classes with a major Photography focus this fall semester to obtain a degree. I need to get some tips on buying the right Camera and equiptment for this awsome venture.

I thank you all in advance for your answers.....digitalD

I am thinking about a Canon Rebel XT, Which runs for around $800 to $1000. I may be able to get it cheaper on ebay.

Answer 1

If you're planning to get serious about photography, you may want to consider any of the mid-to-high-end digital SLRs from Canon or Nikon. There are other good manufacturers out there, but no other manufacturer comes close to Canon or Nikon in terms of their selection of lenses, both new and used. I have owned both brands over the past 25 years and am confident you will find great products from either manufacturer. You will definitely find that some people gravitate to one brand over the other; it's a lot like Ford vs. Chevy drivers...once you get hooked on a particular brand, it's tough to think of buying another.

My recommendation: Go to a good local photo store and find a salesperson who knows the equipment. Try out a few cameras and find the one you like. Remember that the camera body plays a secondary role in photography...the lenses are the most important purchase you can make. Check out www.kenrockwell.com for lens reviews. Also check out www.DPReview.com. This site offers both camera reviews as well as commentary from photographers.

You should be able to find a good body for $500-$1,500. The price of lenses will vary widely. Get a couple of good lenses to start with -- only after you shoot a lot of photographs will you learn what lenses make the most sense for your personal style.

Best wishes!

Answer 2

The Rebel XT is a great place to start and is a very capable camera. You are really buying into a lens system here, so consider the following:

-- If you have a film SLR - what brand is it? Most likely - if you have lenses already they will work with your DSLR.

-- While Olympus and Pentax make some nice cameras, assuming you are starting from scratch and have professional aspirations, you are probably best with Canon or Nikon. In addition to the Rebel, you might also check out the Nikon D50.

-- Consider buying used. Check out fredmiranda.com and also Ebay. Most entry level bodies have shutters rated from 25,000 to 100,000 clicks and pro bodies are rated longer. You can pick up a used 6mp rebel (the original) for around $400 and spend the money you save on some nice quality lenses (50 mm F1.8 is a great place to start or maybe the 35 mm F1.4L)

-- When I switched from film to digital, I started with a Rebel, moved to a 20D and now use a 1D MK II. I've spent much more on lenses, however, so you should focus on the glass you need to do what you want and then get the body to match.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Ok,

I was reading through all the responces and it's Canon this or Nikon that, or Nikon is so much better, or Canon has the best lense. All of that is untrue. Once you get into a professional market, there is no single better professional grade digital SLR that is better than all. It's all a matter of personal preference. There are 4 professional digital slr brands that dominate that market Canon, Nikon, Kodak and Fuji. The professional digital 35mm stlyle market is dominated by those four brands. Konica and Pentax are also starting to get into this market.

All answers you see are based off of a limited personal experience. For instance, I love my FujiFiml S3 pro. I create award winning PPA (professional photographers of america) and WPPI (wedding & portrait photographers international) images with it. I have well over 100 blue ribbons.

I don't even concider name brands for lenses. I'll go to a company called Tamron (www.tamron.com) for all my lenses. As their lenses outperform Nikon and Camera lenses constantly.

So, if you want to go with the Canon Digital Rebel, that's great. As you become a professional, you'll swear by it and even get into using the Canon EOS 1DS with whatever they produce to go with it.

Check out the links below for SLR professional reviews.

Answer 4

The Rebel XT has more features then the Nikon D50, such as a lighted LED and a DoV preview. It also produces cleaner images in high ISO low light situations. If you are in that under $1000 budget I would definitely go with the Rebel.

Oh, and if buying on eBay make sure the seller has sold this type of camera before and be sure to check his or her feedback rating. If it is below 99.2% the lower price will not help you.

Answer 5

the canon rebel xt is the best one. Get it on ebay. make sure you have a tripod and some decent lighting equipment. google online and check out what other photographers use. Go to a bookstore and read up on the latest digital photography magazines. Lastly, Go to a camera store and feel the camera in your hands. That will be the big factor.

Answer 6

Type in your computer what is the best digital SLR camera.

Answer 7

I Think the Kodak EasyShare Digital Camera would be a GOOD Choice!

Answer 8

I prefer a manual the photographer can be more of an artist with these I like the Nikon FM3A.

Answer 9

Try a video camera.

Answer 10

all photo equipment isn't cheap, Canon and Nikon rank high, digal will work, You'll spend between $500 to $1000, good luck