Considering buying a SLR camera?

Question

i am into photgraphy big time and am wondering if anyone can give me some advice on what I should look into before buying a camera. What are some good cameras that I should look into before i purchase one. I don't just want to go out and buy one I want to make sure it is of a good quailty and it'll last. Thanks.

Answer 1

I am an art photographer and shoot Canon. I use a Canon EOS Digital Rebel 350XT. The current model is the 400XTi. I would suggest looking at that ($799 for the back) or the 30D ($1100 for the back).

I love digital! Shoot as much as you want and see the results immediately. Bracket the shot. Throw away the bad ones. Check your highlights right on the camera.

Right now the 8 megapixel to 10 megapixel jump is not a big deal. What is important is that your lenses will work with it. You can go full frame and blow $3000 on the back with the Canon 5D. Me, I stuck with the smaller chip.

My walking around lens is a 28 - 135mm image stabilized zoom. Has a good range for many different situations.

My low light (and I shoot in candlelight) is 50mm f/1.4. The Canon chip allows you to use ISO 1600 (very very sensitive) without a lot of noise.

My long lens is an image stabilized low light dispersion Canon 100-400mm IS L series. Great for birds.

I have friends who shoot Nikon and friends who shoot Canon. Both have good features. In either case, buy locally - not on the Internet. That way you have a local store with people who can teach you the fine points of using the camera.

Answer 2

I have used Canons for years and am very pleased. Nikon is also great. Olympus might have something too. Go to a camera store and get one of the sales people to show you the Canons and Nikons in your price range. Pick one that best fits your primary style of photography. Check the Internet to see if you can get a better price (but beware of grey market equipment). Many good camera stores offer free classes when you buy a camera there. That may more than make up for a lower price on the net.

Answer 3

Jim: First, I would recommend you do some research on the quality of the optics in any camera you review. The glass quality is a major importance. In addition, look for a camera with Image Stabilization (IS) in the body, not the lens. This way, you don't have to spend megabucks more for stabilized lenses. You will have IS no matter which lens you use. Then look for one that has auto cleaning of the image sensor. This is an ultrasonic vibration of the sensor every time you turn the camera on, which literally shakes the dust off it. If you don't have this, and the sensor gets dust on it, the dust will appear in your photos, and the only way to fix it is to send the camera back to the factory for cleaning. Time consuming and expensive, as dust is not usually covered by the warranty. Higher megapixels is important if you intend to crop or enlarge photos. "Live view" (an LCD screen) is important when its difficult to use the viewfinder. But it should be selectable (on/off) to conserve battery life. Long battery life is also important, as well as a variable intensity flash. A comprehensive menu, functional on the LCD screen, is also important to make quick setting changes. These are the most important factors for you to consider. If you can satisfy these, then go for the "warm and fuzzy" factors, like "fit" and "feel" to break any ties. I would shop around and review several, but also take a look at the Olympus Evolt E-510 camera. It has all these features, a wide range of excellent lenses, competitive prices, plus extremely good optics. For that kind of budget, you should stay away from the "kit" lenses (those that come packaged with the camera body). They are very good, but not as good as the next higher quality ones. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

Yes, you need to decide if you want 35mm or digital.
I recently bought a canon eos digital camera, they do great SLR cameras and it's really convenient not having to develop film and photos, as I don't have much access to a dark room. If you do have access to a darkroom though I would go for a 35mm, as it's a great place to start, and they have really come down inprice lately. Nikon make great cameras as do Pentax.

Answer 5

I got my Nikon "F" body camera and lenses as a gift from my father when I was still in high school. Nearly 20 years later, my daughter is using my camera and lenses for her own photography class. My father swears by everything Nikon because they are professional quality and built to last, and he made his living for a number of years behind a camera at weddings and such. I'd go Nikon because I know it works. :)

Answer 6

I fell in love with Nikon. I have a N65 film SLR and looking to buy the D70 kit soon.

Answer 7

You should "add details" to your question and let us know if you are looking for a film camera or a digital camera. Thanks.