Digital SLR - which body, which lense ?

Question

Christmas gift for beginner / intermediate photographer. We travel a lot so weight and hassle to use is a factor. Any suggestions?
Price is an object. I'd like up to a 200mm lense. Any particular models to stay away from

Answer 1

I'm going to recommend a setup that a friend of mine uses for his round the world travels: a Nikon D50 with a Sigma 18-125mm zoom. The effective range of that lens is 27-188mm, due to the 1.5 focal length multiplier of all digital Nikon bodies. Add a 2 GB SanDisk Ultra ll memory card, and you're looking at a total retail price of $483 + $279 + $89 = $851 (at BeachCamera.com).
The D50 is a compact body that offers everything a beginning/ intermediate photographer needs; the 18-125mm zoom is a very decent all-in-one lens, and the 2 GB card should be plenty to last even the most avid photographer a week between backups to a laptop or CD.
The Canon XTi that's been mentioned would add about $200 to the total. For the extra cash you get 10-megapixels instead of 6. This is a big difference in theory, but only noticeable when you make prints larger than 8x10 inches. Other extras include built-in sensor cleaning (moderately effective) and a better auto focus system. My only gripe with the Canon Rebel line is that the bodies are TOO small. If you prefer the XTi, simply get the Sigma lens with a Canon EF mount.
For under $800 for the body, those are the only two models that I'd consider. If you're willing to spend more, you can look at the Nikon D80, the Pentax K10D, the Canon 20D, etc.
As for the lenses, a two lens setup is only interesting if you're willing to spend +$300 per lens... as the people above me do. Otherwise you won't see a significant improvement in image quality. Two lenses also means more stuff to carry around. I'd also steer clear of all 18-200mm and 28-200mm lenses. All with the exception of the Nikon 18-200mm, that is. But that's a $750 lens... if you can find it in stock anywhere.
I personally view external flashes and tripods as more weight than they're worth. Or rather, as a neccessary evil. I have them, but I never take them with me if I can find any sort of excuse to leave them at home.

Answer 2

Buy a Nikon or a Canon. The reason is that both of these makes offer a range of DSLRs, entry level, intermediate, and pro. You can start out with one of the less expensive models and move up and use you same lenses, flashes, and other equipment. Also, there is a large aftermaket and used market for accessories for these two brands. That is not to say that Pentax, Olympus, or others are not good, they are, just that Nikon & Canon are leaders in the market, a market that may shrink (ie Minolta) as the top players sort out market share.

The Canon folks have chimed in so I'll through in a plug for Nikon. I used a D50 for over a year with great results. If I were in the market today I'd be taking a serious look at the Nikon D80. If my budget wouldn't allow that I'd take a look at the D50's still on the market. Both the D50 & the D80 use SD cards so if you have some nice sized SD cards from your point-and-shoot those will work in your SLR.

Lenses. My D50 came with both an 18-55 and 55-200. I think both of those were f5.6 at their longest end. I know the 55-200 is, the other may be f4.0. Both of those are "kit" lenses with the D50, nothing spectacular but decent lenses for many situations and sharp at medium aperatures. Nikon also has a 70-200 kit lens that is OK. To get "fast glass" at 200mm will require some serious money. I have an 80-200 Nikkor f2.8 that is a great lens but it also costs about $500 used off of ebay. A nice fast lens for the Nikon that is also inexpensive if the 50mm f1.8. It goes for around $100 new.

I hope this helps. You might try going to a camera store and holding both the Canon and Nikon to see which feels best to you.

Also, one of the other replies listed a tripod as an extra item. I agree 100% and urge you to consider something above the normal consumer tripod. I've even heard some professionals recommend spending money on a tripod instead of a high dollar lens because the tripod can do more to add stability to the image.

Answer 3

At the moment there's no match for the EOS 400D (digital rebel XTi in the states). It's one of the cheapest DSLRs, has an excellent 10MP sensor and good autofocus. And a dust removal system too.

As for lenses... first, "the kit lens is good for holding papers on a windy day", as Bob Atkins (bobatkins.com) says. If you can afford the difference in price, buy the body only and get yourself the Tamron 17-50mm/2.8 Di II. Better glass than the analogous Canon lens (yes, the tests proved it) for a third of the price.

If you want to go for a loooong lens (remember, a 200mm on most digital SLR's will behave like a 320mm on your non-digital SLR), then Sigma 70-200 F2.8 EX should not be a bad choice. Again much cheaper than the Canon.

Answer 4

If you consider the XTi, I'll say go for the Rebel XT and use the left over budget for a better lens. I am a Canon fans and I use a 30D myself. But I don't think kthe XTi have a good value. In your case, a Nikon D50 maybe better.

Not going to mention any lenses here since all the postes up there have many choices for you already.

Answer 5

I bought a 6.3 megapixel Canon Digital Rebel SLR awhile back & it's a great camera. The pix are very sharp & detailed & it has more bells & whistles than you can shake a stick at. Lots of lenses to choose from as well. Cons: They're big, somewhat heavy & still kinda pricey.

Answer 6

Body: Canon Rebel XTi (10 Megapixels + new improved controls + ISO1600+ sensor cleaning system + very easy to use)

Lens: Canon EF 17-85 IS USM = 5x optical zoom +image stabilizer+ultra fast focus using ultrasonic motor.

add-ons: UV filter+circular polarizer (I got Kenko) + tripod + extra battery + 2 Gbytes CF 150x (the speed) memory card