My budget is under 1K.
2007-01-04 12:01:30 · 6 answers · asked by CommanderQ 3 in Consumer Electronics ➔ Cameras
Please be sure to read the whole answer, as I mention two brands to consider.
Consider a Nikon D50. It has a few "consumer friendly" automatic modes that make it very easy to use, but still offers total photographic control when you are ready to take charge. This will make the transition DSLR easier. The "kit" lens is a decent lens optically, but you might want to upgrade to the Nikkor AF-S 18-70 f/3.5-4.5G ED DX lens for a bit more range and a lot more durability. When you are ready to add lenses, the sky is the limit with Nikon. Then, when you upgrade your camera, you will have a nice, useful collection of lenses.
Get a 1 GB memory card, such as the Sandisk "Ultra" for decent write speed.
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d50.htm
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Nikon/nikon_d50.asp
http://www.bhphotovideo.com has a kit with the 18-55 lens for $600. Add a card for $40 and the total is $640.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=381587&is=REG&addedTroughType=search
They have the body alone for $450 and the lens I suggest for $310. Add a card for $40 and the total is $800.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=381586&is=REG&addedTroughType=search
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=324190&is=USA&addedTroughType=search
Here's the Sandisk 1GB Ultra II SD memory card for $40.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=353122&is=REG&addedTroughType=search
Here's the Sandisk 2GB Ultra II SD memory card for $65, although with a 6 MP camera you may not feel the need for a 2 GB card.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=353123&is=REG&addedTroughType=search
The D40 is the hot new cute DSLR from Nikon, but frankly, it costs the SAME as the D50 and is not as versatile, should you decide to learn more about what you are doing. I'd just buy the D50 and be done with it. Actually, many people are picking up on the idea that the D50 is the bargain of the century and it's getting hard to find.
The D40 kit from B&H does not include a memory card and the kit sells for $560. Add a card similar to their other kits and the total is $600. I think the D50 is worth $40 more.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=471716&is=REG&addedTroughType=search
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=353122&is=REG&addedTroughType=search
The D70s is still out there, but it's been replaced by the D80 - a great camera that would blow your budget. The D70s is $640 for the body.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=381562&is=REG&addedTroughType=search
You should also consider a Canon EOS 400D (Rebel XTi). It is really a matter of which feels better in your hands. The 400D is a 10 MP camera, so you might get better pictures, and Canon even upgraded their kit lens which was not reviewing too well. B&H has the camera, 18-55 lens and a nice 2 GB memory card for $830.
Canon EOS 400D with 18-55 II lens for $775.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=457541&is=REG&addedTroughType=search
Sandisk 2GB Ultra II CompactFlash memory card for $35.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=details_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=311828&is=REG&addedTroughType=accessory_detail&addedTroughValue=457541_REG
Go here and read their reviews as well as the owner opinions:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_eos
400d%2Cnikon_d50%2Cnikon_d40&show=all
Canon EOS 400D (Rebel XTi):
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/rebelxti.html
Nikon D50: http://www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/nikon_d50.html
Nikon D40: http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d40/d40-recommendations.htm
The links were researched in January 2007. I have no connection with B&H Photo, but I do shop there and am satisfied with their service. You can shop for these specific items anywhere you wish. I am using their links just as a starting point.
Maybe I have clouded the issue instead of clearing it up, but I think you should look at these two cameras (D50 and EOS 400) and see which features you like better and which feels better in your hands. The Nikon lens upgrade I suggest takes the price of the kit up to the same amount as the Canon with their basic kit lens, so we are not quite comparing apples to apples, but I think this is where you should start your search.
2007-01-04 15:23:03 · answer #1 · answered by Jess 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Haha so much for looking in the other cameras. There is also the Sony Alpha (wont get it just because Sony is testing the waters for dSLRs) there is also the Pentax, Olympus, Leica.... There are a whole bunch out there. Two cameras I would not recommond are the Nikon D40 and the Sony Alpha. The D40 because not all Nikon lens work for it, and Sony... I said before. Nikon I would recommond the D80 or the D70... More of the D80. For Canon of course, my favorite, the Rebel XTi. You may see a lot of professionals with Canon MarkII's but that doesnt mean their semi-pro SLRs are the same grade just keep that in mind. Pentax are cheaper but they get the job done. I would recommend Nikon or Canon over any other right now. Nikon has better glass overall though than Canon if you are going to buy more expensive lens.
2007-01-05 02:00:32 · answer #2 · answered by Koko 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you check out ebay and search the seller sunshineelec (they're called sunshine electronics) you can get some great bundles, and they are 'buy it nows' so there is no auction. I got a canon digital rebel xt 10 Megapixel with lens, everything that comes in the box, an aluminum case, a soft case, a small and normal tripod, 2 gb cf card, card reader (usb connection), lens cleaners and 3 filters all for around $800. And everything works out great!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!
2007-01-04 20:20:00 · answer #3 · answered by toonlink 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You'll be able to get a great one for that..I've only ever used Canon 350Ds, they're fab and produce great pics, but the best thing to do would be to go in to a camera retailer and try out a few, see which you prefer and the quality. Also look at the reviews on sites like dooyoo and Amazon..have fun searching and Happy New Year!
2007-01-04 20:05:24 · answer #4 · answered by Talia W 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Cannon (canon?) has a nice 8 meg slr for about $700.00 at best buy.
(digital rebel)
2007-01-04 20:37:26 · answer #5 · answered by karen g 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I bought a canon rebel XT recently, and it's an amazing camera.
Now it's only about $699, too, so you'd be within your budget.
2007-01-04 20:10:14 · answer #6 · answered by Syd 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋