What is the best entry-level/semi pro Digital SLR camera?

Question

a digital SLR camera for a serious hobbyist. What are the standard equipment do i need? Ex. type of lens, flash, etc. The reason I am asking is because i am on a budget. I want to have the proper equipment as I am investing quite a lot for my hobby.

Thanks

Answer 1

For an entry level DSLR, I would recommend a Canon Digital XT or XTi. Since the interface is easy to understand versus the Nikon.

Of course, at the end of the day it is up to you what you prefer.

I would suggest a Zoom lens, a macro lens, the kit lens would be okay for basic use. maybe a good flash and tripod

Answer 2

Since you say "best," I will direct you to a comparison recently done by Popular Photography Magazine. You will be pretty well over $1,000 by the time you get a body and a lens, though, so read all the way through.

The February 2007 issue of Popular Photography has an article where they compared the top 10 MP DSLR's.

I took the scores and ranked the cameras similar to the way Formula 1 gives championship points. I just gave 5 for 1st place down to 1 for last place, splitting the difference when cameras tied in their catagories.

They evaluated Image Quality (giving this twice as much weight as anything else), Ease of Use, Control, and System Flexibility.

The final order and my scores are:

Nikon D80 - 17.5 points
- BEST in Image Quality, Control and System Flexibility
Canon Rebel XTi (400D) - 13.5 points
- Tied for best in System Flexibility
Pentax K10D - 11 points
- Tied for best in Ease of Use
Samsung GX10 - 11 points
- Tied for best in Ease of Use
Sony Alpha 100 - 7 points
- LAST in Image Quality, Ease of Use and System Flexibility."

Go to the original question and read the responses for more opinions.
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AiG00eHyd0oq5b.X7J.jiULzy6IX?qid=20070113133139AAHWJY0

If you want to get the "best" for the real world, consider the Nikon D200 or Canon 30D if you can afford it. For about $300-500 less, look at the results of the recent PopPhoto test and choose from that list accoriding to your taste.

Personally, I use a Nikon D200 and would recommend it without hesitation to someone who has some knowledge of photography. For someone who wants the "best," but is starting with somewhat of an "entry level" knowledge base, I'd suggest the Nikon D80.

There are people out there who will state their preference for the Canon cameras and I will not argue with them. The Canon 30D and 400D are excellent cameras as well. You would have to visit a camera store or camera department and pick them up and see what you think.

Then again, the same magazine that put the Sony Alpha 100 dead last in this comparison named it the camera of the year in the previous issue!

This review is now available online at: http://www.popphoto.com/cameras/3569/10mp-dslr-shootout.html

If the $1,000 mark scares you, I'd consider a Nikon D50, if you can find one, and a D40 if you can't. Either one would cost you abotu $600 with a lens. At this level, I consider the Nikon much more suited to "semi-pro" use than the Canon, which doesn't even have a spot meter. If you were a pro, you'd know what that was, you'd know how to use it, and you'd use it often.

Answer 3

I agree with Gad. Get thee to a reputable camea store and try out the different cameras in your hand. DSLR's come in all shapes and sizes. You'll want to go with one that feels good in your hand. It should be light, not too heavy. The controls should feel like they are in the right place. Test out the autofocus andsome of the other features to make sure you won't need to drag around 10 manuals all the time.

For an initial purchase I would recommend you buy the camera body, a zoom lens and a really good bag. I would also consider springing for a tripod - they are fairly cheap. I would not go for a flash right away as most DSLR have a built in flash.

I would leave the flash for a second or third purchase. A flash would be a second purchase if you find yourself doing a lot of indoor shooting, or need that extra punch to your shots. If on the other hand you find you need more lens, make that your second purchase.

But most importantly don't shop for brand! Buy a camera body that fits your hands and feels right. Not to be sexist, but a lot of women seem to like the Canon Rebel DSLR due to its light weight. My wife hates my Canon Elan because its on the heavy side. Put a flash on it and it becomes a monster most folks would put on a tripod right away. Don't feel you have to have a metal bodied camera. Most folks don't know the difference anyway.

Answer 4

I am going to run the risk of being rude. I don't mean to belittle you or your aspirations. But if you or the person you are buying this kit for is a serious hobbyist you/he/she will already know what equipment they want or at least what is the best and most affordable. I would suggest if you/he/she does not know then you need to do quite a bit of research of the practical nature. I mentioned in another response, join a photography club and/or read the magazines, learn as much as you can, decide what type of photography you want to do and it should become obvious to you what equipment will fit your needs.

Answer 5

A bugget camera that will give you really nice pictures is the Canon XTi. It takes really nice picture even in JEPG! With the 10MPs its hard to refuse if you like to print 8X10s =). If your really on a bugget there is the Nikon D40 or D50. The D40 is smaller than the Rebel and not all the Nikon lens work for the D40. So keep that in mind. Canon's interface I think is easier. Really depends on what your custom to. I am custom to Canon so I bought the XTi. Ill give you a few shots of my XTi in sources.

I vote Nikon or a Canon.

Answer 6

First and most important- no matter what brand you have- you should feel good with it when you hold it. Various brands have different human engineering methods, one is fitting you best.
I myself am a Canon lover- have them for over 25 years. excellent flash, SW to handle the digital process, human engineering (for me...) and ease of operate. Nikon, Olympus, Fuji and even HP score not bad too. all are designed today with good lenses, view screen and digital processors. Try them at the store and judge for yourself.
If you co Canon- I advise the XTi or even D20 or alike.
INvest in a good flash! you will use it day and night to improve your photos.

Answer 7

go to cnet.com
digital cameras
slr's
it will review all of them for you