Photographers? What is the best professional digital slr camera under about $1000?

Question

I really want a nice camera but I don't know what brand is the best help plz.

Answer 1

You really cant beat the Nikon D80, it is a nice light weight yet durable camera. It shoots 10.2 MP and is priced right under a $1000 and includes a lens, battery etc.

Answer 2

Wow that review on the 10MP cameras was basically a review on the Pentax not any of the other cameras.

If you go witgh Pentax there is one problem, no upgrades later on. Just keep that in mind. Also, its JPEG settings suck so if you dont want to be doing a whole lot of post production later on then the Pentax is not for you. The Pentax you will be shooting almost always in RAW.

My choice is the Xti (400D). Its cheaper the the D80 and it takes about the same quality picutres as the D80. The D80 does have more professional features on it such as the spot meter, but most of the features on the D80 I didnt need like trimming, red eye reduction, small picture, etc. The D80 is a great camera but for the price, I could get the 30D, but I do a lot of sport shots so the 30D isnt the most appealing camera if you dont need the fast FPS. The Canon cameras do take better JPEG files, which are great if you do not want ot do any post production after wards. But at the RAW level, both the D80 and the XTi are evenly matched, from there it depends on your skills and the type of lenses you get. For Canon get their red ringed lenses, I tried one and I couldnt go without one, any Canon with a red ring should have xx-xx mm f/x L <--- the L stands for Luxury which is Canons pro line. For Nikon their gold rings are the best ones they have (I do not know the name for their pro lenses)

Nikon vs Canon, this agrument can go on forever with flame wars. Nikon has better optics in my opinion (my dad owns a film Nikon) and Canon seems to have better in camera firmware than Nikon ( I own the XTi so I am a little biased to my camera).

The D40 I would not recommond. Just get the D80 if your going with Nikon, all lenses work for it and it will blow your mind with the imagine quality.

If your going with Canon get the XTi if you are a starter. If not the 30D is like going from one scoop of ice cream to a ice cream sunday. I didnt need all the features on the 30D like the spot meter so I just got the XTi. Plus the all in one LCD makes it easier to read my settings rather than looking at the status LCD on the top of 30D.


Just remember 80% of chocing a SLR is based on personal opinion (rough est.). If you have used a Canon use a Canon, if you have used a Nikon use a Nikon. Go to a local camera store and try one out yourself and see which one you like.

Answer 3

Professional cameras cost more than $1000; in fact, professionals use lenses that cost well over that.
However, many professionals consider the Nikon D80 as an excellent backup camera, meaning they feel they can take professional shots with it. I'd buy the D80.

Answer 4

for under $1000 for a pro-dslr...tat would be impossible.
first of do u hav the skills to use a pro-dslr...its reali important that u hav the skills and the foundation of photography. It would be a waste of ur money if u get a pro-dslr and there is so mani things tat u dont use...

why nt head to semi-pro dslr instead. they are similiar to the pro version but they are much more afforable and they are as good as the pro. what is most important is tat u understand and knw how to use the function. That is wat matters.

for semi-pro dslr...try the canon 30d or nikon d80. They are great cameras. each hav their own pro's and cons.

if ur tight on budget u can try the entry lvl dslr which is lighter yet produce great quality images. try the canon 400d or D40/40x.

the most important thing is to head down to ur nearest camera store and try out the cameras personally and see which is the one that is the most suitable to ur needs and ur budget.

Answer 5

Pentax K10D offers more bang for the buck then Nikon D80.
- In body Shake Reduction (SR)
- 22-bit sensor (more color range vs 12 bit Nikon)
- ability to use (and meter correctly) all older Pentax Lenses
- built in sensor cleaner
- 72 weather seals on the body

retail Store price with metal mount 18-55 $999. Nikon D80 with PLASTIC mount 18-55 $1,099.

You might be able to find both ceaper on the internet.

Answer 6

$1000 just for the body or do you want to include a lens in that price?

If I had $1,000 to burn I would go with Canon's Rebel XTi with kit lens and add a 430 flash, a 50 f/1.8 additional lens and perhaps an off camera shoe cord and a Bogen 3001 tripod with a Bogen Ballhead.

That would probably be the best bang for your buck at that price range.

And whatever you do, don't buy one of those kits with third party lenses or try to buy from unknown shops in NY. Use only B&H, Adorama or Amazon for ordering stuff online.

And yes, those "conversion" lenses that they offer newbies don't really work.

Oh and one last thing, you don't need any filters or anything else when you order your camera.

Hope this helps!

Ignacio

Answer 7

I'd go with the Nikon D80, If you want it I saw it on sale at the Ritz Camera site, they also got some promos at http://www.prioritycodes.com/Electronics/RitzCamera.com-Priority-Codes/index.html for a discount

Answer 8

Go for D80, its the best right now