Question for experienced photographers.?

Question

I've just got seriously into photography. I have a good digital but I'm looking to get a new one. Right now, what is the best digital i can get for under two grand?

Answer 1

Look at the Nikons. The Nikkor lenses are far superior to any other, including Canon.
I can't recommend a model, depends on what features you want...but be sure to get the highest Mega Pixel for the sharpest images.

I'd say take a good look at the Nikon D200, 10.2 MegaPixels.
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/d200.html
MSRP is around $1700 but of course you can save a lot by shopping around.
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/D200/D200A.HTM
Review of D200:
http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/nikon-d200/4505-6501_7-31568586-2.html

Answer 2

Since I shoot on Nikon I would say Nikon but if you already have a DSLR camera, flash and lenses you might want to stay with that brand. If it is not then you would want to look at the two major brands dominating this market (Nikon and Canon).

Since you mentioned under $2000 Nikon does have the D200 for about $1500 depending on where you buy it from and it is a 10.2 mb. The Nikon D80 is the same but is about $900 only thing I would not be wild about is it needs SD cards and not CF.

This way you can put some of that extra money that you saved into better "pro" type lenses. If you start getting even more serious and start making money at doing this you can always upgrade to the D200 and the D80 will be your back-up or a second camera to use while shooting.

I will let somebody else comment on Canon.

Here are a few links for you to look at:

http://www.nikonusa.com/
http://www.dpreview.com/
http://www.bhphotovideo.com

Hope this helps,
Kevin

Answer 3

I will also recommend Nikon above other brands for what you get for the price. Digital photography is an expensive undertaking, so you must figure out what is best for you and what you'll need the camera to do. I shoot with a Nikon D80 [$950 body] myself, and for the price you can't go wrong. It is the perfect camera [for me] to have started out with. It has a 10.2 megapixel image sensor, 3 fps, quick startup time and feels more rugged than its Canon counterpart the EOS rebel XTi. And for me, I like that it uses an SD card, as opposed to a CF card because my laptop has a built in SD reader and is smaller. And Nikon lenses are awesome, and an upgrade to the next best model, the D200 [an eventuality] means I can keep all the lenses I buy for my D80. It's a great choice for the money. Then only other choice would be the D200.

Answer 4

This is clearly a Nikon crowd. There are others, but when I made the decision about my dream camera when I considered EVERYTHING, I chose the D200. I had owned a number of other digital cameras and finally decided that it was time to buy "simply the best" camera available, regardless of the cost. For me - and many others in the real world - this meant the D200. It doesn't weigh 5 pounds and I don't need all the features and burst performance that a professional sports photographer might demand.

The only other "real world" consideration, as far as I am concerned, was the Canon EOS 5D. I already owned 3 exceptional Nikon lenses, though, so my choice was clear. Not to mention, the Canon 5D costs about twice as much. Even in "the sky's the limit" buying, relative value still counts.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond200/
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/d200.html
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d200.htm
http://www.popphoto.com/cameras/1844/camera-test-nikon-d200-dslr.html
http://www.popphoto.com/cameras/2402/editors-choice-2006-advanced-d-slrs.html

See this comparison of the Nikon D200 vs. the Canon 5D. Each camera has its advantages.

http://www.digitalcamerainfo.com/content/Nikon-D200-vs-Canon-EOS-5D-Head-to-Head-Review-.htm [Note the navigation menu near the top of the review]

I have a few photos on Flickr taken with the D200 and various Nikon lenses. Go to my page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/samfeinstein/ Near the top, click on "tags." In the "Jump to" box, enter the word "D200" and then press the "GO" button.

Once you choose the body, you will need to get at least one lens. Look through my shots and see what appeals to you as far as range. Probably the best quality lens I own is the fixed-focal length (prime) 60 mm macro lens. The best zoom I own (for image quality) is the 17-55 f/2.8 lens. That lens costs almost as much as the camera, though...

Answer 5

I'm with the Nikon crowd, so I would recommend either the D80, or if you can afford it, the D200. The kit lens isn't bad, certainly it's good enough to start with. I would try to budget for a SB600 or SB800 flash right away. The card problem isn't a problem, as memory is cheap now.

Just be careful, you might catch NAS. (Nikon acquisition syndrome)

Answer 6

before you switch your camera, please start with a few shots with ur basic Digital. A good camera does not guarantee good shots. In fact, a digitla SLR makes good shots more difficult because you have to know the exact values for everything. That is the difference between auto mode cameras and "Good" SLRs.
Things you can learn with any digital are the composition of the shot, the frame, the light balance etc. You will only need a more advanced cam to decide manually, the aperture, the focus etc..

Answer 7

Just to throw another wrench to the wheel.
Go for the Nikons.
If I had to start all over with my camera gear under your same budget, I would get:
Used Nikon D70
Nikon 18-200mm VR
1 SB 800
1 SB 600