Starter SLR Camera?

Question

Alright, so I'm looking for a good camera to start on, but nothing too (limited in controls) but I don't want to pay too much. Any experience with something that worked out to pay off in the long run. I want to get a good camera with enough megapixels to not be limited in what I can print. I also want a
good enough lens to shoot from up close things, to models. A Nikon D80 was recommended but just the body is rather expensive, but I don't want a D40, and be limited. Is there a happy medium to this situation?
A little help please.
I also want the camera to last me, so I can shoot things a few years from now, I dont want it to be "outdated".
Is eBay an option here?
Thanks!

Answer 1

You won't be "limited" if you get a D40. All DSLRs are going to have full manual controls, aperture priority, shutter priority, etc. If you get a DSLR, you won't be limited.

Now, some more advanced features might be missing from consumer models (spot metering, higher frame rates, etc.), but they're things you can definitely live without while you're learning how to operate your camera.

I recommend the Canon Rebel XTi. It has plenty of resolution (10.1 megapixels), decent frame-rate (3 fps), and it features basically the exact same sensor that's used in the pro-sumer Canon 40D (the 40D's sensor got some tweaking in the photo-lens department for improved noise control at high ISOs).

You can find an XTi body for around $500, even cheaper (DO NOT get ripped of by websites that have too-good-to-be-true prices, because they are). One of the most trusted retailers of camera equipment is B&H. I get all of my equipment from them.

Order the body without the kit lens, and buy the $80 "thrifty-fifty" 50mm f/1.8 II Canon lens. It's a fixed focal length, so you can't zoom, but this will quickly teach you how to compose your images without zooming (an invaluable skill). This is a terrific lens for the money and you WILL NOT be disappointed.

Other than that, practice, practice, practice. And have fun! Experiment. Learn the core rules of photography but don't be constrained by them.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

The standard answer in here is always Canon or Nikon. Both are fine cameras and either would serve you well.

I like to suggest looking at the Pentax line - K100D, K100D Super and the newest, the K10D. The K100D and the K100D Super are both 6.1mp, have Image Stabilization (IS) in the body and accept every Pentax K-mount lens ever made. The K100D Super adds Dust Removal. The K10D is 10mp and has the same features of the K100D Super plus it will be compatible with the new "DA" Pentax lenses. All 3 are full-featured and allow you all the manual control you want.

With the introduction of the K10D you can probably find a K100D or K100D Super at low prices.

Lenses are plentiful on ebay - if you don't mind having to use manual focus. With IS in the camera body you'll have that advantage with the older lenses.

If close-ups of flowers and insects are of interest to you then a true macro lens is something you'll want. For portraits you'll want a focal length of between 85mm and 105mm (35mm film camera equivalent).

If becoming "outdated" is a concern then you need to understand that any camera will be "outdated" in 6 to 18 months. Camera manufacturers have to introduce new models with new features to stay competitive - and to induce current users to update. If you fall into that trap you can spend a lot of money needlessly.

I suggest a visit to a professional camera store that carries Pentax, Nikon and Canon. Handle each camera and ask lots of questions. Then, once you decide, BUY your new camera from the salesperson whose time you've used. Now you have a name and face to ask for assistance and help with problems. Some stores even offer an hour or so of actual instruction with your purchase. Bet you Wal-Mart or Best Buy or Circuit City or an on-line seller won't do that.

Answer 3

eBay is an option, but Craigslist may be a better one by dealing locally.

Consider that a digital camera will always take pictures of the same quality as the day it was made, barring any mechanical failures or physical damage. If your concern is that you will soon be "outdated" then give up now. It doesn't matter what course you take or how much you spend, you will soon be outdated. (Go buy a D3 and come talk to be in a year to 18 months and tell me how sad you are that it's outdated.)

A used D70/D80 may be the best bet. A D100 is a little bit older than the D70, but uses the same sensor. (As does the D50 and D40, but not the D40x.) My D70 has been going strong for 3.5 years. They're getting cheap enough to consider them as Christmas presents for my photo-loving but digital camera-lacking friends and family.

Also, by spending less on a used body you'll have more money for a good lens (FAR more important than the body in terms of final image quality; the body specs are just a matter of convenience and ease-of-use).

Answer 4

Get a used D50... you can find them pretty cheap now and they will do everything a starter needs or wants.

DO NOT get a D40 or D40x... what they don't tell people buying these cameras is that they cannot perform the autofocus on any autofocus lens made for Nikon unless the lens has a built in motor. The lenses with the motors built in are pricey... and you need autofocus on any of the entry level nikons because the screens just are bright enough to manual focus in lower light conditions.

The extra pixels you get in a 80 aren't that great as it just means you have more pixels crammed closer together (you still get the same magnification on the lenses as you get on the D50).

Answer 5

There are 3 makes of digital slr cameras you will desire to look at Canon, Nikon and Fuji, test all 3 and spot which one feels ideal for you, take time with your selection because of the fact in case you start to purchase lenses it rather is expensive in case you alter from say Nikon to Canon, the Fuji comes with a Nikon mount. you may desire to attempt all 3 after which you would be waiting to make up your concepts

Answer 6

I would suggest the Canon 350D. Try this http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Canon/canon_eos350d.asp