I'm thinking of spend $2500 or so for a Digital SLR setup?

Question

I have always had a fondness for taking pictures
I have a point and shoot camera 3.5mp that Ive owned for about 3 years. Its nice for taking pictures on the go.
I really like playing around with editing software and making viceo cd's.

I want to get more involved in Photography.

Im trying to decide on which route to take as far as camera choices. I have had luck in the past with cannon so that is the brand I am mainly focusing on.

my choices would be something like these.
1. EOS 400d Xti -with ALOT of accessories
2. EOS 40d - with a few accessories
3. 5D - with one accessory.

is the full size cmos in the 5D really worth buying and then maybee next year worry about getting more accessories for it?

Im just starting to look at my options so maybee there is something I havent looked at yet, like other models or brands that may be better bang for the buck. I dont want to sacrafice quality though. but then again I cant afford something like the EOS-1D

thanks

I know a decent flash can cost a few hundred dollars, but I dont want to consider that in my plan yet. I will buy that reguardless of what camera/lense/ I get

Answer 1

I'd go for the 400d / digital rebel - 10.1 megapixels is good enough for most pro work. I'd also suggest you get some decent lenses, which will be decided by the subjects you shoot.

Generally, unless you are into specialst subjects, particularly wildlife, surveillance or pap, a wider lens is MUCH more useful than a long telephoto, so I would choose a wide to short telephoto such as the 17-55mm f2.8 - a fantastic image stabilised lens like this means you can shoot hand held, for longer / in lower light conditions / or you can 'bleed' the background light in better when you are using flash.

There's a small flash on the camera which will suit many situations and I would also consider a relatively short telephoto, which will be nice for portraiture, such as the 85mm f1.6 prime / fixed lens.

If you have any cash left over I'd consider a decent carbon fibre (light but sturdy) tripod, with a quick release head, such as the Manfrotto pistol grip head. If you are shooting more slowly where accuracy is more critical I'd consider a 3-way pan and tilt head.

The final things I'd get would be some decent reflectors... this set-up will enable you to cover most pro subjects - with a vengeance! ;-)

Answer 2

Unless you're a pro, the 5D is a tremendous amount of camera. I have the 40d, and it is a terrific camera. It will suit all of your needs. Spend the extra money on a few good canon lenses, though. The pictures are so clear on this camera that you really need the best lens you can afford.

Have fun with it!

Answer 3

The camera itself is all about estheics. What functions you like, features, all that jazz. I've been shooting with a Pentax SF1 (film for years now) and just upgraded to a Pentax K100D. Whatever camera you choose, make sure that you spend at least a much on you lens(es) if not more. You can have the best camera in the world, but if your lenses don't make the grade, neither will your pictures. I wouldn't even consider medium-format unless you plan on going pro.

Answer 4

One of the biggest issues people run into is thinking that better equipment = better images. There is more to taking a picture than megapixels, sensor size, digital noise and the like.

If this is your first SLR/DSLR, then start off with an entry level DSLR/SLR.

My recommendations to you are:

Nikon D40x/D80
Canon Digital rebel XTi
Pentax K10D/K100D/K100D Super

After using one of these for a few years and you feel the need to upgrade, then by all means do so...but starting out there is no need to drop that kind of money. Spend a little less on the body and get some great glass instead.

Answer 5

Definitely #2. Simply based on quality of construction.

The 40D is much sturdier, more durable, and will last a lot longer than a Rebel.

I'm amazed at the number of people who claim to be Pros who are using Rebels.

And the 5D would definitely be over-kill for you.

Answer 6

Go with number two! Better camera than one, more accessories than three. We use 30D's (the one before 40d)at the studio I work for doing portraits and it produces great shots with a decent lens. I also use a 30d for weddings. 5d is nice, but overkill for what you want to do.