What gets you what?

[Junior_co]

So after my last post of what to buy, I realized that (even though it seems obvious now) there are different levels of camera bodies...

Entry level camera bodies to advanced camera bodies... How many levels are there in between??

Also, and more importantly, what does an entry level camera body get you. (I realize that this is probably brand specific, but generalization willl be fine...)

My only experience is with a Pentax K1000. It has shutter speed adjustments, a shutter setting to keep the shutter open as long as the button was pushed, and an ASA setting (not sure if that was just for a reference or an actual adjustment), plus the focus, apperature setting and Zoom found on the lens...

Is there a link that will describe what the general differences are between the various price ranges of DSLR camera bodies???

Thanks for probably repeating what you've probably told many before me. Meanwhile I'll keep scrolling through the old posts through out the forums...

Good on ya
Junior

[Saralonde]

At dpreview (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_eos30d%2Cnikon_d80&show=all) you can compare cameras side by side, a useful feature.

I can't speak for Nikon as well, but Canon generally goes:
Entry level -
Rebel XT (300D)
Rebel XTi (350D)
Rebel XSi (400D) - newest model arriving in April
Prosumer -
20D
30D
40D - newest model, already out
Pro (full frame)-
5D
1DS Mark... (not even sure, they are so beyond my reach!)

At the entry and prosumer levels, each camera listed is the replacement for the one above it.

[glyphon]

your rebel numbers are off by 50 ;)

Rebel (300D)
Rebel XT (350D)
Rebel XTi (400D)
Rebel XSi (450D) - newest model arriving in April

[Doug Pardee]

Entry level camera bodies to advanced camera bodies... How many levels are there in between??

It depends on the manufacturer.

what does an entry level camera body get you. (I realize that this is probably brand specific, but generalization willl be fine...)

Actually, there is little difference between the various DSLR models. All modern DSLRs are designed for autofocus, and all have aperture priority, shutter priority, and programmed autoexposure as well as manual exposure. Almost all offer "idiot proof" full-auto modes as well, although if you're used to a K1000 you won't have much use for those. All offer a variety of metering modes and a variety of autofocus modes.

The major features that are not yet universal are:

Sensor dust control
Anti-shake
Live view

Otherwise, the differences are generally in handling—size, weight, controls, menus, displays, viewfinder, etc.—and "build" issues like materials, weatherproofing, and shutter durability. And of course, the lens selection.

You'd probably be happy with any modern DSLR. You really can't go wrong.

[Saralonde]

your rebel numbers are off by 50 ;)

Rebel (300D)
Rebel XT (350D)
Rebel XTi (400D)
Rebel XSi (450D) - newest model arriving in April

I did do that, didn't I! Shows what a lack of sleep and not double checking what you wrote can do to you:)!

[mattdm]

My only experience is with a Pentax K1000. It has shutter speed adjustments, a shutter setting to keep the shutter open as long as the button was pushed, and an ASA setting (not sure if that was just for a reference or an actual adjustment), plus the focus, apperature setting and Zoom found on the lens...


Sadly, there is no K1000 of digital cameras -- nothing that clean and simple.
Basically, these are the things you get as you move up in price brackets (in no particular order, and different by brand):

more direct-control buttons and dials instead of needing to dip into menus
particularly of note, separate dials for aperture and shutter speed (usually remappable to be whatever you want)
weather-sealing
more options, like vertical grips (or, those are even built in)
better autofocus system (more focus points, faster)
higher FPS
faster fastest shutter speed
maybe a bigger sensor
more auto-bracketing modes
more tweakable settings for camera behavior and jpeg output






(The K1000 ASA setting does adjust the metering, by the way. You want it set to match your film.)