Another NEWBIE Needing Help with Camera Decision [Archive]

Cowboytf

11-21-2007, 04:11 AM

Let me first say that I am VERY new at photography. I've owned a cybershot for years now and decided it's time to take the big leap. I take pictures of ranch cowboys, horses, mountains, bronc rides, closeups, and whatever else I can.
What I need to know is which camera should I get? I'm asking because I don't know anything about SLR's and this is the easiest way to get info.

I have read on these:
Nikon D70 and D70s
Nikon D80
Canon Xti

Out of these, what do you think would be best for the type of photos I would be taking?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Nicole

11-21-2007, 04:43 AM

Any of those camera bodies will do what you're looking for. What you need to look at are lenses since they are going to be the important part. In my opinion, you would probably want a wide angle to the short end of the telephoto, possibly. Nikon offers an 18-70mm lens which could do much of what you are looking for. :) You'll want something versatile to start. The first suggestion is really to go to a camera store and try holding each of the cameras you're considering to see how they feel in your hands. That will go a long way towards figuring out which one you'll want to use in the long term. :)

Cowboytf

11-21-2007, 05:00 AM

I did read about how important the lenses are but I don't know much about them either. I went to pioneerwoman.com and checked out her camera page. She talks about her favorites lenses..she has a Nikon D2x or something but she previously owned a Nikon D70s so that's why I'm considering that one. I don't know what's better between Nikon or Canon if there is any difference. OR what the difference is between the D70 & D80.

Nicole

11-21-2007, 05:09 AM

The D70 is older than the D80. The D80 is a newer model, so it has more megapixels and more features than the D70. Either would be a nice camera, but if you're going to be doing a lot of cropping, then the extra megapixels in the D80 may make a difference. You might be interested in the comparison here (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond80/), but if you don't know what all the terms mean, then it won't be very useful ;)

Nikon and Canon are pretty much the two big names. Either is a good camera. I'm partial to Nikon because I have other family members who use it, which means that I can borrow gear and there's some older gear I'd like to get my hands on too. So that, along with the fact that the Nikon felt better in my hands was the reason I got a D50 (which has since been discontinued).

One of the standard lenses that's available with the D80 is the 18-135mm lens, which would work really well for most things other than long telephoto and macros. It would suit landscapes, portraits, etc... pretty much anything you can get somewhat close to.

I couldn't tell you how the Canons compare, but I know there are plenty of Canon users on the forum, so you should get some of those opinions too ;)

Cowboytf

11-21-2007, 02:21 PM

You've been a very big help. Thank you very much!

wulf

11-21-2007, 02:50 PM

If you are new to the world of DSLRs, then it is definitely worth considering the entry level cameras, like the Nikon D40 and Canon Rebel XT (Canon users - did I get that right?). The camera bodies will still give you plenty of control but have a slightly less bewildering array of options that you won't want for a long time. The money you save can go towards things like other lenses (probably after you have a feel for the strengths and limitations of the kit lens) and accessories like a camera bag and tripod.

When and if you upgrade, you will be able to use the lenses on a more advanced body from the same manufacturer (with the bonus that prices will probably continue to fall while capabilities continue to rise).

Wulf

ps. also, I'm sure that some people will pop up to remind you that Canon and Nikon are not the only choices.

Cowboytf

11-21-2007, 03:43 PM

I thought about that, but I have the chance to buy a Nikon D70s that comes with:
Nikon AF Nikkor 18-35mm 1:3.5-4.5 D with lens hood and front and rear lens caps

Nikon AF Nikkor 28-105mm 1:3.5-4.5 D with front and rear lens caps. This lens also includes a macro setting which is great for close up shots.

Sigma AF 100-300mm 1:4.5-6.7 D with lens hood and front and rear lens caps

Teleconverter:

Tamron-F AF 2x N-AFd MC7 with carrying bag

The lowepro bag is the perfect size for carrying some or all of this equipment at once.

The Velbon DF50 tripod is lightweight and perfect for a camera of this size.

lenses all have protective uv filters....

all for about $800. I'm not sure if this is a good deal or not.

Saralonde

11-21-2007, 03:50 PM

Do you have a specific budget? If you are looking for the least expensive, try Nikon's D40 or Canon's Rebel XT. If you can spend a little more, Canon Rebel XTi. The Nikon D80s might be more comparable to a Canon 30D or 40D. You can find good lenses at many price points for either camera. There are also many third party lenses put out by Sigma and Tamron that are a good value.
If your budget is tight, the Pentax K100D is priced to sell at $349 with a $100 rebate at some online stores. The good thing about Nikon or Canon is the better selection of lenses.
I'm sure that just confused you more! Checkout this handy guide (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sidebyside.asp) for comparing models. All are good.

Saralonde

11-21-2007, 03:53 PM

Sorry, didn't see you last post.

wulf

11-21-2007, 03:55 PM

I'm not an expert on camera prices but I would say that $800 for all that kits sounds like quite a good deal. However, where is it coming from? If the offer is from a local store where you can go in, pay your money and walk out with the goods, then it is probably a good one. If it is from an online shop that you don't have good reason to trust or some ebay seller, you need to be a little bit more cautious - sometimes deals that sound too good to be true turn out to be false!

Wulf

windrider86

11-21-2007, 04:59 PM

You might also try Olympus. I use a E-500 and purchased it with 2 lens for about $750. So far i ahve been quite pleased with is

Cowboytf

11-21-2007, 05:26 PM

@Wulf...it is from a friend who is a professional photographer. She upgraded a long time ago and decided to sell her old one. So I do trust her..it's just that I want to get a good camera but a good deal too.

@Saralonde...my budget is around $800. I was looking at the black friday deals and saw this one..what do u think of that?
http://bfads.net/Canon-10-MP-Digital-SLR-Package-at-Circuit-City

JAHphoto

11-21-2007, 05:41 PM

Thats a pretty good deal on the Rebel XTi. But that D70 is a great deal as well.
I would look at the comparison between the two cameras here (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_eos400d%2Cnikon_d70s&show=all)

Obvisouly theres the 6MP vs 10MP, which is a significant difference.
6 will do fine, but 10 would allow you to do a lot of cropping and still get a high quality photo, where you wouldn't be able to crop as much with 6.
The canon also has a better buffer, meaning you can hold the shutter down for 27 images at its full 3 frames a second were you can only get 12 with the D70.
Rebel also has a bigger, better quality screen (230K pixels vs 190K)

The other advantage is that the Canon is going to have better noise reduction, as Canon usually does in general, and its a newer model so that gives it the advantage there as well.

Also, the XTi has ISO down to 100, so in bright conditions you could get higher quality shots. This wouldn't make a difference on overcast days, or indoors, as you would use a higher ISO.

However, the Nikon does come with more lenses, but they do cover the same range as the two included with the Canon.

Only thing you lack if you get the Canon are a bag and a tripod.
Lowepro bags aren't cheap (mine was $160, I think).. but you can pick up one of lesser quality from best buy or somewhere for not too much.
As far as tripods, I still use a $20 one from Ritz Cameras.. its not great, but it gets the job done.

While I would recommend the Canon, I highly suggest you go to a store and hold each one in your hand, and see how they feel. That was probably the biggest single factor when I bought my first camera, and once you decide on a brand, you tend to stick with it, as you invest money in lenses and accessories.

Saralonde

11-21-2007, 05:53 PM

Canon XTi $654.95 at Adorama (http://www.adorama.com/ICADRXTIK.html?sid=1195666821835402)
Canon 75-300mm $159.95 at Beach Camera (http://www.beachcamera.com/shop/product.aspx?omid=113&ref=dealtime&utm_source=DealTime&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=CN75300III&sku=CN75300III)
Total: @$815

Cowboytf

11-21-2007, 05:56 PM

Wow! Jahphoto..that is some awesome information you passed on. I didn't think it was going to be this hard of a decision. I'm still trying to read and understand what some of these different terms mean but I think holding like 2 of you have suggested may make my choice easier. **headin' to read the comparison**

Cowboytf

11-21-2007, 05:59 PM

You know, I just thought of something. I'm an affiliate of MANY places. I could buy my camera from one of the stores I'm an affiliate for and get the commission!!:)
I'm so bad. Thanks Saralonde..I'm gonna go price check too.

Saralonde

11-21-2007, 06:07 PM

If you buy online, check resellerratings.com (http://www.resellerratings.com/) for reputale stores. And, yes, please go to a brick and mortar store to hold various cameras. So often that is what helps you make the final decision.

wulf

11-21-2007, 06:56 PM

@Wulf...it is from a friend who is a professional photographer. She upgraded a long time ago and decided to sell her old one. So I do trust her..it's just that I want to get a good camera but a good deal too.
That immediately notches the deal up in my opinion. It is from someone you know and trust (at least, that's my definition of friend ;) ). Buying it helps her out, you can be confident she's not ripping you off and she can give you some help getting used to it.

If you can afford it and she is likely to help you out with getting to grips with it, I would say it sounds like a good deal. Will she let you try it out before you make a decision? Again, that is worth another chunk towards whatever "sweet deal" you might be tempted by on the Internet.

Wulf

JAHphoto

11-22-2007, 06:06 PM

I didn't think it was going to be this hard of a decision.

I don't think anyone does, when buying their first camera.. I didn't :p

I'm still trying to read and understand what some of these different terms mean

If you have any specific ones, feel free to ask here. :)

Canon XTi $654.95 at Adorama (http://www.adorama.com/ICADRXTIK.html?sid=1195666821835402)
Canon 75-300mm $159.95 at Beach Camera (http://www.beachcamera.com/shop/product.aspx?omid=113&ref=dealtime&utm_source=DealTime&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=CN75300III&sku=CN75300III)
Total: @$815

But when you include shipping in there.. you might as well do the circuit city deal

Saralonde

11-22-2007, 08:45 PM

But when you include shipping in there.. you might as well do the circuit city deal

$10.50 shipping for camera, lens free shipping = $825.50.

Saralonde

11-22-2007, 08:48 PM

That immediately notches the deal up in my opinion. It is from someone you know and trust (at least, that's my definition of friend ;) ). Buying it helps her out, you can be confident she's not ripping you off and she can give you some help getting used to it.

If you can afford it and she is likely to help you out with getting to grips with it, I would say it sounds like a good deal. Will she let you try it out before you make a decision? Again, that is worth another chunk towards whatever "sweet deal" you might be tempted by on the Internet.

Wulf

I agree. But still look at all types of cameras in the store. You must feel comfortable about your choice. Budget is important, but so is your comfort level.

waffles

11-23-2007, 02:11 AM

Something that has been hinted at but not really mentioned is the price of lenses. Yes, the camera itself is important, don't get me wrong there. But when you buy the camera you get the family along with it. It's like getting married in that way...

Anyway, with D40s you have to buy the newer (and more expensive) AFS lenses if you want to have Autofocus. Something about Nikon changing where the actual focus mechanism is, a Nikon user would be able to tell you more about that. You can still use the older lenses, but you'll have to manually focus every time.

You don't have to worry about that sort of thing with a Canon. Granted, I may be a bit biased since I use a Canon, but it is the truth.

All that being said, don't buy anything if you haven't played with it first. It doesn't necessarily have to be the exact camera you're buying. But if it isn't, it better be the same model.

Cowboytf

11-23-2007, 06:34 AM

Thank you....the autofocus-lens thing just confused me more:( I just can't freakin' decide.

wulf

11-23-2007, 11:19 AM

I have to say that the limited range of lenses with AF on the D40 has not been a problem for me. I like being in control of the focus, I like the fact that cheap, old, second-hand lenses work well with the camera and I like the fact that those lenses seem to have nice big focus rings that make the job easy.

Anyway, that wouldn't be such an issue with the D70 your friend is offering. You should definitely try that out although you might want to ask that she lets you put off making a decision there and then.

Wulf

waffles

11-23-2007, 02:21 PM

Thank you....the autofocus-lens thing just confused me more:( I just can't freakin' decide.

Sorry. I wasn't trying to confuse you, just wanted you to have all the information.

Cowboytf

11-23-2007, 02:25 PM

Well, it's either the Nikon d70s or the canon rebel xti. I can get a Canon xti with 2 lenses for 879...that's brand new. I making my choice to day. The Nikon is a great set but it's used and I don't know the life expectancy of the camera..the other is new.

I realize I keep saying the same thing over and over...sorry 'bout that. Everything ya'll have said has been very helpful.

xxpinballxx

11-23-2007, 03:55 PM

JAHphoto

11-23-2007, 05:27 PM

Something about Nikon changing where the actual focus mechanism is, a Nikon user would be able to tell you more about that.

They FINALLY started putting the AF motor in the lens, me thinks ;)

Cowboytf

11-23-2007, 06:06 PM

just get one and enjoy......thats what I finally did after about 3 months of bugging the crap out of people here and at the stores.....
I know I could have gotten more in another camera but might not have had the same things i like in this one. So once you make your decision don't look back...you'll love the camera whichever one you get.

Yes, I'm getting sick of looking myself. I didn't want it to be frustrating, I wanted it to be fun. I just wish I could choose between the brands(canon,nikon).

:(

Thanks for saying that though...I'm sure any of them will better than my cybershot!

waffles

11-24-2007, 02:47 PM

Honestly, here's how I decided on my XT. It's a really pathetic story if you ask me. I was scouring eBay and my original plan was to get a D50. That obviously didn't happen. I knew I didn't want a D40 because of the autofocus issue and I didn't trust myself focusing right during sports (which is why I bought it). So i continued with eBay looking for either a D50 or an XT and the XT is the one I was able to get.

There's going to be things you don't like about wichever camera you end up getting. It happens, especially when you've taken this long to decide.

One other thing I'd like tho throw out there this: From what I've read, the difference between an XT and an XTi aren't really that much. So you might not want to throw that option out the window.

Cowboytf

11-25-2007, 05:07 AM

Okay...I'm getting a Canon xti. It's between these but I'm skeptical on one. Here they are. If anyone cares to comment on either, it would be appreciated. One is from ritzcamera and the other is from ebay??

http://www.ritzcamera.com/product/541161261.htm?bct=t1134

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=290184791217&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=019

waffles

11-25-2007, 05:54 AM

As with anything on eBay, you have to be careful. But with that many ratings, and with the rating being so high, I'd say that you're most likely dealing with someone who's legit. I can tell you from experience that the USM version of that 75-300 is bad ass.

So here's the thing to consider. Ritz is cheaper at $700. Is all that extra stuff and having a Canon instead of a Quatry lens worth the extra $120 to you? Also, there have been some negative ratings for this person, but the overwhelming majority of things are positive.

Cowboytf

11-25-2007, 06:19 PM

So you think I should just go with Ritz, right? Because of the lenses. I'm assuming the ones that come with the ritz one are better quality?

Cowboytf

11-26-2007, 12:29 AM

What about this package?
http://cgi.ebay.com/Canon-EOS-Digital-Rebel-XTi-400D-4-Lens-4GB-Flash-HOT_W0QQitemZ290184805459QQihZ019QQcategoryZ147173 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Are these lenses good ones or no?

Saralonde

11-26-2007, 12:59 AM

I've never bought from ebay so I'm not the person to ask, but I checked Barclays Photo (http://www.resellerratings.com/store/BarclaysPhoto) on reselleratings.com. I guess I would be leary of them, but I tend to be overcautious with internet shopping. I would say the Ritz Camera deal is not bad and it is a trustworthy store.

Cowboytf

11-26-2007, 01:10 AM

I'm leary too but it seems like you get so much for a good price...I just thought I'd ask, especially since I don't know much about the lenses.

Cowboytf

11-26-2007, 02:09 AM

Stick a fork in me, I'm done! I bought the Canon Xti with the 2 lenses from RitzCamera:)

Thank you all for the advice.

waffles

11-26-2007, 04:57 AM

Glad you finally made a decision. You'll be happy with it.

Cowboytf

12-01-2007, 06:14 AM

Okay...so my mom decided that she wanted a camera too, so she bought mine:)...You know, the Canon I just bought! So then I decided to buy the one from my friend, however she did change some of the stuff that was included. I want to know if I got a good deal from her;) This is what I got from her...I paid 800 smackaroos.

Nikon D70s Camera Body
Nikon DX lens 18-70 (this is the nice DX lens....)
Quantaray 70-300 lens with MACRO for that close up photography
Battery Grip
3 Nikon EN-EL3a batteries
Battery charger
3 Lens filters......They only fit the DX lens
3 1gig Compact flash cards
1 Quantaray Pro Backpack
1 card reader
1 card reader case
manuals
1 Picture Project CD
Nikon Strap
All the lens caps and lens hoods
video cable
USB cable

So was all this worth $800?