New here. Camera questions.

[casidyjulian]

Hi everyone. I'm new here, and I am trying to figure out which digital camera I should buy. I'm going to be taking digital photography classes at my local community college this fall, and I want to get a good camera for that. I currently have a easyshare, but it's not what I'm looking for. I want something more professional. I'd like to keep it under 1000$ if I can. Any advice on the best cameras would be great. I was looking at canon and nikon. I think I like canon better (from the pictures I've seen it take). What do you think?

[autofocus]

Welcome to DPS. Just a comment about what you said about Canon produces better images...not true. It's really more a matter of the photographer's skills in shooting and editing abilities. Both Canon and Nikon will produce good images within their respective model lineup. I'm sure you'd be happy with either brand. You'd be better off to compare models at your local camera store to see how they each feel in your hands, and which might be easier for a beginner to use and understand. Kit versions of the Canon 60D and the Nikon D7000 would be excellent choices, but both would be a stretch on your budget. Here's a good comparison on two models that are both within your budget..it seems the new Nikon D5100 has some better features compared to Canon's T3i, but as I stated above, either would be a good choice.
Canon T3i vs Nikon D5100

[Michael_2010]

Welcome to DPS. I'm a newbie too, but I have been around a couple of years.

I like Canon, but 30 years ago the first film SLR I bought was a Canon and I've stuck with the brand ever since. You can get the T3i with a kit lens for about $900 bucks. That seems to be the tipping point for Canon dSLRs. The 60D and 7D take a pretty good jump in price. Then when you start looking at full frame bodies you get into a whole other realm. But, the T3i is a whole lot of camera for the money. Then again, you could save a lot of money by getting one of the earlier tried and true models and maybe put that savings toward some additional gear. Tough call.......

[casidyjulian]

Thank you guys for the information. Ok so I'm thinking the Nikon d5100 or the canon t2i.

This is what the teacher said when I asked what I needed.
You will need a camera that allows you to set manual exposure, manual shutter speed and manual white balance. It must be able to save pictures into the following formats; Camera raw (raw) and jpg.

[Michael_2010]

Originally Posted by casidyjulian

Thank you guys for the information. Ok so I'm thinking the Nikon d5100 or the canon t2i.

This is what the teacher said when I asked what I needed.
You will need a camera that allows you to set manual exposure, manual shutter speed and manual white balance. It must be able to save pictures into the following formats; Camera raw (raw) and jpg.

Either of those cameras will do what you need. Those are pretty basic operations for all dSLRs.

[3bayjunkie]

here is a good website to read reviews Digital Cameras: Digital Photography Review, News, Reviews, Forums, FAQ

[inkista]

Originally Posted by casidyjulian

... This is what the teacher said when I asked what I needed.
You will need a camera that allows you to set manual exposure, manual shutter speed and manual white balance. It must be able to save pictures into the following formats; Camera raw (raw) and jpg.

Depending on your goals, the kind of course this is, and your budget, you may also want to consider whether or not a high-end P&S camera might do just as well. My Canon Powershot S90 does all the things on that list. It has a full manual "M" mode on the dial, it has white balance where I can dial in additional Red/Blue balancing on top of the pre-programmed settings (maybe not full Kelvin WB control, but manual nonetheless), and it shoots RAW and JPEG.

What kind of course are you taking? How far do you plan to go with your photography? And is $1000 your entire budget, total, for camera gear? dSLR photography can become a very expensive hobby. The camera and a kit lens can certainly come in around the $500-$1000 mark, depending on whether you buy used, what kit lens, and which model. But that's only the beginning of your purchases. That's the platform for your camera system. Most of us spend at least two to three times that amount to get fully equipped with things like a flash, a tripod, multiple lenses, and a bag. This isn't like buying a self-contained point and shoot camera. Your lenses are the other half of your camera.

Just a thought to keep in mind. Most people assume they're doing a straightforward upgrade path from a P&S to a dSLR, but it's actually a pretty radical departure, and a very different way of doing things. I would also say that, in retrospect, the camera body is possibly your least important choice, except for locking you into a lens mount system. Bodies come and go in a matter of years. Your lenses can last decades.

If you are looking at the D5100, my only caution to you is that if you're planning on shooting fast-moving action in low light (kids in the house, stage performances, indoor sports), you may want to consider going up one more step to the D7000, so you get the in-body focus motor. The D3100 and D5100 don't have one, and will not autofocus unless you pair it with an AF-S lens. Most of NIkon's zoom lenses are AF-S, but not as many of their primes are. Also, if you are thinking of doing studio lighting with off-camera flash, the extra cost of the T3i might be worth it for the flash master in the pop-up.

[JFSanders]

Get a Nikon D-40 used is ok if your can get it from a reputable dealer. Spend the rest of your money on really good lenses and flashes. When you get better and understand what is going on with Composition, Exposure, and lighting subjects. Then upgrade the body and the lenses will go with you. If you get to the point that FX is what you need then you can sell your kit to finance the upsize.

Jim

[casidyjulian]

Thanks guys. I ended up getting a Nikon d80.It should be here this week. I'm really excited about it.