Help me buy an SLR!!!!

[djripper06]

Hi,

I don't know if this is the right place to post this, however i desperately need some help.

I'm new to the world of photography and will be buying an SLR really soon. The problem is, I don't know which one...
My budget isn't too big so i have zeroed down on 3 entry-level cams; Canon Rebel XS(1000D), Nikon D60 and Sony Alpha200. I have read so many reviews about these camera's that i'm now confused (i knew i should have stuck to just a couple of websites)

As every aspiring photographer, i really want to have complete control of my photographs.
I've know that the Canon has Live View, however i don't want to make my purchase based on that feature, (dunno if i'll use it actually)

I want a camera that will give me real good clarity on all my pics, whether it is in sunlight or low-light, a camera that will have a good white balance and all the other basic stuff you would expect in a SLR. Point is i don't wanna regret later saying, 'damn, low light clarity sucks OR white balance sucks...

Please help me guys, let me enter the world of photography with a bang...

[gturner]

Originally Posted by djripper06

Hi,

I don't know if this is the right place to post this, however i desperately need some help.

I'm new to the world of photography and will be buying an SLR really soon. The problem is, I don't know which one...
My budget isn't too big so i have zeroed down on 3 entry-level cams; Canon Rebel XS(1000D), Nikon D60 and Sony Alpha200. I have read so many reviews about these camera's that i'm now confused (i knew i should have stuck to just a couple of websites)

As every aspiring photographer, i really want to have complete control of my photographs.
I've know that the Canon has Live View, however i don't want to make my purchase based on that feature, (dunno if i'll use it actually)

I want a camera that will give me real good clarity on all my pics, whether it is in sunlight or low-light, a camera that will have a good white balance and all the other basic stuff you would expect in a SLR. Point is i don't wanna regret later saying, 'damn, low light clarity sucks OR white balance sucks...

Please help me guys, let me enter the world of photography with a bang...

HI

It sounds as though you need a few lessons in what is involved in taking good photos, the camera only forms a part of it. If you don't know what do do in low light or bright sun even the best camera will be hopeless.

All 3 of those cameras are good.Canon - Nikon have a better range of brand made product (lens and accessories) as well as 3rd party product. You can also find good quality used goodies that should never be overlooked.

I was looking at Adorama and they had some Canon 40D for a very good price
This is an excellent deal, much better than the options you have listed

1901B106AA Canon EOS-40D Digital SLR Camera with 28-135 IS USM Lens Kit - Refurbished

[OsmosisStudios]

I would replace the D60 in your list for the D3000. There's little/no price difference and the D3000 is a better body.

[n_mazur]

If you're planning on buying flashes and controling them off body then Nikon would be the better choice. Canon has slightly better lenses from what I can tell. Sony's still fairly new to dslr, so they may be coming out with some great stuff in the near future. I thin they're equipment is a little overpriced, but it's good stuff. I had the A200 but switched to Canon because of lack of accessories where I live. I like to hold what I'm going to buy first, so I didn't want to mail order.
The beginner dslr's from Nikon tend to have better high ISO performance then the rest, but it's not awe inspiringly different.
If you can hold them, hold them. Play around with them. I personaly don't like the feel of the Nikons that I've held, but MANY people do. Just don't hold and play around with a semi pro model, the beginner models will never feel nearly as good again. If it's possible to save up for a thousand dollar model, even if you have to wait six more months, you won't regret it. I bought my A200 back in the end of June, and upgraded to my Canon 50D in the middle of october. The beginner dslr's are great and can do anything you want them to, but I like street photography and candids, and you just can't react quick enough with the lower end models.

[inkista]

Originally Posted by n_mazur

If you're planning on buying flashes and controling them off body then Nikon would be the better choice.

Actually, at that level of body, you're on an even playing field: no PC connectors, no pop-up commanding. The advantage goes to Nikon when you get up to the D80/D90 bodies and have a commander in the pop-up flash.

The big differences, as I see them, are that Nikon/Canon have many more lens choices at lower price points than Sony-Minolta (Sony actually isn't brand-new to SLR technology, since Minolta's doing that part). And flash-wise, Sony-Minolta uses a proprietary hotshoe, which makes for a slight PITA in doing anything with off-camera flash: you have to get hotshoe adapters on both sides.

Between the XS and the D3000, the focus motor issue makes a difference. The D3000 will only autofocus with AF-S lenses. Most of Nikon's zoom lenses are AF-S. But only two of their primes <$500 are AF-S: the 35mm f/1.8 ($200) and the 50mm f/1.4 ($450). On the Canon (and Sony/Pentax/Olympus side) there is no similar issue. You could buy the $100 50mm f/1.8 and have autofocus. Or the 35/2. Or the 85/1.8, 100/2, 135/2.8, 28/2.8, 28/1.8 etc. All of which are <$500 primes that will autofocus on the XS.

Now, autofocus is only critical if you're shooting action photography. If you have the time to manually focus, say for landscape or portrait photography, it's not that big a deal.

[jofrost]

Originally Posted by djripper06

Hi,

I don't know if this is the right place to post this, however i desperately need some help.

I'm new to the world of photography and will be buying an SLR really soon. The problem is, I don't know which one...
My budget isn't too big so i have zeroed down on 3 entry-level cams; Canon Rebel XS(1000D), Nikon D60 and Sony Alpha200. I have read so many reviews about these camera's that i'm now confused (i knew i should have stuck to just a couple of websites)

As every aspiring photographer, i really want to have complete control of my photographs.
I've know that the Canon has Live View, however i don't want to make my purchase based on that feature, (dunno if i'll use it actually)

I want a camera that will give me real good clarity on all my pics, whether it is in sunlight or low-light, a camera that will have a good white balance and all the other basic stuff you would expect in a SLR. Point is i don't wanna regret later saying, 'damn, low light clarity sucks OR white balance sucks...

Please help me guys, let me enter the world of photography with a bang...

I understand your dilema of trying to choose . I recently went through the same process and ultimately chose the Canon Rebel XS . I bought it as a "kit" from Cameta Cameras Ebay store . It came with 2 Tamron lenses ( 28-80 & 70-300 ) 2 batteries , case , etc.

I primarily use it for hobby purposes and take lots of still photos as well as inflight photos of model aircraft . It takes exceptional photos with the two lenses . I'm now looking to get a macro lens for more close up shots ( though the 70-300 lens will take great ones ) I just want something that I can be closer to the subject .

As far as live view , I've played with it on occasion , but find myself using the viewfinder almost always . Its a great camera if you are on a budget like myself and would highly recommend it .

Hope this help in your decision making .

Cheers ,
-John ( still learning )

[Jennilyn76]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

I would replace the D60 in your list for the D3000. There's little/no price difference and the D3000 is a better body.

Ditto! I just bought the D3000 after trying out the Rebel XS and not liking how the flash works in low light situations (it does a strobe light type thing first, then takes your picture with yet another flash) Not too good to take pictures of pets or kids!

I love the way the D3000 feels and sounds. looks more professional and expensive and the flash popping open and shutter are quieter than the XS.

[Sharon N]

I've been doing some searching myself. This is a great site Buying Guide: Side-by-side: Digital Photography Review where you can compare your cameras side by side and read the differences. Then read indepth reviews on any or all of them.

And here are a couple of sites that currantly have some of the cheapest prices I've come across during my search. SkyPointDigital.com and Stop & Shop Digital B&H and Adorama are more well known, and of course Amazon can have some great deals at times.

I think I'm going with the Canon EOS XSi with 18-55 IS len to start. I'll be adding a zoom, filters and maybe a battery grip and whatever toys look fun after Christmas.

If price is a big decider, check out the 2 sites I posted. You'll be surprised how much cheaper the Canon Rebels are, compared to other sites.

[jofrost]

Originally Posted by Sharon N

I've been doing some searching myself. This is a great site Buying Guide: Side-by-side: Digital Photography Review where you can compare your cameras side by side and read the differences. Then read indepth reviews on any or all of them.

And here are a couple of sites that currantly have some of the cheapest prices I've come across during my search. SkyPointDigital.com and Stop & Shop Digital B&H and Adorama are more well known, and of course Amazon can have some great deals at times.

I think I'm going with the Canon EOS XSi with 18-55 IS len to start. I'll be adding a zoom, filters and maybe a battery grip and whatever toys look fun after Christmas.

If price is a big decider, check out the 2 sites I posted. You'll be surprised how much cheaper the Canon Rebels are, compared to other sites.

Sharon N,

Do a search of the ratings of the two companies you posted . Try Reseller.com , which rates online businesses . Hope I caught you in time ...I nearly went through the same thing when deciding which camera to buy and where . There are many reputable dealers ( and Cameta Cameras ebay store has been excellent ) Sure the price is a little more , but having the camera you want without the scam runaround is worth the extra $$$ .
Fortunately when I was looking I did not have the money to make the purchase . If I did I would have acted on impulse and bought the cheaper one advertised . It got me wondering how some places had them advertised for so much less ...

Ordered my camera "kit" on a Thursday evening , and it arrived Saturday morning . The only complaint with Cameta was the subscription to PC Photo ( part of the purchase ) got some mixed up signals ...but finally got sorted out .
Cheers ,
-John ( Happy Cannon Rebel XS owner )

[bearly]

Originally Posted by Sharon N

And here are a couple of sites that currantly have some of the cheapest prices I've come across during my search. SkyPointDigital.com and Stop & Shop Digital B&H and Adorama are more well known, and of course Amazon can have some great deals at times.

are these two sites for real? are the products used or something to make the prices that low? i don't understand how they Stop and Shop Digital can sell an 7D body for only $829... that doesn't make any sense unless it isn't in good condition