Need help choosing a starter DSLR

[martdiv]

Hello, people.

I'm going to buy my first DSLR camera and I'm in doubt about a few options.
From my price range, my choices are:

Nikon D3000
Canon EOS Rebel XS
Sony Alfa 230

Nikon D5000
Canon EOS Rebel 450D XSI

The last two are a bit more expensive, so I don't want to get them unless the extra money is well justified (since import taxes here in Brazil are high, going from the D3000 to D5000 would be some good extra 150 USD).

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

[OsmosisStudios]

I would say the D5000 compares more readily to the T1i. If the T1i is, for some reason, outside your budget, I'd go D5000.

[i speak in math]

As always, the Pentax K-X

[bono]

Buy the one you like best so go to an electronics store and fiddle around with the cams. Or try buying a used on on ebay.

[jaimespu]

Curious question to all...any reason for not recommending the Canon EOS Rebel XS? I'm looking to purchase my first DSLR as well and I was considered that one. I went and checked it out in-person and liked the way it felt, the features, price, etc. Any insight on if I should stay away from this camera for any particular reason would be much appreciated. Thanks!

[i speak in math]

Originally Posted by jaimespu

Curious question to all...any reason for not recommending the Canon EOS Rebel XS? I'm looking to purchase my first DSLR as well and I was considered that one. I went and checked it out in-person and liked the way it felt, the features, price, etc. Any insight on if I should stay away from this camera for any particular reason would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Its quite old and outdated. You can get better bodies for the money.

[inkista]

Originally Posted by jaimespu

Curious question to all...any reason for not recommending the Canon EOS Rebel XS? I'm looking to purchase my first DSLR as well and I was considered that one. I went and checked it out in-person and liked the way it felt, the features, price, etc. Any insight on if I should stay away from this camera for any particular reason would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Reason 1) Because it's likely to get replaced soon.

Reason 2) Just my opinion, but there's a certain point at which going to a lower-level camera tends to get more expensive than it's worth in terms of the features you give up for the price.

The XS is the bottom-of-the-barrel model, with the lowest price, which is what makes it so attractive. The features it lacks certainly aren't crippling in anyway, but compared to the higher-tiered (and now much newer) models, it's a bit behind the curve. This table is always a good way to check and see how long a camera's been in the lineup and whether it's "due" for a refresh or not. The XS, the 1DsMkIII and the 50D are the three oldest cameras in the lineup right now, and rumors are that they may be replaced when the fall product announcements happen in a month or two.

The XS is not as able as the other dRebel and above bodies in terms of autofocus performance (it uses an older, more primative system). You can't use a wireless remote with it. It doesn't do video, and it doesn't do spot-metering. As I said, not crippling by any means, but some folks want more/newer features for their cash.

[i speak in math]

Originally Posted by inkista

it doesn't do spot-metering.

WOW! Thats not even a real camera then. Frankly, I would be embarassed if I were a camera company and I put out a camera without spot metering.

[inkista]

Originally Posted by i speak in math

WOW! Thats not even a real camera then. Frankly, I would be embarassed if I were a camera company and I put out a camera without spot metering.

The XS is the only one in the Canon lineup without it; I doubt its successor will lack it as well--the XS merely inherited the XT's shortcomings. And I'd be embarrassed if I were a camera company that didn't offer a full-frame dSLR body. Different squids for different kids.

[i speak in math]

Originally Posted by inkista

The XS is the only one in the Canon lineup without it; I doubt its successor will lack it as well--the XS merely inherited the XT's shortcomings. And I'd be embarrassed if I were a camera company that didn't offer a full-frame dSLR body. Different squids for different kids.

I'd be embarassed if I were a company that didn't have a 40mp medium format digital body as well...(hehe)