SLR Digital Cameras

[darren]

Wow, I guess I haven't been keeping up on prices. That Costco deal isn't so good. I just checked B&H and the XTi kit with the 18-55 lens is only $615. They have the imported Canon 75-300 for only $150. So $765 is the going rate for the XTi, 18-55, and 75-300 combo. Yikes, that is cheap. That lens cost me like $250 13 years ago...lens prices dropping over time...who would have thunk it?

- darren

 

[darren]

Mark - just to be clear, I do agree with you on several points. Mainly, getting quality shots out of a dSLR takes tweaking in camera and mostly on the PC afterwards. Back in the day I would slap a roll of Velvia 50 in my film body, shoot, wait a week for processing, and then look at incredibly sharp and colorful pix on my lightbox. Now you really do need to spend time on the pc after the shoot to get sharp, colorful pix. But in the end, I get better results with my dSLR than I did shooting slides - at least results I can share with others via the web or via prints (large and small).

- darren

 

[DougPaul]

Thank you all so much, I've got lots to read and think about before making my decision, it's a bit overwhelming

All the better to empty your wallet... (Or is it ? )

I'm curious though, what "one" lens would one purchase with the Canon 400D if not purchasing the "kit lens" the package deal offers?

One alternative is the Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens. (27-136mm eFL) Several of us have it and like it. It is a super-set of the kit lens, but is a bit bigger, heavier, and pricier.

Doug

 

[w7xman]

The Sigma 17-70 is a bit more cost effective, and a much sharper, better built lens than the kit lens that comes with it. If you can't afford doug's idea, which is a good one, this will be good for you!

Thank you all so much, I've got lots to read and think about before making my decision, it's a bit overwhelming
I'm curious though, what "one" lens would one purchase with the Canon 400D if not purchasing the "kit lens" the package deal offers?

kmac

Just discovered this great site for us newbies : )
http://photonotes.org/articles/beginner-faq/general.html#eos

 

[kmac]

Thanks I've discovered that the lens from my film Canon EOS 300 will fit the Canon 400D, certainly not the caliber of lens both you and DougPaul have mentioned but a start.
Thanks.
kmac

 

[MichaelJ]

I've discovered that the lens from my film Canon EOS 300 will fit the Canon 400D

All Canon EF lenses will work on the digital bodies, though depending on which body you buy, there may be a crop factor. The Rebels have a 1.6 crop factor ... the sensor is smaller than a 35mm film frame, so multiply all focal lengths by 1.6 to get the "effective" focal length. For example, a 50mm EF-S lens on a Rebel (original, XT, XTi) will give you an image that looks as if it was shot with a 80mm lens.

The EF-S lenses are specifically designed for the cameras with the smaller sensors. They are smaller and lighter and generally cheaper because they only attempt to focus light on the smaller area; they also have the first element much closer to the body. This, however, means that you cannot put an EF-S lens on a 35mm or full-frame sensor Canon body. If you think you're likely to stay with the consumer/enthusiast/prosumer lines of bodies, don't fear the EF-S lenses. If you think you might go pro and get the 5D full-frame someday, or you have EOS film cameras you want to still use, stick with EF.

 

[arghman]

what a timely thread! I'm trying to help advise a town committee what camera to get (dSLR but frugal) & have the same Q. I don't have experience w/ the SLRs. The Pentax K100D Super showed up on a couple of websites (Steve's Digicams & DC Resource) along w/ the Nikon D40, and I'm wondering if anyone has experience w/ either of these two. (the Pentax intriguing because of the on-camera image stabilization)

 

[kmac]

With all the great advice from all you wonderful VFTT'ers I've pretty much made up my mind to purchase the Canon 400D, I will recycle my lens from my Canon EOS 300 film camera for the time being. DougPaul and Xman I will consider both your suggestions for future purchases, much appreciated
thanks again for all the wonderful advice.
kmac

 

[yvon]

I think that I will make me a gift this year.
I shall give me a new Nikon D300. I think I earned it.

 

[kmac]

I Think That's A Wonderful Idea Yvon

 

[DougPaul]

what a timely thread! I'm trying to help advise a town committee what camera to get (dSLR but frugal) & have the same Q. I don't have experience w/ the SLRs. The Pentax K100D Super showed up on a couple of websites (Steve's Digicams & DC Resource) along w/ the Nikon D40, and I'm wondering if anyone has experience w/ either of these two.

Nikon and Canon dominate the DSLR market. From what I have read, pros generally choose between them (or have some from each). Both companies also have long standing compatible lines of lenses.

(the Pentax intriguing because of the on-camera image stabilization)

I've seen claims that in-lens stabilization is superior to in-body stabilization. These claims were on professional photographers' websites, so I do not know if they were biased or not.

When comparing DSLRs across brand, make sure that you also compare the available lenses and their prices as well as the bodies.

Ken Rockwell seems to have at least one of most of the Nikon and Canon bodies and lenses. He has a number of comparisons between them. (His general bias, which he admits, is Canon P&Ses and Nikon DSLRs.) http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech.htm

It sounds like the Canon XT or XTi or the Nikon D40 should be on the short list.

EDIT: if this camera is going to be used by a number of people, perhaps you should also consider all-in-ones such as the Canon S3 IS or S5 IS.

Doug

 

[w7xman]

It sounds like the Canon XT or XTi or the Nikon D40 should be on the short list.

EDIT: if this camera is going to be used by a number of people, perhaps you should also consider all-in-ones such as the Canon S3 IS or S5 IS.

Doug

I wholeheardedly agree with Doug in sticking with Canon or Nikon on this. There is simply too much volitility in the other cameras digital technology (and company reshuffling in Sony's case) to ensure that your lens system will endure with technology. And with the price points so good on the D40 and the XT, I would see no reason to shop Sony/Pentax etc.

I have heard mixed reviews of on camera IS with DSLR's as well. Sure it helps, but lens specific is generally prefered by those who discern.

BUT...

I most agree with Doug's rec of looking beyond the DSLR at the S5IS or the G9. Great do it all cameras, portable, (almost) idiotproof and less expensive. The only downside I see for non professional use is the shutter lag. That's it!
Renouned outdoor photographer Darwin Wiggett recently reviewed the G9 here:
http://www.naturephotographers.net/articles1207/dw1207-1.html

 

[yvon]

I wholeheardedly agree with Doug in sticking with Canon or Nikon on this. There is simply too much volitility in the other cameras digital technology (and company reshuffling in Sony's case) to ensure that your lens system will endure with technology. And with the price points so good on the D40 and the XT, I would see no reason to shop Sony/Pentax etc.

I have heard mixed reviews of on camera IS with DSLR's as well. Sure it helps, but lens specific is generally prefered by those who discern.

BUT...

I most agree with Doug's rec of looking beyond the DSLR at the S5IS or the G9. Great do it all cameras, portable, (almost) idiotproof and less expensive. The only downside I see for non professional use is the shutter lag. That's it!
Renouned outdoor photographer Darwin Wiggett recently reviewed the G9 here:
http://www.naturephotographers.net/articles1207/dw1207-1.html

The Canon G9 WOW!!!! I have a collegue at work who just buy a few week ago. It is fantastic the pictures and movies this apareil can do.

 

[psmart]

What about Olympus?

Does anyone have any experience with the Olympus E-510? How does it compare to the XTi?

B&H has a 2-lens E-510 kit for $655
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/488309-REG/Olympus_262072_Evolt_E_510_SLR_Digital.html

 

[Peakbagr]

You'll read a ton of justifiably great reviews here from Canon and Nikon fans.
But the Olympus E410 and E510 are designed on the 4/3 aspect ratio, meaning a 2x crop factor. There are fans and detractors.
Judge for yourself.

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/cameraDetail.php?cam=1020

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2007_reviews/E510_pg7.html

http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/OlympusE510/

http://www.popphoto.com/popularphotographyfeatures/4707/the-2007-pop-awards.html

 

[darren]

With all the great advice from all you wonderful VFTT'ers I've pretty much made up my mind to purchase the Canon 400D

A bunch of us have posted this in other threads, but I'll repeat it for you since you are new to this photo forum. If you are going to buy the camera mail order, be careful of the lowest price places. There are some very shady camera mail order companies. The one I use and have had awesome service with is B&H:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/

They have the Xti for $539 right now, but if when you go to their homepage you can enter these coupon deals into the search bar you can get a lower price:

PS1107DJSYE - XTi black body only for $525
PS1107i8BHA - XTi siver body only for $520

Not sure how long those codes will last.

Anyway, I've always had great service from B&H. I've ordered stuff in Mass, had it ground shipped, and gotten the order the next day. They are really fast.

- darren

 

[kmac]

Thanks Darren.

 

[DougPaul]

Adorama is another mail-order vendor that has been very reliable and has been used by many of us. http://www.adorama.com/ Their prices are often very close to B&H's.

Doug

 

[DougPaul]

what a timely thread! I'm trying to help advise a town committee what camera to get (dSLR but frugal) & have the same Q.

if this camera is going to be used by a number of people, perhaps you should also consider all-in-ones such as the Canon S3 IS or S5 IS.

I've been thinking about this issue a bit more. If this is going to be a "town community camera" (ie it is going to sit on a shelf somewhere until there is a town event and is then taken out by someone who may or may not be an experienced photographer), then you might also consider a good P&S.

A DSLR (and many of the fancier all-in-ones) have proprietary rechargable batteries. Is someone going to take care of it and make sure it is always charged? There are lots of little pieces, lenses, lens caps, etc to keep track of. And a novice user could easily be overwhelmed by a DSLR.

Perhaps a decent P&S, particularly one that uses standard batteries might be more appropriate. Cheaper, easier to care for, easier to use, but still capable of good pictures in the hands of a novice or an expert. Cameras like the Canon A570 IS or A720 IS might be appropriate.

Doug

 

[David Metsky]

All cameras benefit from rechargeable batteries, so a Canon S5 with AAs will still need someone to charge the NiMH. If not, you pop a set of alkalines in there and people will complain when the camera only takes 30 shots before it dies. The best solution would be a set of Enloop rechareables that have long shelf life and someone to recharge them when they come back in.

-dave-