SLR camera question

Never had an SLR camera and would like to get something faster and better quality than the normal pocket digitals I keep buying. I don't know much about cameras so any advice on a good SLR would be appreciated. I would like to stay under 1k if I can get something decent for that.

Thanks

 

Any of the Canon Rebels are good or a Nikon D40/x/60/90. The standard beginner kit lens is around an 18-55mm, you can look for used and get a great deal.

 

+1 D-40X package from your local Costco is a GREAT start into DSLR - upgrade bodies later, then
lenses. But very decent way to start off with lots of features and pixels.

 

Both Nikon and Canon are adding some HD video to their SLR cameras. I have a Nikon D300 that I really like. But it doesn't have this sort of video capability. For lots of events, it would be good to have the ability to do both stills and video with one camera.

M

 

I'll toss a vote in for the Canon Rebel.

It has the same imaging sensor as much higher end cameras. I had one in the past and it really performed like a camera 5x it's price.

I am partial to Canon myself... had Nikon before, but never in digital, only film, so I can't speak from any first-hand knowledge on Nikon digital stuff.

 

Good move. When I moved from the pocket camera to the SLR photography became fun. Comsumer Report July issue rated the cameras. Nikon D90 was #1. On the downside the Nikon brand had the most problems. I've had Nikons for 30 years with never a problem. In Nikons I would look at the D90, D5000, D60, and D40. Be sure to pick them up to feel the size and weight differences. Nikon D90 and Canon EOS RebelXSi took the best pictures.

 

I know the Rebels are great cameras and I am a Canon user today but I have never liked the feel of the Rebel in my hands so definitely try one out before you buy. I would really recommend buying a used one and seeing how you like it, carry around a big heavy DSLR is a lot of times not worth it for people. I sold my D40 last year with lens for $350 so you can easily get the cheapest thing possible and seeing how you like it before you put the money in.

 

Ok, did a little research and think I have it narrowed down to a Nikon D5000, a Rebel T1i and a Rebel Xsi. I need to go see them today to see how they feel. I like the larger screens and the ability to take video but other than that I am lost on the real differences between these. Anyone have an opinion on these?

 

Here's a web site that will answer all questions. Be aware on the Nikon D5000 that HD video recording is a maximum of 5 minutes.

www.dpreview.com

 

I bought a previous-version Canon Rebel on Ebay for $300 (or so) and a zoom lens at Target for less than $200. Very happy with the setup and it more than meets my needs.

 

I bought a used Nikon D70 and it works great. It also grabs Ferrari red perfectly while my Canon G9 always gives me an orange - I'll leave it to an expert to explain it.

 

Buy a D40 (not the x), and dump the rest of the money in quality lenses. Way better pictures that way than buying an expensive camera and then using the kit lens!

 

My suggestion -- Nikon D90. You can find one with a lens for around $999-$1,200 and it's an excellent camera. Plus, it shoots HD video. Once you get better with the camera, invest in different lenses.

 

One vote for Canon.

Check this out, on Amazon, The Top 25 Sellers in Camera and Photo are filled with Canons, whereas theres not a single Nikon to be seen. Food for thought.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/photo/ref=pd_ts_pg_1?ie=UTF8&pg=1

 

I bought a Rebel XSi this year and I've really been loving it. Great camera.