Canon 400D (Rebel Xti, Kiss X)

[Groucho]

Thank you for your comments. Part of the problem is that my kids don't want the sun in their eyes so almost all my pics have those shadows and are dark. From now on I'll have to just make them rough it for a few seconds.

Like Gregg said, just use some fill flash if they want their backs to the sun... that should do a good job (as long as you're fairly close by) of getting them clearly visible as well as the background. You may get some red-eye, but that's easily correctable later.

 

[manning]

Here are a few examples of what I was talking about...

If you have them looking into the sun you cause another problem. Squinting.

It will look like they need glasses.

Fill flash is the answer.

Stay with the camera and learn how to use it.

Some of the best pictures ever produced was the result of the person behind the camera, not the camera.

The good photographer knows his/her camera and what it can/can't do.

When you get real good with your camera, then you are ready for the DSLR.

 

[**Laura**]

Hey, first post on the photography board so please be gentle!

I am looking to buy my first DSLR and I need some help

Ive narrowed it down to the nikon d40x and the canon digital rebel and I was wondering if someone could suggest what would be best?

Ive read loads of reviews and have several friends who have said go for the canon.

I have had a play about with both and still cant make my mind up!

thanks

 

[Master Mason]

Both of them are fine cameras.

The only issue I have is with the d40 doesn't have the internal focus moter, so there are several lenses that will not auto focus, one such lens is the often recomended 50mm f/1.8 lens. To me this is a fatal flaw on the Nikon, but to some it would not matter at all. Just something to think about.

Also, have you looked at the Pentaxes? They are wonderful cameras as well, and are priced very well.

In the intrest of disclosure, I have an XT and now a 40D from canon.

 

[ukcatfan]

Being out of the US, you could also look at the Samsungs. They are re-badged Pentaxes with modified firmware, but could be a better price. They are not very available over here.

Also, letting us know what features of a DSLR attract you could help us give guidance. There is no such thing as a best DSLR. It is more like what is best for you.

Kevin

 

[**Laura**]

thanks for the replies. I have a compact pentax at the moment which I quite like but nothing I held in the shop yesterday felt right.

Im a complete novice when it comes to dslr's but i want to learn so I dont want to buy a camera that I'm going to be bored with in 6 months.

I have a horse so I'll be taking alot of sport/action/moving photos. Also disney world obviously so parades/fireworks etc. It will also be used for portraits and just general everyday stuff.

Im kinda looking about trying to find a photography course I can go do.

Hope that kinda helps, im swaying towards the canon i think but I just wanted some guidance first!

 

[KrazyPete]

If your friends are shooting Canon gear then you might want to take that into consideration. They can help you with your questions about how to use the camera. You can also share things like lenses, flashes and other Canon specific accessories.

That said, I shoot Nikon and I think you're going to be quite happy either way.

 

[fan1080]

I have a D40, and I really like it. If you go with Nikon, I would not choose the D40x over the D40. From what I understand, the added mega pixels will not give you any better picture, and, in fact, may give you worse results.

As mentioned already, the D40/40x do not have a focus motor in the camera body, so you will be limited to lenses that have a focus motor in them. This is an issue if you plan on buying additional lenses for your camera, but there are new lenses coming out from third party manufacturers that are fully compatible with the D40/40x. Not being able to use the Nikon 50mm, 1.8 is an unfortunate problem.

I'm partial to Nikon only because that's what I currently have.

 

[rtphokie]

Hey, first post on the photography board so please be gentle!

I am looking to buy my first DSLR and I need some help

Ive narrowed it down to the nikon d40x and the canon digital rebel and I was wondering if someone could suggest what would be best?

Ive read loads of reviews and have several friends who have said go for the canon.

I have had a play about with both and still cant make my mind up!

thanks

As others have said, both are very fine cameras and you'll be happy with either. The question is which one will you be happiest with.

One may edge another out in some set of features you may or may not use but if you are asking this question here, you probably dont so much about that.

THe most important comparison is how they feel in your hands. How heavy is it? Is it balanced well for your liking? Is the viewfinder comfortable to look through? Is the LCD screen easy to see in the kinds of environments you will be shooting in. Only you can answer these questions and you can only do it by going to a store and trying them out.

 

[tyedye]

Again, thanks to all for your comments. I am trying to absorb all this info and learn more and then test it with my camera.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

If your friends are shooting Canon, you should go with the Canon. If your friends are shooting Nikon, you should get new friends and go with the Canon. Stay away from Nikon; their users are always so disagreeable.

I should probably add that I own Canon stock and use Canon equipment, so my view might somehow be just a teensy bit biased somehow, but I doubt it.

 

[MICKEY88]

the Sony alpha 100 is another great camera, and will take older minolta auto focus lenses..


take everything MArk says with a grain of salt, just because he's an awesome photographer and knows what he's talking about, and writes many really informative tutorials for this site..

doesn't mean you should listen to him....

 

[dpuck1998]

I recently bought a dSLR with the same considerations. I didn't have any preconceved notions about Canon or Nikon and was opened minded either way. That said I ended up with the Canon XTi and have been very happy with it. I got lucky and was at the camera store when all the major reps were in the store on a demo day. After going to and seeing all the similarly priced "starter" dSLR camera, Canon offered me the best all around deal.

 

[Master Mason]

If your friends are shooting Canon, you should go with the Canon. If your friends are shooting Nikon, you should get new friends and go with the Canon. Stay away from Nikon; there users are always so disagreeable.

Finally the voice of reason.....

 

[**Laura**]

thanks for all the help! Ive gone for the canon will have it this afternoon and then it will be a weekend of playing for me!

will let you know how I get on!

 

[dpuck1998]

thanks for all the help! Ive gone for the canon will have it this afternoon and then it will be a weekend of playing for me!

will let you know how I get on!

Congrats, welcome to the family. Find out quickly what the "nifty fifty" is and go get one!!

 

[DizneyNutz]

I spoke with our agency photographer. I was advised they would go with Canon if they had the choice. I got the Rebel XTI

 

[LMarge]

Hi everyone! I've been overwhelmed of late and been away from the boards for a while, so someone may have asked this already. My sis is looking for a new camera. She's leaning toward the Canon XTi and would like a lens that can catch great shots during basketball games. She at first thought she would get something like I have (an S2IS) until I laughed at her and told her it takes terrible shots inside the gym! If she wants great stop action she needed to drop some change and get a dSLR. So after checking dpreview for hours, this is the camera she really likes (have to add - it's on my list as well!) My dd is a gymnast so I too would like to know what lens would be great for those indoor action photos! I'm hoping that my HUGE hints may send Santa shopping before the next competion season starts!!! Not going to hold my breath however! Thanks everyone!

 

[Master Mason]

Depends on how close you are to the action.

A 24-70 f/2.8 or a 70-200 f/2.8 is what I would suggest. You really don't need the IS version, because IS will not help you freeze your subject.

The canons of either variety are expensive, sigma makes a good alternative at about half the cost.

 

[mabas9395]

The lens that comes with the camera will definitely not work so you are wise to look for another lens. Unfortunately, unless your gym is well lit, no lens will work really well. I've tried both indoor soccer and indoor gymnastics with my Canon XT and my 85mm f/1.8 which is almost long enough and almost fast enough but not quite. If your gym is well lit, the two lenses mentioned above with the f/2.8 might work. But they will cost you.