Choosing a digital SLR camera

[AlbertZeroK]

Go look at the cameras now, put it in your hand and see how it feels, go through the menus and try taking and looking at a few pictures on the camera.

I am really of the mind that you need an articulating LCD screen. that is a screen that is movable. This has been great on my NEX3, it allows you to shoot from more angles and allow you to be more artistic.

I agree too, I've seen no deals on DSLR's this black friday, everything is just normal pricing. You might check out refurbished cameras at http://www.Adorama.com, I know the canon refurbished comes with a 1 year warrantee just like a new camera. Also, Canon has a loyalty program and sells refurbished gear through that, but only comes with a 90 day warrantee.

 

[ssanders79]

While I am in Nikon camp, I urge you to read up on each brand and look for the future. You are buying into a brand. You will get your first dSLR then you will start buying accessories... Then sometime down the road you will want to upgrade from an entry level to something else. Now you are invested in the brand you bought years ago.

I also agree that you should choose a camera body based on how it feels in your hands.

 

[bob100]

We are getting a DSLR! I am scanning the Black Friday ads and have found deals for both the Nikon D3000 and the Canon EOS XS. I have looked at and tried out both; there is a $20 difference (with the Nikon being higher). Which should I get? Suggestions?

I am in the Canon camp but I would say wait and save a little more. The Canon XS is a stripped down version, the later Canon models like the Canon T1i (500D) and Canon T2i (550D) have additional features like a faster "burst rate" HD video, improved sensor, etc.

 

[zackiedawg]

I'm not in any camp myself - I think you should consider all cameras, find the one that fits your budget, feels comfortable to you, has the features you need, and go that route. I currently shoot with a Sony DSLR, and have had/have cameras from Pentax, Minolta, and Canon as well. Noone makes a bad DSLR, and though some of the newest models have greater abilities than some of the stripped down older ones, you may not need some of those powerful abilities. Stronger consideration should be given to particular features you may really want/like, and stick with those models that deliver what you most want.

 

[polkadotminnie]

I am really of the mind that you need an articulating LCD screen. that is a screen that is movable. This has been great on my NEX3, it allows you to shoot from more angles and allow you to be more artistic.

This was one feature I wanted in a camera when I was looking. I shoot at allstar cheer competitions and many times I have to shoot over a crowd so this was important to me. I had a Nikon N65D film camera and when I went to look for a DSLR I thought I would go Nikon. I decided to buy a Sony since it felt big enough for my hand. I have an A500 and a love it.

 

[OKW Lover]

Just wanted to thank all the folks that offered great suggestions on this thread. After much deliberation, I wound up getting a Nikon D3100 with the 18-55 vr basic lens and a 55-200 vr lens. Bought from Amazon at a package price of ~$730 plus shipping. Should be here tomorrow.

 

[DVC Mike]

Just wanted to thank all the folks that offered great suggestions on this thread. After much deliberation, I wound up getting a Nikon D3100 with the 18-55 vr basic lens and a 55-200 vr lens. Bought from Amazon at a package price of ~$730 plus shipping. Should be here tomorrow.

Congrats!

 

[WriteDisney]

I'd like some advice on choosing my first digital SLR camera! I have a Sony Cybershot point and shoot at the moment that I use all the time (vacations, everyday stuff, concerts, sports, etc).

I'm looking in the 700-800 range and like to just get a basic lens right now to start out. I like the Canon Digital Rebel XSi, but I'm going to check out a bunch this weekend. Any recommendations are greatly appreciated.

 

[mom2rtk]

I'd like some advice on choosing my first digital SLR camera! I have a Sony Cybershot point and shoot at the moment that I use all the time (vacations, everyday stuff, concerts, sports, etc).

I'm looking in the 700-800 range and like to just get a basic lens right now to start out. I like the Canon Digital Rebel XSi, but I'm going to check out a bunch this weekend. Any recommendations are greatly appreciated.

There are 3 generations of Canon Rebels out since then. The Xsi was a great camera, but you can get so much more for your money now. The T1i came out in 09, the T2i in 08 and the T3i is just out. I would go for the T2i or T3i.

 

[mikegood2]

I'd agree with mom2rtk and at-least take a look at T2i or T3i. If you keep an eye out, Amazon can have good deals on these camera.

Also, look into the camera with kit lens for $100 more. While the 18-55 IS lens in not a great lens, your not going to find anything close to it for the price. Also, when you are ready to add a lens or two, most people think 50mm 1.8 lens is the best lens under $100.

 

[Carrieannew]

Sorry if this is a duplicate question but I can't at the moment read back through all 6 pages.

Is there a website that will let me compare the different DSLR's and prices? Like a side by side listing of features between the most popular?

I want to get the best I can for my money. If I could keep a whole package under $500 that would be ideal but if it's a matter of another $200 will be well worth it then I will part with more.

 

[WriteDisney]

I'd agree with mom2rtk and at-least take a look at T2i or T3i. If you keep an eye out, Amazon can have good deals on these camera.

Also, look into the camera with kit lens for $100 more. While the 18-55 IS lens in not a great lens, your not going to find anything close to it for the price. Also, when you are ready to add a lens or two, most people think 50mm 1.8 lens is the best lens under $100.

I definitely will check Amazon. I think I'll probably end up just buying through them, but I wanted to check out a few at Best Buy or something (just to get an idea of how they feel). It's good to know that the 18-55 is at least decent. If I can get the camera for a good price maybe I'll add a lens.

There are 3 generations of Canon Rebels out since then. The Xsi was a great camera, but you can get so much more for your money now. The T1i came out in 09, the T2i in 08 and the T3i is just out. I would go for the T2i or T3i.

Ahh, already so much to learn! That's for the advice I'll put all those on my list to check out.

 

[ukcatfan]

Sorry if this is a duplicate question but I can't at the moment read back through all 6 pages.

Is there a website that will let me compare the different DSLR's and prices? Like a side by side listing of features between the most popular?

I want to get the best I can for my money. If I could keep a whole package under $500 that would be ideal but if it's a matter of another $200 will be well worth it then I will part with more.

Check dpreview.com for feature side by side comparisons,but it doesn't really have much on street price. Be sceptical of deals too good to be true. I mainly shop at B&H, Adorama, and Buydig. FWIW, I think the Pentax K-x would be a good fit for you.

 

[Carrieannew]

Check dpreview.com for feature side by side comparisons,but it doesn't really have much on street price. Be sceptical of deals too good to be true. I mainly shop at B&H, Adorama, and Buydig. FWIW, I think the Pentax K-x would be a good fit for you.

What is your opinion on this one? Is this an example of too good to be true on price?

http://www.tristatecamera.com/lookat.php?refid=279&sku=PENKX1855KWE

 

[ukcatfan]

What is your opinion on this one? Is this an example of too good to be true on price?

http://www.tristatecamera.com/lookat.php?refid=279&sku=PENKX1855KWE

I believe they are one of the worst. Check Reseller Ratings before buying from someone you are not familiar with.

 

[Carrieannew]

I believe they are one of the worst. Check Reseller Ratings before buying from someone you are not familiar with.

Yikes! Ok thank you

 

[ukcatfan]

How in the world did that double post thirty minutes later? Strange

 

[WriteDisney]

There are 3 generations of Canon Rebels out since then. The Xsi was a great camera, but you can get so much more for your money now. The T1i came out in 09, the T2i in 08 and the T3i is just out. I would go for the T2i or T3i.

I'd agree with mom2rtk and at-least take a look at T2i or T3i. If you keep an eye out, Amazon can have good deals on these camera.

Also, look into the camera with kit lens for $100 more. While the 18-55 IS lens in not a great lens, your not going to find anything close to it for the price. Also, when you are ready to add a lens or two, most people think 50mm 1.8 lens is the best lens under $100.

Thanks again for the advice! I got the Canon Rebel T2i with the kit lens 18-55 (799 at Best Buy!). I think in a month or two I'm going to pick up a better lens but I'll make due with the kit lens for now. I'd rather save up and get the best one. Plus I'm still learning alot of the basics of the camera right now. We have a trip to Disney coming up in May and I'd like to pick a lens up then (and hopefully I'll get more of a handle of this thing by then!)

 

[mom2rtk]

What is your opinion on this one? Is this an example of too good to be true on price?

http://www.tristatecamera.com/lookat.php?refid=279&sku=PENKX1855KWE

I'm glad you asked here! I know someone who bought what was supposed to be a new lens from them. Turns out it was used and they did nothing about it. She filed with Paypal and they did nothing for her either.

Thanks again for the advice! I got the Canon Rebel T2i with the kit lens 18-55 (799 at Best Buy!). I think in a month or two I'm going to pick up a better lens but I'll make due with the kit lens for now. I'd rather save up and get the best one. Plus I'm still learning alot of the basics of the camera right now. We have a trip to Disney coming up in May and I'd like to pick a lens up then (and hopefully I'll get more of a handle of this thing by then!)

Yeah! Congrats and enjoy your camera. I have the T2i and really am enjoying it. Be sure to stop back by with any questions you have!

 

[WriteDisney]

I'm glad you asked here! I know someone who bought what was supposed to be a new lens from them. Turns out it was used and they did nothing about it. She filed with Paypal and they did nothing for her either.



Yeah! Congrats and enjoy your camera. I have the T2i and really am enjoying it. Be sure to stop back by with any questions you have!

Awesome! I certainly will! If I get brave enough I might post some pics over on the Canon thread.