DSLR Advice...I'm dreaming here a bit, however,

[makinorlando]

I LOVE my S2, and have learned so much from all of you here on this board to help me improve my photography... still have a long way to go to really get all the settings, but I am working on it..... that being said - if I were to have $1.5K (USD) to spend on a DSLR, (Canon preferably) - what should I get? I'm thinking from reading that usually it's the body on a DSLR, and the lens are extra? I love the zoom on the IS, and would also like to get more into the macro photography.

I may have the opportunity to have a few extra $$$ in the near future, and although I probably shouldn't even THINK about buying a new camera 6 months after the S2.... I am. What can I say, I need a new toy!

If I reel the "WANT MONSTER" in, and stick with the S2 for awhle longer is there anything that I can purchase for the S2 that will allow more more macro then then macro setting on the camera????

 

[Kelly Grannell]

1.5K including or excluding lens?

1.5 including lens would be Rebel XT, The Kelly Lens (Sigma 18-125), Canon 70-300 IS, Macro Extension Tube.

1.5 body only: Canon 30D

 

[makinorlando]

Thanks Kelly. I was thinking the XT was the best in the price range, with lens - just not sure what I should look for in lenses.

 

[handicap18]

With the upcoming announcement of a new Nikon dSLR, the prices for the D70s are very reasonable. $699 body only. Sigma makes a mount for Nikon camera's as well. Or you could do the D50 at about $599 or so body only and the Nikon 18-200mm VR for $799 and still have some room for either the 50mm 1.8 ($110)or the Nikon SB-600 flash ($190). This can get you started then down the road the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 DI 1:1 Macro for about $500 (This lens gets rave reviews on the Nikon forum I frequent). You can also get started with a D50, 18-55mm lens, 55-200mm, 50mm 1.8 lens, AND the Tamron 90mm macro for a few dollars more than $1500 at amazon.com. 1 GIG SD cards can be had for $30. Something to think about. Is it obvious that I'm a Nikon user?

Otherwise, see Kelly's post.

 

[makinorlando]

With the upcoming announcement of a new Nikon dSLR, the prices for the D70s are very reasonable. $699 body only. Sigma makes a mount for Nikon camera's as well. Or you could do the D50 at about $599 or so body only and the Nikon 18-200mm VR for $799 and still have some room for either the 50mm 1.8 ($110)or the Nikon SB-600 flash ($190). This can get you started then down the road the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 DI 1:1 Macro for about $500 (This lens gets rave reviews on the Nikon forum I frequent). You can also get started with a D50, 18-55mm lens, 55-200mm, 50mm 1.8 lens, AND the Tamron 90mm macro for a few dollars more than $1500 at amazon.com. 1 GIG SD cards can be had for $30. Something to think about. Is it obvious that I'm a Nikon user?

Otherwise, see Kelly's post.

I was actually comparing Nikon and Canon last week on line last week! I just get so confused, I stopped until I could concentrate better on it all!

Maybe I will go play with the models at Best Buy!

 

[jockey]

I decided back in May to buy a DLSR, in the past I had only ever used a P&S! I had decided to spend around £500 for the body only. I had a play around with the Canon xt and the Nikon d50. I left with the Nikon D50 as i just loved the feel of it. As a novice I find it very simple to use and I am very pleased with the results. In total I paid £424 for the camera - 18 - 55 mm lens and Nikon bag. I suggest going to your local store and getting a "feel" for the models you are interested in!

 

[Kelly Grannell]

As previously mentioned on other threads, I wouldn't touch the D70 due to high ISO noise. However, between Rebel XT and D50, it's really a toss up (other than the MP count).

 

[makinorlando]

Thanks for the additional info! I surely will go handle the camera before purchasing if I do decide to splurge..... AGAIN!

 

[Mellie0119]

I totalled up what I spent on all my camera "goodies" not too long ago. I bought:
Rebel XT (with kit 18-55 lens)
4 gig Microdrive
Speedlite 580EX
Lowepro Backpack
Extended Warranty (from Best Buy)
28-135 IS Lens (with extended warranty)
Total: (before rebates) just over $2K.

This should also include about $50 on books and batteries for the flash unit.

I bought the second lens about 6 months after the rest of the equipment, so I'd say you could get started for about $1500, no problem.

 

[jann1033]

i've spend about $1500 (so far)on body( $100 rebate), 50mmf1.8 and lens hood, kit lens with lens hood(used, ebay) 28-135 IS lens with lens hood and uv filter( heart stopping money for me of about 500 but worth every penny..if i could only buy 1 this would be it due to my shakey hands), step up ring for filters i already have, 2 extra batteries( ebay) , extension tubes if i win them( ebay) 2 gb and 512 mb cf cards, new camera bag, ( walmart, sony, cost 27 but the lowepro ones were either to big too small or too expensive,,,finally i found this one that holds everything but i searched everyplace )
really about all i want still are the extension tubes then a flash someday and maybe some day in a time far in the future...a little longer lens but i'm fine for now with what i have.
i've gotten about $250 back in rebates( on various camera items for me and my daughter ( bought her a camera for her anniversary) that i used for other stuff and looked for the best prices i could find so i've only really spend $1250 out of pocket or about, as husband would say, $40 for each yr we've been married( started out as anniversay gift but kind of grew )

 

[mhutchinson]

If you find the Rebel XT is small in your hands, I wouldn't rule out the 20D. It is a really good camera and with the introduction of the 30D has come down in price.

Mike

 

[makinorlando]

Thanks again! I really should not even be considering this, but we will see! My S2 really should satisfy my needs, but reading all the posts of what I don't have, makes me want to "keep up with the Kelly's, Kyle's etc. etc. etc!

 

[Mellie0119]

Camera envy is a powerful draw! Then, after you get the DSLR, you get the accessory envy (lenses, flashes, tripods, filters...)

 

[manning]

You are doing extremely well with what you got and still learning how to use the camera you got.

Keeping up with the Joneses can be expensive.

You can use this camera for a year or two and by then better ones will be out !!!!

 

[makinorlando]

You are doing extremely well with what you got and still learning how to use the camera you got.

Keeping up with the Joneses can be expensive.

You can use this camera for a year or two and by then better ones will be out !!!!

Thanks, a voice of reason. I am hoping to get myself to that point in the next few days! You are right - soon there will be better things out....

 

[jann1033]

i don't know what you had before you got your s2 but a dslr requires some investment in time also...if you have never used a slr before take advantage of the creative modes on the s2 then in a yr or so it will be an easy matter to switch to a dslr cause you'll have agood handle on the modes on the( present) rebel

 

[handicap18]

Camera envy is a powerful draw! Then, after you get the DSLR, you get the accessory envy (lenses, flashes, tripods, filters...)

OHHH YES IT IS!!! NAS I believe it what it is refered to at nikonians.org, Nikon Accessory Syndrome. I've fallen for it twice thus far with the purchase of a 50mm 1.8 lens and the SB-600 flash (the later of which I ordered over the weekend). Oh I guess the remote shutter release also fits into this category. OOOHHHH and those VR lenses,,,, ouuuu ahhhhhhh ooooooooh.

 

[MICKEY88]

I'd wait for a while before making the jump, and when you do don't forget to take a look at the new Sony alpha 100, or the newer Sony models that will be released within the next 6-12 months...,,, with image stabilization built in ,and millions of Minolta lenses available it's a good camera..I just read another very positive review of it last night...

or you could always buy a Minolta 7d, minolta lenses and then eventually get a sony body....

right now I know where there is , Minolta Maxxum 7D camera comes with the followinf items: 1. KM28-75 2.8 lens 2. Tamron SP 24-135 lens 3. KM vertical grip 4. KM 5600 flash. 5. All cables, manuals and software that came with the camera. 6. Lantern guide for Maxxum 7D. 7. Extra battery, for less than the body sold for originally...

the grip is worth 300-400, the flash is worth 400