First time DSLR purchase

[katied]

I posted a while back about a new camera, and was trying to devide between PnS and DSLR. We've decided on a DSLR, and as best I can see, the options are Canon Digital Rebel or Rebel XT, and Nikon D40 or D40x (in the intro DSLR category).

I've read the reviews for each on dpreviews.com.

As best I understand, there's not a huge difference between the Rebel and the Rebel XT, and the D40 and D40x. Is it worth the extra $$ to buy the newer model?

Also, between the Canon and Nikon, they also seem to be very comperable. Any advice on narrowing down the selection?

We have a new baby, and would like to have a good camera to catch everything on. We'd like it be a camera we keep for a decent amount of time (5 years+, if that's realistic). Also, ease of use is very important to me, so if Canon is easier than Nikon, that would be good to know.

I've always owned Canon cameras, and a friend has the Rebel, so I'm leaning that way, but would like some advice first, since it's a lot of money to spend.

Any experiences are greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[ukcatfan]

You do not have the options exactly correct for C&N on the entry level. The Rebels have not been made in years and the XT has been out of production since Dec '06, so supplies are getting small. The new one is the XTi. The Nikon entry level is the D40. The D40x is above entry level, but only increases MPs, so not really worth it in my opinion.

Currently, the D40 and D40x are limited in the lens selections due to there being no focus motor in the body. If low light shooting is important to you, then you will likely want a fast prime like the 50mm f/1.8, which would be manual focus on these models. That alone would cut them from my selection. There are still some refurb D50s around that in my opinion are better.

Why not consider the Pentax, Sony, and Olympus models? The Pentax K100D is the best deal going for a DSLR right now. It is close to $410-420 after rebate of $50. Then if you buy the 50-200mm lens at the same time, the rebate goes to $150. Throw in the flash and it is a $175 rebate.

Kevin

 

[katied]

Thanks! Where would I buy it to get those rebates? That would save so much money I could justify buying a newer small PnS as well!!!

 

[ukcatfan]

Thanks! Where would I buy it to get those rebates? That would save so much money I could justify buying a newer small PnS as well!!!

http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=PKK100D1855
or
http://www.beachcamera.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=PKK100D1855

They are the same company and both can be trusted. Their Resellerratings score is very good. I have made a number of purchases from them. IMO, I would invest that saved money in a tele or fast prime lens. If flash pictures are your thing, then an external flash would be nice. I personally do not like flash shots unless I have no other choice. Two excellent Pentax lenses that you might be able to afford are the FA 50mm f/1.4 and the DA 50-200mm.

Kevin

 

[Groucho]

Technically, Canon is still making Rebels, as the XT and XTi are Rebel models... but there was a "plain" Rebel before them.

I think the D40x still falls into the entry-level class, it's intended to compete with the XTi, and has virtually nothing over a D40 other than more megapixels and a teeny bit faster continuous shooting rate - I don't think it's worth the upgrade cost myself. Maybe as the price gets closer to the regular D40...

katied, make sure to read some reviews elsewhere, too. DPReview is just one guy with just one opinion. It's good to hear some alternative views, especially as DPReview's reputation has been getting a little bit shaky lately - but even if it was rock-solid final-word, it's always worth hearing second and third opinions.

 

[jann1033]

they aren't photo reviews but tuffcookie just posted consumer reports reviews and for the entry level it was sony alpha, canon xti , Nikon 40, pentax( forget which order of the 2 pentax was rated better) in that order. and at least with them you don't have any preconceived brand bias.

 

[ukcatfan]

and at least with them you don't have any preconceived brand bias.

No offense to you at all, but I completely disagree with you on this one. I think they are very brand biased. That is one of the main reasons I stopped reading them. They claim not to be biased, but anyone can say anything. I can call myself the king of France, but that does not make it so.

Kevin

Kevin

 

[katied]

Thanks for the advice. In the lenes, what is the benefit of the FA 50mm f/1.4 and/or the DA 50-200mm?

Also, how hard is it to change lenses? Do you normally take multiple lenses with you and switch out as needed, or just pick one at a time?

Thanks!

 

[ukcatfan]

Thanks for the advice. In the lenes, what is the benefit of the FA 50mm f/1.4 and/or the DA 50-200mm?

Also, how hard is it to change lenses? Do you normally take multiple lenses with you and switch out as needed, or just pick one at a time?

Thanks!

You likely would want to carry a few lenses around, but the combination of the 18-55mm, 50-200mm, and 50mm prime should cover many situations. For wide to moderate zoom that is similar to a p&s 3X zoom, use the 18-55mm. When that does not get you close enough, go to the 50-200mm. The 50mm prime is used mainly for low light and when you want to isolate the subject from the background by limiting the depth of field. It has a larger aperture (f/1.4) that lets in much more light than the zoom lenses (the “kit” starts at f/3.5). To cover the entire zoom range of the other two lenses, you can get one lens that covers 18mm up to around 250mm, but you sacrifice image quality and have to use a small aperture to get this convenience.

It is not difficult to change lenses, but do not keep one off the body for long to prevent dust and debris from getting on your sensor.

Kevin

 

[Groucho]

The other thing is that the 50mm is extremely sharp, it's one of the all-time great lenses. Whenever possible, I try to use that lens because it's going to be able to deliver better results than the other two lenses - nothing against them, but a good prime lens will just about always beat a good zoom lens, and the 50mm F1.4 is a great prime!

I carry multiple lenses - no one lens can possible cover all the needs that I might have in a given day.

Some people like to use a "walk-around" lens, which is a single lens with a long focal range (say, 18-200mm), but these are generally going to be slightly inferior optically to a shorter zoom (the longer the zoom, the more compromises), and possibly be "slower" too (not able to work in lower light as well). Only you can decide if you prefer convenience or a little more quality.

(Before I get flamed, yes, there are some good long-range zooms out there, but let's face it, those are the exception, not the rule, and generally the good ones are going to cost a good bit more.)