New Digital Camera

[Terk-1]

Although I love my Sony H1, I'm looking in investing in a new camera and giving my current one to my nephew, who also loves taking pictures.

Can you recommend a good digital camera? I want to be able to do alot with this, such as photos, videos, action shots, etc. Is a Cannon better than a Nikon? How is the Cannon EOS Digital Rebel XT or XTi? Is the Nikon D40x better? I'm not looking to buy a $1500 camera, but want to make a good investment.

 

[gokenin]

You may also want to look at the Pentax 10d as well. Roughly in the same price range as the other cameras you are looking at a few pluses on its side are its weathersealed, has inbody shake reduction capacity and it also has a mechanism that shakes the sensor to keep dust off it. Have fun deciding and whatever you choose have fun taking pics and look forward to seeing them

 

[ukcatfan]

I have a Pentax K100D that I am very happy with. Remember that all DSLRs are very capable cameras. The important thing is to find the one that has the specific features you want, has the lenses available that you want, and I think most importantly feels the best in your hands. I personally feel that the D40 and XTi are too small and just not right in my hands. I did like the D50, but it is not available new anymore.

Kevin

 

[YEKCIM]

I want to be able to do alot with this, such as photos, videos, action shots, etc. Is a Cannon better than a Nikon? How is the Cannon EOS Digital Rebel XT or XTi? Is the Nikon D40x better? I'm not looking to buy a $1500 camera, but want to make a good investment.

A DSLR, such as the XT/XTi, D40x, K10D, etc will NOT make videos.

~Y

 

[fla4fun]

A DSLR, such as the XT/XTi, D40x, K10D, etc will NOT make videos.

~Y

This is true. If you want really great pictures with a DSLR, you will pretty much sacrifice the video function.

Probably the best compromise would be one of the top of the line P&S, like the Canon S5. I get great pics with my S5, and the video is good too. A P&S will never give you all the creative tools that a DSLR will, but the S5 has quite a few, more than enough for the average photographer. There's a good S3/S5 thread here that will give you tons of info.

Personally, I recommend going to a store and actually holding and inspecting any camera you are thinking about, even if you plan to order online to save money. A camera is a very subjective thing. It needs to feel comfortable in your hand, the weight needs to feel comfortable, and you need to see if all the dials, buttons, bells and whistles are in areas easy for you to use. There's nothing worse than getting a camera that's awkward to use because it's too big or too small for your hands, or wanting something that feels subtantial in your hands and it feels like a feather instead. Just because it's the best camera for someone else, doesn't mean it's the best camera for you.

 

[boBQuincy]

All of the current dSLRs are good cameras. Nikon and Canon outsell the rest by a lot, which is not important in itself except if you want to rent a lens these brands are the ones you are most likely to find.

Nikon's D40/x line has an issue where it will not work in autofocus with some of Nikon's lenses, including the inexpensive 50 mm.

Almost all dSLRs require you to use the viewfinder instead of the LCD screen. All dSLRs eventually require sensor cleaning and it's best (but scary) to do it yourself.

The best deals are on the previous generation models, like the Rebel XT or 30D.