Thoughts on a new SLR?

[scrappinmom]

Hi everyone - First let me say THANK YOU! I have been enjoying the photos and tips on this board since I joined the DIS. Have used many many tips found here (firework photos are just one example).

I have the canon rebel 2000 & yes I've had it for 9 years! - Mainly because I also have a few lenses (300 zoom, & a WA as well)..however I'd like to look at a new camera this holiday season. I could easily just get the a newer canon & probably would be happy...but I see so many of you use Nikon and love it!...So here's my question...what's your favorite DSLR for a non-professional photographer, scrapbooker, mom with ice skating, soccer playing kids?

thanks for your advice.

 

[mabas9395]

I have a Rebel XT and will be upgrading before the end of the year to either the 40D or 50D. So, yes, there are many Canon fans around here.

If you already have some EOS compatible lenses, I would stick with Canon.

 

[ChristusG]

I had the Rebel 2000 about 8 years ago. Then I upgraded to a non-SLR digital camera. Then about 4 years ago I got a Rebel XT. The other day I just bought a Rebel XSi. I was really thinking hard about the Canon 40D....as I'm also a part time photographer. But I also needed the camera for "everyday" events and not just professional use. So ultimately I went with the XSi because I was afraid of toting around the 40D everywhere I needed it to go.

 

[scrappinmom]

Thanks for your input guys. I was leaning toward sticking with Canon...but there are some pretty nice package deals out there that would make a NIkon not that far off...plus I can always sell my Rebel2000 with the extra lenses...

I'm interested in the XSi...will have to do some research on that one...CrtistusG - what do you like the most? the least?

 

[thomas998]

I can't attest to the quality of Canon camera as my DSLRs have all been Kodak or Nikon... but I would suggest you stick with the Canon if you have lots of lenses and don't want to start all over in the lens department. If you do switch to Nikon then the first thing you have to do is cross off the D40, D40x and D60 from your list of cameras, while they take good pictures they lack the autofocus motor in them so they only autofocus with the more expensive lenses. My personal thought is most DSLRs are very competitive with each other... whether its a Canon, Nikon, Pentax or Sony... they all take good pictures. So don't get caught up in the marketing hype, just go to a store and hold them in your hands and see which one feels right.... some of them don't feel right to me and I know I would never like using them... but start with the Canons since you already have lenses for them, it will save you some money.

 

[YEKCIM]

... but start with the Canons since you already have lenses for them, it will save you some money.

Keep in mind the 1.6 sensor crop factor. You'll "gain" on the long end, but lose some wide angle capability on the other end. Just multiply the focal length of the lenses you have by 1.6 to see the equivalent view on the digital camera. For example, if you have a 50mm lens, the view on a Canon DLSR (non-full-frame like the 5D) would be the same as an 80mm (50X1.6=80) lens on a 35mm film (or full frame digital) camera.

~Y

 

[pjacobi]

I had the Rebel 2000 about 8 years ago. Then I upgraded to a non-SLR digital camera. Then about 4 years ago I got a Rebel XT. The other day I just bought a Rebel XSi. I was really thinking hard about the Canon 40D....as I'm also a part time photographer. But I also needed the camera for "everyday" events and not just professional use. So ultimately I went with the XSi because I was afraid of toting around the 40D everywhere I needed it to go.

My situation is much the same. I decide to upgrade to the 30D for serious photography and use a P/S for snapshots. That eliminates the frustation of trying to make one camera work in all situation.


-Paul

 

[DizzyV6P]

If you like package deals, Costco has a sweet package for the XSi with the 18-55 IS and 50-250 IS lens for less than $1000.

If you want a smaller DSLR, the XSi would be your best bet. if you want something close to the size of your Rebel 2000, the a 40D will be to your liking. I have no problems toting my 40D around everywhere I go...but that's just me.

 

[disneygirlinnj]

I had this dilemna when I first was buying my DSLR.... chosing between a Canon or Nikon. I asked a million people and everyone told me to just go to the store and hold one and play with it. It's all how it feels in your hand. I ended up going with the Canon Rebel xti and I LOVE it. And I'm now defintiely a Canon fan. The difference btwn Canon and Nikon are pretty much just all personal preference. I would want to tell you that since you have all those lenses, just stick to Canon. That's what I would do in that situtaion when I want to upgrade in a few years.

Good luck!

 

[MICKEY88]

I'm a diehard Minolta/Sony guy.

but unless you hate the feel of a canon in your hands, your best bet is to stick with canon since you already have some lenses..

the odds of selling your canon lenses for enough to buy comparable new lenses of any brand, is rather slim..