What dslr do you recommend.

[bcarson]

I have been looking at the Cannon's specifically the xsi. I want to be able to take sports shots, everyday things, and on the occasional trip to Disney, hopefully some fireworks. I am really new to this so not sure what to buy, accesories ect... Thanks.

 

[jfinke]

If you are looking at Canon, I would certainly look at the XSi (450d) over the XS (1000d).

I would also go handle one and compare the feel of them to a 40d/50d.

The XXXd line is the entry level consumer line. The XXd line is the "prosumer" line. It is a bit more advanced. Better build. A bit bigger.

That being said, as a Canon shooter (full disclosure), I would also recommend comparing and contrasting with Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, and Sony.

Here is the kicker when picking a DSLR. You are choosing a system. And once you get significantly down the road, it can be expensive to switch.

Here was my thinking a year ago. I was trying to go as cheap as possible. But, I wanted the future flexibility. That pretty much narrowed it down to Nikon and Canon for me. I ended up getting a Canon XT refurb. I stayed away from Nikon because they charged for their software and because of the lack of in body autofocus in the entry level models.

Looking back and looking to upgrade my current camera, if I made the decision today, I may have chosen a Nikon D90. But, now I am looking at a Canon 40d or 50d.

 

[boBQuincy]

I can recommend Canon's Xsi, I use one. For sports you will probably want a long lens. If you are interested in sports played in bright daylight Canon's 55-250 will work well, for lower light levels things get more complicated (and expensive).

For fireworks the 18-55 kit lens is fine. The required accessory for fireworks is a tripod (and a remote shutter release, about $20).

 

[MarkBarbieri]

I stayed away from Nikon because they charged for their software and because of the lack of in body autofocus in the entry level models.

Canon doesn't have an autofocus motor in any of their DSLR bodies. The difference is that Canon has AF motors in all of their AF lenses. Nikon has an AF motor in some of their lenses and not in others.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

I also recommend that you try each of the different cameras in your price range. They have different ergonomics. You might find that you hate the feel or operation of one.

You should also consider the total system cost. You'll need to supplement the kit lens with a longer lens for closeups. You'll need memory cards. I would also recommend a spare battery. Don't forget about things like a tripod, a carrying bag/pack, a better strap than the one that comes with the camera, an external flash (no camera has a good built-in flash).

 

[jfinke]

Canon doesn't have an autofocus motor in any of their DSLR bodies. The difference is that Canon has AF motors in all of their AF lenses. Nikon has an AF motor in some of their lenses and not in others.

I realize that. Canon went through their growth pains in the 80s with autofocus. I can use any lens made in the 25 years (for the most part).

That is not true with Nikon. There are some very nice Nikkor lenses that you cannot use with the entry level DSLR bodies.

The point was not where the autofocus was. The point was that many lenses are incompatible with the sub $1000 Nikon models.

Canon now has the opposite problem. The higher end bodies won't use the EF-S lenses. Most people don't view that as an issue however. People purchasing $2.5k+ bodies are usually the ones purchasing L lenses, not to mention EF lenses.

 

[bob100]

I realize that. Canon went through their growth pains in the 80s with autofocus. I can use any lens made in the 25 years (for the most part).
That is not true with Nikon. There are some very nice Nikkor lenses that you cannot use with the entry level DSLR bodies.
The point was not where the autofocus was. The point was that many lenses are incompatible with the sub $1000 Nikon models.

Canon now has the opposite problem. The higher end bodies won't use the EF-S lenses. Most people don't view that as an issue however. People purchasing $2.5k+ bodies are usually the ones purchasing L lenses, not to mention EF lenses.

This is why it's a complicated decision to upgrade. At one time I thought the logical path was a Canon XSI but reading comments on
www.photography-on-the.net/forum it seems you really have to go beyond the kit lens to see a significant difference between a Canon S5 and the lower end Canon dSLR models.

 

[jfinke]

This is why it's a complicated decision to upgrade. At one time I thought the logical path was a Canon XSI but reading comments on
www.photography-on-the.net/forum it seems you really have to go beyond the kit lens to see a significant difference between a Canon S5 and the lower end Canon dSLR models.

I don't know much about the S5. I have heard good things about it. But, like most PnS, you get what you get when you purchase it. That is why I try to warn people about DSLRs. It is a disease to constantly upgrade your equipment!

The new kit lens (18-55 IS) is actually pretty well regarded. Not only does it have IS, but the optics are regarded to be better. For $130 used I put it on my xmas list. I have the old kit lens as well as the nifty fifty and a sigma 70-300 apo macro.

I made the mistake of getting a Canon 70-200 f/4L IS. The build quality of this lens just sets it apart from my other equipment. Very quick in auto focus. No hunting. Very quiet. Now, I have lens envy.

Now, I have ordered a 40d, which I think is the best bargain out there right now. I was sorely tempted by the 50d, but I didn't think the extra features were worth the extra money. The microadjust made me think about it, however.

 

[dpic]

That is why I try to warn people about DSLRs. It is a disease to constantly upgrade your equipment!

I made the mistake of getting a Canon 70-200 f/4L IS. The build quality of this lens just sets it apart from my other equipment. Very quick in auto focus. No hunting. Very quiet. Now, I have lens envy.

Now, I have ordered a 40d, which I think is the best bargain out there right now. I was sorely tempted by the 50d, but I didn't think the extra features were worth the extra money. The microadjust made me think about it, however.

Ha, ha--great points. If you like to take photos, a dslr in a one way road to financial ruin. You just have to have a better camera, better lenses, better flash, etc., etc. I just purchase a 70-200 f/4L IS, too. After years and years of plastic, slow focusing, noisy lenses, "L" lenses are a joy to use. Then add on the image quality--Wow.

One point to bring out, using Windows Live search will point you toward their cashback offer. I bought a month old used 70-200 and got $200 off with the cashback. I did the same with my 100-400L lens and the 1.4x II Extender. The trick is you must use "Buy it now" on Ebay and use Paypal (make sure the item you're looking at has the Microsoft cashback icon near the top of the page). If you're looking to upgrade, there's some amazing deals. Just make sure you buy from someone with great feedback and a bunch of sales.

 

[jfinke]

One point to bring out, using Windows Live search will point you toward their cashback offer. I bought a month old used 70-200 and got $200 off with the cashback. I did the same with my 100-400L lens and the 1.4x II Extender. The trick is you must use "Buy it now" on Ebay and use Paypal (make sure the item you're looking at has the Microsoft cashback icon near the top of the page). If you're looking to upgrade, there's some amazing deals. Just make sure you buy from someone with great feedback and a bunch of sales.

Yep, that is how I got the 40d. Got the shipping notice tonight. $550 new body after the rebate from an authorized canon dealer.

I spend way to much time on POTN's sell forum! There have been some nice deals popping up. With the release finally of the 5dMII, I would expect we will see some 5dMI come up for sale. Thought about looking for a good used 5d or 1dMII, but I decided that the 40d was too good of a deal to pass up.

 

[dpic]

I spend way to much time on POTN's sell forum! There have been some nice deals popping up. With the release finally of the 5dMII, I would expect we will see some 5dMI come up for sale. Thought about looking for a good used 5d or 1dMII, but I decided that the 40d was too good of a deal to pass up.

I use fredmiranda.com's buy/sell forum. Many posters list their used gear on ebay, so it's a great deal for everyone. Since I've spent so much on glass, I'm waiting for the body until after the first of the year (I have a 20D). I know the 40D is a great deal, but there's always a chance for a used 50D in the coming months...

 

[jfinke]

I use fredmiranda.com's buy/sell forum. Many posters list their used gear on ebay, so it's a great deal for everyone. Since I've spent so much on glass, I'm waiting for the body until after the first of the year (I have a 20D). I know the 40D is a great deal, but there's always a chance for a used 50D in the coming months...

Yeah, I have been a member over there for a while as well. Don't think I have ever posted, however! I guess they started charging for listings. There is a lot of POTN to keep me dreaming.

A "bunch" of 50d's came up for sale when dpreview released their slightly negative review. I think right now there is one for $1100 - $200 ebay.

OP: Sorry for getting so off topic. But you can see how this disease can affect normal, rational people. Regardless, almost any camera will take a great picture in good lighting. I have images from my iphone that I could print at least 4x6 and possibly 8x10.

With money comes the ability to start capturing images in difficult situations. And it probably comes down to speed, faster AF, faster lenses, faster FPS. It also provides for more flexibility.

For instance, an external flash. Having an external flash which allows you to bounce light avoids that "snapshot" look. Here is one I took right after I got my 430ex. This was taken in a dark room with the blinds lowered. Now, I am looking for stuff to get my flash off of the camera.

 

[PixarNut]

I *LOVE* my 40D