Best entry-level D-SLR?

[brigden]

I want to give a friend's daughter a D-SLR as a gift. The individual in question is into photography, has a good eye, but very limited use with SLR cameras, film or digital.

I'd like to give her a D-SLR, but I have no idea what to look for. I could simply give her the most expensive model on the market, but she's only 14 and her mother would prefer I don't spend a fortune. Anyway...

I was looking at the Nikon D50 and the Canon Digital Rebel XT. I've always been a Nikon fan. Someone help a brother out and hook me up with some info.

Cheers.

 

[KLin]

A D-SLR for a friend's daughter? What kind of gifts do you get for your family?

 

[getbush]

I have a D50. I want a 30D now.
The Rebel XT has been replaced by the Rebel XTi aka 400D. The XTi would probably suit her well. The lens on the camera is more important than the body. If you wanted to be a little spendy on that, it would go a long way. The cost of the lens would be a little more inconspicuous. I would recommend buying the camera body only, and then getting a nice mid-range zoom that has a constant 2.8 aperture. Probably either the Tamron 28-75 F/2.8, or the newish Tamron 17-50 F/2.8.

Oh let me repeat, I would like to get a 30D wink wink, winkwink winkwinkwink wink

 

[AndrewR]

Originally posted by: KLin
A D-SLR for a friend's daughter? What kind of gifts do you get for your family?

Seriously!

I hate actually saying this, but I'd go for a Canon model. Their entry level segment, particularly the XT and the newer XTi, seem to be built for very small hands, and a teenage girl would probably find them perfectly sized.

The D50 is a little larger but is also cheaper -- you can get one these days for $600 with the kit lens (or, check the For Sale forum for one I have for sale ).

For something a little cheaper, you might also consider an older Pentax, the *istDL (something like that). I've seen those for under $400, and they'd be fine for a teenager. Of course, any DSLR is likely overkill for a teenager, but it's your money!

 

[axelfox]

I'll call you whatever you want for a DSLR.

 

[Baked]

You must be in great debt to her family, or you're looking for something in return.

 

[Madwand1]

I'd probably get a Canon XTi (400D) with a (1) Tamron 17-50 f/2.8.

Alternatives:

2. Canon EF-S 17-85 f/4-5.6 IS USM -- more reach, silence, IS, lesser optics
3. Canon EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS USM -- price little concern
4. Kit EF-S 18-55 f/3.5-5.6 -- minimum price

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

Originally posted by: Madwand1
I'd probably get a Canon XTi (400D) with a (1) Tamron 17-50 f/2.8.

Alternatives:

2. Canon EF-S 17-85 f/4-5.6 IS USM -- more reach, silence, IS, lesser optics
3. Canon EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS USM -- price little concern
4. Kit EF-S 18-55 f/3.5-5.6 -- minimum price

Yup.

Either way you're going to be spending at least $1000. Small XT for small hands is good though. I personally think grips like the 20D or D50 are chunky

 

[tfinch2]

I'd say the Pentax K100D (in-body IS) and a lens like the Pentax 16-45mm f/4 ED. On November 9th, Pentax is coming out with a new round of rebates for the K100D and a gang of lenses. After rebates, you'll probably be able to get both for $800 or less.

 

[GTaudiophile]

Originally posted by: Madwand1
I'd probably get a Canon XTi (400D) with a (1) Tamron 17-50 f/2.8.

Alternatives:

2. Canon EF-S 17-85 f/4-5.6 IS USM -- more reach, silence, IS, lesser optics
3. Canon EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS USM -- price little concern
4. Kit EF-S 18-55 f/3.5-5.6 -- minimum price

The Canon 17-55 is the best lens there but also the most expensive. The Tamron 17-50 is no doubt the best value and won't disappoint.

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

Originally posted by: tfinch2
I'd say the Pentax K100D (in-body IS) and a lens like the Pentax 16-45mm f/4 ED. On November 9th, Pentax is coming out with a new round of rebates for the K100D and a gang of lenses. After rebates, you'll probably be able to get both for $800 or less.

I personally can't wait until the K10D comes out. Oh man... drool......sfjkfdghgggggsssssssssssssssssssssssssssss

 

[GTaudiophile]

Originally posted by: fuzzybabybunny

Originally posted by: tfinch2
I'd say the Pentax K100D (in-body IS) and a lens like the Pentax 16-45mm f/4 ED. On November 9th, Pentax is coming out with a new round of rebates for the K100D and a gang of lenses. After rebates, you'll probably be able to get both for $800 or less.

I personally can't wait until the K10D comes out. Oh man... drool......sfjkfdghgggggsssssssssssssssssssssssssssss

How dare you betray The Great Canon with such blasphemous commentary!

 

[brigden]

What about the Canon G7? Is it a viable alternative to a DSLR?

 

[AndrewR]

Originally posted by: fuzzybabybunny

Originally posted by: tfinch2
I'd say the Pentax K100D (in-body IS) and a lens like the Pentax 16-45mm f/4 ED. On November 9th, Pentax is coming out with a new round of rebates for the K100D and a gang of lenses. After rebates, you'll probably be able to get both for $800 or less.

I personally can't wait until the K10D comes out. Oh man... drool......sfjkfdghgggggsssssssssssssssssssssssssssss

What? What? Won't Canon send men in dark coats and sunglasses over to confiscate your gear for admitting you like a non-Canon or Nikon product??

The K10D sounds fantastic. If it lives up to the hype with picture quality, it'll be an awesome camera. I wonder if Sony and Nikon are retooling their next cameras (successor to the 7D and the D60) to account for the K10D?

 

[GTaudiophile]

Originally posted by: brigden
What about the Canon G7? Is it a viable alternative to a DSLR?

Depends. G7 is a high-end P&S digicam. In good light for norma shots (not action), sure. DSLRs really shine in low-light or when speed is necessary. Fast action photography, etc.

 

[GTaudiophile]

Originally posted by: AndrewR

Originally posted by: fuzzybabybunny

Originally posted by: tfinch2
I'd say the Pentax K100D (in-body IS) and a lens like the Pentax 16-45mm f/4 ED. On November 9th, Pentax is coming out with a new round of rebates for the K100D and a gang of lenses. After rebates, you'll probably be able to get both for $800 or less.

I personally can't wait until the K10D comes out. Oh man... drool......sfjkfdghgggggsssssssssssssssssssssssssssss

What? What? Won't Canon send men in dark coats and sunglasses over to confiscate your gear for admitting you like a non-Canon or Nikon product??

The K10D sounds fantastic. If it lives up to the hype with picture quality, it'll be an awesome camera. I wonder if Sony and Nikon are retooling their next cameras (successor to the 7D and the D60) to account for the K10D?

What is the price point of the K10D?

 

[sash1]

Pentax K100D. Good camera at a nice price

 

[getbush]

K10D
? Body only: $899
? Kit with 18-55 mm lens: $999

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

Originally posted by: getbush
K10D
? Body only: $899
? Kit with 18-55 mm lens: $999

OMG nooooooo... drool.......... afldsjdsgdmakeitstopdsfnaiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii.........

I *really* hope that camera doesn't lack any serious features, such as mirror lock-up, which I think it might not have

 

[getbush]

Drive modes ? Single
? Continuous: 3 fps, unlimited JPEG, 9 images RAW
? Self-timer: 2 or 12 sec (automatic mirror-up) <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
? Remote control: immediate, 3 sec delay

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0609/06091305pentaxk10dpreviewed.asp

specs on page 2

For my uses, I still want a 30D

 

[Zenmervolt]

The best consumer, entry-level DSLR is the one that feels the best in the photographer's hand.

None of the current crop of DSLRs will produce bad images, but it's easy to dislike one because it doesn't "feel right".

ZV

 

[randomlinh]

Originally posted by: KLin
A D-SLR for a friend's daughter? What kind of gifts do you get for your family?

i would like to know this too.

 

[Madwand1]

Originally posted by: getbush
? Self-timer: 2 or 12 sec (automatic mirror-up) <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Heh, not only does it have it, it has it done correctly -- integrated with the timer.

 

[GTaudiophile]

I like the weather sealing of the K10D. I also like the high-quality viewfinder.

Canon and Nikon should get off their high horses and realize they need to learn from the little guys...or become little guys themselves...at least in the consumer market.

Canon DID shock the world 2 years ago with the first sub-$1000 DSLR, the original EOS-300D/Rebel. I have the feeling they MIGHT do the same again soon...by fusing the EOS-5D and EOS-30D lines and create an "inexpensive" full-frame DSLR. This would be a huge blow to the likes of Sony/Pentax. And Canon has the FF CMOS sensors to do it.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: Madwand1

Originally posted by: getbush
? Self-timer: 2 or 12 sec (automatic mirror-up) <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Heh, not only does it have it, it has it done correctly -- integrated with the timer.

No, "correctly" is via a manual lever on the side of the lens mount, like on my old RTS II.

ZV