Best professional quality camera for a beginner?

[o9z]

What is a high quality, professional quality camera that would be a good idea for a beginner? I am wanting to be able to take high quality photos of the kids in their sports, as well as taking scenic pictures as well.

I have been looking at the Canon EOS Rebel XS.

Does anyone have any better suggestions? Cheaper is always better too I am looking for quality and price over flexibility. This is going to be a hobby rather than graduating on to something more extravagant.

 

[Kanalua]

T1i?

 

[twistedlogic]

Cheaper is always better too

That's easy, Nikon D3x, j/k

Go second or third generation (ala XS) and go for lightly used, it'll save you tons.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

i think the screen of the T1i will make you never want to go back to an XSi or XS. The pixel density is amazing. It's like iPhone 3GS => iP4

 

[Muse]

Pentax K-x or K-r, a lot of bang for the buck, and the lenses are cheaper than Canikon lenses, plus image stabilization is built into the camera body, not the lenses, so you get it with any lens. Nice feel, too, not so plasticky. You might have a hard time finding them to check out how they feel in your hands, assuming you're in the USA. I bought my K-x sight unseen. The screen on the K-r is going to have that super pixel density (about 4x that of the K-x), and one more stop (the K-x already has super great low light capabilities), but I don't know that you can get anywhere near as good deals yet.

 

[Subbaculcha]

I'm in the same boat as you and about 10 days before black friday I managed to pick up from Amazon a Canon Rebel XS with the 18-55 kit lens, and the 55-250mm lens for $496. Just need to pick up the 50mm f1.8 (about $95) and i'll be set. I've seen many pros recommend this combination as a superb starter set.
I went with Canon because i've had 4 canon point and shoot digitals, and that deal at the time (and now) was pretty darn good.
Keep your eyes open and unless you're attached to a brand or feature, you should be able to put together a decent starter set.

You may also want to check out the "Pro" point and shoots like the Canon g12 etc. If you don't need the flexibility of lens changes or don't want the hassle. I ultimately decided that I wanted to take photographs for the sake of taking them (as opposed to snapshots for memories) and needed a proper tool for doing that, so went with the DSLR. Getting amazing kid photo's in low light (with the 50mm 1.8) will be a real bonus over the old point and shooots.

 

[996GT2]

Professional quality?

If you're talking about image quality only, then the Canon T2i or Nikon D3100 both deliver.

If you want great image quality AND great build quality, look at the Canon 7D and Nikon D7000.

 

[ElFenix]

Professional quality?

If you're talking about image quality only, then the Canon T2i or Nikon D3100 both deliver.

If you want great image quality AND great build quality, look at the Canon 7D and Nikon D7000.

Cheaper is always better too

i don't know why everyone thinks the build quality of the t2i is cheap. it's not like everything is falling apart on the rebel line. the tactile quality of the plastic may not be the best, but that's different from build quality.

 

[Smoove910]

MY vote = Pentax K5. If you don't want to spend $1500 for a body only, you have other nice choices from Canon and Nikon. I would recommend you find what sort of lenses you are going to be using 1st, then select a body based off price and reviews.

FYI - I think both the Nikon D3100 and D7000 need to mature a little to help resolve the pixel issues they are having with their sensors, otherwise I would give them a serious look.


Most importantly, you failed to mention your budget. That's a pretty important piece of the puzzle.

 

[xchangx]

You biggiest issue is going to be the lens. Especially if you are going to be shooting sports.

 

[twistedlogic]

You biggiest issue is going to be the lens. Especially if you are going to be shooting sports.

Exactly. I'd even go as far as to say that for any indoor sports or nighttime sports under artificial lighting, your going to need a full frame camera, fast glass and good technique to get acceptable results, as most high schools have horrendous lighting. Not cheap.

 

[996GT2]

i don't know why everyone thinks the build quality of the t2i is cheap. it's not like everything is falling apart on the rebel line. the tactile quality of the plastic may not be the best, but that's different from build quality.

I'm not saying it is cheap, rather that it's not built for the rigors of professional use. I've owned a few Rebels in the past and they're fine for amateur use, but if the OP was referring to professional quality both from an image quality and a build quality point of view, then the 7D and D7000/D300s would be the minimum.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

i don't know why everyone thinks the build quality of the t2i is cheap. it's not like everything is falling apart on the rebel line. the tactile quality of the plastic may not be the best, but that's different from build quality.

it's just the feel. the mag alloy is far sturdier and feels solid.

kinda like the galaxy s feels like a cheap phone. it might not suck in terms of quality, but it feels cheap.

 

[finbarqs]

in all honesty, you can't get professional quality photographs without a professional. Any camera these days will give you pretty decent quality, especially for a beginner. In fact, you'll probably find that most modern P&S will take "better pictures" than your run of the mill DSLR.

Though modern day DSLR's are trying to dumb down their operation, a p&s should take great quality, especially something like that SX30 IS.

Another thing that professionals like to do, is pixel peep. Especially in the digital world. Truth is, only in advertising photography where you need "perfect" quality. Weddings, portraiture, all have their "artistic angle" in which things do not have to be 100% in focus, or composed according to the rules. As for landscapes, nothing beats a true view camera. 4x5, 8x10+.

So my recommendation for a beginner? Maybe try out a high end P&S, and it'll give you the BEST automatic function. Otherwise, to your eyes, it'll probably be worst than what a DSLR will give you on auto settings.

 

[GoSharks]

In fact, you'll probably find that most modern P&S will take "better pictures" than your run of the mill DSLR.

What?

 

[speedy2]

In fact, you'll probably find that most modern P&S will take "better pictures" than your run of the mill DSLR.

Thanks for the laugh!