DSLR around $600

[troytime]

Originally posted by: 996GT2

With Nikon, you need to have a D200 or above to have matrix metering on older lenses, even though they all use the standard Nikon F Bayonet Mount. Also, the D40 and D60 won't autofocus with Nikon AF or AF-D lenses, only AF-I and AF-S lenses. That limits your choice of lenses with one of those cameras, since they do not have an internal AF motor. This is why a D200 is recommended if you are interested in using older Nikon glass: it offers matrix metering on AI and AI-S lenses, and autofocus with AF, AF-D, AF-I, and AF-S lenses.

I think you need to check your definition of matrix metering.
The d200 with meter with AIS lenses. Matrix metering is a method of metering...i'm no expert, but i'm pretty sure that matrix metering != through the lens metering.

 

[thegisguy]

Thanks to everyone for the Live Search 25% off tip. With that it looks like the Canon Rebel Xsi is in my price range, and I might be able get some extras too.

Could someone give me an idea if a bundle like this is any good? Or am I better getting just the kit lens and buying the "extras" on my own?

Link to Bundle

 

[996GT2]

Originally posted by: troytime

Originally posted by: 996GT2

With Nikon, you need to have a D200 or above to have matrix metering on older lenses, even though they all use the standard Nikon F Bayonet Mount. Also, the D40 and D60 won't autofocus with Nikon AF or AF-D lenses, only AF-I and AF-S lenses. That limits your choice of lenses with one of those cameras, since they do not have an internal AF motor. This is why a D200 is recommended if you are interested in using older Nikon glass: it offers matrix metering on AI and AI-S lenses, and autofocus with AF, AF-D, AF-I, and AF-S lenses.

I think you need to check your definition of matrix metering.
The d200 with meter with AIS lenses. Matrix metering is a method of metering...i'm no expert, but i'm pretty sure that matrix metering != through the lens metering.

What's wrong with it? I know Matrix Metering != TTL Metering. Nikon cameras offer 3 types of metering: Matrix, CW, and Spot. All 3 types are TTL.

For older manual focus lenses, the D200 offers Nikon's Color Matrix Metering once lens information (focal length and maximum aperture) are entered. The D200's Color Matrix metering works with AI, Modified AI, Series E, and AI-S lenses. It even maintains Color Matrix Metering when an AI teleconverter is used. CW and Spot metering are also available.

This is one thing that sets apart the D200, D300, D700, D2, and D3 from other Nikon cameras. The lower end models cannot meter with older lenses, and the old D1 only has spot and CW metering with them.

You might want to check your facts here

 

[Heidfirst]

Originally posted by: thegisguy
Could someone give me an idea if a bundle like this is any good? Or am I better getting just the kit lens and buying the "extras" on my own?

Link to Bundle

Personally I think that you are probably better buying the accessories that you want/need rather than that bundle.

 

[thegisguy]

Heidfirst, That's pretty much the same conclusion I came to myself. Thanks for putting my mind at ease.

 

[angry hampster]

Those kits are absolute junk and way overpriced. Get this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Canon-EOS-...3A15|39%3A1|240%3A1309

...and buy a Tamron 17-50 lens to go with it. That lens is fantastic on a rebel.

 

[ivan2]

To fit into the budget, get one with the 18-55mm IS, this lens is hard to beat at it's price range.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Canon-EOS-...9&_trkparms=240%3A1318

 

[soydios]

Looking at all the bickering about Nikon metering above:
Metering or not, you can still mount almost any Nikon F-mount lens on your camera and take photos with it, albeit in fully manual operation. Pretty much the only ones you can't use are the really old fisheyes that poke too far into the body.

The D40/D60 are really limited, however, by the lack of that in-camera autofocus motor. If you're looking at a D40, look instead at a D50 or D70s; the sensors are the same but the D50 and D70s are far more capable cameras. If you're looking at a D40x or D60, look instead at a D80 for the same reasons as above.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: soydios
Looking at all the bickering about Nikon metering above:
Metering or not, you can still mount almost any Nikon F-mount lens on your camera and take photos with it, albeit in fully manual operation. Pretty much the only ones you can't use are the really old fisheyes that poke too far into the body.

you can do that with a canon. iirc, someone on LL used a wide angle that extended deep into the body on a 5D with no problems. just put some foam on top of the lens extension.

nikon says some of the older lenses can hurt your camera if it's not a d40/60/3

 

[extra]

I concur, the 18-55 image stabilized kit lense with the canon rebel xsi is pretty damn good. Sure it's not as uber as some of the spendy lenses people here have, but it works fantastic for everything I use it for, the IS works *great* by the way. Obviously not as essential if you are always able to use a tripod, but for me, especially because i've always been really shakey/jittery, it helps immensely. I love my rebel xsi. With noise reduction on you can get usable shots at ISO 1600 (obviously they won't make great shots if you are going to make enlargements, but for a 4x6 or 5x7 they are fine). Anything ISO 400 and under blows up good even into 13x19s, though that is right on the edge of acceptable DPI. The camera is quick, has good usability, etc...i really recommend grabbing an sdhc card to go with it, though.

 

[thegisguy]

Extra,

Thanks for your input.

Got back from a camera shop a little bit ago. Got to play around with a Xsi which I think is leading at this point. I also really liked the Sony A300. I loved the "feel" of the sony contoured grip, but it seemed heavier to me. I haven't looked up the specs to see if that is true (yet). They didn't have an Olympus E-520 (or 510), but had the 410. I hated the lack of grip on the 410.

I'll let you guys know what I end up with. I plan on making the plunge this week.

Thank for all your help.

 

[extra]

Cool, good luck with whatever you get. I'm sure whatever brand you pick you won't be disappointed.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: thegisguy
Extra,

Thanks for your input.

Got back from a camera shop a little bit ago. Got to play around with a Xsi which I think is leading at this point. I also really liked the Sony A300. I loved the "feel" of the sony contoured grip, but it seemed heavier to me. I haven't looked up the specs to see if that is true (yet). They didn't have an Olympus E-520 (or 510), but had the 410. I hated the lack of grip on the 410.

I'll let you guys know what I end up with. I plan on making the plunge this week.

Thank for all your help.

the 520 has a pretty chunky grip.

the a300 is heavier than the xsi by about 1/4 lb.

 

[thegisguy]

Sorry to resurrect my old thread, but I have a question about the MS live Cash Back. I was getting ready to buy a Canon XSI on Ebay. I read the MS Live fine print, and it seems to indicate that the seller needs to let them know the sale went through. Before I hit the buy it now I emailed the seller (Cameta Camera) to double check about the Cash Back. Their reply said they don't take part in the program. So my question. I was hoping to find an Ebay store that was a licensed Canon retailer, that also took part in the cash back program. Anyone know of one?

 

[Muse]

Originally posted by: magomago
Check out Pentax as well...huge bang for the buck

My first thought too.

Originally posted by: thegisguy
Sorry to resurrect my old thread, but I have a question about the MS live Cash Back. I was getting ready to buy a Canon XSI on Ebay. I read the MS Live fine print, and it seems to indicate that the seller needs to let them know the sale went through. Before I hit the buy it now I emailed the seller (Cameta Camera) to double check about the Cash Back. Their reply said they don't take part in the program. So my question. I was hoping to find an Ebay store that was a licensed Canon retailer, that also took part in the cash back program. Anyone know of one?

So, you've decided on the XSi with the kit lens, right? And thanks for resurrecting your thread... I'm looking at DSLR's in the same price range.

 

[thegisguy]

Yeah I'm thinking of going with the XSi. I had been going back and forth between the XSi and the Olympus E-520.

Just have to figure out where to buy it now...

 

[dmw16]

What about used? $600 could get you pretty good gear used. Does the $600 include a lens?

I got a Nikon D70, 50mm Prime Lens, and an 18-55mm with VR and spent under $600. Everything was Ebay or photo forum purchases.

 

[thegisguy]

dmw16. Thanks for the suggestion, but I'm pretty well set on going new. My $600 budget is just for the camera and kit lens. No Memory or accessories

 

[thegisguy]

Anyone willing to weight in on this bundle. I figure I'd use the included memory as spares, and get some name brand stuff to use as primary.

Also anyone know is this seller will work with the MS live Cash Back?

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: thegisguy
Anyone willing to weight in on this bundle. I figure I'd use the included memory as spares, and get some name brand stuff to use as primary.

Also anyone know is this seller will work with the MS live Cash Back?

wow that sure does include a lot of crud

 

[thegisguy]

Really I thought the 2 IS lens were pretty good. I was wrong?

 

[thegisguy]

Well I ended up a totally different direction. I bought an XS from Dell for $480. Seemed like a good deal. Now I just have to get telephoto lens, memory, etc... Man this is getting pricey quick.

 

[ElFenix]

the 55-250IS is a good kit telephoto, i was referring to all the rest of the stuff that was in that bundle.

 

[thegisguy]

Thanks for the info on the 55-250 lens. As I mentioned I went with just an XS and the 18-55 kit lens for now thru a deal on dell. I figured the rest of the stuff was junk in that combo, but I figured the stuff would have at least gotten me going, and I could replace as needed. Now I just I just start with better stuff. More money up front, but probably better in the long run.

 

[blurredvision]

Originally posted by: Flipped Gazelle
Edit: honestly, the problem with asking people about which camera to buy, especially DSLRs, is that almost everyone becomes a fanboy/girl of the brand they are using. All of these cameras are very good. You should really try to handle some of them so you can get a feel for what you like.

Actually, the problem is that most of us here can typically only afford one DSLR, so that becomes the one and only DSLR we use and possibly have ever used. And in today's market, it's almost hard to buy a really crappy DSLR, so everyone is generally happy with their purchase. So that's what they will recommend.