DSLR recomendation for a starter

[WombRaider]

I've been using my P&S Cybershot camera for a while now, but the quality just doesn't cut it anymore. So I'm considering getting a DSLR camera. I would just like some recomendation for a good starter camera. It would be best if it's under $1,000, used or older models will be fine too.

-edit-
I'm particularly looking at the Nikon D40 and the Canon Rebel XTi.

-edit 2-
Made my final decision, going to go with a used 20D instead.

 

[AmigaMan]

Originally posted by: WombRaider
I've been using my P&S Cybershot camera for a while now, but the quality just doesn't cut it anymore. So I'm considering getting a DSLR camera. I would just like some recomendation for a good starter camera. It would be best if it's under $1,000, used or older models will be fine too.

-edit-
I'm particularly looking at the Nikon D40 and the Canon Rebel XT.

How likely are you to buy nicer lenses versus using the kit lens all the time? If the former, then stay away from the D40. If the latter then either the Rebel or the D40 will work. You might also want to consider the Sony Alpha which is a little more expensive (around $750 with lens) but offers in-camera image stabilization. Pentax also has some good choices for cheap.

 

[WombRaider]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: AmigaMan
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: WombRaider
I've been using my P&S Cybershot camera for a while now, but the quality just doesn't cut it anymore. So I'm considering getting a DSLR camera. I would just like some recomendation for a good starter camera. It would be best if it's under $1,000, used or older models will be fine too.

-edit-
I'm particularly looking at the Nikon D40 and the Canon Rebel XT.</end quote></div>

How likely are you to buy nicer lenses versus using the kit lens all the time? If the former, then stay away from the D40. If the latter then either the Rebel or the D40 will work. You might also want to consider the Sony Alpha which is a little more expensive (around $750 with lens) but offers in-camera image stabilization. Pentax also has some good choices for cheap.</end quote></div>

I'll definitely start off with the kit lens. As I become more familiar with the camera, I may then buy better lens. Does the D40 not have that many lenses to choose from?

Also, do you know where the D40 and the Rebel XTi is made in?

 

[blurredvision]

Originally posted by: WombRaider
I'll definitely start off with the kit lens. As I become more familiar with the camera, I may then buy better lens. Does the D40 not have that many lenses to choose from?

Also, do you know where the D40 and the Rebel XTi is made in?

The thing with the D40 is that it lacks an internal focusing motor, so in order to take advantage of automatic focusing, you have to stick with lenses with the AF-S or AF-I (I think those are right, somebody correct me if I'm wrong) tags, which have the focusing motors built into the lens itself. The selection is growing, but I think what AmigaMan is trying to say is that if you are going to outgrow the kit lens, you currently do not have as wide of a selection of AF lenses.

Another thing to definitely thing about is the comfort of holding the DSLR's you are considering. Go to a local camera shop or Best Buy/Circuit City, and hand hold the models. You may find one smaller or not as good a grip as the other, which could make your decision pretty easy.

 

[dug777]

Used D50.

Build quality and ergonomics are leagues ahead of the 350/400D (in my humble opinion), and it has the AF-drive screw the D40 is missing (allows it to use AF lenses that aren't self powered (SWM and the like))...

Or a D40, it's not a complete disaster missing the internal AF-drive

 

[WombRaider]

Originally posted by: blurredvision
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: WombRaider
I'll definitely start off with the kit lens. As I become more familiar with the camera, I may then buy better lens. Does the D40 not have that many lenses to choose from?

Also, do you know where the D40 and the Rebel XTi is made in?</end quote></div>
The thing with the D40 is that it lacks an internal focusing motor, so in order to take advantage of automatic focusing, you have to stick with lenses with the AF-S or AF-I (I think those are right, somebody correct me if I'm wrong) tags, which have the focusing motors built into the lens itself. The selection is growing, but I think what AmigaMan is trying to say is that if you are going to outgrow the kit lens, you currently do not have as wide of a selection of AF lenses.

Hmm, I thought all DSLR cameras were manually only. Shows you how much I know about DSLR cameras. I'll be driving to BestBuy later today to check out some cameras.

 

[WombRaider]

Originally posted by: dug777
Used D50.

It looks bigger and heavier than the Rebel XTi. I'll check out that model too, thanks.

 

[imported_Stew]

I'd go for a Rebel XT, which should run around $500 with a kit lens, maybe a little more. Then you've got $200 for a flash like the 430EX, and $300 for a second lens.

 

[dartworth]

The Pentax K100D for around $475 is a nice deal too...

 

[Rottie]

I think I would go for Rebel XTi to start learning DSLR basic 101

 

[dug777]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: WombRaider
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: dug777
Used D50.
</end quote></div>

It looks bigger and heavier than the Rebel XTi. I'll check out that model too, thanks.</end quote></div>

That's part of the appeal, it doesn't feel like it was put together in a sweatshop out of recycled soda bottles, specifically for people with particularly petite hands

 

[AmigaMan]

Originally posted by: dug777

Originally posted by: WombRaider

Originally posted by: dug777
Used D50.

It looks bigger and heavier than the Rebel XTi. I'll check out that model too, thanks.

That's part of the appeal, it doesn't feel like it was put together in a sweatshop out of recycled soda bottles, specifically for people with particularly petite hands

sounds like someone is becoming a bit of a Nikon fanboi

 

[WombRaider]

I've made my final decision. I'm going to get a used Canon EOS 20D instead, unless this guy is willing to sell me his 30D for $800 on Craigslist.

 

[dug777]

Originally posted by: AmigaMan
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: dug777
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: WombRaider
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: dug777
Used D50.
</end quote></div>

It looks bigger and heavier than the Rebel XTi. I'll check out that model too, thanks.</end quote></div>

That's part of the appeal, it doesn't feel like it was put together in a sweatshop out of recycled soda bottles, specifically for people with particularly petite hands </end quote></div>

sounds like someone is becoming a bit of a Nikon fanboi

After playing with the 400D in the shop, i made my mind up and eliminated it long before i made my decision between the K10D/Alpha/D80

But yeah