First DSLR - Advice?

[Fingolfin269]

Hey guys I have an old Canon Point and Shoot (A590 I think) and after doing a lot of travel recently (with a lot more already planned for the future) I've decided it's time to get a 'real' camera. Would you suggest getting a low-end DSLR to start or just dive in and go a little closer to the mid-range? Something along the lines of the Canon T2i for example? If I do end up making the investment I'm planning to attend some local classes that are offered to help learn how to actually use your equipment of choice to the best level you possibly can as well.

 

[metalmania]

a used 50D or 60D?

 

[Smoove910]

what type of things do you shoot? Me personally, I had to factor in the amount of hiking and outdoor activities I partake in. Therefore I needed something that was durable, and more importantly weather sealed.

The Canon 7d offers some weather sealing and has a partial magnesium body
The Nikon D7000 offers some weather sealing as well, but not as much magnesium in the body

I ended up going with a used Pentax K7 since it has 77 weather seals, magnesium body, and has the same K mount used throughout the past 30 years. So all those yard sale and 2nd hand Pentax K-mount lenses can be used without an adapter.

Just my .02.

What are you willing to spend?

 

[shortylickens]

Refurb Nikon D40. When you play with it for a while you will decide which features you really need, then you can make an informed decision about what you upgrade to.

 

[Chess]

a used 50D or 60D?

Thats what I purchased... a used one.... perfect to learn on

 

[metalmania]

Thats what I purchased... a used one.... perfect to learn on

I got a used 40D body for $350. Best deal in this year, for me.

 

[CptObvious]

Best values at the moment IMO:

Refurb T2i - trade in your Canon P&S to Canon Loyalty Program (camera should be broken, but I heard they don't check...), comes with a kit lens for ~$550.

Pentax K-r - Amazon has it with the 18-55 and 55-200 lenses right now for $660. This is the camera I probably would've gotten, just because the in-body AF motor and IS would've been perfect for the lens I wanted (Tamron 70-200).

Sony A33 - Discontinued but probably the best entry choice if you want to shoot video. $650 on Amazon.

Nikon D3100 - used to be the best deal going for around $550 plus the 55-200 for another $100, but prices have gone up. Costco has it for $730 for both lenses plus a bag and memory. This is what I bought and I'm mostly happy with it.

In your shoes, I'd probably go with the refurbished T2i if it's in stock.

 

[metalmania]

Best values at the moment IMO:

Refurb T2i - trade in your Canon P&S to Canon Loyalty Program (camera should be broken, but I heard they don't check...), comes with a kit lens for ~$550.

Pentax K-r - Amazon has it with the 18-55 and 55-200 lenses right now for $660. This is the camera I probably would've gotten, just because the in-body AF motor and IS would've been perfect for the lens I wanted (Tamron 70-200).

Sony A33 - Discontinued but probably the best entry choice if you want to shoot video. $650 on Amazon.

Nikon D3100 - used to be the best deal going for around $550 plus the 55-200 for another $100, but prices have gone up. Costco has it for $730 for both lenses plus a bag and memory. This is what I bought and I'm mostly happy with it.

In your shoes, I'd probably go with the refurbished T2i if it's in stock.

They have 60D in stock.

 

[weez82]

Hey guys I have an old Canon Point and Shoot (A590 I think) and after doing a lot of travel recently (with a lot more already planned for the future) I've decided it's time to get a 'real' camera. Would you suggest getting a low-end DSLR to start or just dive in and go a little closer to the mid-range? Something along the lines of the Canon T2i for example? If I do end up making the investment I'm planning to attend some local classes that are offered to help learn how to actually use your equipment of choice to the best level you possibly can as well.

What type of photos do you take? Whats your price range? Do you plan on doing large prints (16x20 or larger)? Are you 100% sure you need a dslr vs a newer point and shoot? A dslr is very nice if you do large prints or need good low light performance. But it is heavy, large and draws lots of attention, something you might not like when on your travels.

 

[Fingolfin269]

Here's an answer to some of the questions:

1) What type of photos do you take? Honestly I'm a novice and have no real clue how to answer this. If I see something I like then I'll take a picture. I don't just try to center everything and do at least make some attempt to add my 'artistic' touch. I find myself making multiple shots of the same thing too just because I want to have many different versions to choose from. I enjoy digging through the good and the bad.

2) Do you plan on doing large prints? Not at this time.

3) Are you 100% sure you need a dslr vs. a newer point and shoot? That's a great question and one I've definitely thought about. I'm honestly still considering just buying an expensive point and shoot and calling it a day. But at the same time I'm curious as to what I'll be missing because I think ultimately, by settling on a pns, I'm definitely limiting the upside.

4) What are you willing to spend? I'd prefer to keep it in the $500ish range, give or take $100 or so.

5) Why types of things are you going to shoot? This one is kind of a repeat of #1 but Smoove referenced hiking. I do this as well and whatever camera I buy will be joining me on the trip. Are there particular brands/models I should look at for this type of activity?

I'm not in a huge rush here but would like to have something in the next couple of weeks. I'll be sure to keep an eye on CL as well. Thanks again for any advice guys.

 

[JohnnyRebel]

Hey guys I have an old Canon Point and Shoot (A590 I think) and after doing a lot of travel recently (with a lot more already planned for the future) I've decided it's time to get a 'real' camera. Would you suggest getting a low-end DSLR to start or just dive in and go a little closer to the mid-range? Something along the lines of the Canon T2i for example? If I do end up making the investment I'm planning to attend some local classes that are offered to help learn how to actually use your equipment of choice to the best level you possibly can as well.

Fin,
In your price range you are looking at ether the best P&S in the world (Canon S95) or an entry-level / used DSLR. The Canon S95 is capable of taking great shots of things that don't move very fast. A DSLR is really in another world than a P&S.
As far as the whole Canon vs Nikon vs everybody else thing goes, there's more hype than info on the internet. Working in a corporate media department, I have access to a variety of equpment. I prefer to shoot Nikon. Ergonomically better (subjective) with a more productive auto-focus. The Canon (5D) focuses very quickly but with more misses. Both take great photos. The Nikon seems to shoot "warmer", shoots much better in low light, and just turns out more usable photos. It's a little harder to take great photos with the Canon, but the ones that are great can't really be touched by the Nikon D700.

In your price range and current knowledge level, I really think you'd do best with either a Refubished Nikon DSLR or a new Canon P&S. I wouldn't buy an old Canon. Post T1i Canons are much nicer to use than the older one's. If you can get a refurb T1i in your price range that might be a winner. It has the normal Canon AF misses, but can make terrific pictures. A refurb D40 would be in your price range. I had one and my 13 year old now uses it and is taking terrific shots.

If you get the DSLR, you'll find many times that it's in the car or back at the house when you want to take a shot, so you'll use the ol' Blackberry. If you got the S95, you can always have it with you.

If you are going to try to enlarge a picture, NR will be a big problem with any P&S, plus is somewhat unpleasant on the T1i.

JR

EDIT: I missed the part about diving into the mid-range. Nothing on the planet beats the Nikon D7000 right now. It's a real homerun at $1100 (body only). 6 months same-as-cash from Adorama. Try it out for up to 30 days and return it with no questions asked if you don't love it. (BTW, I'm not talking tech specs here, I'm talking real world use of the camera. I haven't seen our dept D7000 in months. It's always being used for the same reason D7000's are always out of stock at camera stores. Order it and wait until they can fill the order to get yours.)

 

[CuriousMike]

I spent years going thru P&S cameras.
It wasn't until last year I got my first DSLR and I honestly am pissed I didn't jump in sooner.

You'll take some of the worst photos you've ever taken with a DSLR.
But you'll take the absolute best as well.
The first set of photos I took from my DSLR blew me away - the focus / sharpness was remarkable compared to my P&S... and then I cropped the photos / zoomed and the sharpness remained. P&S go to grain when you do much zooming or cropping.


I've taken my DSLR on a few hikes - they aren't as packable as a P&S, but the results are usually worth the extra bulk.

The D40 + 18/55 lens would be a great start and will easily be below your $500 limit.

 

[elitejp]

heres my thought on it all. Stick with canon only because you can trade in your p&s through canon loyalty. Nothing against other brands but just saying that your going to be able to get a cheaper camera due to their discount program.

Outside of how a camera feels and some of its bells and whistles there really isnt any such thing as a low end dslr. I currently have the 50d and every newer model camera that canon has released after the 50d has better image quality and better noise handling than my 50d even though these "entry level" cameras cost a fraction of the price.

So what does my 50d have over the rebel models? well not much, but certainly does have some nice features. For example I can shoot at 6.3fps, and I have a back wheel that helps me adjust the camera settings quicker than if I was using a rebel, and it has better auto focusing and micro adjustment which allows me to fine tune the lens to the camera . Oh ya better weather sealing
Everything else is really the same, and even though my 50d has these differences it may not really matter too much.

So to explain even more clearly here are some details to consider

50d has better...than a rebel "entry level" camera
fps: but I just about never use continuous shooting. its nice to have but rarely used by most people. it seems most of the time people will be using single shot.
back wheel: ive never used a rebel but most people really like this feature but i dont think it should be a deciding factor
auto focus: well the 50d will have better auto focus than the rebel series but the 5dI and II both still use the same auto focusing system as the rebels and are about 4 x the price as a rebel. My point is that you can still take phenomenal pics without all the cross points.
micro adjust: some say its a gimmick others say its helpful
weather sealing: the xxd models are better than the xxxd models however after owning my camera for 3? years and being a part of potn (canon forum) for about 4 years I dont relly remember once where I heard someone complaining that they broke their xxxd because it got wet or snowed on or whatever so for me this is another dumb argument to have.


My recommendation is the t2I, most say ( and I agree) that this camera has the same pic quality as the 7D which is quite a bit more expensive. For me I dont care what you shoot with and what bells and whistles your camera has over mine if I can also take the same quality shot as you. And then start buying the most expesive glass that you can afford. The lenses are whats going to make the camera shine.

One other option if you want a pocketable camera the Fuji FinePix X100 is absolutely awesome and can take pics just as good as any crop sensor camera however it has the limitaion of not being able to change lenses.

 

[weez82]

Here's an answer to some of the questions:

1) What type of photos do you take? Honestly I'm a novice and have no real clue how to answer this. If I see something I like then I'll take a picture. I don't just try to center everything and do at least make some attempt to add my 'artistic' touch. I find myself making multiple shots of the same thing too just because I want to have many different versions to choose from. I enjoy digging through the good and the bad.

2) Do you plan on doing large prints? Not at this time.

3) Are you 100% sure you need a dslr vs. a newer point and shoot? That's a great question and one I've definitely thought about. I'm honestly still considering just buying an expensive point and shoot and calling it a day. But at the same time I'm curious as to what I'll be missing because I think ultimately, by settling on a pns, I'm definitely limiting the upside.

4) What are you willing to spend? I'd prefer to keep it in the $500ish range, give or take $100 or so.

5) Why types of things are you going to shoot? This one is kind of a repeat of #1 but Smoove referenced hiking. I do this as well and whatever camera I buy will be joining me on the trip. Are there particular brands/models I should look at for this type of activity?

I'm not in a huge rush here but would like to have something in the next couple of weeks. I'll be sure to keep an eye on CL as well. Thanks again for any advice guys.

I'll try my best to reply to these. Im very much an amateur but I think in this case thats a good thing.

1) Please correct me if im wrong here but, it sounds like your "style" is point and shoot. You like to carry a camera everywhere you go and take loads of pics. And you dont do it for any other reason than to have the memories. Again, if Im wrong please correct me. I would go p&s camera for this

2) Imo the biggest advantage in going dslr is large prints. I went dslr because my p&s just couldnt produce a good print above 11x13. That was with a Canon S3 is. I dont know how the newer p&s cameras perform with larger prints so hopefully someone with some experience with large prints and newer p&s came chime in. But imo, if your not planing on large prints, go p&s

3) dslr vs p&s. This is a tuff one and it really depends on where you are going to be using your camera and what you need the camera to do. High-end p&s camera have come a long way. They have raw mode, full manual mode, can use filters with the use of adapters and Im sure much more but it's late and I cant think right now. But to answer your question, going p&s you lose the ability to change lens and a big sensor. Those are the 2 biggest advantages a dslr has. Im sure there are more but like I said it's late

4) At that price range you can get a used/refurb/new dslr with a kit lens (maybe 2 if you find an amazing deal). Or you can get a high-end p&s. At this price range and that fact that you dont plan on large prints, I would go p&s.

5) For hiking (backpacking, if thats what you meant?), I wouldnt like to pack a dslr. It's just to much weight and too bulky. The best camera is one you like to take and will take everywhere. I can say this from experience, I leave my dslr at home more times than not. Even for day hikes I dont like to bring my dslr. It's a pain to lug around and it's a pain to take it out of the bag every time I want to photography something. Now I could leave it around my neck but I'll say this, it gets very uncomfortable real fast.

Hopefully some of what I typed made a little sense. And I dont want you or anyone else to think Im anti dslr, Im not and I love my dslr when I use it but I dont use it very often. A dslr can make people uncomfortable when in the city and it is heavy to pack around on hikes. The only reason I have a dslr is so I can make large prints. Here is 2 shots, one taken with a p&s and one with an dslr: Please keep in mind that Im very amateur and I know others could do much better. Both are of the same falls but different angles and lighting.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevin_cantrall/1040082379/in/photostream (yes I know, over overexposed)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevin_cantrall/3684331401/in/photostream (yes I know, it's not strait)
For this type of photography a p&s works very well compared to a dslr. And imo a p&s will work very well with all kinds of photography except low-light photography and continuous shooting speeds compared to a dslr. Imo from the info you posted about the photography you do, a p&s might be the way to go. I know if I didnt need to print large I would be using a p&s and I would have more pictures (or memories if you will) do to not having to lug around a dslr body and lens.

Sorry for the long post that probably doesnt make any sense, lol

 

[mchammer187]

I'll try my best to reply to these. Im very much an amateur but I think in this case thats a good thing.

1) Please correct me if im wrong here but, it sounds like your "style" is point and shoot. You like to carry a camera everywhere you go and take loads of pics. And you dont do it for any other reason than to have the memories. Again, if Im wrong please correct me. I would go p&s camera for this

2) Imo the biggest advantage in going dslr is large prints. I went dslr because my p&s just couldnt produce a good print above 11x13. That was with a Canon S3 is. I dont know how the newer p&s cameras perform with larger prints so hopefully someone with some experience with large prints and newer p&s came chime in. But imo, if your not planing on large prints, go p&s

3) dslr vs p&s. This is a tuff one and it really depends on where you are going to be using your camera and what you need the camera to do. High-end p&s camera have come a long way. They have raw mode, full manual mode, can use filters with the use of adapters and Im sure much more but it's late and I cant think right now. But to answer your question, going p&s you lose the ability to change lens and a big sensor. Those are the 2 biggest advantages a dslr has. Im sure there are more but like I said it's late

4) At that price range you can get a used/refurb/new dslr with a kit lens (maybe 2 if you find an amazing deal). Or you can get a high-end p&s. At this price range and that fact that you dont plan on large prints, I would go p&s.

5) For hiking (backpacking, if thats what you meant?), I wouldnt like to pack a dslr. It's just to much weight and too bulky. The best camera is one you like to take and will take everywhere. I can say this from experience, I leave my dslr at home more times than not. Even for day hikes I dont like to bring my dslr. It's a pain to lug around and it's a pain to take it out of the bag every time I want to photography something. Now I could leave it around my neck but I'll say this, it gets very uncomfortable real fast.

Hopefully some of what I typed made a little sense. And I dont want you or anyone else to think Im anti dslr, Im not and I love my dslr when I use it but I dont use it very often. A dslr can make people uncomfortable when in the city and it is heavy to pack around on hikes. The only reason I have a dslr is so I can make large prints. Here is 2 shots, one taken with a p&s and one with an dslr: Please keep in mind that Im very amateur and I know others could do much better. Both are of the same falls but different angles and lighting.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevin_cantrall/1040082379/in/photostream (yes I know, over overexposed)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevin_cantrall/3684331401/in/photostream (yes I know, it's not strait)
For this type of photography a p&s works very well compared to a dslr. And imo a p&s will work very well with all kinds of photography except low-light photography and continuous shooting speeds compared to a dslr. Imo from the info you posted about the photography you do, a p&s might be the way to go. I know if I didnt need to print large I would be using a p&s and I would have more pictures (or memories if you will) do to not having to lug around a dslr body and lens.

Sorry for the long post that probably doesnt make any sense, lol

I'd say 2 is not a very good reason to get a SLR at all

first and foremost taking a picture with a nice DSLR is much more enjoyable than using a point and shoot and that was what compelled me to get one after playing with my friends. Real autofocus (ie not contrast based) and being able to use a nice viewfinder instead of framing via the crappy LCD. Not to mention the effects like very shallow DOF that you can't really get with a P&S. As well as being able to take a burst of pictures employing filters etc.

Its true that DSLR's are more cumbersome but I find myself excited to go out and take pictures for the sake of taking pictures since getting one whereas even when I had a plethora of P&S camera's before I never really felt any compelling reason to use it more than a handful of times and I have taken more pictures in 6 months since getting my DSLR than every camera I've owned previously combined.

That said I think a SLR is a must if you want to really get into photography but if you just want to document stuff or take good pictures than a P&S will suffice.

 

[Smoove910]

5) Why types of things are you going to shoot? This one is kind of a repeat of #1 but Smoove referenced hiking. I do this as well and whatever camera I buy will be joining me on the trip. Are there particular brands/models I should look at for this type of activity?

I'll take a moment and talk about what I know. I do know if you are going to spend any sort of extended period of time in the outdoors, you will want something durable, and something with weather sealing. Dust will be your enemy while hiking, and it would be a shame to bring your non-sealed DSLR out on a trail only to have dust show up in your pics.

A couple months ago I was kinda in the same boat. I wanted an upgrade from my 8 year old Fuji S7000, wanted a durable body with weather sealing and a good choice of glass. Luckily I stumbled upon the Pentax brand. And wouldn't you know it, they fit the bill to the T. Look at the lens selection from each company and determine which will fall within your budget.

If you buy into the whole 'D7000 is the best' jargon, then maybe you should look at the Pentax K5, since it's got the same sensor as the D7000, but offers a full magnesium body, and complete weather sealing (which the D7000 sadly doesn't have). The kicker is you have about 30 years worth of lenses that will work with the Pentax K mount. I picked up a 50mm F2.8 for $25... Sweet!

1.) Will you toss your Canon/Nikon onto the seat next to you while trying to race to capture the light of a shot? (Didn't think so)
2.) Would you trust your camera if you dropped it in a mud puddle?
3.) How are you going to shoot in the rain? (Your Canon/Nikon will look funny wrapped in a plastic garbage sack to keep it dry...)

-EDIT- If you worry about lugging a DSLR on a trail, this is what I use. Mine is all black though:
http://www.amazon.com/Sportsmans-Outdoor-Products-Harness-System/dp/B000KOSASU



Realize, the camera is only a tool. If you don't know how to use a hammer, how can you expect to build a house?

 

[Sp12]

1. The current IQ winners for crop bodies are the Pentax K-5, Sony A580, and Nikon D7000. You can get the D7000's sensor (all 3 listed above use the same Sony sensor) without the awesome autofocus in a D5100.

2. Weathersealing is very hard to find in this price range. A used Canon 1D Mark II or Pentax brand are your only real options.

 

[Smoove910]

A used Pentax K7 can be had for about $600 with a DA 18-55mm kit lens. I've seen many come up in the Pentax Forums. I was able to score mine with an 18-55mm lens, 3 batteries, battery charger, Magic Latern manual and some other accessories for $725 shipped.

The beauty is I can get used to the functionality of the K7, gain some decent glass, then jump on the K5 when the price drops.

 

[Rottie]

2) Imo the biggest advantage in going dslr is large prints. I went dslr because my p&s just couldnt produce a good print above 11x13. That was with a Canon S3 is. I dont know how the newer p&s cameras perform with larger prints so hopefully someone with some experience with large prints and newer p&s came chime in. But imo, if your not planing on large prints, go p&s

You got me curious about your Canon S3 IS could not produce a good print above 11x13?? I asked because I am planning to print 11x13 when I get a printer I am hoping for a good print

 

[weez82]

You got me curious about your Canon S3 IS could not produce a good print above 11x13?? I asked because I am planning to print 11x13 when I get a printer I am hoping for a good print

It wasnt a bad print. It just wasnt to the quality I thought it should have been. It might have been the photo shop I got the print from or maybe it was just the photo I used. Either way I wasnt pleased with the results. But thats just me. You could always order a print in 11x13 to see what to expect and to see if you like it. Ive found Adoramapix to be good and affordable. Thats where I ordered my 16x20 (from the dslr) and it turned out great!

 

[Fingolfin269]

Hey guys is this a good deal? local seller has this listed at 750 so I'd obviously shoot for less. I know this one hasn't really been mentioned as a suggestion just thought I'd throw it out there in case it looks like a decent starter package.

Canon T1i excellent like new condition, no scratches, dings, etc.
Canon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens
Canon 75-300mm f/4-5.6 zoom lens
Canon 50mm f/1.8 fixed lens
Lowepro 100aw sling bag
Original packaging, accessories, etc.

 

[bobdole369]

Thats pretty much the entire range of focal lengths you'll use as a beginner/amateur. Not until you start getting paid will you need anything else except perhaps a really wide angle. I can't speak for it personally but a lot of the prosumers I know use exactly that body.

Has anyone suggested the book "Understanding Exposure" - Bryan Peterson yet?

 

[twistedlogic]

Hey guys is this a good deal?

Not bad but not great. It would make a nice starter kit, not the greatest optics though.

I thought your budget was $500, .

 

[Fingolfin269]

Not bad but not great. It would make a nice starter kit, not the greatest optics though.

I thought your budget was $500, .

that was mainly for the camera. I figure if I can get a goods package deal with some lenses I would probably buy anyway then I might as well go for it.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

depending how serious you are, you could just dive the whole way.

My friend's advice to me was to jump into a 5D2. I know that's a huge jump, but I was a serious photo guy anyway. I was just seriously held back by equipment. I just messaged my friend after shooting 2 weddings that its time to trash the Rebel and move to full frame. He was like "TOLD YA." Oh well.

Of course that advice doesn't work for everybody. For some the Rebel is more than enough and will always be more than enough.

BTW to address that one poitn about the 5D having a crappy AF system... it does, but the center point is pretty decent. Better than the XXDs I'd say because it has invisible assist points. The XXD cameras may have crosspoints so the outer points are more sensitive, but the 5D2 is damn great for center point shooting.

As a 7D and Rebel user I'll tell you that I simply focus and recompose on my Rebel, but I'll pick the proper point on my 7D. I somehow suspect that I'd use a 5D similar to my Rebel in terms of AFing by using the center point only... but then again the Rebel's lack of a back wheel means the main dial does all the adjustments for the AF point selection and to me it's like cycling through all of them instead of having a real x-y movement with 2 wheels (this is partly why I just use center point because cycling through takes way too long).