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First DSLR

L

lastig21

Platinum Member
I am leaning towards getting a dslr, but have never been into photography until recently. I've played with the Canon 350D, Nikon D50, and Nikon D70. I am amazed with the control and responsiveness they have compared to my point and shoot. I really didn't prefer one of these over another. The small size of the Canon didn't bother me.

I would like to get what would be considered the best "value" camera for a novice. I will most likely buy a used camera, so any of the recent models are acceptable suggestions. I only ask that the camera be 6MP+, and that the lenses can be used with bodies that I will purchase in the future.

I have found a couple of 300D cameras in my area from $525 to $575. They are both used, and both contain the kit lens. I have not yet found any Nikons, so I would have to buy those online with good faith.

I would prefer to keep the final cost (with at least 1 versatile lens) under $700. The less expensive the better. I plan on keeping the lenses, but would replace the body if I really got into photography.

I've read all the threads I could find on AT, and have been digging through those at fredmiranda. Your suggestions are greatly appreciated.
 
if the size of the 350D doesn't bother you than that is your winner. i have the 300D and while I love it, the DIGICII chip on the 350D is worth the price difference. You're going to have much less noise/grain in high ISO's. Don't wait! Get it now! 🙂 🙂
 
I would have gotten the 350D if it wasn't made for a woman's hand. That thing is tiny.

Olympus is about to announce a new camera on the 26th of this month. It's supposed to be huge. I'd wait to see what it is.

Or just get this now.
 
The Rebel XT is quite a bit more than I would want to pay right now. Would pictures be that much better on it then the 300D?

My two choices are pretty much a Nikon or a Canon, only because of the lenses. Minolta, Olympus, and Pentax might leave me high and dry with lenses in the future.
 
Originally posted by: lastig21
The Rebel XT is quite a bit more than I would want to pay right now. Would pictures be that much better on it then the 300D?

My two choices are pretty much a Nikon or a Canon, only because of the lenses. Minolta, Olympus, and Pentax might leave me high and dry with lenses in the future.
Click to expand...

just to give you a point of reference, all the photos in my blog are from a 300D. no one is doubting the quality of the camera
 
Originally posted by: lastig21
The Rebel XT is quite a bit more than I would want to pay right now. Would pictures be that much better on it then the 300D?

My two choices are pretty much a Nikon or a Canon, only because of the lenses. Minolta, Olympus, and Pentax might leave me high and dry with lenses in the future.
Click to expand...

Not very likely. Minolta will lean on Sony, Olympus will lean on Panasonic, and Pentax will lean on Samsung.
 
Nice pics toekramp. Are you happy overall with the 300D?

tfinch2, I didn't mean that the companies would disappear. Nikon and Canon seem to always have the more desirable cameras on the market. I wouldn't want to have a substantial investment in Olympus lenses, then decide I really want a Nikon or Canon camera in the future.
 
Originally posted by: lastig21
Nice pics toekramp. Are you happy overall with the 300D?
Click to expand...

300D has been amazing, taken over 11,000 pics with it and have had no issues. I'd highly recommend it.
 
Originally posted by: lastig21
Nice pics toekramp. Are you happy overall with the 300D?

tfinch2, I didn't mean that the companies would disappear. Nikon and Canon seem to always have the more desirable cameras on the market. I wouldn't want to have a substantial investment in Olympus lenses, then decide I really want a Nikon or Canon camera in the future.
Click to expand...

I'm not a fan boy just trying to get people to open up their options besides C and N. I've been very happy with my Evolt. I'm also about to pick up a Fuji S2 Pro that mounts Nikon lenses, and my mom has a Nikon D50. Very nice camera for a beginner as well.
 
Originally posted by: toekramp
Originally posted by: lastig21
Nice pics toekramp. Are you happy overall with the 300D?
Click to expand...

300D has been amazing, taken over 11,000 pics with it and have had no issues. I'd highly recommend it.
Click to expand...
I had one for two years before I got the XT. 300D is an excellent camera - I've made 11 x 17 prints with it that look beautiful. I didn't like the slow startup time, slower AF lock and ugly creaky cheap looking silver body. But you can make fantastic pictures with it. Even the kit lens has it's charms - not so great for landscapes, etc., but it has a sort of pleasing softness that makes it really, really good for photographing people.
 
Thanks all for the replies. While I would prefer a 350D or D70s, they are both a bit too much for me right now. I may go ahead and make the plunge on the 300D in town.
 
I've seen a few used 10D's on fred miranda that falls into my price range. Has anyone used one of these cameras?
 
I personally don't like the layout of the 10D. The D70 is much more to my liking 🙂.

I would thoroughly recommend you save a bit more and get 'exactly' what you want. I doubt you will be replacing the body anytime soon imo. But do remember when you get the Canon or Nikon you WILL be buying in to their lense systems! The Canon lenses do look better but they cost an arm and a leg. The Nikon are slightly cheaper but not by much. Go with what body/ lenses/ light system suits you best. Make sure the body is what you find 'good' to use. If it is poor for you, you won't get much fun using it.

Koing
 
Originally posted by: tfinch2
Originally posted by: lastig21
Nice pics toekramp. Are you happy overall with the 300D?

tfinch2, I didn't mean that the companies would disappear. Nikon and Canon seem to always have the more desirable cameras on the market. I wouldn't want to have a substantial investment in Olympus lenses, then decide I really want a Nikon or Canon camera in the future.
Click to expand...

I'm not a fan boy just trying to get people to open up their options besides C and N. I've been very happy with my Evolt. I'm also about to pick up a Fuji S2 Pro that mounts Nikon lenses, and my mom has a Nikon D50. Very nice camera for a beginner as well.
Click to expand...


Nikon D50 as well... looks to be a great choice for entry into the DSLR realm.
Asking opinions on a digital camera in the Anandtech forums is like asking opinions on whether to get an Intel or AMD CPU. Alot of Canon fanboy's roam the forums in mass quantities. Go to digital / camera specific forum to get more unbiased opinions before you decide what to go with.
 
While I agree with someone above who said its important to weigh brands other then C and N, it is MORE important to make the decision based on a good hard look at the lenses available. The Pros do just fine in either C or N which give me faith in their lens line up. Further, the popularity of the two lines results in some (but not many) price discounts and the like.

I know nothing about Olympus, Minolta and the others, but imaigne they have a decent enough lens catalog to provide a regular photographer with what he or she wants.
 
I have a 300D and love it, but if I were buying today it would probably be the D50. I got the 300D shortly after it came out and it was really the only choice at the time. I think you'll love any of the choices available today though. Digital photography has come soooooo far in the last few years.
 
Originally posted by: tfinch2
Originally posted by: alphatarget1
don't get the 10d, it's an older design and I don't think it takes EF-S lenses.

What will you be taking pictures of?
Click to expand...

Who uses EF-S lenses anyway? 😛
Click to expand...

 
Originally posted by: tfinch2
Originally posted by: alphatarget1
don't get the 10d, it's an older design and I don't think it takes EF-S lenses.

What will you be taking pictures of?
Click to expand...

Who uses EF-S lenses anyway? 😛
Click to expand...

I got a 17-85mm IS USM... It works well, not L obviously but it's an excellent walkaround lens.
 
D200 😀

Thats what I want, aside from the 5D, but thats just way outa my pricerange. For bang for your buck, I think the 350xt is the best deal, but personally I just don't like how it feels.
 
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