Need help on an SLR to buy

[arrfep]

Originally posted by: BoldAsLove
Comparison between 20D and the XTI?

In terms of specs: Here.

In terms of side-by-side images, I'm not sure. You can see for yourself at Dpreview/DCResource/Steves-Digicams or pretty much any review site that posts sample images. They might not have a direct comparision but for instance DPReview does photographc tests in controlled situations so you can view the exact same photo from different cameras that may not have been put head to head by the site itself, and make your own judgements.

The general consensus among enthusiasts will be that for the Canon bodies that you can currently buy for under a grand, the 20D will be the best. The image quality differences will probably all be very slight, so you really have to look at other things to be the deciding factor. The XTi will have the most bells and whistles and the best looking rap-sheet, but lots more goes into what makes a camera good. The 20D will score highest on ergonomics (unless you have very small hands) and ease of operation. The 20D will win in other things, also, like 5 frames per second continuous drive, versus the XTi's 3fps; bigger capacity battery; LCD screen as well as separate shot-status LCD.

Of course, the XTi does have a larger LCD screen and the dust-removal system (which, like I said, many people are saying doesn't do much). And if you want something more compact, the XTi would be a better choice.

 

[sygyzy]

Excellent suggestions guys.

 

[BoldAsLove]

I'm likin the XTI for its smaller size and cheaper price right about now though. Hmm now to lookup the XT vs XTI.

 

[Boo Boo]

if you want to stick with low profile then go canon s3 is

otherwise if you want then youll need to go with something like a Canon XTI and then you get into lens dilemas

if you have a steady hand youll want the 28-105 for about 250 otherwise its IS and youll want 28-135, 70-300, also going overseas youll need the battery grip that allows use of AA batteries

photoshop is the main post processing program ive seen some work to amaze me

but also you need to figure out format

compact flash or sd

dpreview.com is were you want to go look , id go XTI or D80 but it comes down to what you want. you can go to ritzcameras stores and check out what they have and get a feel but dont buy from them unless its their flashes only

 

[tfinch2]

Pentax K100D:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/control...REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

50mm f/1.4:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/control...USA&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

16-45mm f/4:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/control...USA&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

~$910 + shipping after rebates.

Body has IS, so every lens will have IS. Better viewfinder than the XT/XTi as well.

 

[ballmode]

Id like to know the difference between XT/XTi too

 

[rudder]

Going to the Galapagos you are probably going to need a lens with a good reach to take some wildlife photos. I've actully used a Sigma AP 70-300mm lens (which cost $99 used) with decent results in good sunlight.

Of course you can drop $850 on a Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 lens and take spectacular photos with a used 10D.

 

[dartworth]

Take a look at the Pentax K100D or a used Nikon D50...


baby steps...

a 20D for a new SLR user...

oh btw...there are other brands besides Canon...

 

[eLiTeGoodGuy]

I've been very happy with my XTi.

Got my XTi with Kit lens for $750 new. Also picked up a 50mm 1.8 . Overall it seems to be great. I did notice moving to DSLR from P&S without IS and no SLR experience, it takes a while getting used to holding the camera steady and using the settings. I would recommend getting the camera asap to and take a ton of pictures before you take it with you on vacation, so you get used to taking decent pictures.

I got mine maybe a week before New Years, took it to Times Square and 97% of my pictures turned out crappy. (That was operator error, not the cameras fault lol)

I also picked up a 70-300 DO IS USM lense too but that would throw you budget off alittle.

 

[Boo Boo]

canons the leader.
nikons next

the pentax isnt that great image wise

xt = 8 xti = 10 plus other differences af, sensor cleaning

but your best source still is dpreview to read the reviews and then go to a local shop see how they fit your hand

photozone.de for lense reviews

 

[tfinch2]

Originally posted by: Boo Boo
canons the leader.
nikons next

the pentax isnt that great image wise

xt = 8 xti = 10 plus other differences af, sensor cleaning

but your best source still is dpreview to read the reviews and then go to a local shop see how they fit your hand

photozone.de for lense reviews

Your best source for Canon propaganda is DPReview and ATOT.

 

[slatr]

Originally posted by: Boo Boo
canons the leader.
nikons next

the pentax isnt that great image wise

xt = 8 xti = 10 plus other differences af, sensor cleaning

but your best source still is dpreview to read the reviews and then go to a local shop see how they fit your hand

photozone.de for lense reviews

How many pentax DSLRs have you owned? That is simply not true. As a matter of fact, pentax has created some of the best lens in the industry.

 

[Boo Boo]

nah your best info on camera gear is dpreview, atot is for people who need to ask for opinions

plus its a good place to catch the trollers. reels in the big one

 

[Boo Boo]

all the reviews ive seen rated the image quality low among other things the shapness doesnt get any better, i like sharp pictures not just in the center

 

[arrfep]

Originally posted by: dartworth
Take a look at the Pentax K100D or a used Nikon D50..

oh btw...there are other brands besides Canon...

I do actually agree with that, but I was writing what I know.

baby steps...

a 20D for a new SLR user...

That though I see no problem with. I'm a firm believer in buying as far up into a line of products as one can. Especially for the typical ATOTer, likely to want to advance his technology after learning on the entry level product.

In fact, for someone wanting to learn photography, I find it stranger to recommend the more limited models like the XT. The 20D will be easier to learn on because basic changes to shot settings are easier to make from a control standpoint. But for a beginner, they've both got P mode and even full-auto Green Mode. So I see no problems in recommending the 20D.

 

[pontifex]

Originally posted by: tfinch2

Originally posted by: Boo Boo
canons the leader.
nikons next

the pentax isnt that great image wise

xt = 8 xti = 10 plus other differences af, sensor cleaning

but your best source still is dpreview to read the reviews and then go to a local shop see how they fit your hand

photozone.de for lense reviews

Your best source for Canon propaganda is DPReview and ATOT.

yeah, lots of canon fanboys here. not that canon is bad, but there are a lot more options than canon.

although it seems that way for a lot of things. kinda funny how that works

 

[desk]

Originally posted by: BoldAsLove
I'm likin the XTI for its smaller size and cheaper price right about now though. Hmm now to lookup the XT vs XTI.

a small size isn't necessarily good for dslrs. i never handled an xti over a long period of time, but some people complain that it is too small to grip comfortably. remember, these cameras have some weight to them, especially when you have a big lens hooked up.

 

[broon]

Nikon D50 here. Size is more comfortable for me than the Canon. There are some things that the D70 have that the D50 doesn't but I'm satisfied with my purchase.

I think the lens cost/features are ultimately more important than the brand of body you chose (unless considering body size).

 

[pontifex]

Originally posted by: broon
Nikon D50 here. Size is more comfortable for me than the Canon. There are some things that the D70 have that the D50 doesn't but I'm satisfied with my purchase.

I think the lens cost/features are ultimately more important than the brand of body you chose (unless considering body size).

i have the D50 also.
unfortunately i haven't used it in months

 

[randomlinh]

Originally posted by: Boo Boo
the pentax isnt that great image wise

when you shoot in jpeg... at least at the default settings. Shoot in raw and that fixes everything. It is quite a capable camera. Almost tempted to get it, sans the fact I already have a few canon mount lenses and prefer the 30D feel.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: Boo Boo
all the reviews ive seen rated the image quality low among other things the shapness doesnt get any better, i like sharp pictures not just in the center

You're mis-informed. Pentax has historically made exceptional lenses. Granted the kit lens isn't that great, but Canon's kit lens for the rebels is pretty poor as well, not very sharp.

With a good lens the Pentax body is a match for anything in its class.

ZV <-Minolta owner, not a Pentax fanboy.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: Snagle
Rebel XT $500
Tamron 28-75 2.8 $300
Canon 50 1.8 $60
Sigma 500DG Super Flash $175
4GB of CF $60
=$1095

28mm isnt really that wide on a 1.6 crop body, you could go with a 18-50mm 2.8 instead but I haven't been keeping up on which is the best value.

the 18-50 works a lot better on the crop body.

i've got the sigma 10-20 and the tamron 28-75 and found myself really missing that gap there. the 18-50 would be a lot more versatile.


now... if canon would join everyone else and make an 18-200...

k100D $400 AR
sigma 18-50 f/2.8 $420
filters, bag, tripod, etc

 

[Boo Boo]

let me use a pentax and we will see

and just so you all know its not the camera its the person using it

 

[BoldAsLove]

bump

 

[Bullhonkie]

Honestly any DSLR camera body these days can give you absolutely stunning pictures provided you know how to use it and put some decent quality glass on it. More of a concern should be placed in ergonomics/ease of use, lens/system lineup, and features for price. It's no fun trying to use a camera that doesn't feel good in your hands or frustrates you with its operation.

Everyone around here seems to like Canon. My only complaint with them is with their entry level models (XT/XTi) - their lack of quality feel/heft (Nikon can put together well built entry DSLRs, why can't Canon?) and their tiny viewfinders. It's like having tunnel vision and I have no idea how you're supposed to manually focus or even confirm your autofocus point sometimes. It's a real pleasure to use a camera with a large and bright viewfinder. For that reason (and also better feature set) I'd suggest looking at a 20D or 30D if budget allows if you're going Canon, as others have recommended.

Originally posted by: ElFenix
k100D $400 AR
sigma 18-50 f/2.8 $420
filters, bag, tripod, etc

I second this if I had to personally get something within your budget. Except I'd take full advantage of the current Pentax rebates and get a K100D body, AF-360 flash, and the DA 50-200 lens. (which is surprisingly good for its price) The Pentax kit lens isn't that bad, but I'd probably skip it and get either the Sigma 18-50/2.8 or 17-70/2.8-4.5 depending on whether you want constant 2.8 through the zoom range or the extra reach of the 70.

K100D Body $450
AF-360 Flash $209
DA 50-200mm Lens $230
Sigma 17-70/2.8-4.5 $360 but OOS there currently
Sigma 18-50/2.8 $360

$1249 and $200 back in Pentax rebates for a total of $1049 for a very well rounded kit and image stabilization with every past/present/future lens as well - including ones from third parties.