So i thinking on getting a Digital SLR camera because I hate my point and shoot camera because its slow and it takes crappy pictures....

I was thinking of going with either a Nikon D80 or Canon Rebel XTI.... but my question is, am i buying more camera than what I need?? My primary use will be taking pictures of my family, and special events like car shows and concerts. I dont plan on becoming a pro photographer of any kind but I do want high quality pictures of my memories...

So should I stick with either D80 or XTI or can I get something cheaper and still be okay???

 

I say go with a entry DSLR. You may find yourself enjoying your new hobby. BUT, with a D80 or XTi, you're not completely breaking the bank starting it. GL.

 

Well if you are not really getting into it as a hobby I would suggest a Nikon D40x or a Canon XT. D80 is a nice camera but for what you are planning on using it, is a bit over kill IMO. I would also look in to the Canon S5 IS. It is a nice camera and you will not need to worry about getting lenses for it and stuff like that. It is easier to carry. It can be operated pretty much like a DSLR.

Now if there is a chance of you getting into the hobby, the D80 or Canon 40D will be a good choice.

 

Here's my take.

Look at the lens and flash gear rather than the body. The lens and flash gear will continue to serve you for many many years where a given body will likely not. So pick Nikon or Canon based on the gear that you're going to have for years/decades rather than the bodies which you'll possibly have two or three during that same period.

I went with Nikon a couple of years ago but if you go with either you'll not be far wrong.

 

get a hassleband

 

If you are POSITIVE that you are not going to let this turn into a hobby, I would go with a Canon S5 or the like.......however, I am a HUGE advocate of SLR's...You can get good entry level ones like what you mentioned, the Canon XTi for fairly cheap. Then, if you get bitten by the bug, you have dozens of great lenses to chose from to enhance your creativity.

 

Or here's another take on how to choose...

Decide how much you can afford to spend...read the reviews on Dpreview.com or somewhere like that of cameras in that price range, then go to a store and try them all. Buy the one that you are most comfortable holding and most comfortable with the controls.

Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Sony, Pentax (I use a K10D), all are good choices. If you go to a reputable shop and tell them what you intend to use the camera for they can help you make a good decision.

I went with the pentax for a couple of reasons. First, I have average sized hands with long fingers, and the K10D felt the best in my hand (the sonys are pretty tiny and were very awkward to hold), also I have 28, 50 and 200mm Pentax lenses leftover from my 35 mm days so that would save me some money there too.

My sister has an 8mp Rebel and it is a great camera, and an friend has a Pentax K100D, also another great camera.

 

thanks guys... by budget is 1k for camera and lens.... knowing me I going to like having room to upgrade or get better lenses... so S5 wouldn't be right for me... after doing some reading its going to come down to XTI, I like the d40 but i think its doesn't come with auto focus built in, i might be wrong....

but i think its going to be worth taking a trip to a local shop that has both nikon and canon in stock so i can have a feel for them....

 

$1k for body and lens is more than enough for entry level DSLR. I went with Olympus E-510 with 2 kit lens (14-42 & 40-150) and paid $680 out the door.

I looked at Canon, Nikon and Pentax before setting on the E-510 since I liked that I comes with in body IS, live view and an array of functions; best bang for the buck and with the assurance of dpreview's review.

I had a Canon S3 before getting a DSLR and got tired of it after a year. I recommend going to Ritz, Samy's or other photo shops and try them out.

 

does anyone know if the Nikon D60 has auto focus built in??

 

I saw that same kit at B&H photo for 657...not bad for a camera and two lenses

 

You may want to consider the XT as well. It's a older model, but honestly, the price drop on it makes it really appealing.

 

I'm selling my XTi

https://my350z.com/forum/pacific/339835-fs-canon-rebel-xti-w-18-55mm-lens-kit-and-canon-ef-28-135mm-is-lens.html

Let me know if you're interested. That XTi and 28-135mm combo is what I used for the majority of my car shots.

If you want to shoot car shows, you'll need to invest in an Ultra wide angle lens.

 

^Do it. Do it! That's my exact set up.

 

About 99% of all SLR have auto focus. The thing about the D40 and D60 is that you are limited to what lens you can select. If you select any other lens that is not compatible with the camera, you loose the auto focus feature.

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0801/08012910nikond60.asp

Before you jump on a camera, make sure that you get a good feel for it. I was looking at the D40s and XT before I made a decision. Well when I held the cameras they felt to small in my hands and I was having a hard time with that. So I had to move up to a bigger body. I got a D70s and I loved it. So if you go out and like the feel of the XTi, I would jump on CTwentytwo offer.

 

I'd say a D40X just because for an entry level DSLR it's really user friendly with its displays. Especially coming from point and shoot camera, dealing with ISO, Shutter Speed, Apeture, White Balance, Metering, etc... can over load you with information. The D40X is a good transition to get the feel for all the controls. And I totally agree with "Paul350Z." A lens will last you forever, but the body is what you'll be changing. Put your money in some nice glass, rather than in the body.

 

thats a might good price... its so hard to choose... I tried out my dad's D80 and it was too big for my liking, the D40x im not happy with being limited to lenses, so I was set on the XTi but then found the olympus e510... we'll see, how much will you add for shipping to Oregon??



EDIT: I just found out about the EOS Rebel XSi that comes out in April... Should i wait??? I just doing my research reading tonight so we'll see

 

XTi and call it a day.

go to dpreview.com to know more about cameras.

 

DONE!!!!!!

Im waiting for the Canon EOS Rebel XSi in April

 

Knowing how to use your camera > Lenses > camera body IMO.

I know it may make me sounds like an ***, but I see a whole lot of people out there who get SLR's and all their pictures look like snapshots with no thought behind them, it makes you wonder why they even feel they need an SLR? I've also seen some absolutely amazing photos done with a crappy point and shoot. In the end its the person not the camera that makes the photo. Yes gear helps but without the knowledge to use it its all worthless.

I can also say like some others have said that a good lens is a better investment than a better body, a good example is having a multi-million dollar house on the beach, but looking out through saran-wrap windows. Also like others said your lenses will probably be along a whole lot longer than your body will.