Hey everyone, o I'm starting to look at buying a DSLR to get into the hobby and take some good pictures.

Since I'm completely new to this hobby, I've read (and agree with) that buying a cheaper camera right now is better since I'm not even sure I'll be into photography (even though I've always been into pictures). I also understand that the lens is more important than the body.

Now with that said, I'm stuck with the following two options:

Option #1 - Buy a cheap camera and start learning/practicing. Buy good lenses and then eventually sell it when I want to upgrade. (There's a Canon XS for sale on craigslist for $300 w/o lens). This allows me to learn on a cheap camera, keep low budget, and still take decent quality images.

Option #2 - Buy a new camera which has more features and technology which will last me a long time. It will cost more but may be worth it in the long run and last me a lot longer. Plus I'm looking at the t2i which has HD video capability which seems like could be a lot of fun.

As of right now I'll be taking pictures of pretty much anything, but mostly focusing things my fiance bakes, cars for me, and maybe family pictures when I go home.

But basically it comes down to: Canon XS for $400 including lens, or t2i for $700 including lens. I'm leaning towards the t2i for just another $300. But would the XS be enough for me now and how long until I would grow out of it?

What do you think?

Thanks!

 

Have you looked at the new Nikon D3100? It can shoot Full HD 1080p video and it is 14mp. It comes with 18-55mm Nikkor VR lens for $700. It's a good camera for beginners but if you want something for learning beginners, I would suggest D3000 or the Canon XS Rebel. It's all preference really.

The Rebel XS is a good beginners camera. You can do a lot and get similar results as you would with a mid-level Canon DSLRs. It actually all comes down to your knowledge of lighting and lens. The lens makes up the greatest difference in your shots.

If you want a DSLR that shoots HD video, look at the resolution it puts out. Most of these low end DSLR only shoots 720p video but the new Nikon D3100 shoots 1080P, and has a ISO range from 100-3200. (Expandable to 12800)

Check out the stats and video sample here.
http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Produc...472/D3100.html

If you're not sure, try it out at your local camera store. Hold it in your hands see if it fits right, feels right in your hands, and if it's too heavy or light for you. A DSLR is a good investment and you'd want to get your first one to feel right in your hands.

 

^I agree 100%. I'm a Canon fan but that's because it felt right and the lens lineup (to me) is personally better. You can easily pick up a used Rebel with an 18-55mm, 50 f/1.8 and 55-250mm f/4-5.6 for around $600.

The only Nikon I'd move over for now is the D3x

 

so I went and handled a few canon's and nikon's at Best Buy this past weekend. The rebel series felt "ok" in my hands, I do have smaller hands so the curve around wasn't too bad. The larger XXD models felt more comfortable but were too big in what I was looking for.

I didn't like the placement of the shoot button on the Nikons, the cannon felt better.

So do you guys think I'll be able to take decent shots with the older XS body compared to the newer t2i? I'm hoping lens is as big as factor as everyone says and the body's don't make that much of a difference.

2nd question: Would the 10MP XS take significantly better pictures than my 8MP Canon point and shoot? If so, is it because of the manual settings, the lens, the ability to edit the raw pictures?

Thanks

 

Have you thought about other brands besides nikon or canon. I have a pentax kx and it takes very good pics. i know that pentax is not as well known as the other two but im also learning with my DSLR snce this is my first one. and you cant really beat it for the price, its a great starting camera. just letting you know before you make your decision. hope you like the choice you make with your camera

 

The T2i is a significant bump over the XS and would highly suggest the T2i or a 40D over it. If you don't like the button layout of the Nikon, I would still suggest sticking with Canon. Pentax isn't bad but I don't think it has the lens lineup to rival the big 2. I'd rather learn on one brand and stick to it than outgrowing it in a year and having to learn a whole new system and layout from another brand if you choose to venture away from it.

I had a T1i, 18-55mm kit lens, 50mm f/1.8 and 55-250mm to start out and they worked out great for learning. It gave me enough focal length to play with that I could shoot a variety of different things with it. My current setup is a Canon 5d Mkii, 135mm f/2L, 70-200L, 35 f/1.4L and I'm getting the new Sigma 85mm f/1.4 shortly. I don't regret starting with Canon at all but I'm a bit biased at this point.

 

If you want to take just pictures, why do you need a t2i?

IMO, get a 30D (or 40D if you got the extra cash) and get some nice glass. Get the Tamron 17-50 and the 50mm 1.8 to begin with and you'll be set for awhile.

 

I just bought an used Canon 40D with 28-135mm lens from a local member with about 8,000 clicks and 2 yrs of ownership. The camera is in great shape. I got the kit with a few accessories for $600.

I am a noob as well. I'm moving from a 3.2 mp pos to DSLR.

If you don't mind used stuff, then buy an used one and save some money. Good luck.

 

Actually I suggest the T1i....I find the T2i Over exposes a little bit...I've used almost every canon camera there is...I suggest you also take a look at Ken Rockwell's website as he reviews EVERY camera and shares his views...the best thing IS to go out there and feel the cameras and see what is comfortable.

I understand that the glass may be more important (so most people say) but the body is very important as well. With light available...any digital camera can take GREAT pictures, but when there is very low light a fast lens alone will not do the trick...body's are important...

currently I have the T1i and 5DMk2 and 7D...I use the T1i more than anything...it's a great all around camera for an entry level DSLR; And when I need to use the other cameras I use them only because of my limited capabilities with the T1i in a given situation. when you are ready to...step up to something like the 7D....the only reason I moved on to a full frame 5D and (the larger sensor 7D) is because I was very limited for wedding photography in low light church situations...I can easily make a living with an entry level SLR, but the way the 5D MkII handles the noise at higher ISO's was something that I needed for weddings. the XSI is also a good cam, but having the ability to shoot vids is great!!!

here is a couple shots with my T1i...as long as you have light...you have great pics.... LIGHT IS EVERYTHING!!!!!

the car photo was taken with an 85mm1.8
and the headshots are with the cheap $80 50mm 1.8

hope this helps

 

To be brutally honest... you could pick up a 6 year old camera and not be able to tell the difference for quite some time. Pixel Peeping is not really the way to learn to shoot. To the experienced eye, there are various differences to the richness and color that a particular sensor produces but to the average hobby photog its not so easy to see. But with that said its always cool to get the latest and greatest, but that wears off as soon as the newer models start appearing. I say get what feels comfortable in hand, and leave room (cash) for better lenses. The lenses is where the performance is really at. A sharp lens will make a used $200 camera shine.

 

agreed...most beginners can't see differences...even a cheap lens with good light is fine...

 

thanks for the input guys, and HarryPotter I saw your other thread, your pics look amazing!

I ended up jumping on a t2i deal from amazon. So I currently have the t2i, 18-55 kit lens, and 55-250 lens. I've been practicing a lot taking pictures but still pretty shotty.

I'm nervous because I told my family I want to try to do outdoor family portraits this xmas when I go back, so I'll probably be using the 55-250. But I'm afraid because they live in Arizona, and normally the light is always super bright. I'll try to shoot at dusk but with no seperate flash it may be difficult. Ideally I'd like to get a 50mm f1.8 or the 85mm but I feel I should practice more with the lenses I have already.

 

HarryPotter stated the key, good light. That sums up photography in two words. If you shoot in the right light, and understand how to manipulate it everything else is merely creativity.

 

AznSky, I would suggest jumping on you tube and finding some tutorials. Reading the tutorials on the web is good as well, but seeing the actions generally bridge the gap and make understanding the concepts easier. And shoot away, I think I put 100,000 captures on my first Rebel in a year or two. Memory is cheap, shoot, review and learn from the mistakes you made. IMO, the best way to get better.

 

hey...good buy...you'll be happy with the T2i...enjoy, and set the camera to P mode for a while, and pay attention to how and what it selects based on light available...P mode is like the camera's "tutorial Mode"...lol....but it usually slightly over exposes everything...enjoy and good luck...

 

I'm in the same boat. What about the Sony "a" series?

 

A friend of mine just picked a Sony and to be honest, it's crap. The layout of it was just pathetic and don't get me started on the build quality. I suggest most people start with the 2 big brands as there's a multitude of good entry level lenses available on very good bodies. I believe she was using the 55-200mm which is supposed to be the equivalent of the 55-250 IS with Canon and there was no comparison. No IS and the build was cheap even for a cheap lens.

 

Right on thanks for the heads up.

 

ehhhhh...you give me any camera and I'll take a decent picture...

don't worry about what body and lens you get toooooo much...focus on mastering three things...ISO, Aperture , and shutter speed...once you do those then you will be able to get more creative in Manual mode. Also, the key is 100% LIGHT and light manipulation...can't stress this enough.

have fun too...

 

My friend shoots Sony and I know a few others as well. They're very capable cameras as is Nikon and Canon. Buy the one that's the most comfortable to you regardless of mfgr.