Searching for a DSLR or not.....I want to be prepared for baby pictures and want to move up a few notches in terms of equipment quality.

Bought a Nikon Coolpix 5600 2 years ago, but have avoided a major purchase due to the rapid obsolescence in the technology.

I would like a camera that would grow with me and be able to make hardware investments that will last more than Moore's Law. Which leads me to a DSLR.

Canon and Nikon seem to be the major players. Let's say my budget is $800.00.

Cameras I'm looking at:

Canon Digital Rebel XTi
Nikon D40X
Nikon D80
Sony DLSR-A100
Canon EOS 30/40D

I'd also like some input as to what a good general purpose lens might be ie. 18-55mm or 18-135 or 18-200. I'd like to buy one lens now and add later, but perhaps having a 18-55 and a telephoto would be better. The XTi comes with a lens, but you can buy frame only on the A100 and the D80.

I also noticed that image stabilization is sometimes in the lens and on other products, built into the camera. Is one better than the other?

Also....any good online sites to buy.....
I just saw this place http://www.bestpricecameras.com that has a D80 body for 329.00....

 

I know nothing about this stuff, but HAPPY NEW YEAR to you, Erin, and the little one!

 

Cubby, you might want to send a pm to kyras/Patty, the Vintage gal who flew in for the cookie party. She's very good with a camera and might be able to help you....JT might have a few thoughts as well.

Happy New Year to you and Erin. Looking forward to the baby pics.

 

image quality is a function of input.
definitely go with a interchangeable lenses. i.e. a DLSR.
it allows you to change image composition.
barb has the D80 and it's great. The D80 was it's replacement.
http://www.dpreview.com/ can give you more specific details.

 

for what you need to take pictures of a Canon XTi is your best bet for 529 from bhphoto

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/4575..._Rebel_XTi.html

which is what I use as well.

as far as lenses goes for now I would go with the Tamron 28-75

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/2843..._2_8_XR_Di.html

because it has a fixed aperature of f2.8 and only costs 375. The f2.8 is important because you can use it in situations where there is less light.

and don't forget a memory card

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/3118...mpactFlash.html


so for a little over 800 bucks you have a good setup that will take you a while to outgrow. since I use the same camera you can feel free to pick my brain about the various functions and general photography techniques.

as far as telephoto and wide angle lenses, these are for more specialized uses and you can get later or rent (hint hint.. t5photo.com)

and the 18-55 that comes with the canon deals is crap so are the 18-200 or 70-300.. avoid them.

as far as image stabilization on lens vs. on camera.. the debate goes on and on but for me it's more about which camera has a higher variety of lenses, which camera is widely used by the public and professionals alike and Canon still comes up on top on all that.

and one last thing, the only online camera stores I trust are bhphoto.com, adorama.com and calumet.com... the majority of all others are bait and switch type places. remember.. if its too good to be true.. it's a scam.

 

Cubby!

JT is right bhphoto is the way to go! There are many, many sites out there that offer unbelieveable deals but when you read the reviews on the sites they are scammers like JT said.

I researched my camera for months before I chose the Nikon D70 (I believe?!?) which has since been replaced in Nikon's line up. I just couldn't make up my mind between the Canon or the Nikon. I think when you get to the level of this type of camera the differences between the two (Canon and Nikon) are minute and would not effect the average user. It becomes a case of personal preference. I'm quite satisfied with my purchase and I feel it's not a camera that I'll ever become bored with or outgrow.

Good luck with your choices! If you have any questions I'll try to answer them but JT is the guru!

 

I've read that the XTi can be a little cramped for people with big hands....

JT what do you think about this lens

Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens

or

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 USM IS Lens

 

yes, the XTi is a tad small which can make it feel cramped but I use an external battery grip to get over that for $90 bucks which also extends my shooting time by letting me use 2 batteries at once


http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000G3KLPA?smid=A...20&linkCode=asn

the canon 17-85... I wouldn't call it crap but I don't like that it starts at f4

the canon 28-135 - I used to have this lens and it was nice but again, it's f3.5 aperture was a limitation which was a reason that I got rid of it.


my theory on lenses is this... if you have a short focal length i.e. 24-75, you can always move closer to the subject to get the shot you want. but if you have a lens that starts at f3.5 or f4, you can never make up for the lack of light.

yes.. i'm a f2.8 snob

 

JT

I'm concerned with the focal length not being short enough on the lens you reccomended....for the XTi....the 28-75 would be 44-120mm.

WHat do you think of this instead?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/4237..._2_8_XR_Di.html

 

hehe... Already looking to blow your budget on lenses. It only gets worse.
Nikon or Cannon I think you will be happy with the camera. Both have their +s and -s but If I was starting from scratch and could start with any camera on your list I would go with the 40D.
I chose my Nikon D70 over the Rebel after holding both. The Cannon felt small and kinda cheap. The Nikon felt solid and sturdy.

Remember you can add lenses later, and JT is right, a 2.8 is nice to have but you can take some great shots with a lesser lens even is it has more limitations.

I would buy more camera and less lens today with the plan to save up for a quality lens in the near future... Start with a more multi functional lens and add from there once you learn what it is you want.