Opinions on Entry level SLRs?

NewSong · 03-06-2009, 04:11 PM

For the photography experts out there, I've been looking at possibly buying an entry level SLR.

What do you guys think about this one?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16830120278

I also found this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Digital-.../dp/B000I1ZWRC

Would either of the above cameras allow me to take high quality photos like I've seen in this forum?

kyleb350 · 03-06-2009, 04:15 PM

LOL. For a second I thought of the McLaren and asked "Entry level?!?"

Most (if not all) SLR's take awesome shots.

NewSong · 03-06-2009, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kyleb350

LOL. For a second I thought of the McLaren and asked "Entry level?!?"

Most (if not all) SLR's take awesome shots.

Yeah an entry level McLaren would probably still be $100,000.

So what about the entry level "Rebel" SLRs? I remember when these things were $1500, now you can get $600 ones. I'm thinking of getting one, but I just need some opinions from the SLR users here.

driftdriven · 03-06-2009, 04:23 PM

I ended up getting a Canon XTi and it works great. I am a beginner when it comes to photography but this camera will do wonders aslong as you know how to use it. On another note I tried a Nikon D40 or D60, can't remember, but I found the loading time on the pictures very slow even with a fast memory card. Therefore I went with Canon for a little bit more at the time.

THe Xti is the newer model from I know.

MemphisRheins · 03-06-2009, 04:33 PM

Im shooting with a Rebel XS Currently, very nice camera, especially for the money...

There is a Saying that one of my friends father is quite fond of when talking about cameras "Its not the "Mad Tools" but the "Mad Skills" that make a picture" , You can make some fantastic images with any SLR camera (heck even with some of the cheepo P&S's)

lons · 03-06-2009, 04:41 PM

Hi
I'm from the UK and have owned a Canon 400d for 15 months. (your equivilant = Rebel Xti. 10.1 mp)
I'm an amateur but have achieved some superb results. Took it to South Africa last year with just the standard lens - 1800 photos - very pleased overall. Have since added a canon 100-300 usm lens.

My son also has had the same camera for 18 months and his pics are outstanding. Here is the link to his flickr posts so you can see what is achievable.
Hope it helps
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stu82/

Donald-335i · 03-06-2009, 04:43 PM

[QUOTE=kyleb350;4644529]LOL. For a second I thought of the McLaren and asked "Entry level?!?"

lmao so did i

SLCGoonski · 03-06-2009, 04:51 PM

I've taken a bunch of pictures with a Canon P&S as well as my newer Nikon D40.

Have achieved great results with both, but it's a completely different style of photography.

dSLR shooting takes some time to get used to. There's soooo much you can control with the camera and lenses (and can get expensive with new lenses, flashes, filters, etc.) but the potential is limitless.

mach330 · 03-06-2009, 05:20 PM

D40x, XSi (I think this is the newest model). I do like how the nikon fits better around my hands. But can't go wrong with either canon or nikon.

ronn16E90 · 03-06-2009, 05:35 PM

instead of that get the rebel XSI, that is the latest one that cannon has, I bought mine at amazon this is the link

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Digital-...6378641&sr=8-1

I am really happy with it, I am also a beginner in digital photography and don't know S*it. but look at my pic pix in this website http://ronn16e90.multiply.com/ look at the "front and backyard photos and my car photos.. you'll see, for a 100 diff on Xti youll have a 12.5 megapixel!!!!

Houman21 · 03-06-2009, 05:41 PM

Spend money on the lenses - the D-SLR is only half of the equation.

SLCGoonski · 03-06-2009, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Houman21

Spend money on the lenses - the D-SLR is only half of the equation.

+1

Buy a body only, and pick up a quality lens right off the bat.

daheechang · 03-06-2009, 09:56 PM

I'm seeling my alpha 100 right now with a couples lense if you're interestd!

TurboFan · 03-06-2009, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewSong

For the photography experts out there, I've been looking at possibly buying an entry level SLR.

What do you guys think about this one?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16830120278

I also found this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Digital-.../dp/B000I1ZWRC

Would either of the above cameras allow me to take high quality photos like I've seen in this forum?

If a photographer knows what they are doing, they can make a high quality image with almost any camera.

With an entry level camera you will be a little more limited than with a higher end camera in terms of which images you are able to get. For instance, a higher end camera will perform better in low light situations, and have a better sensor which will deliver better contrast and color saturation.

That said, either camera will afford you the opportunity to master the art and start making great images. Eventually you may see that you are limited by your gear, and at that point you can upgrade. Almost all of us have been through that.

All that said, go to a camera store and check them out in person. Compare the XTi with an XSi (if you can find an XTi in the store, its an older model). Also compare them to a Nikon D40/50/60. See what you like. Which feels more comfortable? Between Nikon and Canon, the best camera is the one that feels the most natural in your hand.

TWiTCHY · 03-06-2009, 11:57 PM

For an entry level SLR, I would go Canon sense autofocus is compatible with both EF and EF-S lenses as opposed to the Nikon D40, D40x, and D60, which only allow autofocus for AF-S lenses.

Also Canon shutters sound so sci-fi

TurboFan · 03-07-2009, 10:46 AM

I have to admint, I really hate the D40 / D60 platforms. Requiring a buyer to go with AF-s lenses is silly, given that the body is in the budget / beginner category (they're generally Nikons best lenses, but they're EXPENSIVE!). Second, I hate the lack of sep dials for shutter and aperture. I know Canon does this too on their lower end bodies, but at least the camera can still autofocus.

However, if you do go with the Nikon setup, and purchase the AF-s lenses, you've got a great setup when you upgrade the body down the road.

TWiTCHY · 03-07-2009, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TurboFan

I have to admint, I really hate the D40 / D60 platforms. Requiring a buyer to go with AF-s lenses is silly, given that the body is in the budget / beginner category

That's why I got rid of the D60 and upgraded within half a year of owning it...

TurboFan · 03-07-2009, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TWiTCHY

That's why I got rid of the D60 and upgraded within half a year of owning it...

Even the Canon 50D interface sucks imo. If they don't include two sep dials, one for shutter and one for aperture, then it's a crappy interface, to me. That to me is a bigger beef than the AF-s lenses that Nikon requires.

Carbon4 · 03-12-2009, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TurboFan

Even the Canon 50D interface sucks imo. If they don't include two sep dials, one for shutter and one for aperture, then it's a crappy interface, to me. That to me is a bigger beef than the AF-s lenses that Nikon requires.

But the 50D (and 40D and 30D) do have separate dials for aperture and shutter speed - one's the round dial on the back the other is the dial right on top of the trigger - it's almost the same layout as the 5D.

It's the XT line that doesn't and uses the up / down buttons.

TurboFan · 03-12-2009, 10:20 PM

hmmmm....I need to take a look at them. For some reason I didn't think the last 50d I looked at had the 2nd dial. On a side note, I wondered how you were supposed to adjust the damn things. Up and down buttons seem stupid. Way to go Nikon and Canon.

boostedbavarian · 03-15-2009, 07:43 PM

damn jason i gotta go to the end of the forum just to find you..lol we need to get a new thread for old times going

NinetyEight740 · 03-16-2009, 11:53 AM

ive got a nikon d40 and love it!!! However im thinking of upgrading so im gonna be selling it most likely...

Nikon D40
18-55 lens
18-135 lens
camera bag

had this thing a couple of years however ive hardly used it... ive been starting to use more lately which is why I want to upgrade.

03-06-2009, 04:11 PM	#1
NewSong Just another jerk in a hat... 119 Rep 1,462 Posts Drives: 2005 Ford Focus Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Irvine iTrader: (0)	Opinions on Entry level SLRs? For the photography experts out there, I've been looking at possibly buying an entry level SLR. What do you guys think about this one? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16830120278 I also found this one: http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Digital-.../dp/B000I1ZWRC Would either of the above cameras allow me to take high quality photos like I've seen in this forum? __________________ He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth.
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

03-06-2009, 04:15 PM	#2
kyleb350 Brigadier General 428 Rep 4,709 Posts Drives: '21 X3MC Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Milwaukee iTrader: (6)	LOL. For a second I thought of the McLaren and asked "Entry level?!?" Most (if not all) SLR's take awesome shots.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-06-2009, 04:23 PM	#4
driftdriven Captain 57 Rep 905 Posts Drives: BMW 135i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	I ended up getting a Canon XTi and it works great. I am a beginner when it comes to photography but this camera will do wonders aslong as you know how to use it. On another note I tried a Nikon D40 or D60, can't remember, but I found the loading time on the pictures very slow even with a fast memory card. Therefore I went with Canon for a little bit more at the time. THe Xti is the newer model from I know.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-06-2009, 04:33 PM	#5
MemphisRheins Second Lieutenant 13 Rep 244 Posts Drives: 06 330xi Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Long Island/ Pennsylvania iTrader: (2)	Im shooting with a Rebel XS Currently, very nice camera, especially for the money... There is a Saying that one of my friends father is quite fond of when talking about cameras "Its not the "Mad Tools" but the "Mad Skills" that make a picture" , You can make some fantastic images with any SLR camera (heck even with some of the cheepo P&S's) __________________ 2006 330xi 6MT, ZCW/ZPP/ZSP
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-06-2009, 04:41 PM	#6
lons Lons 10 Rep 383 Posts Drives: 320d M Sport edition - carbon Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Northumberland iTrader: (0)	Hi I'm from the UK and have owned a Canon 400d for 15 months. (your equivilant = Rebel Xti. 10.1 mp) I'm an amateur but have achieved some superb results. Took it to South Africa last year with just the standard lens - 1800 photos - very pleased overall. Have since added a canon 100-300 usm lens. My son also has had the same camera for 18 months and his pics are outstanding. Here is the link to his flickr posts so you can see what is achievable. Hope it helps http://www.flickr.com/photos/stu82/ __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-06-2009, 04:43 PM	#7
Donald-335i Banned 197 Rep 3,588 Posts Drives: The Hoes Crazy! Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Central NJ iTrader: (13)	[QUOTE=kyleb350;4644529]LOL. For a second I thought of the McLaren and asked "Entry level?!?" lmao so did i
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-06-2009, 04:51 PM	#8
SLCGoonski Brigadier General 58 Rep 4,221 Posts Drives: 2014 F31 Estoril MSport Wagon Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: SLC, UT iTrader: (4)	I've taken a bunch of pictures with a Canon P&S as well as my newer Nikon D40. Have achieved great results with both, but it's a completely different style of photography. dSLR shooting takes some time to get used to. There's soooo much you can control with the camera and lenses (and can get expensive with new lenses, flashes, filters, etc.) but the potential is limitless. __________________ SLC Goonski 14 F31 MSport Wagon 08 335i e90...sold
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-06-2009, 05:20 PM	#9
mach330 You don't know JACK!!! 43 Rep 794 Posts Drives: 2011 X5 35i Join Date: May 2005 Location: The OC iTrader: (3)	D40x, XSi (I think this is the newest model). I do like how the nikon fits better around my hands. But can't go wrong with either canon or nikon. __________________ Rated /// M
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-06-2009, 05:35 PM	#10
ronn16E90 Major 131 Rep 1,293 Posts Drives: E90 N52 & E92 m3 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Auburn iTrader: (5) Garage List 2009 E92 M3 [0.00] 2006 325i [9.00]	dude instead of that get the rebel XSI, that is the latest one that cannon has, I bought mine at amazon this is the link http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Digital-...6378641&sr=8-1 I am really happy with it, I am also a beginner in digital photography and don't know S*it. but look at my pic pix in this website http://ronn16e90.multiply.com/ look at the "front and backyard photos and my car photos.. you'll see, for a 100 diff on Xti youll have a 12.5 megapixel!!!!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-06-2009, 05:41 PM	#11
Houman21 Captain 31 Rep 949 Posts Drives: Nothin right now Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: L.A. iTrader: (0)	Spend money on the lenses - the D-SLR is only half of the equation. __________________ 2008 e92 335i Step \| Is Gone - It was fun but not meant to be \| M3 - Cancelled \| 135 Ordered
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-06-2009, 09:56 PM	#13
daheechang Colonel 129 Rep 2,424 Posts Drives: E30 m3 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Shoreline iTrader: (14)	I'm seeling my alpha 100 right now with a couples lense if you're interestd!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-06-2009, 11:57 PM	#15
TWiTCHY Colonel 389 Rep 2,526 Posts Drives: '13 AW E92 M3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: WA iTrader: (6)	For an entry level SLR, I would go Canon sense autofocus is compatible with both EF and EF-S lenses as opposed to the Nikon D40, D40x, and D60, which only allow autofocus for AF-S lenses. Also Canon shutters sound so sci-fi
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-07-2009, 10:46 AM	#16
TurboFan Ski bum 327 Rep 6,198 Posts Drives: sideways Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Knee deep in the pow iTrader: (8)	I have to admint, I really hate the D40 / D60 platforms. Requiring a buyer to go with AF-s lenses is silly, given that the body is in the budget / beginner category (they're generally Nikons best lenses, but they're EXPENSIVE!). Second, I hate the lack of sep dials for shutter and aperture. I know Canon does this too on their lower end bodies, but at least the camera can still autofocus. However, if you do go with the Nikon setup, and purchase the AF-s lenses, you've got a great setup when you upgrade the body down the road. __________________ 1999 e46 328i Ti Silver / Black[retired] 2007 e90 335xi Jet Black / Black[retired] 2011 e70 X5 35d Vermillion Red / Cinnamon 2011 e92 M3 LeMans / Fox Red extended
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-12-2009, 10:20 PM	#20
TurboFan Ski bum 327 Rep 6,198 Posts Drives: sideways Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Knee deep in the pow iTrader: (8)	hmmmm....I need to take a look at them. For some reason I didn't think the last 50d I looked at had the 2nd dial. On a side note, I wondered how you were supposed to adjust the damn things. Up and down buttons seem stupid. Way to go Nikon and Canon. __________________ 1999 e46 328i Ti Silver / Black[retired] 2007 e90 335xi Jet Black / Black[retired] 2011 e70 X5 35d Vermillion Red / Cinnamon 2011 e92 M3 LeMans / Fox Red extended
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-15-2009, 07:43 PM	#21
boostedbavarian ......................... ......................... 119 Rep 9,791 Posts Drives: to many cars too fast Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: ON THE Cresents iTrader: (0)	damn jason i gotta go to the end of the forum just to find you..lol we need to get a new thread for old times going __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-16-2009, 11:53 AM	#22
NinetyEight740 Major General 235 Rep 5,691 Posts Drives: 2 - 2013 535i msport Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Orange County California iTrader: (2) Garage List 2010 E91 [0.00]	ive got a nikon d40 and love it!!! However im thinking of upgrading so im gonna be selling it most likely... Nikon D40 18-55 lens 18-135 lens camera bag had this thing a couple of years however ive hardly used it... ive been starting to use more lately which is why I want to upgrade.
	Appreciate 0 Quote