Thinking about buying a DSLR (on a budget)

I

imported_shine

New member
I am currently using a Canon PowerShot S3 IS 12x. I currently have someone interested in buying it from me, which would leave me without a camera. I need a camera and use this one for about everything--especially detailing. Capturing defects, before and afters, 50/50 shots, the whole thing. Not to mention events with friends and family. It's my go to camera for everything, and so far has not disappointed me much. I enjoy the 12x optical zoom and manual options.



Now, my question is, would I be happy with something like a Canon XTi with the kit lense? I want to keep the body/lens setup under $600. Yeah, I know, a nice lens will make all the difference, but I don't really want to spend oodles on camera gear now. Certainly it would be an upgrade from what I have now, right?



Looking forward to anyone's opinion.
 
It'd definitely be an upgrade...even more so if you're up for tackling the learning curve. I took the DSLR plunge just over a year ago, and it was an even better upgrade than going from hand-to-PC for polishing. :D



FWIW, here's a shot I captured yesterday that simply wouldn't be the same with a point & shoot.



2731842713_0c33f4134c.jpg




I definitely recommend reading up before buying, though - not so much for product selection, but to make sure you're up for tackling the process of capturing good pics. You can certainly leave the camera in 'auto' mode and take nice shots, but for that purpose I'd recommend a replacement Canon point & shoot. Good luck!
 
Thanks guys. Though I'd certainly like a XSi, it's out of my price range. I am also looking at a D40 or D60.



Here are a few I have taken recently with my current non-DSLR.
 
I was going to suggest a Nikon, but wasn't sure if you wanted to stick with Canon. Impossible to go wrong either way, but...



I can tell you that I absolutely love my D80. It's much smarter than me, and I suspect that won't change for quite some time. One of the guys I work with has a D40, and he is a really gifted photographer. Deals on the D40 (and D40x, of course, if you're a megapixel junkie) are ridiculous these days - and even more so if you don't mind looking at used gear. Buying one of those would work nicely within your budget, and leave some money on the table for a good bag, tripod, extra battery, external flash, another lens, a few filters, yada yada...all the stuff that is easy to forget before you start adding up all the costs.



Speaking of lenses - most kit lenses are perfectly fine. It'll take you quite a while to grow out of them, and even then they'll be nice backups. My camera came with an 18-55mm lens that is really versatile. I've since upgraded to an 18-200mm lens for most things and a 50mm one that is great for portrait-type stuff.



In looking at your sample shots it's obvious you're ready to make the jump. Good luck!
 
evenflow said:
Vroom, wish I got get those quality type shots out of my Rebel XT :(
Click to expand...



Like detailing, it is often the person behind the camera that makes a difference. You can get some great shots from non-DLSR cameras. You can take some bad pictures with a DSLR. And, you always have Photoshop or equivalent to goose up the contrast, sharpness, etc.
 
Very true, but taking variables out of the equation, a DSLR is almost always a better tool. Sensor, lens quality, framing, etc...all come into play. However, unless you're serious about leveraging those functions, a good point & shoot is most likely a better choice.



Not that my pics are much better now, but for the first six months with my DSLR, the quality of my images was lousy. I still take a lot more stinkers than I'd like, but on the rare occasion I do get it right, the output quality makes everything worthwhile.
 
D40x, but I am biased...



Keep in mind the camera is only as good as the user, so if you plan on leaving it in auto and point and shooting, then it doesn't make since to upgrade at all.
 
D40x, but I am biased...



Keep in mind the camera is only as good as the user, so if you plan on leaving it in auto and point and shooting, then it doesn't make since to upgrade at all.
 
When purchasing a DSLR, look at the quality and selection of lenses available, then look at the camera body. Yes, the body is important, but the lens is much more important.



I too use a Nikon D40X, but with an 18-70mm lens. If I were to do it again, I wouldn't get the D40X, but rather the D40 - the extra pixels are not worth the price. The 18-70mm is really nice for detailing shots. Also macro lenses (60mm or 105mm) really help to showcase the true condition of the paint. I have a 60mm and can't live without it.



Check out slrgear.com. They review all of the current lenses.
 
I just bought a Canon Rebel XTI the other day, there are many features, but to take better pics then in AF u need to FULLY understand shutter speed and apture (sp) which i dont really get yet.
 
You also might wanna consider Pentax K200D for under $600.It has really good reviews,Image stabilized body,weathersealed etc. For me its a bang for the buck dlsr.
 
Thanks for the replies guys.



D40- Pros: Price, prefer SD format, and it seems to have a nice UI. Cons: no IS lens



XTi- Pros: It's a Canon...I like Canon. :D. More More Megapixels, but that doesn't really matter. Cons: CF format. ~$90 more than the D40 (at used), no IS lens. Pics can be slightly blurry around edges w/ kit lens-probably won't notice it...



D60- Pros: prefer SD format, and it seems to have a nice UI like the D40, IS w/ kit lens. Cons: XTi and D40 are cheaper...



XSi- Pros: IS w/ kit lens, SD format, live preview, .5" larger LCD, "only" $160 more than XTi. Cons: Price



Nikon D40: ~$360 (used)

Canon XTi: ~$550 (used)

Nikon D60: ~610 (new)

Canon XSi: ~$710 (new)



Prices above are w/ the kit lenses. Knowing that there is better glass out there, and seeing some prices, I'm going to have to stick with the kit lens for a while.



I suppose I can't lose with any of em. Any other factors I should consider? Decisions, decisions...
 
Do you have a store that you can try these out in? BestBuy usually has a decent selection of Canon's and the most popular Nikon's.





I would get the D40 and put the money toward a better lens (18-135mm).





The D60 is similar to the D40X, but it has a sensor cleaning system. If you don't change the lens often, don't even worry about it.





Also, there is a D60 kit that comes with the 18-55mm VR lens for $630.
 
The Canon XTi is a sure bet. Wonderful pictures assuming a decent lens.



Mike (has the Sigma 18-200, which converts to something like 24mm to 320mm)
 
I would stick with the canon rebel series is a good introduction into superior photography. But realize that unless you've mastered all the functions of how a camera works it will be difficult to take even mediocre pictures with one.



It's one of those if you knew how to take pictures you wouldn't ask which camera to buy. Keep in mind that variables to keep track of are not just shutter speed and aperture you also have depth of field for subject focusing, iso to keep down noise, not to mention how to properly use a flash because 99% of the time people use it incorrectly. I've even gotten friends to swear off flash photography when I introduced them to the wonders of natural light photography. I only use mine to fill in harsh shadows in backlit subjects.



For example in vroom vrooms shot of the suburban, it could be further enhanced by using a wide angle 30mm equivalent lens opening the aperture to the widest point using say a low noise iso setting of 100. What this combo would have done is create a sharply focused suburban with a much more softly focused background. I find the trees a bit too distracting from the car.
 
Good points qwertydude. I have only read online and watched a video or two about the many manual settings I must be able to grasp and then put to use properly. I don't expect to put out perfect pics without lots of practice.



The more reviews I am reading about specific models of the Nikons and Canons the better idea I get about the model I want. I'm just trying to justify certain features on a new type of camera that I've never owned.
 
I will give you my honest opinion



Get the XSi and never look back.



I have an XTi with the XSi kit lens with IS. I bought the lens recently and for $180 is it simply amazing for the price.



The XTi is a nice camera, but $150 is peanuts when it comes to DSLR world so I would go XSi with out a doubt.



My XTi is in good shape and would consider selling it.



Also post processing plays a bit part in image quality.



Here is a shot with the XTI with the 18-55 IS lens



frog2.jpg








Steve
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top