DSLR Camera Recommendations

[The Josh]

Thanks Mark.

 

[nash]

I would get a good prime lens first. A flash is nice but a good prime lens can help eliminate the need for one. Which can be very helpful for places like comic con, by eliminating flash and still shooting a higher shutter speed you will get better pics of stuff behind glass. It also very nice if you go to museums where you can't use a flash, you may still be able to get nice pics you couldn't get with a slower zoom lens.

On a Rebel Xs or Xsi body? Prime lens can only do so much when the higher ISO settings on the camera = noise

 

[plasmid303]

Prime lenses offer a wider aperture and faster speed for less of a price. An F2.8 or faster aperture allows for more leeway in dark conditions without having to jack up the iso to a point where there would be considerable noise. A prime 2.8 is cheaper than a zoom 2.8.

I do agree that after a while, only having 1 prime lens is severely limiting, but it really depends on the plans and preference of the buyer in question. That being said, it's really a try before you buy situation.

Sorry Marf if this all sounds daunting. Should be fun.

 

[King Darkness]

Prime lenses offer a wider aperture and faster speed for less of a price. An F2.8 or faster aperture allows for more leeway in dark conditions without having to jack up the iso to a point where there would be considerable noise. A prime 2.8 is cheaper than a zoom 2.8.

I do agree that after a while, only having 1 prime lens is severely limiting, but it really depends on the plans and preference of the buyer in question. That being said, it's really a try before you buy situation.

Sorry Marf if this all sounds daunting. Should be fun.

I read that and came away with nothing

 

[plasmid303]

I read that and came away with nothing

 

[nash]

Prime lenses offer a wider aperture and faster speed for less of a price. An F2.8 or faster aperture allows for more leeway in dark conditions without having to jack up the iso to a point where there would be considerable noise. A prime 2.8 is cheaper than a zoom 2.8.

I do agree that after a while, only having 1 prime lens is severely limiting, but it really depends on the plans and preference of the buyer in question. That being said, it's really a try before you buy situation.

Sorry Marf if this all sounds daunting. Should be fun.

lol trust me i know what a lens does and can't do. and I know that in a perfect world with the best camera you would be right.

BUT, like I said, with a low end DSLR like a Rebel Xs or XSi, the higher ISO settings that would make a prime lens usable (while handheld and without flash unit) even in a restaurant setting with mood lighting is going to either not be usable at all, or VERY noisy due to the lack of quality processing of the Rebel.

 

[plasmid303]

There's definitely some truth to that, but taking into consideration Marf's budget and plans of use, I don't thik it'll be a problem. The Xsi/Xs is on the lower end of the list in terms of processing ability but considering the price range it's no slouch.

No lens will make shooting in low-light or mood lighting easy, but a fast prime is certainly the less pricey aid. And I suppose getting the relatively cheap 50mm 1.8 would leave some cash for a flash unit (though Ive only recently picked up a flash).

 

[user 1190]

On a Rebel Xs or Xsi body? Prime lens can only do so much when the higher ISO settings on the camera = noise

Are you talking about taking pictures in the dark or low light? I will admit hands on knowledge of working of Canon is not good but why would using a fast prime lens require a higher iso? It doesn't on Nikon cameras. I don't even think the lower end models have the really high ISO levels that higher end models do. Sure if the light is so low that even with the aperture wide open you need higher ISO then a flash would help, but that's pretty low light and you will still gain from the faster prime lens.

 

[MarfMaster]

Sorry Marf if this all sounds daunting. Should be fun.

It has been a little daunting so far because I have zero experience with DSLRs but I really do appreciate everyone's input.

 

[fosing]

if this is your first time, i'd suggest to limit yourself with the kitlens(canon or nikon, you cant go wrong). maximize your kitlens and find out what you need, helps you overcome the gears acquisition syndrome...for stuff you really dont need or thought you need.

 

[agonistes86]

if this is your first time, i'd suggest to limit yourself with the kitlens(canon or nikon, you cant go wrong). maximize your kitlens and find out what you need, helps you overcome the gears acquisition syndrome...for stuff you really dont need or thought you need.

I'm currently looking to get my first DSLR too, and I have exactly the same problem.
I have a pretty small budget so I'm leaning towards the Canon Rebel XS too with the kit lens (EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS).
I mainly want to use the camera for my collection and for outside photography (architecture, nature, mostly immovable objects), not really for people. I don't know a lot about DSLR cameras yet (I read this thread and a beginners guide to the whole semantics) and read through a lot of reviews and think the Rebel XS should suit me just fine as a first one.

 

[jinxx]

I rarely use mine(too lazy!) but I agree with the majority here. Get a Canon DSLR, if you can manage. Their ____ rocks!

 

[KillKen]

Whoop just picked up a Canon 550D and LOVE it!

 

[Skiman]

Looking for something now as well, in the same range for $500-$600.

Anything good out there, preferable Canon.

 

[user 1190]

Hmm, just curious why is everyone so only Canon here? Is it because thats what most the people you know have? Is it because you loved the old Rebel commecials and know image is everything?

I will say that Canon and Nikon are by far the best out there and have the best options for lenses and would only say stay with only one company if you already have invested money in lenses.

For 500-600 range I would get the Nikon 3100 hands down. Its the most advanced camera in that price range. The only drawback to this is the lack of autofocus motor which will not allow autofoucs to work in older Nikon G and D lenses.

If I was set on Canon the the lowest I would go would be the Rebel T1i.

 

[choopie]

Over the holidays, I bought the Canon Rebel T1i and the 55-250 mm zoom lens. Love the set-up for what I'm using it for.

 

[fosing]

Hmm, just curious why is everyone so only Canon here? Is it because thats what most the people you know have? Is it because you loved the old Rebel commecials and know image is everything?

I will say that Canon and Nikon are by far the best out there and have the best options for lenses and would only say stay with only one company if you already have invested money in lenses.

For 500-600 range I would get the Nikon 3100 hands down. Its the most advanced camera in that price range. The only drawback to this is the lack of autofocus motor which will not allow autofoucs to work in older Nikon G and D lenses.

If I was set on Canon the the lowest I would go would be the Rebel T1i.

not much dark side/Nikon here eh?

still, if you dont fancy the whole dslr set up, go for panasonic LX5...super digicam.

*i couldn't bring my dslr at big day out.... but panasonic LX5 super digicam, passed. happy with it. \m/
*i am faithful with Nikon(they are compatible with old nikon lenses unlike canon's system, looking to upgrade to D7000 soon.

....either way, "shooot ze glasssss".

\m/

PS

Nikon's D90 is like going really all out on sale after D7000 was released. If you dont need that HD 1080 video capability and opt strictly for photos this is a good deal. AF motor, good ISO handling, better built.

 

[nash]

Im a canon owner, but I do agree for the mid range prices, nikon has the best straight from the camera quality photos.

 

[Balsquat]

Just bought my first DSLR. I splurged a little, but I realized I wanted a good intermediate camera. With the right lenses, this could border on semi-pro, so I am very happy. At this price it has been sold out since before boxing day, but they had one become available online for free shipping, so I snapped it up.

https://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/pro...spx?path=3d914772191c7aa7607def02e64f2062en02

God I love new toys

 

[Balsquat]

Hmm, just curious why is everyone so only Canon here? Is it because thats what most the people you know have? Is it because you loved the old Rebel commecials and know image is everything?

I will say that Canon and Nikon are by far the best out there and have the best options for lenses and would only say stay with only one company if you already have invested money in lenses.

For 500-600 range I would get the Nikon 3100 hands down. Its the most advanced camera in that price range. The only drawback to this is the lack of autofocus motor which will not allow autofoucs to work in older Nikon G and D lenses.

If I was set on Canon the the lowest I would go would be the Rebel T1i.