First DSLR

nluiseb · Aug 5, 2007

Hi Everyone,

I've been interested in getting into digital photography for several months now and have been reading tons of books on photography to learn as much as possible. I only have a point and shoot camera right now and I think it's finally time for me to buy a DSLR.

My goal is for this to become a hobby and to take decent enough pictures to be able to hang them on the walls of our house. I want to take nature/landscape pictures and also pictures of my family and friends.

My budget is right around $1000 for camera, lens, and memory. Any recommendations for an entry level camera and a lens to go with that would be great. Thanks!

Tolyk · Aug 5, 2007

Canon Rebel XT
Nikon D80 (40 is cheaper, but from what I recall doesn't fit many lenses)
Olympus E-Volt 410
Pentax K100D
Sony Alpha A100

Any of these are fair priced entry level SLRs. The Pentax, from what I just saw can be grabbed for fairly cheap, even with 2 kit lenses. With that kind of budget you'll probably have to stick to kit lenses or used ones from ebay or such.

Good luck

Welcome to the site

Stratman · Aug 5, 2007

I would say for a $1,000.00 budget, the K100D would be your best bet
with kit lens $549.95 http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/438218-REG/Pentax_19018_K100D_Digital_Camera_Kit.html Minus a $50.00 rebate from Pentax, $499.95 http://www.pentaximaging.com/purchase/rebates_offers/ With all of those savings you could buy a Flash, and another pretty good lens for under your budget. The Tamron 70-300 Di LD is a steal at this price, and would help with wildlife photos http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/423730-REG/Tamron_AF017P700_70_300mm_f_4_5_6_Di_LD.html
I recommend Transcend SD cards, I have two of them, and they are fast, and reliable http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820163158

And remember, the K100D has built into the body shake reduction, so ANY lens you attach to the camera works with it, and also, ANY Pentax K mount lens will work on it.

WDodd · Aug 5, 2007

If I had $1000 to spend over again on a body, lens, and memory card heres what I would get. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/457506-REG/Canon_1236B002_EOS_Digital_Rebel_XTi.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/351548-GREY/Canon_9517A002_EF_S_17_85mm_f_4_5_6_IS.html
Any one of these: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/shop/7857/Memory_Cards_Card_Readers_CompactFlash.html

ruffy · Aug 6, 2007

I just ordered a Rebel XT from B&H. I was considering a Nikon but I have EOS lenses from my film Rebel so I couldn't see having to buy all new equipment.

Jon, The Elder · Aug 6, 2007

Smart move.

three_eyed_otter · Aug 6, 2007

nature/landscape pictures

May want to consider a decent tripod (even used) right out of the gate if you'll be shooting landscapes.

have a good one
3Eo

nluiseb · Aug 6, 2007

Thanks everyone for your replies! I'm really excited to get a camera and start taking pictures. I think I might go with the Rebel XT or the XTI. I'm debating whether or not it's worth the price difference for me. The big thing is the megapixel difference. I want to print pictures at least 11x14, so I'm not sure if 8 mp will be enough for that. I'm also debating getting the lens kit or another lens. I'm going to have to do some price hunting.

sabbath999 · Aug 6, 2007

Do not spend the extra money just for a couple megapixels. 11x14 will print JUST FINE off of far less than 8 megapixels... good, sharp, well exposed 8 megapixel pictures look great when printed much larger than 11x14.

spyder · Aug 8, 2007

canons are great but dont forget to look at the d80 which is an amazing camera

ANDS! · Aug 9, 2007

spyder said:
canons are great but dont forget to look at the d80 which is an amazing camera

Agreed, do not do yourself a disservice by passing on checking out this camera. You can get one used for 800 (and then buy a prime lens and some memory), or get one new for 970 and just have to pick up a cheap 2gig mem card.

WDodd · Aug 9, 2007

I have an XT and have 11x14s and larger prints that look just fine that shouldn't be a concern at all.

It would definitely save you some money to go the XT route. There's probably a couple around here on the buy/sell section.

And, if you end up being stuck between the XT, XTi, and D80/D40/D40x/D50 just head over to a local camera place and hold each camera and play with all the buttons and stuff and see which has a more natural feel to you.