Cameras for the holiday season.

[Moa]

So I am considering getting a new camera because my current one is just a glorified point and shoot camera with some manual settings. So I am looking to get a new SLR package that I can use for landscape and wildlife photography. I am thinking of getting a Sony A200 with a 70-300mm lens or a Canon Rebel XS with a similar lens. Are there any other good or better cameras that would be good for my photography needs that are less than 700$ (lens and all)?

 

[Josh66]

If I had to start over, I would probably get this. (Canon 400D w/ kit lens ~$570)

I'm biased towards Canon though...

With the remaining money in your budget, you could pick up a decent telephoto lens too.

 

[Moa]

So would this be a good option [ame]http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Digital-70-300mm-Replacement-Incognito/dp/B000R72A8Q/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1227896977&sr=1-2[/ame]
I think its the same camera but with an extra lens.
What are the main differences between the XS the XSi and the XTi? The only problem with the package I found is that the company that sells it supposedly doesn't send you what you ordered.

 

[SanctuS]

A good place to read about the differences between those three camera bodies would be on www.dpreview.com. In their review of the Canon XS, they compare it to the XTi and the XSi and show you where it fits in.

 

[SlimPaul]

Get Nikon D60 instead.

 

[anubis404]

Better yet, get a used Nikon D70s and a 55-200 VR. D70S: $400-$500. 55-200: $200. You could also get the 70-300 but you'd have to sacrifice VR for a little extra reach. If you get a D40, 40X, or 60 you won't be able to use that 70-300.

If you want to go Canon, get a used 20D. Great camera at a great price.

As for Canon VS Nikon Vs Sony, I would say get rid of Sony. Canon or Nikon is way better.

 

[Moa]

ya Ive already ruled out the sony and I am wondering what camera and lenses will be better for landscape and wildlife photography. Right now I am considering a D40 or D60 or a XS and I might beleaning towards the D60 but I want to know what will be the trade offs between a 300mm and a 200mm lens.

I am a little worried though the seller through amazon has a good rating but I feel like the price is a little too low here are links the the page if anybody wouldn't mind lending an opinion on the reputability of the seller.
XS [ame]http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Digital-18-55mm-75-300mm-Telephoto/dp/B001KH24GU/ref=sr_1_24?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1227898392&sr=1-24[/ame]
D60
[ame]http://www.amazon.com/Digital-18-55mm-3-5-5-6G-55-200mm-f4-5-6G/dp/B001JT6KSM/ref=pd_ecc_rvi_cart_[/ame]

 

[Josh66]

So would this be a good option http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Digital...=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1227896977&sr=1-2
I think its the same camera but with an extra lens.

It is the same camera, but different lenses. The link I posted was that camera with the Canon kit lens (18-55mm). That Amazon link is the same camera with two Tamaron (sp?) lenses (plus a few other accessories, like a spare battery - which I would also advise getting). I've never used 3rd party glass, but I think the Canon glass would be a lot better. As someone that used to post here a lot said: "always buy maker glass", I think that's good advise.

I personally think you'd be better off buying from B&H and getting the Canon lens. Better prices anyway... The Canon 75-300, while not a "great" lens, is a good low budget telephoto zoom. I have it, though I rarely use it after getting the 70-200 f/4L; it's not the fastest lens, but outside during the day it does well.