First DSLR

[mumureo]

Hey everyone, I'm 17 years old and I've been wanting to get into photography for about a year now. I was wondering which camera would probably be best suited for me. I have some camera's that I am looking at and I am probably mainly going to shoot portraits, macro, landscape/travel, and some video. I kind of have a budget around $1000 or less, cheaper the better. I'm also looking for a light DSLR too... So far, I have been looking at:
Nikon D5000 (kind of heading towards this camera)
Canon EOS Rebel T1i or T2i
I really like the Nikon D5000 because it seems to be pretty user friendly, it has the swivel screen, and it has video capabilities. However, on the T2i, it seems like the video quality is better, but it's price is pushing my budget.. Actually these 3 camera's in general are kind of pushing it.

Canon XS 1000D
Nikon D3000
Canon Rebel XSi
These camera's seem to be more in my budget range but I really want video capabilities because I'm going on a trip to Japan this fall and I want to shoot some video.

Sony DSC-TX1
I am also looking at this P&S camera too, I really like that it's really in my budget range and that it can take panoramic picture's. However I want to get into DSLR's and I already have a P&S and I'm not satisfied with it.

It would be great to hear your opinion's on which camera would be best suited for me! I would also like to know about how much you spent on accessories too. Sorry for all of the questions, thanks a bunch though!

 

[white]

You're going to spend more money on lenses than on camera bodies. And if you choose to be a wise guy and not invest in quality lenses, then you're going wonder why you can't get teh beautiful bokeh in your photos. So buy a dSLR body that is comfortable and does not have any unnecessary features and spend the rest on good glass.

And perhaps buy a video camera to shoot video. I'm guessing the quality will be better.

 

[mumureo]

Ahh, yeah.. I was thinking of renting lenses instead of buying lenses, or is that bad? And I'll probably buy some lenses, if I have money, but for now if I just stick with the kit lenses do you think it would be enough/good enough for my trip to Japan?

Ohh, alright thanks for the advice! I think this weekend I'll be able to go and check out some of these camera's and see how they are and if they are comfortable :sillysmi:

Mmm, yeah probably but I don't really wanna bring a camera and a video camera, thats why I was looking for a dslr with video. I guess I don't mind too, too much on quality just something better than P&S video, and I'm probably gonna just shoot short stuff.

 

[cutestguy]

Hey everyone, I'm 17 years old and I've been wanting to get into photography for about a year now. I was wondering which camera would probably be best suited for me. I have some camera's that I am looking at and I am probably mainly going to shoot portraits, macro, landscape/travel, and some video. I kind of have a budget around $1000 or less, cheaper the better. I'm also looking for a light DSLR too... So far, I have been looking at:
Nikon D5000 (kind of heading towards this camera)
Canon EOS Rebel T1i or T2i
I really like the Nikon D5000 because it seems to be pretty user friendly, it has the swivel screen, and it has video capabilities. However, on the T2i, it seems like the video quality is better, but it's price is pushing my budget.. Actually these 3 camera's in general are kind of pushing it.

Canon XS 1000D
Nikon D3000
Canon Rebel XSi
These camera's seem to be more in my budget range but I really want video capabilities because I'm going on a trip to Japan this fall and I want to shoot some video.

Sony DSC-TX1
I am also looking at this P&S camera too, I really like that it's really in my budget range and that it can take panoramic picture's. However I want to get into DSLR's and I already have a P&S and I'm not satisfied with it.

It would be great to hear your opinion's on which camera would be best suited for me! I would also like to know about how much you spent on accessories too. Sorry for all of the questions, thanks a bunch though!

I have Nikon D3000 10MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens. It gives excellent output and I would say since you are a beginner, try it. Even I'm a beginner.

 

[mumureo]

Ahh ! Yeah, I was looking at that camera~ Maybe. I'm kind of heading towards getting the Nikon D5000 though. I'll check the two camera's out this weekend :sillysmi:

 

[cutestguy]

Ahh ! Yeah, I was looking at that camera~ Maybe. I'm kind of heading towards getting the Nikon D5000 though. I'll check the two camera's out this weekend :sillysmi:

Try Amazon's package offer...[ame=http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Digital-18-55mm-3-5-5-6G-Accessory/dp/B002NRSMYY/ref=pd_rhf_p_img_4]Amazon.com: Nikon D3000 10MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens + 8GB Deluxe Accessory Kit: Camera & Photo[/ame] This is for us beginners...

 

[haynchinook334]

Adorama has refurbished cameras, if you don't mind that. B&H and cheap lenses as well.

 

[robertwsimpson]

Get the T2i. Canon's lenses are generally cheaper than Nikon's. Plus, the T2i shoots boss video. Have fun on your trip!

 

[myfotoguy]

Welcome to TPF!

Personally I would go with the Nikon D5000 you are looking at. I like Nikon though.

$679 USD, free shipping:
Nikon | D5000 Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-55mm VR Lens

For cleaning supplies, check out this. You would want a blower, microfiber cloth, lens pen to start IMO.

Once you get your camera and start to get familiar with it, check out a couple sites (shortcourses.com, Nikon digitutor and get a camera guide for you D5000).

When you're ready, read some articles online, and consider getting a book or two.

Then, post some pictures on here for comments and critique and learn even more!

 

[bazooka]

I recommend buying the body only and getting a better quality non-kit lens. I followed this advice from others and am very glad I did. So far I haven't had any noticeable problems with sharpness, color abberation, or distortion like I see in shots taken with some of the kit lenses. Sometimes I wish I had an IS lens, but to me, the optical quality, faster lens, and static aperture through the focal lengths is worth it.

Also, as was mentioned above, consider buying used to get more "bang".

 

[robertwsimpson]

Yep, the Tamron is pretty awesome. The extra light pretty much negates the need for IS.

 

[myfotoguy]

I recommend buying the body only and getting a better quality non-kit lens. I followed this advice from others and am very glad I did. So far I haven't had any noticeable problems with sharpness, color abberation, or distortion like I see in shots taken with some of the kit lenses.

Great advice!

Yep, the Tamron is pretty awesome. The extra light pretty much negates the need for IS.

I have a Tamron too (for Nikon). I agree, it's an awesome lens and gives you a great combo of performance and lower cost (compared to the OEM 2.8 in the range).
.
Not sure if it pushes you past your budget or not, there is currently a rebate: Tamron 17-50 nikon

 

[Village Idiot]

Canon is the only way to go if you want to shoot professional video. If you're just doing home movies, then get whatever.

The biggest thing you'll need for portraits is lighting. You can do great portrait work with a kit lens as long as you can light. Macro is more dependent on the lenses, but requires lighting knowledge as well. Landscape requires lighting knowledge, but the knowledge about how to use natural light effectively and how to position yourself to take advantage of it.

So....learn about lighting, it'll benefit you just as much as buying an expensive camera.

 

[benlonghair]

And perhaps buy a video camera to shoot video. I'm guessing the quality will be better.

Don't tell that to the producers of the season finale of House MD.

 

[tsaraleksi]

Yeah if you have any interest in video, get the T2i. The 1080p Canon video is amazing, and the manual control that it comes with is unrivaled.

Just read a review here that might be helpful.