I need help choosing my first DSLR & lenses!

AHadden · Dec 28, 2010

Hello all!

I am new to the forum and am hoping for your words of wisdom on choosing a DSLR &/or lenses.

I am not "new" to photography but new to DSLR. I'm not a pro but hope to be someday...I currently sell my underwater photos to benefit sea turtle conservation on my website and have some photos listed with a stock agency.

With that said....I want to get into the business of wedding whotography but still have the ability to use the selected DSLR for underwater photography also...with an Ikelite housing of course!

For Christmas I received a Canon EOS Rebel XS 1000D with a 18-55mm IS lens and a 70-300mm lens..(Santa was VERY good to me

)

Before Christmas I was looking to purchase either the Canon 60D with a 35-135mm IS or the Nikon D7000 with a 18-105mm lens...

Up until this point I have always used Olympus but unfortunately, Olympus doesn't seem to be up to par with the DSLR..

Nikon or Canon?...I am neither...yet.. I just want the camera/lenses I purchase to be sufficient for business for at least a few years...and I want the lenses to have the ability to be used later in the future if I upgrade the body of the camera

So my questions to anyone who will help....

I have an additional $1,500 to spend on equipment

Do I...
1. Keep my Canon 1000D EOS XS Rebel & lenses and spend the money on more lenses?
2. Exchange the 1000D for either the Nikon D7000 or Canon 60D?
3. Are the EF-S lenses for Canon compatible with EF mount Canons?

I need to make a decision no later than Jan. 8th if I am going to trade the 1000D in...

Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated!

Thanks All!

Vinny · Dec 28, 2010

The 60D looks like it's higher up on the Canon camera chain and it's newer than the 1000D. Newer usually means better in certain aspects (maybe all) such as the new Nikon D7000 to the D90. Canon or Nikon - take your pick. Since you're not a new newbie you might want to get the best camera and lens combo you can afford so you don't outgrow it quickly. Look at both cameras even compare Canon and Nikon and see what you like. Make sure that whatever you pick you can use later in case you want to upgrade, such as crop sensor lenses vs full frame lenses.

Dnator · Dec 28, 2010

I have the 60D and am very happy with it. I have a friend who has the 550d and the images from both cameras are the same. The main difference is in the menus, ease of use, and advanced features the camera contains.

If this is your first DSLR I would recommend keeping it and learning how to use it and get the most out of it as possible! It is a camera that will be able to take excellent photos - you will probably be the limiting factor!!

As for the lens mounts - Canon EF-s mount lenses only work on Canon cameras with the ef-s mount. However these cameras can also use the EF mount lenses. Canon cameras with an EF mount can only use the EF mount lenses and NOT the EF-s mount lenses. In other words, your camera can take both, so can the 550D, 60D and 7D. For a good description go here: Canon EF-S lens mount - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Canon of Nikon - they both take good photos - don't stress!

With the lenses you have, you cover a good focal range. I would say get out there and take a heap of photos and learn as much about your camera as possible. Then have a look at the photos and what focal length they were taken at. This can give you an idea of your most used focal length and help direct you towards what other lenses you should get. Large apertures are good (f1.2-f2.8) they help you blur the background and use faster shutter speeds.

Think about where you want your photography to go and invest in lenses, tripods, bags, flashes. As new technology comes out upgrade your body and sell it with the cheaper kit lenses.

...my 2cents

Hope it helps?

I have a bit of a discussion about the Canon 60D here if you are interested. I will be adding some info about some lenses that you may be interested in shortly! Can I become a professional photographer?

John Mc · Dec 28, 2010

Personally,i have the 500D,and its a lovely camera,but i would suggest exchanging it for a 60D. Better Af system,bigger sensor and personally,i'd love a bigger camera body!

Go for the 18-135 kit lens option,Gives you a good walkabout lens,and its usable for wideangle.

Canon's Ef 50mm/F1.4 $344 from B&H (good for portraits)
A 70-200mm/F4 (non Is version) $626 from B&H (good for portraits and some sports/wildlife shots)
A Flashgun,Canon 430Exii around $300 from B&H (Better then onboard flash,can be used for of camera for portraits,can be used as a slave by using on camera flash)
and a decent Tripod?
A bag for it all to go in?

Just a few idea's is all.If i had $1500 i'd probably buy what ive listed,but thats me!

It's your money but,you have to decide,but thats my input

KmH · Dec 28, 2010

Olympus makes some sweet DSLR's. I have several pro friends that use Olympus, because they really like the 4/3 image sensor format.

The Nikon D7000 is the best consumer APS-C size sensored camera on the market right now.

Canon is in big trouble.

AHadden · Dec 28, 2010

Thanks everyone for your suggestions.....

I have a few other concerns...

1. Reviews I have read after using search engines regarding Canon 60D VS Nikkon D7000...Canon users were not happy with the cost/performance/features of the 60D vs the Nikon D7000

2. How often does Canon change its lens mounting types? If I were to get the 60D now and upgrade to the 5D later...how many lenses will I be able to still use? Unfortunately, seems like most of the bundles come with EF-S lenses....Not that I can't buy them separately..

3. Is it true all Nikon lenses work in all Nikon cameras?

4. Do Canons have better glass in the lens and Nikon, instead, a better coating?

I did take the 1000D out today to the zoo and WOW what a difference in the photo quality and functions compared to my little "point & shoot".

I can't wait to "decide" on my permanent camera to get started with!!

Any other suggestions/opinions will be greatly appreciated

orb9220 · Dec 28, 2010

No real old pre-Ai lenses before the mid-seventies are not compatible with some of the Nikon models like the D80,D90,D7000 but will except Ai or Ais version lenses made after the late 70's and are designated as such. entry level D40,D60,D3000,D5000 will accept and also allow you to mount even the pre-Ai lenses.

Nikon & Canon both have Stellar & Not so Stellar down to just plain stinky glass.
Depends on particular lens. But Nikon and Canon have outstanding glass as a general rule and many lens to lens comparisons are really close and only a concern with the pixel peepers to find the differences.

Well either Canon or Nikon are both great systems. So for me when I started came down to personal preferences of handling,feel and the Menu & Button layout and which felt right for me. And for me the Nikon felt more natural and preferred the features set and layout of the Nikon.

And as mentioned the D7000 is probably the Best in the under $1300 new category right now. As it being just released.

But whether you decide on Canon or Nikon you are buying into a system more so than just the camera body.

What I love about the Nikon is superior CLS flash system compared to canon. No changing the mount like canon did. Can use old manual Ai or Ais lenses on my D90 and there are some great old primo glass out there.

But to be fair I am sure a Canon user can point out the positives of Canon system over the Nikon. So again comes down mostly to personal preference and needs.

Good Luck on your choice!
.

John Mc · Dec 29, 2010

Regarding Reviews,theres allways going to be Bad reviews out there. When i worked for a Call centre i learned,that for every one bad experience a Customer had,they would tell on average 7 of their friends,compared to a good experience,its only 2.
Ive read a few Reviews that there rather good,and i've also got a couple of Friends with 60D's who said they love the Camera.

Canon Changed thier Lens mounting type once,and they havent looked at doing so.So dont panic that your going to spend thousands of Dollars on gear for them to change thier mounting type.And just before someone says it,just cause they've done it once,doesent mean there going to do it again.

Your Ef-s Lenses wont work with a FF camera like a 5D,But also remember that Nikon have simular system Issues. The simple thing to do,Buy Ef Lenses,That way you wont have an array for Ef-s lenses when you upgrade,and you can either keep it or sell it to fund your upgrade.

How did you find using the 1000D?

AHadden · Dec 29, 2010

John,

I liked the image quality of the 1000D but of course it looked very different from my point and shoot....

I did find it to get a little heavy after walking around with the 70-300mm lens after about an hour...

I'll put some of the images up later today that I took with it...

John Mc · Dec 29, 2010

It's a nice Camera to start with,i borrowed one for a few weeks before i got my 500D.

The weight will kill you,but you'll build up strength after a while

AHadden · Dec 29, 2010

The Canon 60D is even heavier!:er:

Part of my problem with the decision between the Nikon D7000 & the Canon 60D is the retailers in my area don't have the Nikon D7000 on the floor for me to handle to see if I like the weight/controls better...

I'm just going on what I have read during research....I just want either camera I buy to be suitable for the wedding business for a few years till I make enough $$$ to upgrade...

I have asked 2 pro friends of mine and 1 says keep the camera I have and invest the $$ in more lenses..upgrade the body later...

The other says upgrade the body now and get more lenses later....

I'm sooo confused..This is a big investment for me...the $1,500 is in addition to the already spend $700 so its like a $2,000 investment!

John Mc · Dec 29, 2010

Start hitting the Gym now then and build the muscles in your arm

Well,I'd say get a better body,and a few more lenses.The 1000D isnt a work horse like a semi-pro body.and a better sensor and Af system will benifit you.
You dont want to be shooting a wedding and your Af system didnt focus quick enough on a shot that wont happen again,Like the kiss at the end of thier Vow's.
if you like the way the 1000D feels in your hand's,holding a Nikon might be different,and uncomfertable.yet again,it might feel more natural.
Both company's put the buttons in simular places on different body's for ease of use.so your re-learning how to use a camera body.

Regarding lense's,Maybe speak to a local Wedding photographer and ask what he use's,And make your decisions from there.
Most will be using a wide to short tele zoom and a 70-200mm telephoto.
I would also say a Flashgun is crucial aswell.

AHadden · Dec 30, 2010

How do you like your 550D? Does it have the IS in the camera? I couldn't find that info on any site...

I found the Nikon @ HHGregg yesterday and went to try out both...

It seems to me that for the extra $$$ the 60D doesn't have that much more than the 550D. The sensor is the same, AF points the same...the major difference was the ISO, in camera editing, 1 more frame/second...and a horizontal level....

Anything I missed?

To me it seems that the 550D is a much better "bang for the buck"....even though it wasn't one I had considered before

I can get the 550D with 18-55 IS lens & 55-250 IS lens for under $1,000 where as the 60D is around $1600 with the 35-135mm IS & 55-250mm IS.

So...how do you like your camera and what would make you want to upgrade to the 60D?

donalson · Dec 30, 2010

neither nikon or canon have in body stabilization... it's all in the lens. (sony/pentax/samsung have in body stabilization)

either way... i'd spend some time shooting what you have... put the money in the savings account for a few months... figure out what the current camera doesn't do that you want it to... and by that time the prices of either camera you're looking out should have dropped a smidge (or at least been easy to get your hands on (d7000 is up and down)

the higher end stuff makes it easier to get to settings, no jumping into menus...

don't jump into it to fast... once you've bought some glass you're locked into the system unless you're going to spend a lot more $$$

John Mc · Dec 31, 2010

AHadden, I've got the 500D,i find mines a Fantastic camera to work with,its small in my hands(which i dont like cause i have big hands

) but its light,and all the buttons are where I want them to be. ive used the 550D a few times and its a Lovely to use,the Af is better i feel,quicker. it's been unoficially Nicknamed the "Baby 7D" as on a comparison,your only minus the 8Fps.

Theres functions in the 60D that i think are more novelties then functions,like the in camera edit function or swivel screen.The Af is the same as the 550D also.The Iso is the same in both Camera's, 100-12800.

If your asking me if i would upgrade to a 60D,the answer would be no,Not begining my photography like you are(but there is argument for better gear now will help you later ect) I would swap the 1000D for the 550D,you said you liked the 1000D,which is simular to the 550D in position of buttons and dial's. Save the cash for better lenses,say in 6 months time when your better and you know what you want to shoot. And/or use some of the cash to enrole into a part-time,evening or weekend course in photography to learn the basics,or atleast,buy a few self help books in the subject.
But use some of the cash Now to get a good tripod and Prime lens.something with a Large aperture. like a 28/2.8 or the 50mm/1.8(cheap lens,Less then $100) which most people buy as there first lens.It's Great for Portraits.

You'll know when you'll want to upgrade your camera body and the bonus is,you'll have High quality Glass at that time.

Im Saving for a 5D and a 24-70/2.8 lens.i want a Full frame camera for my portrait work.i use alot of film and the FF sensor means i dont have to buy Ef-s lenses aswell as Ef if i want a wide angle shot.