Looking for a first camera

[TheOtherBob]

Non-IS?

That means that the lenses don't have built-in image stabilization.

 

[ANDS!]

Vibration reduction or image stabilization or etc. etc. is a gimmick. Do not let that be the driving choice of your camera system. Lens choice, software (both in and outside the camera), built in user market, image quality (iso performance, RAW algorithims) are all the most important features to look at in a camera.

If you get a D80 you will not be disappointed in its performance. It is a workhorse, and a very popular camera - rightfully so. It is plastic, and is not weather sealed - however unless you live in the Sudan or a place with ridiculous weather conditions - I think you can do without (this is not to say the D80 is built shoddily. It is not, in any way shape or form).

The D80 can also act as a wireless camera in Nikons Creative Lighting System, which opens up a huge realm of flash photography should you delve deeper into this hobby. I have no idea about the Canon or Pentax equivalent systems, but general opinion (if one uses the manufacturers systems) is the Nikon beating out the competition in this regard.

 

[brian87gt]

A good deal?
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=pcat17080&type=page&qp=crootcategoryid%23%23-1%23%23-1~~cabcat0400000%23%230%23%23dh~~cabcat0401000%23%230%23%233e~~cabcat0401005%23%230%23%23k~~f773%7C%7C4e696b6f6e~~q70726f63657373696e6774696d653a3e313930302d30312d3031~~nf396%7C%7C5061636b616765204465616c73&list=y&nrp=15&sc=abCameraCamcorderSP&ks=960&usc=abcat0400000&sp=-bestsellingsort+skuid&list=y&iht=n&st=processingtime%3A%3E1900-01-01

 

[ANDS!]

Naw. If you're going to go with the Canon, but the body only (preferably refurbished or new if you can swing it from a reputable source). Use the difference to purchase a good piece of glass: I would recommend the Sigma 24-60 F/2.8.

 

[brian87gt]

Another one?
Sony DSLR-A300K Alpha 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with Extra Lens

 

[tomhooper]

$2000 telephoto lenses as an absolute necessity of life...

Please don't tell my wife they aren't necessary. I have just about convinced her that I may die if I don't get the Canon 800mm L. Of course its just a little more than $2000.

 

[TheOtherBob]

A good deal?
Package Deals|Nikon : Digital SLR - BestBuy

The camera and lens seem fine to me -- but you can get them cheaper at B&H: Nikon | D60 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm VR Lens &. (By the way, the B&H site says $799 minus $150 instant rebate, which should be $649 -- but when I try adding it to my cart, it comes up as only $609. Go figure.)

 

[pez]

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Pentax-Digital-Reduction-18-55mm-3-5-5-6/dp/B0015GEJZ0/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1234240133&sr=1-4"]Do Check out the K20D with the updated kit lens[/ame]. Although generally everyone who asks the OP's question is funneled towards a Nikon Dxxx, this is a vastly capable and user-friendly camera for the money (and much nicer than a D80, BTW).

 

[prodigy2k7]

Vibration reduction or image stabilization or etc. etc. is a gimmick.

I disagree. IS/VR is actually very useful if utilized properly.

 

[Katier]

Can I ask a question ? How are the pentax lenses priced compared to the Nikon?

Kit

Generally cheaper.

Using a store that sells both,

14mm f2.8 - £969 (Nikon), £479 (Pentax)
12-24 f4 - £699(Nikon), £499 (Pentax)
105 f2.8 - £549 (Nikon), £379 (Pentax)

Pentax is 100mm but both are macro so close enough.

This is just a quick sample, I'm sure some nikon's are cheaper ( in fact the 50mm f1.4 I believe is cheaper nikon ) and the Pentax 'Limited' range are expensive ( but very very good lenses). Nikon don't do so many prime lenses as Pentax so I can't directly compare the Limited's with Nikon though.

 

[Katier]

Another one?
Sony DSLR-A300K Alpha 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with Extra Lens

The Sony's tend to be feature packed but I beleive their image quality isn't up to Pentax/Canon/Nikon Standards. not BAD camera's and certainly if your going to be using all the bells and whistles then they're a good choice BUT are you going to use them? no? Didn't think so.

 

[Katier]

Do Check out the K20D with the updated kit lens. Although generally everyone who asks the OP's question is funneled towards a Nikon Dxxx, this is a vastly capable and user-friendly camera for the money (and much nicer than a D80, BTW).

*smiles*

Excellent choice

 

[Village Idiot]

Did anyone read the OP's first post besides "I want a new camera"? I think I saw maybe one post addressing hockey and not buy my system.

Son's hockey games....

Hmmmm. Fast glass with a good focal range. A Used 40D cost about 600. That's 6.5 fps. Good for sports. A used Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 is about $500. That's a little over budget and used, but it's probably one of the best setups for the price.

That or any cheap entry level camera you can use with a 70-200 f/2.8 that won't cost you an arm and a leg.

Image Stabilization, in lens or in body, won't do anything for you at a hockey game. Kit lenses and anything under 100mm is going to leave you short on the far sides of the rink. Lenses slower than f/2.8 are probably going to leave you with blurry images because hockey rink lighting is generally as bad as the lighting in any other gym.

OP-Maybe you should do some reading and come back so you don't end up with a camera with an 18-55 f/4-5.6. You'd be quite pissed when you got home and found out all your shots were crap. I'm not saying that buying the correct equipment will make your shots any better, but it'll give you the tools to take great shots once you learn what you're doing.

Hint: I included the most important think you need to do in bold.

Edit:

Cons from dpreview

• Continuous shooting rate slow by modern standards
• Hot pixels can occur and can't be automatically removed
• Noise reduction cannot be raised as high as the competition
• Live view mode adds very little to the camera (it is neither seamless nor able to usefully magnify)
• Autofocus not as fast or consistent in low light as the more expensive competition
• Menu navigation a little clunky and won't revert to last-used location
• Would have been nice to have hard buttons for White Balance
• Average automatic white balance performance, still very poor under incandescent light
• Flash must be raised for AF assist (although AF works even in very low light)

When shooting sports, fast frames rates and fast and accurate auto focus are a must.

 

[lockwood81]

)

Olympus digital sucks because it's super-small format four/thirds and has NO compatible legacy lenses.

I like my Olympus...

 

[Katier]

Good point about the use VI, I think most of us did get a bit lost in that.

Given your points about the scenario he's shooting I think he's going to struggle.

the 40D might do it although the cons for is on dpreview do highlight issues with the continuous shooting. 1/500th of a second in the atmosphere you describe may be hard to do although the 40D does have good high ISO performance. In my room which is not brightly lit I get about 1/[email protected]@ISO1600.

So while he'll need a fast lens, the continuus shooting probably won't be a consideration.

The con of the AF assist needing the flash up is fairly common - it's the same on the 40D and other camera reviews I've read from Canon and Nikon.

So what we need is a body which has good high ISO performance and the continuous shooting works at slow shutter speeds.

The 20D fits the bill although it can be argued the shooting is a little slow ( but I believe it's fine at slower shutter speeds ).

That said having done some research on new kit I'd say the best bet would be a

Nikon D60 with a Sigma 50-150mm F2.8 EX DC HSM II Lens..

this does blow the budget but would work well from what I can tell of the reviews. Get one or both second hand though and the budget should fit.