Making the jump to SLR

[Snakeguy101]

Hey guys, I recently got into photography and picked up a nice little cannon s90 which was a great point and shoot but I think I am ready to make the jump to an SLR camera and was wondering what were some of the better ones out there that are ≤$700? I have signed up for some photography courses over the next few semesters so I would like something that I can grow into and will give me a lot of control but that won't break the bank.

Any suggestions on what to look for or get? Thank you in advance!

 

[KenC]

First, congrats on your level of interest and commitment to this. How long have you been using the S90? I have a G11, and I have trouble calling anything that shoots RAW files and allows total manual control a "point and shoot." While it is true that an SLR can give you better results in many situations and allows more flexibility re focal length, lens speed, etc., there is quite a bit you can do with an S90. Until you've really reached its limitations and discovered which types of lenses might do what the S90 can't or which SLR features will enable you to do what you want, you won't know what to get.

Most of the Canon Rebel models are in the range you mention. The major difference between them is that the higher ones (T1i, T2i) are better (less noise) at high ISO settings, which would be important if you think you'll shoot hand held in low light. If this isn't important to you, you could save money and get an XS. Which lens to get with it is a whole subject in itself (kit zoom lens, 50 mm, 28/35 mm), and I won't even get started there. Look at the shots you've taken and see if a lot of them cluster at certain focal lengths.

 

[inter]

I have the same thoughts...

 

[Ken Rockwell Fan]

What do you plan to shoot mostly?

 

[quangdog]

I recently jumped into my first SLR, and have been THRILLED with the results. I used to have a FujiFilm Finepix E550, which was a great point-and-shoot with full manual modes, but I found I was frequently hitting the limitations of what the camera and built in lens could do. Like you, I didn't want to spend a ton of cash, but I wanted a pretty capable camera. Research with Dr. Google indicated that a Rebel would be right up my alley.

So I poked around on Craigslist for a few days and found a great deal on a used Rebel XTi. The whole package I bought included:

Canon Rebel XTi Body
Canon 18-55 AF kit lens
Sigma 28-300 AF zoom lens
3 filters (mostly used to protect the end of the lens)
Bunch of memory cards
Camera bag

Total cost? $425.

I've since ditched the Sigma lens and bought a Canon 55-250 IS lens instead. I've also picked up a 430 EX II SpeedLite and a few other assorted toys (macro attachments, remote flash trigger, etc.)

LOVE my new equipment and the resulting improvement in my photos.

Good luck!

 

[djacobox372]

My advice is to spend as little on the camera body as u can, as this will allow u to afford more important things like lenses and a decent flash.

$350 tops for the camera body.

 

[Dan Padavona]

I don't disagree that lenses are more important than the body, and that nothing is more important than lighting when it comes to image quality. But when I upgraded from a 10-D to a 5-D I was blown away by the improvement in color quality and sharpness.

It's good advice to go with a less expensive body and slowly wade into the water. But I wouldn't be surprised if the OP becomes serious about photography that he deems an upgrade to be necessary eventually.

Good luck! :thumbup:

 

[slate mike]

Cameta Camera is selling refurbished Nikon D90's for $700. This is a whole lot of DSLR to grow into.

 

[djacobox372]

I don't disagree that lenses are more important than the body, and that nothing is more important than lighting when it comes to image quality. But when I upgraded from a 10-D to a 5-D I was blown away by the improvement in color quality and sharpness.

It's good advice to go with a less expensive body and slowly wade into the water. But I wouldn't be surprised if the OP becomes serious about photography that he deems an upgrade to be necessary eventually.

Good luck! :thumbup:

True, but considering his low budget of $700; if he becomes serious about photography and upgrade is going to be in order no matter how he does it, and bodies depreciate faster then lenses and flashes.

One road he could take that might avoid an quick upgrade would be to buy a 50mm f1.8 prime as his first and only lens--that way there would be the maximum amount left over to spend on a body, along with a lens that would always be a worthwhile member of his kit.

 

[dallasimagery]

I'll chime in here and recommend a 20d. I used that in the studio for years and it served me well... very nice camera, and it can be had used for about $300 these days. And some of my very favorite shots were taken with the nifty 50.

 

[DigitalRev]

Let's say the $700 is only for DSLR Body + Lens, you can consider the Canon 550D (T2i) or the Kiss X4 version at a lower price, which you may be able to get two lenses with Kiss X4.

But, if you are looking for full package with $700 budget, you can consider even more entry level such as the Nikon D3000, D3100, Canon 500D, or Sony A330/A380 + all the necessary equipments.