Prosumer vs consumer

[jonathon94]

Well we live in a small town and the closest decent camera store around here is 30mins away and it's only a small Wolf Camera. I will have to check out pawn stores. But I do not have anyone that I know is an expert on DSLRs. Most of my friends are either compact camera owners, phone camera users, or have a dslr and only use Full auto mode.

 

[IByte]

Well that does put a damper on things now does it. Then yeah I would stick to the sites. This forum has a lot great people in here, and willing to help those who are trying to help themselves (hint). My only other advice is don't be sucked in the brand wars, but more about flexibility and getting the most out of your investment.

 

[jonathon94]

Well that does put a damper on things now does it. Then yeah I would stick to the sites. This forum has a lot great people in here, and willing to help those who are trying to help themselves (hint). My only other advice is don't be sucked in the brand wars, but more about flexibility and getting the most out of your investment.

Well I do thank everyone for their advice and how I wish my budget was expandable but it isn't At this point Brands are not a big thing I'm looking at. Sony DSLRs seem to have a lot of good features for the price but there are not many lenses and Canon and Nikon's are cheaper (So only for that reason am I looking more towards them). I spent a little bit of time looking at the Mirrorless cameras and although I've never considered them before they look pretty darn cool. From what I've read you can attach just about any lens to them with a proper adapter. Can anyone here talk about how good these are and how they would compare to a Entry level SLR

..also I missed an earlier question, as for what I try to do with my camera, I'd be doing anything from macro shots to fast moving sports (or at least try to, hence why I want a dslr)

 

[zcar21]

The nikon d100 is from 2002. I would recomend a nikon d80 or canon 30d. Those are both from 2006. If this is your first dslr I wouldn't listen to people saying that you need the newest posible camera. The advantages of newer models, in my opinion, are not worth the considerably higher price.

 

[jonathon94]

The nikon d100 is from 2002. I would recomend a nikon d80 or canon 30d. Those are both from 2006. If this is your first dslr I wouldn't listen to people saying that you need the newest posible camera. The advantages of newer models, in my opinion, are not worth the considerably higher price.

The previous poster sorta got me interested in micro 4/3rds and besides an OVF it seems to fit many of my needs so I'm curious what is the benefit of a Canon EOS 30d over the Olympus PEN E-PL1. Anything massive?

 

[zcar21]

In terms of IQ larger sensor usually means better, but I don't think there is a huge difference between those two.

They are completely different cameras. The olympus doesn't have viewfinder, mirror, or easy controls like a dslr.

 

[Jeremy Z]

jonathon, with that budget, I think I'd go with an Olympus XZ-1. I got mine a week or so ago, and it is fantastic. It has a super-sharp 28-112 mm f/1.8-2.5 lens, very good jpg processing, a hot shoe for accessory flash, and handy control rings.

A good SLR alternative would be a lightly used Pentax K100d. I've had one since new, and it has been just awesome. The kit lens is very nice and smooth, all glass and a steel lens mount. The anti-shake is body integral, and the 6 MP sensor is large enough to do anything I've needed.


Edit: I just checked fleabay, and they're going for pretty cheap now. You should be able to get a body for under $200, and whatever starter lens you want. The older kit lenses are the preferred kit lenses.

 

[jonathon94]

In terms of IQ larger sensor usually means better, but I don't think there is a huge difference between those two.

They are completely different cameras. The olympus doesn't have viewfinder, mirror, or easy controls like a dslr.

Well from what I'm reading the sensor size is between the size of my compact and entry level DSLRs so it should be fine in my book and the viewfinder and mirror have never been that important to me. I suppose I can adjust to the controls. So far (I haven't hear much user input) the only things I see bad about this is the controls of this camera and no articulated lcd screen but those are more of personal things that I like but can live without.

 

[molested_cow]

Ok I see that you live in Georgia. Well, there's KEH.com. They are actually located just north of Atlanta. They don't have a show room, but you can check their website for available items and prices. They've got good customer service. Not that you need to drive all the way there to get it since it doesn't do you any good. It's a good option for used equipment.

 

[jonathon94]

jonathon, with that budget, I think I'd go with an Olympus XZ-1. I got mine a week or so ago, and it is fantastic. It has a super-sharp 28-112 mm f/1.8-2.5 lens, very good jpg processing, a hot shoe for accessory flash, and handy control rings.

A good SLR alternative would be a lightly used Pentax K100d. I've had one since new, and it has been just awesome. The kit lens is very nice and smooth, all glass and a steel lens mount. The anti-shake is body integral, and the 6 MP sensor is large enough to do anything I've needed.


Edit: I just checked fleabay, and they're going for pretty cheap now. You should be able to get a body for under $200, and whatever starter lens you want. The older kit lenses are the preferred kit lenses.

Jeremy Thank you for your advice and the video. I am trying to stay away from fixed lens cameras if I can so the Olympus XZ-1 is out. I looked at the Pentax K100d but according to Google Products, it's out of my $400 price range

 

[Dao]

If you have a old defective Canon camera, or you know somone has a old broken 35mm Canon film camera, or you can get one really cheap. You maybe able to a refurbished Canon DSLR for a lower price.

Canon has a Canon Loyalty Program.

See this for more details.

Canon Digital Photography Forums


i.e.
Canon T1i - $332.79
Canon T1i with 18-55 IS Kit Lens - $383.99
Canon T2i - $383.99
Canon T2i with 18-55 IS Kit Lens - $447.99


Note: You may need to pay Shipping and Tax.