So I have a thousand dollars.

[Kirk]

I'm considering getting the D5100 Or the Canon t3i.
Both these would completely empty my funds for now.
Do you guys think I should buy one of these cameras
Or buy a cheaper camera with multiple lenses?
and If so what do you have in mind?
Say you had a grand to spend buying a dslr.

 

[Kerbouchard]

With that budget, I would probably go with a used D90, an SB400 or SB600, and the kit lens 18-105 VR.

 

[shufti]

D2X on ebay, buy now $899, Baton Rouge. I now nothing about the seller but check it out. Could be the best move you make.

 

[shufti]

Grab a 1.8 50 D to go

 

[M2 Photography]

We just got the D7000 and it is AMAZING. If you can stretch the money, do it!

 

[xjoewhitex]

D2X on ebay, buy now $899, Baton Rouge. I now nothing about the seller but check it out. Could be the best move you make.

Would it really be worth it to buy old technology?

 

[shufti]

Definately. Have you used a D1X or D2X? I would buy that camera in an instant if i was stateside and had the money.

 

[shufti]

The build and hands-on use is phenomenal. Granted, high ISO isn't like todays but the imaging quality otherwise is outstanding.

A few days ago I fell over and threw one ten feet, over some granite boulders. Picked it up expecting it to be dead. All that was wrong was the focussing screen had popped out from its tray.

 

[shufti]

*bump* i'm interested to read people's suggestions how you'd spend your grand.

 

[LarissaPhotography]

Kirk,
What are you currently shooting with? What would be your reasoning for going with the Rebel T3i instead of the T2i? As a gear guy, I know it's easy to go for the biggest and best, but it's probably best to ask which features you're going to be using, so you're only paying for the stuff that you really need (meaning want).

 

[j-dogg]

I walked into a Canon 5D classic with full frame sensor, plus grip for 800. Not that you would be that lucky but look around. I happened to find a Craigslist seller who was hard up for some quick cash and was in the right place at the right time with the right money.

The 5D is from 2006, nothing wrong with slightly older digital technology, latest doesn't always mean greatest, like my 5D vs. any consumer-grade DSLR made, ever. Though I have heard wonderful things about the d7000. Also, a cheap body with good lenses will always blow a pro body with kit glass through the door and out onto the front lawn.

If I had nothing to work with right now, honestly, I would find an older Canon Rebel, like an XTi, you can get them for like 300 bucks, and spend the rest on a Canon L lens. 70-200 f4L non-IS is in my opinion one of the best zoom lenses ever made, and can be had for 500 bucks. if you found the body for 300 you could step up to a 17-40 L, maybe even a 24-105 L if you looked and tacked on a couple hundred more. Even if you couldn't find an L lens for cheap, there are a few EF-S lenses that are top notch and tack sharp, the 17-55 IS comes to mind. You could do an XTi and a 17-55 IS for under a grand easy.

 

[LarissaPhotography]

I walked into a Canon 5D classic with full frame sensor, plus grip for 800. Not that you would be that lucky but look around. I happened to find a Craigslist seller who was hard up for some quick cash and was in the right place at the right time with the right money.

The 5D is from 2006, nothing wrong with slightly older digital technology, latest doesn't always mean greatest, like my 5D vs. any consumer-grade DSLR made, ever. Though I have heard wonderful things about the d7000. Also, a cheap body with good lenses will always blow a pro body with kit glass through the door and out onto the front lawn.

If I had nothing to work with right now, honestly, I would find an older Canon Rebel, like an XTi, you can get them for like 300 bucks, and spend the rest on a Canon L lens. 70-200 f4L non-IS is in my opinion one of the best zoom lenses ever made, and can be had for 500 bucks. if you found the body for 300 you could step up to a 17-40 L, maybe even a 24-105 L if you looked and tacked on a couple hundred more. Even if you couldn't find an L lens for cheap, there are a few EF-S lenses that are top notch and tack sharp, the 17-55 IS comes to mind. You could do an XTi and a 17-55 IS for under a grand easy.

You can definitely get some good starter gear for cheap. If you're going 17-55 IS, you may even consider Sigma or Tamron and save the extra money.

 

[Dzone2]

D5100 Kit, 50mm 1.8D (or 50mm 1.8G when it comes out but bound to be more expensive) and a 55-300 VR, that will be all you need

 

[KmH]

I'm considering getting the D5100 Or the Canon t3i.
Both these would completely empty my funds for now.
Do you guys think I should buy one of these cameras
Or buy a cheaper camera with multiple lenses?
and If so what do you have in mind?
Say you had a grand to spend buying a dslr.

Tell us what kind of photography you want to do.

Nature/landscapes, shots of your kids, street candids, BMX, a little of everything?

Technical image sensor performance and image quality wise, the D5100 will spank the T3i.

 

[Kirk]

I'm looking to shoot a little bit of everything.
Though I do really enjoy portraits and landscapes.
And yes I've considered the t2i as well.
You can pick it up new now for 699.

As of now I have a sony point and shoot cypershot