Want to buy a Camera

vacationb · Apr 1, 2009

Hi I was hoping for some insight from you. I love to take pictures and would like to start taking more. I was looking at a canon EOS rebel XS 10.1 mp digital $500 and a Nikon digital $450. I like the fact you can change the lenses. I don't want to put $ out and then find out i should have gotten something different. All the choices are neat but they overwhelm me. Can you suggest a camera you are happy with and can take nature, and action shots. I would appriciate your help!

Thanks!
Beth

CraniumDesigns · Apr 1, 2009

canon and nikon are the big 2. neither is better than the other. people equally use both. you will be fine getting either of those cameras. i would make your decision based on if you know any photographers. what do they have? if u have the same brand u can borrow their lenses and have some fun. i ended up getting the canon rebel xs you're talking about, back in december, cuz most of my friends have canon. i love my camera. you won't be unhappy with the rebel xs.

and buy off amazon. free shipping for anything over $25, the best prices, and fast delivery.

bigboi3 · Apr 1, 2009

i got a Nikon because all my friends have Canon... HAHA!!

Katier · Apr 1, 2009

crazyy said:
awesome nikon d40

Awsome is NOT a word to include in a sentance with a D40.

The D40 is cheap & lightly made, low on features and over priced.

The XS and XSi are slightly better, but the best buy in this sort of price range is the K200D or if that's a bit steep the k-m/K2000 both by Pentax.

I prefer the K200D, it's the best value for money and best built camera in it's price range.

henryp · Apr 3, 2009

Katier said:
The D40 is cheap & lightly made, low on features and over priced.

Or, the D40 is an inexpensive, entry-level slr, priced consistently with the market and its feature-set which is appropriate for its target audience.

Mohai · Apr 3, 2009

henryp said:
Or, the D40 is an inexpensive, entry-level slr, priced consistently with the market and its feature-set which is appropriate for its target audience.

Well said, perfect for point and shoot transfer folk xD

Mystwalker · Apr 3, 2009

What is your budget?

Many people will tell you to get an "adequate camera" and spend more $$ on your lens selection. I think an expensive camera will be more forgiving if you do not know what you are doing. In hands of someone who knows what they are doing, even the entry-levels DSLRs is good.

Nikon/Canon in terms of camera/lens are pretty equal. If your choice is between XS or D40 - I would go XS. In terms of picture quality, they are probably equal, BUT the D40 does not autofocus with more affordable (cheaper) lens. For a beginner, this is can be a pain - may also be a good learning opportunity

. Also, I have a Canon so am biased towards Canon lens.

Robert Scott Photography · Apr 3, 2009

In my humble opinion, I'd stay away from the D40. What you save on the camera body, you'll be putting into lenses considering that the D40 does not have the auto-focus motor in the body.

If you're looking into the entry level SLR, I can only recommend to stay away from the D40. I've not had too much experience with other SLR's, but my Nikon D80 has served me extremely well over the past 2 years!

Might I suggest you try and find a lightly used mid-range SLR model?

Village Idiot · Apr 3, 2009

A used Canon 40D is probably one of the best buys on the market right now. Canon's shortened release schedule on the 50D helped trmendously with this.

N1LSS · Apr 3, 2009

Village Idiot said:
A used Canon 40D is probably one of the best buys on the market right now. Canon's shortened release schedule on the 50D helped trmendously with this.

This is a pretty good suggestion. I would check out adorama, they have some great refurb stuff (you would never even know it's refurb)

henryp · Apr 6, 2009

N1LSS said:
This is a pretty good suggestion. I would check out adorama, they have some great refurb stuff (you would never even know it's refurb)

They're not the only ones, you know.

jimbellows · Apr 6, 2009

I agree with getting it on amazon, the service rocks

flyin-lowe · Apr 6, 2009

Just watch for some deals on Adorama and B&H. I ended up getting the XS new with the 18-55 kit lens and a 70-300 lens for 499.00 with no shipping. No need mentioning which site I used but one had the camera in stock and the other didn't so I went with the in stock so I didn't have to wait. It seems to be a great entry level camera and I have seen some people on here who have upgraded to some high dollar lenses and still use the XS body and it works great.

The one thing I have noticed when I was looking is that some of the prices are dropping quickly so sometimes the used market is a little high priced. Around me anyway a few guys had XTi's for sale and were asking $500.00 for the body. They paid a lot more then that for them a few years ago but you can get a new one now for $525.00 with a bunch of goody's.

anubis404 · Apr 6, 2009

I would not suggest a D40, but rather a D70s (which is much like a D80 with the sensor of the D40 at the same price). The D70s is robust, has a built in AF motor, has Nikon CLS built in, and has more ISO options. I would choose it any day over a D40, and you don't have to spend a penny more to get one.

Montana · Apr 6, 2009

I have to agree with the 40D by Canon being a fantastic deal right now. Used ones are easily had at a very affordable price. wonderful feature set and great image quality! Pentax is a wonderful system to buy into as well. FWIW, I do all my shopping through B&H. Never had a problem.