Camera experts... What to get for first SLR??

[MAZDA Kitten]

The more I read the more confused I get.

Just want to pick up an entry level SLR. I read amazing feedback on the Sony A230 but then I'm limited to lense options. Canon seems to be industry standard, huge lense support but I read that Nikon D3000 (and even the D60) out performs the Rebel XS. What about Pentax? Anyone Anyone?? :bang

[k-existence]

I like Canon and Nikon the best and MOST popular with people. But much of it is personal preference. Each camera brand will have its own enthusiastic fans. Both Canon and Nikon will have much more lense options but if you are beginner... will you need that lense option? Canon and Nikon are great for if you really want to advance because they have all those professional cameras and stuff for later on.

I have a Nikon D60. and I've used Canon Rebel XSi before too. Both are great but I've always been nikon since my parents had a nikon from before digital. I also have a canonn point-and-shoot. So I recommand either the canon or nikon. But play with both at the store and see how they feel in your hands. Also the weight and size plays a factor.

Sony & pentax, I am sure are good camera just as well. One thing to keep in mind is Memory cards. Im not too familer with pentax, but sony uses its SONY MEMORY STICKs and those are more expensive compared to SD cards (that canon and nikon use) also if you have already SD cards from your current point and shoot camera then you'll be able to cross over them. I do believe sony and Pentax are slightly less expensive than nikon and canon (i could be wrong with the deals and stuff) but if you want a DSLR and don't want to spend too much then you can get the Sony/Pentax.

However, once you do get a DSLR. You may have a little trouble adjusting to a another brand just because of where the buttons are located. When I got my Nikon and played with a canon i was like o.O where is this button and this feature?!

Thats about it. Hope that helps

[MAZDA Kitten]

Thanks so much for your feedback

The Sony A230 actually uses both Sony Memory Stick and SD cards and it also has HDMI ports. I'm not sure how far I want to take this but Im leaning towards Canon

[She_Prime]

I just bought the Canon Rebel T1i for my first DSLR. All I have to say is that it's a gem of a camera to learn on. You have full automatic mode and several other modes that let you tqueak little things here and there before you feel comfortable taking full creative control. The price point is fantastic, the lens options are phenomenal, and it takes HD video too. What else could you want?

[SSmoked]

sorry to thread jack. i have a SLR camera now but want to enchance my photos to another level.
which kinds of programs would some of u reccomend?

[S.F.W.]

If you are looking Cannon, go with the XSi or T1i.
Avoid the XS, the value is not as strong. I picked up a T1i, and was previously considering a Nikon D5000. However, the value of the Canon won me over.

[optiklenz13]

sorry to thread jack. i have a SLR camera now but want to enchance my photos to another level.
which kinds of programs would some of u reccomend?

Photoshop yo!!! Werd!!!

[Unoriginalusername]

XTI or D90

[bluntman]

The more I read the more confused I get.

Just want to pick up an entry level SLR. I read amazing feedback on the Sony A230 but then I'm limited to lense options. Canon seems to be industry standard, huge lense support but I read that Nikon D3000 (and even the D60) out performs the Rebel XS. What about Pentax? Anyone Anyone?? :bang

Here's my advice...don't listen to anyone.

Try cameras from all of the brands. Hold each camera in your hands and check their ergonomics, are the controls easy to reach? How is the UI? Is it intuitive or is it confusing? Is the camera too heavy? Too bulky? Too light? Are there any features that you really like or don't like?

Those questions should eliminate a few brands or models. Next, check the lenses and accessories across the entire brand. Are the various lenses/accessories compatible with all bodies across the entire line? Some brands require you to buy specific batteries for specific bodies. On other brands only certain lenses can be used with certain bodies.

Don't be too concerned about the lack of lenses, be more concerned about the quality of the glass and the price of the lenses. Not may people would need to buy all of the lenses for a particular camera brand. Most beginners begin with a super-zoom (18-200 or 18-250) but as they mature and settle into a particular type of photography prime lenses and smaller zooms become their favourite lenses.


sorry to thread jack. i have a SLR camera now but want to enchance my photos to another level.
which kinds of programs would some of u reccomend?

Take lessons. Keep shooting. Try to mimic photos that you like. Read books or magazines. Think about the entire frame including composition and lighting. Post some photos for critiquing.

[MAZDA Kitten]

Okay so I picked up the Canon EOS Rebel 1000d/XS I think its perfect for a beginner like me and I've read nothing but good things about it. I will invest the money into good lenses and eventually upgrade the body in a year or two. So far loving it.

So whats the first lens I should pick up?

http://images.digitalcamerainfo.com/images/upload/Image/new/reviews/2009/COMPARISONS/CANON/XS/CANON-XS-vanity-275.jpg

[-RJ3-]

Okay so I picked up the Canon EOS Rebel 1000d/XS I think its perfect for a beginner like me and I've read nothing but good things about it. I will invest the money into good lenses and eventually upgrade the body in a year or two. So far loving it.

So whats the first lens I should pick up?

http://images.digitalcamerainfo.com/images/upload/Image/new/reviews/2009/COMPARISONS/CANON/XS/CANON-XS-vanity-275.jpg

Nice!!! Thats my current SLR now... It takes some used to taking pictures, but with photoshop programs you can make your pictures pefect...

Im just lazy to edit them... meh.. when I have time...

[DualSoul]

Okay so I picked up the Canon EOS Rebel 1000d/XS I think its perfect for a beginner like me and I've read nothing but good things about it. I will invest the money into good lenses and eventually upgrade the body in a year or two. So far loving it.

So whats the first lens I should pick up?

http://images.digitalcamerainfo.com/images/upload/Image/new/reviews/2009/COMPARISONS/CANON/XS/CANON-XS-vanity-275.jpg

Did it come with a kit lens? Some relatively inexpensive recommendations are the 50mm f1.8 and the 55-250mm IS, if it did come with something (most likely an 18-55mm, possibly IS).

[MSMitch]

Did it come with a kit lens? Some relatively inexpensive recommendations are the 50mm f1.8 and the 55-250mm IS, if it did come with something (most likely an 18-55mm, possibly IS).

++++++1

Congrats!!!!! No lens yet? Kinda like buying a car without wheels and gas - frustrating!! :)

Those three lenses are perfect to start and all are affordable. You should be able to find them used as well (locally on craigslist etc).

For a "bit" more, there is also a 18-200 - then you just carry one do-it-all lens around (but they are pricey).

[Marvintpa]

Lens choice will be dictated primarily by two things: what do you most want to shoot, and how much money do you have to spend?

The lens is a critical part of making a photo and will largely dictate what you can do with it.

The third, albeit distant question, is how many lenses are you willing to carry around with you? If you say "one" (which most people do) then you'll need to find an all-in-one lens heavy on the compromises which does a little of everything, none of it incrediby well.

Zooms are wonderful, flexible, and the quality is considerably better than it used to be.

The Canon 18-200 f3.5-5.6 looks to be economical and offers a wide range, but don't expect to use it for much as the light levels start to drop as this lens is not very fast (that's the compromise part).

I find people use a lens like the 18-135 a lot. Wide enough, small enough, light enough, and flexible enough to use every day.

Having purchased a Canon there are plenty of lenses out there on the used market if that route interests you. "Get the best glass you can afford" is the general rule of thumb, in a way it's more important than the camera.

[JSI]

Go with Canon............but I am biased. Either Canon or Nikon if you plan on getting more lenses down the road. Once you pick a body and start collecting lenses you can't really jump ship, you're stuck for life.

I started off with the original rebel back years ago but quickly went up to the D series.

Jeremy

PS the 50mm F1.8 is an awesome lens for the price.

[blankets3]

Im in the same boat as mk, but i think for the price im just going to get a d90 since i can get a good deal on it.

congrats on the new cam! and rememberhttp://forums.funny-games.biz/images/smilies/RTFM.gif lol :P

[eguiyab]

I'd say if you've already got a kit lens stick with that for a while. Get your basics down. Get familiar and explore what you like about photography. And you'll be surprised what kind of captures you get when your forced to move closer or further back, instead of rotating the zoom dial.
Something often forgotten is that the lenes aren't what make the picture. Its what you decide to frame in the picture. Even if your using the most expensive lenes, if the framing, composition, subject of the photo isn't there... its isn't gonna captivate those who view it.
I've seen some amazing photos taken with all sorts of lenes, and it just really comes down to your creativity. And thanks to digital, your not burning through rolls and rolls of film to find that one perfect shot. Keep shooting, keep learning and just practice.

[-RJ3-]

I'd say if you've already got a kit lens stick with that for a while. Get your basics down. Get familiar and explore what you like about photography. And you'll be surprised what kind of captures you get when your forced to move closer or further back, instead of rotating the zoom dial.
Something often forgotten is that the lenes aren't what make the picture. Its what you decide to frame in the picture. Even if your using the most expensive lenes, if the framing, composition, subject of the photo isn't there... its isn't gonna captivate those who view it.
I've seen some amazing photos taken with all sorts of lenes, and it just really comes down to your creativity. And thanks to digital, your not burning through rolls and rolls of film to find that one perfect shot. Keep shooting, keep learning and just practice.

^^^ Well Said!! Spoken like a true photagrapher

[Pariah]

Nikon, go with the D90
Canon, go with the Rebel T1i

Go here, http://kenrockwell.com/index.htm , for reviews and really good info on just about most thing related to photography. The guy used to be really into the whole digital thing, now he's really, really into the old school film kick. Film is better, but digital is so much more convienent.

If you in the Toronto area, it's worth it to drop by this place, http://www.dvshop.ca/ . You can ask questions and they won't get too artsy on you. they are in the Junction area.

I also got good info here, http://www.dpreview.com/, when I was looking for a DSLR.

Good luck in your decision/purchase.

[cereal83]

I would look at the Canon 7D. I had the XSI and I thought it was total crap and the Ti1 or whatever it is called is basically a XSI with video so I would also stay away from that.

7D will last you a long time or if your more serious, look for a used 5D or if ur rich, a 5D Mark II

[JashiK]

I would look at the Canon 7D. I had the XSI and I thought it was total crap and the Ti1 or whatever it is called is basically a XSI with video so I would also stay away from that.

7D will last you a long time or if your more serious, look for a used 5D or if ur rich, a 5D Mark II

entry level dude...

[KenYork]

I'd stick with the kit lens for at least a good year. It makes you learn to use the camera instead of relying on the lens to do the work. I find now that I took better pictures with the kit lens back when I first started then with my f2.8 "yada yada" lens.

[kid_icarus]

I'd suggest if you really want to play around to spend your money on a 50mm f/1.8. lens

They are roughly about $100. Not the greatest build quality, but it will give you flexibility to play/use/test your camera in low light situations.

I find the kit lens not very flexible and could only perform well under good lighting.

I think an invaluable peice of equipment you could purchase is an external flash. the 480 is good value but if u wanna spend money u can sometimes find a good deal on a 500 series (especially off amazon.com).

If you plan to take most of your pics in nice daylight or non "sports" / high motion situations, the kit lets should suffice for your typical portraits and etc type shots. So i agree with kenyork that the kit lens will teach you the essentials.

Just my opinion from a <1 year owner of a rebel xsi owner.

although i've spent a few $$ on other lenses already haha

PS: a tripod also makes a world of difference too.

[Skip]

Good choice on the XS/1000D, It is a very good camera to learn on. My only complaint is that now that I have gotten used to it, I find it is a bit on the small side...I have no regrets whatsoever as I have loved it alot since I got it.

Like kidicarus said, get the 50mm f/1.8 lens as your first lens. It is excellent in low light situations, and because it is at a fixed focal length, it forces you to focus on your composition. Good luck and enjoy the new and expensive world of photography!

[MAZDA Kitten]

Wikkid feedback. Thanks everyone.

Sorry I forgot to mention that yes it did come with the 18-55mm lens.

Photography will mainly include cars (LOL); i.e. rolling shots, engine bays. Typical car shoots. I decided I want to invest in a wide angel lens so what does everyone recommend?

[pearl3]

anyone heard about the lumix GF1...are they any good?

[blankets3]

best wide angel i could find is...

http://www.mikewilde.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/bfadbgr2fet-kopia.jpg

but on a serious note :P

dx nikon 18 - 200

[Xerox]

but on a serious note :P

dx nikon 18 - 200

First off, she's Canon, not Nikon.

But even if you suggested the Canon 18-200 it would be no wider than the kit lens that she has now.

[Xerox]

Wikkid feedback. Thanks everyone.

Sorry I forgot to mention that yes it did come with the 18-55mm lens.

Photography will mainly include cars (LOL); i.e. rolling shots, engine bays. Typical car shoots. I decided I want to invest in a wide angel lens so what does everyone recommend?

If you want something wider than your 18 - 55mm then you're looking for an ultra wide angle.

Here are some of your options...they're not cheap and don't forget about the 1.6 crop factor.

Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5
approx. $900.00 CAD

Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8
http://www.tokinalens.com/products/tokina/atx116prodx-a.html
approx. $650 CAD

Sigma
10-20mm f/4-5.6
approx. $650.00 CAD

Tokina 12-24 f/4
http://www.tokinalens.com/products/tokina/atx124prodx2-a.html
approx. $450.00 CAD

[blankets3]

First off, she's Canon, not Nikon.

But even if you suggested the Canon 18-200 it would be no wider than the kit lens that she has now.

tushay, that was kinda a stupid comment by me ... :\

so i guess ill just go back to looking at funny pictures on the internet

[MAZDA Kitten]

Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5
approx. $900.00 CAD

Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8
http://www.tokinalens.com/products/tokina/atx116prodx-a.html
approx. $650 CAD

Sigma
10-20mm f/4-5.6
approx. $650.00 CAD

Tokina 12-24 f/4
http://www.tokinalens.com/products/tokina/atx124prodx2-a.html
approx. $450.00 CAD

Ouch
Ouch
Ouch.
okay $450 not so bad

Thanks!

[KenYork]

Using an ultra-wide lens takes lots of getting use to. Not really a beginner type lens as it will stretch your lines(perspectivly). There isn't any much wider lenses than an 18mm zoom that is in a good price range. Most decent lenses start $500 upward.

The kit lens(IMO) is still the best beginner lens. Enough for decent pics, usually wide enough. focus on using the lens you have now and adapt it to your needs.

If you really want another lens get the Canon 50mm 1.8mkII (~$120). If you can walk about using only the 50mm, you're doing really well. It's hard to do caus you'll always want more flexability with the lens(more restricting than the kit lens).

Getting into using a DSLR is an expensive hobby. Especially when you want more and more.
...Tripod $200, new lens $500+, UVfilter $80, flash $300.
Almost as expensive as a modding a car, not so much in maintanence though.

[MAZDA Kitten]

So is a fisheye the same thing as a wide angle?

[Marvintpa]

A fisheye is not quite the same as a wide angle.

A fisheye is considered an ultra-wide and will have a great deal more distortion, dramaticaly curving straight lines, with more curvature towards the edges of the frame. For the types of shots you describe a fisheye is not a particularly good choice.

Those who suggested sticking with the kit lens for awhile are right on the money given what you want to shoot and how far along the learning curve you're likely to be. It's not the best lens in the world but it is capable of taking excellent photos. Only once you are intimately familiar with what that lens can and can't do would I recommend getting more glass.

[-RJ3-]

Im going to rent out the wide angle at Vistek.. Very similar to the ones xerox was posting. 36.00 per day.. gonna use it for the weekend...NAIAS at Detroit!!!!

[huyzel]

I have the 10-22...
I also hear great things about the Tokina 11-16, however, it's very difficult to find stock or even used.

[huyzel]

anyone heard about the lumix GF1...are they any good?

I've tried my friend's GF1
Awesome device. very sleek and sexy.

[bluntman]

I want a GF1, but I don't know if I can really go back to a cropped sensor.

[MAZDA Kitten]

Im going to rent out the wide angle at Vistek.. Very similar to the ones xerox was posting. 36.00 per day.. gonna use it for the weekend...NAIAS at Detroit!!!!

Oh no way! I had no idea you can rent from Vistek. Thats wikkid!

[huyzel]

I want a GF1, but I don't know if I can really go back to a cropped sensor.

a 2X crop!

[Pariah]

MK, you've probably already thought of this, look at Craigslist/Kijiji for your lenses. You take your chances with the postings, but deals can be found. Just remember to bring a good bright flashlight or something to check the lenses with.

[kid_icarus]

MK, you've probably already thought of this, look at Craigslist/Kijiji for your lenses. You take your chances with the postings, but deals can be found. Just remember to bring a good bright flashlight or something to check the lenses with.

or bring your camera with you and try the lens out
that's what one of my buyers did when i sold him a telephoto

[Pariah]

Ouch
Ouch
Ouch.
okay $450 not so bad

Thanks!
The Tokina 12-24 is a pretty good lens for the money. I have the Nikon mount version. Works well and at half the price of Nikon's. YMMV with the Canon version, but I don't see how the optics would be different.

Ditto what Ken stated, an ultra-wide takes time to learn how to use properly. They really aren't really meant to be used to get more "stuff" in the frame, they're meant more to create more dramatic perspectives and to highlight "space".... Hard for me to put into words.... I give up at this point. Someone else have better words?

[Pariah]

or bring your camera with you and try the lens out
that's what one of my buyers did when i sold him a telephoto
Excellent idea, bringing the camera, I was so intent on checking for fungus, dust, scratches and other similar things that I forgot the camera. Since you bring up the camera, maybe bringing a notebook as well to transfer the image onto so you can zoom in and look to see if there are other problems. Check EXIF info etc.

[MAZDA Kitten]

Wait... fungus? How do I check with a flashlights? I have a little led flashlight keychain.. will that 'work'

[nitsuji]

Have you looked at places in the US that ship to canada for your lenses? It may actually work out cheaper for you after customs etc...

42nd street photo
B&H

I bought my 28-135mm for almost half the retail price here, brand new. I was already in NY, so it made the deal even sweeter (customs dodge *ahem*) =P. If you're going down to the US anytime soon, I'd say wait it out.

[Xerox]

Wait... fungus? How do I check with a flashlights? I have a little led flashlight keychain.. will that 'work'

Not sure how well that would work since it may not be bright enough and the light from the LED might not be wide enough to cover the entire lens.

But are fungus and mold really an issue? It's not terribly humid here. Especially with lenses that are not that old (assuming you will get EF-S lenses). It's still something to look for as part of inspecting a used lens but I wouldn't be too concerned about it.

http://www.techarp.com/showarticle.aspx?artno=194&pgno=11

http://www.techarp.com/article/Used_Lens_Guide/fungus_01.jpg http://www.techarp.com/article/Used_Lens_Guide/fungus_02.jpg http://www.techarp.com/article/Used_Lens_Guide/fungus_03.jpg

[Xerox]

Have you looked at places in the US that ship to canada for your lenses? It may actually work out cheaper for you after customs etc...

42nd street photo
B&H
...


This is a pretty good website for photo equipment prices. Shows Canadian and US stores (including B&H). Automatically calculates shipping, taxes, exchange rate, etc.

http://www.photoprice.ca/

[ShortBus]

if anyone is interested dell is having a decent sale on the xsi with 18-55mm lense for $599, http://accessories.dell.com/sna/products/Digital_SLR/productdetail.aspx?c=ca&l=en&s=dhs&cs=cadhs1&sku=A2419947

[Pariah]

Not sure how well that would work since it may not be bright enough and the light from the LED might not be wide enough to cover the entire lens.

But are fungus and mold really an issue? It's not terribly humid here. Especially with lenses that are not that old (assuming you will get EF-S lenses). It's still something to look for as part of inspecting a used lens but I wouldn't be too concerned about it.

While it is true that it isn't too humid here in the GTA, a lot of times people go to the sunnier climes while on vacation. And not everyone may be as careful as Xerox in taking care of their things. I've seen examples of lenses less than a year old in the GTA that have an excellent crop of "crap" growing in them. Some folks just don't care about their gear.

A keychain LED flashlight probably won't work. One of the 2 x AA mini Maglites will do the job just fine.

YMMV

[2hionpsi]

Hate to say it, but screw SLR's!! Check out the Nikon p90, it's the best point and shoot out there and the picture quality will match that of an SLR, (of course unless you want to become a proffessional and start taking weird shots) it has the highest zoom of any P/S, 24x optical plus 4x digital, this is godly! Anyway for the price this is the #1 camera going IMO.

[ShortBus]

Hate to say it, but screw SLR's!! Check out the Nikon p90, it's the best point and shoot out there and the picture quality will match that of an SLR, (of course unless you want to become a proffessional and start taking weird shots) it has the highest zoom of any P/S, 24x optical plus 4x digital, this is godly! Anyway for the price this is the #1 camera going IMO.

slr's aren't just about the megapixel's, it's about the control/options and if you're going to carry a camera as big as the p90 you might as well go for a dslr.

this is probably the best point and shoot camera to carry around, http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&MSCSProfile=3C79F0C7EA3162B2D7ADAC57314A0E6A30F2CC 6BC40D1D18C9B11D8FC614FBF8AE492671F1DE3999DE04C78A D5FB4165EE90A21C7F96E33F13E7DFED21F8E8B5E56B69D578 14A40D6F46B2083E98CE1320AF839DAE7682FF636DFB52ACDB 4B5C9DF2ABC5FE3AD677EDCC1E0915CA50886A4856C3C48979 E8&sku_id=0926INGFS10129619&catid=20220

[kramr]

I just picked up a Canon XSi, the body only. I got it for $529 at a place called Completely Digital in London. The do internet selling too, I went in and got it. Cheapest I found in London. Already have lenes from my EOS3000, even though they are not IS lenses they work and both the lens and the camera take great shots. 12.2 MP I think, something like that!

[Xerox]

2hionpsi, please don't compare point & shoot to SLR. They are completely different systems and each have their place.


Hate to say it, but screw SLR's!! Check out the Nikon p90, it's the best point and shoot out there and the picture quality will match that of an SLR...

This really depends on the SLR+lens combo being compared to but let's see your godly point-and-shoot image quality compare to that of a fast prime on a SLR.

The SLR's larger sensor, bigger glass allowing better optics and more light, WAY more advanced AF system, better user control will outperform point-and-shoots, in perhaps not all, but in most situations.


...of course unless you want to become a proffessional and start taking weird shots...

"Weird" shots? Are you serious?

[stevenma188]

I just picked up a Canon XSi, the body only. I got it for $529 at a place called Completely Digital in London. The do internet selling too, I went in and got it. Cheapest I found in London. Already have lenes from my EOS3000, even though they are not IS lenses they work and both the lens and the camera take great shots. 12.2 MP I think, something like that!

^YAHHHHH Now we will have a proper camera for the next time we get kicked out of an airport :chuckle

[kid_icarus]

"Weird" shots? Are you serious?

LOL +1 with you there xerox.

I thought the "weird shots" comment was funny as well.

To be honest anyone can take a picture on AUTO MODE.
sure the bigger camera will get you the "better" picture.

But no P&S will get you the customized results you can get out of a DSLR.

2hip - To the everyday P&S'er a weird shot is what ppl who use DSLR's call a "creative" shot, so please do not assume that we all want to take "normal" photos.

[2hionpsi]

It just seems these days everyone wants to be a proffessional Photographer, so they go and drop a grand or 2 on an SLR, use it for a little bit here and there then just give up. And don't say thats not true, because we all know it is. I know at least 25 people who have spent a lot of money on an SLR in the past year, and maybe 5 of them actually put it to good use, they took the time to get the proper photo editing software, to go take courses and learn how to use their camera. The others just pull their camera out just to look cool. They've never taken the time to learn how to properly use it, and actually use the camera to it's potential.

Weird and creative....same thing i was going for humour. As long as the picture isn't blurry then I'm happy. For 90% of people who think they need an SLR though, a camera such as the P90 or the SX10 or even the Lumix DMC-FZ28, is all they would ever need. I'm not putting SLR's down by any means, they're the perfect camera, but like I said for the amount of money you can spend on one of those and for the amount of time most people (I'm not saying all) would use it, I would go the the other route.

[ShortBus]

the p90 is about $400, the xsi can be had for $600 with a lense when considering the added features that's not much.

if you decide that a dslr is not for you, you can get rid of it more easily than you would if you tried to sell the p90, sx10, etc and probably take less of a loss too.

[2hionpsi]

XSI is 400, then get the tripod, lenses, flashes, its adds up to well over a grand when it's all said and done....and if you shop at the right place you can get the P90 for 350.

and true they're very easy to off load since they're in high demand right now!

[2hionpsi]

**sorry xsi $600**

[Xerox]

XSI is 400, then get the tripod, lenses, flashes, its adds up to well over a grand when it's all said and done....and if you shop at the right place you can get the P90 for 350.

and true they're very easy to off load since they're in high demand right now!

That's right. You have the option of buying a tripod, additional lenses, flash because when you buy an SLR you are buying a "system," whether it's a Canon system, Nikon system, or any other brand system.

But you don't have to buy them either. The Xsi (and most SLRs) have built-in flash and they come with a kit lens. And to my knowledge, if you want a tripod for a P&S you have to buy it separate as well.

But really, this entire argument is ridiculous because like I said before, P&S and SLRs are completely different systems and have their own purpose and should not be compared in price.

I do agree with you that a lot of ppl buy into an SLR thinking that it will automatically give them better pictures (and they start putting their logos "your name photography") but to say "screw SLR's" and that a P&S has "picture quality [that] will match that of an SLR" in most cases is flat out wrong.

[-RJ3-]

The point and shoot camera I have is the Powershot SX120IS...

Its the next best thing to an SLR. Has apperature/ shutter speed settings. I used it during the Detroit autoshow. This show was packed as I could not get time to take the shots as there is too many people walking around.

[MAZDA Kitten]

I like weird shots :(

And plus.. photography is a hobby! Some people make good side cash from it. Cant do that with a P&S :)

[-RJ3-]

Advantage to P&S they have great zooms without exchanging lenses...

I will upload a pic from my p & s

[2hionpsi]

I like weird shots :(

And plus.. photography is a hobby! Some people make good side cash from it. Cant do that with a P&S :)

Lol weird shots are nice......and I make extra money with a Point and shoot. lol :bana2

[kramr]

^YAHHHHH Now we will have a proper camera for the next time we get kicked out of an airport :chuckle

Have to get the pics, no video, before we get booted from the airport again!!
LOL:chuckle

[JMAK74]

MK - Welcome to the DSLR club - we TM3 DSLR Members hold monthly meetings in secret locations across the GTA (next one is at Jillie's at Queen and Broadview - lunch special) where we make fun of P&S camera users - maughahgahgahgahg!!!!

You will receive your DSLR cloak, to be worn at all meetings, in the mail shortly


Hate to say it, but screw SLR's!! Check out the Nikon p90, it's the best point and shoot out there and the picture quality will match that of an SLR, (of course unless you want to become a proffessional and start taking weird shots) it has the highest zoom of any P/S, 24x optical plus 4x digital, this is godly! Anyway for the price this is the #1 camera going IMO.


That's right. You have the option of buying a tripod, additional lenses, flash because when you buy an SLR you are buying a "system," whether it's a Canon system, Nikon system, or any other brand system.

But you don't have to buy them either. The Xsi (and most SLRs) have built-in flash and they come with a kit lens. And to my knowledge, if you want a tripod for a P&S you have to buy it separate as well.

But really, this entire argument is ridiculous because like I said before, P&S and SLRs are completely different systems and have their own purpose and should not be compared in price.

I do agree with you that a lot of ppl buy into an SLR thinking that it will automatically give them better pictures (and they start putting their logos "your name photography") but to say "screw SLR's" and that a P&S has "picture quality [that] will match that of an SLR" in most cases is flat out wrong.

Xerox - Speak the word brother!

[MAZDA Kitten]

MK - Welcome to the DSLR club - we TM3 DSLR Members hold monthly meetings in secret locations across the GTA (next one is at Jillie's at Queen and Broadview - lunch special) where we make fun of P&S camera users - maughahgahgahgahg!!!!

You will receive your DSLR cloak, to be worn at all meetings, in the mail shortly


LMAOOOOOOOOOOOOOO LOL!!! :chuckle
Cant wait for my monthly newsletter

[2hionpsi]

Lmao

[kramr]

Ok....I like my SLR and I like my P&S cameras. Each has their own benefits. My SLR, I like to adjust my aperature, shutter speed and lighting. I have a zoom lens (75mm - 300mm) and I have the basic lens that came with my first SLR 35mm (28mm - 80mm). I have lots of filters to change the effect of the picture, tripod, seperate flash and one hell of a bag to carrry it all in. I have time elapsed photos and quick pictures in a boxing gym, not well lit, that I believe only my SLR could have gotten.
My P&S camera is great for its size and to take those quick pictures. The optical zoom isn't bad but as expected the digital zoom sucks. The flash is weak but works and it does do a decent job overall.
Now that I have my DSLR I find I take a lot more pictures as I am not burning film and money for development. I used my existing lenses as I bought the body only. They are not IS lenses but they work fine for my tinkering with pictures and effects. The development of some of the shots are gong to be different as the focal length on my lenes are for 35mm pictures, not digital, a 7-10mm difference if I'm not mistaken.
The P&S has some good qualities but the (D)SLR has so many more good qualities, in my opinion!
Personally, I prefer Canon but that is my choice.

[kLuMzi]

I have an old P&S and decided to get an new one. I stumbled on a deal for a Sony a200 with 18-70 and 55-200 for just $499!

coming from a P&S, my DSLR opened up a new world of photography. plus at the price (2 lens + built in IS body) it's the perfect beginner's DSLR! no need to pay premium on IS lens if i decide to upgrade.

I still use my P&S if i don't feel like shooting w/ the DSLR :) As Xerox said, they're two different system

[bhrm]

this thread makes me lolz

Best buy has the Canon T1i for $799 with bag, filter, and extra battery FYI.

plenty in stock.

[stevenma188]

So I'm debating a DSLR. What do you guys think about: http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/product/-/b9000478.aspx?path=329cc1e06d70b98eae796db2f117cad fen02

[ZeroChalk]

I wouldn't buy a Sony.

I was using a P&S to shoot of some of the protests in Toronto. I felt like I was mentally challenged.... First the AI is dumb, flash is harsh, and shutter speed is sooo slow.

[kLuMzi]

So I'm debating a DSLR. What do you guys think about: http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/product/-/b9000478.aspx?path=329cc1e06d70b98eae796db2f117cad fen02
$549? think i saw that one on sale like 499-ish few weeks back.

I had my dirt cheap Sony a200 over a year now and pretty satisfied with it.
my samples-->click me (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpgomez/sets/)

[stevenma188]

^Did the $499 one include both a 18-55 and a 55-200 lens?

[kLuMzi]

^^
yeah $499 for the 2 lens bundle, IIRC t'was on the father's day week flyer =\

[stevenma188]

Ahh Dam. thanks for the info.

[DualSoul]

I wouldn't buy a Sony.

I was using a P&S to shoot of some of the protests in Toronto. I felt like I was mentally challenged.... First the AI is dumb, flash is harsh, and shutter speed is sooo slow.

Though I agree that the Sony P&Ss aren't the greatest, the DSLRs are apparently great systems and similar in quality when compared to the offerings from the other manufacturers.

[ZeroChalk]

still wouldn't get a Sony... better to start off right with either Canon or Nikon. You'll regret it once you get more advanced and starting building a serious glass collection. I rather go with what the industry uses.

[stevenma188]

So I ended up picking up a Canon Rebel XS from Staples with the 18-55mm non-IS lens. Is it worth the extra ~$100 to pick up the same camera body but with a IS version of the lens?

I also have a Canon EF 28-80mm 1:3.5-5.6 IV lens from an old Rebel G film SLR. Would that lens be better than the lens that came with the camera?

Finally, since I take a lot of pictures of airplanes, I will probably be looking at a telephoto lens on a budget. Any recommendations?

Any overall recommendations/tips would be appreciated.

[JSI]

I have a Sigma 50-500mm, best long distance tele lens on a budget. The Tamron 200-500 is also a good lens for shooting planes.