Official Which Dslr Should I Buy Thread

[awdark]

Budget (Camera body only or including kit lens): body + kit lens / up to 600€ (~$900)

Frequency of Usage: basically, i'll take it everywhere I go

Purpose (What, where, when?): Portrait, landscape, candids (lol, selca)

Size/Weight: i think it has to "feel" right, not too heavy since my hands are pretty small

Desired Functions: i'm a total n00b...

Preferred Brand: Canon?

Preferred lens (Fixed Focal, Wide Angle, Macro, Telephoto, Prime, or specific mm/f-stop etc): n00b.... :blush:

So, i went to a store today and asked for the Canon EOS 450D because it was recommended in the official DSLR thread.

I was told the 500D is better because it's an updated version.

In another store, they recommended the 1000D because of the bigger lens(?) and because the price matched the quality of the cam...? what do you think about it?

The lenses itself are all the same for the XS (1000D), XSi (450D), and T1i (500d) unless its some odd combo. The kit comes with the 18-55mm IS lens and is a great starter lens.

The only real benefit of the 500D is it offers HD video recording. A lot of people say that's a novelty feature that isn't really used so its a waste of money, its like how often do we use the video mode of our point and shoot right? I think it also has a expanded ISO range but is otherwise like the 450d. I think the XS has fewer focus points and is slightly slower when you're bursting.

[Guest ~.Linh.~]

The lenses itself are all the same for the XS (1000D), XSi (450D), and T1i (500d) unless its some odd combo. The kit comes with the 18-55mm IS lens and is a great starter lens.

The only real benefit of the 500D is it offers HD video recording. A lot of people say that's a novelty feature that isn't really used so its a waste of money, its like how often do we use the video mode of our point and shoot right? I think it also has a expanded ISO range but is otherwise like the 450d. I think the XS has fewer focus points and is slightly slower when you're bursting.

Thanks for the reply!

Seems like there are only the XS and XSi left...i don't really need the video recording lol

Budget (Camera body only or including kit lens): body + kit lens / up to 600€ (~$900)

Frequency of Usage: basically, i'll take it everywhere I go

Purpose (What, where, when?): Portrait, landscape, candids (lol, selca)

Size/Weight: i think it has to "feel" right, not too heavy since my hands are pretty small

Desired Functions: i'm a total n00b...

Preferred Brand: Canon?

Preferred lens (Fixed Focal, Wide Angle, Macro, Telephoto, Prime, or specific mm/f-stop etc): n00b.... :blush:

So, i went to a store today and asked for the Canon EOS 450D because it was recommended in the official DSLR thread.

I was told the 500D is better because it's an updated version.

In another store, they recommended the 1000D because of the bigger lens(?) and because the price matched the quality of the cam...? what do you think about it?

EDIT: had to write that in a hurry but now:

This will be my first dslr and i want to learn more about photography because i got really interested. i guess it will take time, though, to learn about the different camera settings w/e..but right now a dslr is #1 on my to buy list

it's actually quite embarassing to go into a store and just ask about the cams...lol, cause the only thing i could do was nod like i actually knew what the salesman was talking about xD

the 1000d was recommended to me because of the zoom lense (i think it said sigma)...the zoom was "better" than the one on the 500d (they didn't have a 450d there, but i think 450d and 500d aren't that different in regards of size and weight?). can't i just buy the 450d with the sigma lens... ?

i somehow side with the 450d...

still don't get the differenece between 450d and 1000d, though

[Guest hungeemui]

Hey there! I have been thinking of purchasing a DSLR as a gift for my bf for his birthday/graduation. He is currently studying visual communication in UNI and is currently doing a photo course as an elective. He had borrowed one at Uni DSLR's because he had to do assignments and such and really enjoys using it. He has mentioned he would like to purchase the SONY Alpha DSLR A230 in the near future because it is a cheaper range for beginners use. Though, i thought i might surprise him with one, i was leaning towards Nikon or Canon from all the reviews i have read. I guess it would be easier if he goes and chooses it himself, but it wouldn't be surprise! LOL. And if he knew i was considering it, he would forbid me to get one because of the price.

YOUR HELP IS APPRECIATED ^ ^,

Budget (Include Kit, Bag)

$1400AUD Max

Frequency of Usage

Everywhere he goes. Going out, Events, Just for Fun

Purpose (What, where, when?):

Day/ Night, Indoor and Outdoor, More of the still? pictures instead of the moving pictures.

Size/Weight

Not toy like. Nothing overly big, weight as average because taking it around everywhere.

Desired Functions

One with more manual buttons? (Not majority as auto function because that would be like a normal digital camera) Button easy access for there use, like not have all functions in the menu. {idk if I am making sense here, sorry}

Preferred Brand

Nikon or Canon

Preferred lens

I got no clue on this, all i know is my bf mentioned there is no point getting a expensive body but crappy lens.

A few options would be helpful

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE ^ ^,

[Guest plz_be_quiet]

i must say i'm very jealous of ur boyfriend to recieve an expensive gift like that.... i'm actually in the midst of looking for a camera in that price range.

i think the nikon d90 or the canon rebel tsi/500d are very good cameras, and including kit + bag would fall under the price u got there

on ebay they have the [Nikon D90+18-55mm VR Kit+Bat+8GB SD+6Gifts+Wty-ACYY] for $1250 AUD and is free shipping to australia... I'm not too sure about the lens that comes with it but i've heard they are alright...... u can do a quick google and they have loads of reviews and comparisons between the two... they would probably be my two choices.

[Guest calv1124]

i think the nikon d90 or the canon rebel tsi/500d are very good cameras, and including kit + bag would fall under the price u got there

on ebay they have the [Nikon D90+18-55mm VR Kit+Bat+8GB SD+6Gifts+Wty-ACYY] for $1250 AUD and is free shipping to australia... I'm not too sure about the lens that comes with it but i've heard they are alright...... u can do a quick google and they have loads of reviews and comparisons between the two... they would probably be my two choices.

That's cheap, but it's a grey import so there's little chance of getting warranty in Australia. The camera is good and the lens is fine as well, but the battery charger will probably require an adapter to use here. But then again the normal kit lens that comes with a D90 is the 18-105mm VR which is much better suited to that camera. It would be safer to buy a genuine camera from Australia. Here is the site where I got my camera (the D5000 kit fits right in you price range) and it's an authorised reseller; http://www.camerastore.com.au

[Guest hungeemui]

i must say i'm very jealous of ur boyfriend to recieve an expensive gift like that.... i'm actually in the midst of looking for a camera in that price range.

LOL!! We've been together for a while now. Havn't splurged in a while. =p

I'm never to sure with online buys on ebay, very hesitant when its a large amount of money online. I would probably prefer a store, so i can get at least 3 years warranty.

THanks for the inputs 'plz_be_quiet & calv1124' !! xx

[kuroxkitsuneX3]

Can someone suggest me a camera for an absolute noob? I've always had an interest in DSLR photography but I don't really have anyone to teach me hands on. Thus I want something that's easy for me to figure out myself, allowing me to do simple point and shoots but also has the ability to do more difficult things as I get more advanced. I'm not looking for anything fancy, but a solid camera that's not too heavy or big. I want quality but nothing too expensive. Any suggestions? Price range is preferably under 700 or 800? As I said, I'm pretty much a noob so nothing too fancy or expensive for me now. I'm really interested in macro photography and landscape photography, not much for action photography, so a camera that can do those well would be perfect.

[.minjoo]

^ With that price range, I suggest you go with either Nikon D5000 or Canon Rebel T1i. IMHO, it's a step up from from the usual entry-level DSLRs that both Nikon and Canon has on their lineup.

As for your interest in macro photography, it's not really the camera body that decides this. Rather, this comes in when you're already choosing for lens.

I've only owned a DSLR for a month now... so I guess I know how you feel when you want to look for a camera that is easy to learn. My Nikon D5000 is still a bit of a blur for me at the moment, but everytime I shoot and experiment, I always learn something new. You shouldn't worry too much about a camera being too "complex" cause no one really starts handling a DSLR perfectly. You learn through every shot you make.

And also DSLRs have "Auto" mode so you can DO simple point and shoots.

[Guest dorkafied!]

Budget (Camera body only or including kit lens): I dont have a price range. But I would like it if it was under $900 CAD (with lens)

Frequency of Usage: I'd like to take it everywhere I go. Events, hanging out with friends, things like that.

Purpose (What, where, when?): My purpose of getting a DSLR is basically because I'm interested in photography as a hobby. I'd like to take pictures of friends (whether it be modeling or on a daily basis), i want to take pictures of food, Taking a picture of anything and anywhere really.

Size/Weight: I'd like it be small but not too small, durable, and somewhat lightweight. Something that will 'fit' just right.

Desired Functions: Live view, nice battery life, I'd like a vari-angle but it's not necessary. Video recording would also be nice (I don't need that HD stuff though)

Preferred Brand: Either Nikon or Canon. I do like the Canon EOS Rebel Xsi, but I am open for suggestions you guys have

The Nikon D5000 and Canon EOS Rebel T1i are catching my interest though :x

Preferred lens (Fixed Focal, Wide Angle, Macro, Telephoto, Prime, or specific mm/f-stop etc): i honestly have no idea, but fixed focal, and macro?

[Guest calv1124]

Budget (Camera body only or including kit lens): I dont have a price range. But I would like it if it was under $900 CAD (with lens)

Frequency of Usage: I'd like to take it everywhere I go. Events, hanging out with friends, things like that.

Purpose (What, where, when?): My purpose of getting a DSLR is basically because I'm interested in photography as a hobby. I'd like to take pictures of friends (whether it be modeling or on a daily basis), i want to take pictures of food, Taking a picture of anything and anywhere really.

Size/Weight: I'd like it be small but not too small, durable, and somewhat lightweight. Something that will 'fit' just right.

Desired Functions: Live view, nice battery life, I'd like a vari-angle but it's not necessary. Video recording would also be nice (I don't need that HD stuff though)

Preferred Brand: Either Nikon or Canon. I do like the Canon EOS Rebel Xsi, but I am open for suggestions you guys have

The Nikon D5000 and Canon EOS Rebel T1i are catching my interest though :x

Preferred lens (Fixed Focal, Wide Angle, Macro, Telephoto, Prime, or specific mm/f-stop etc): i honestly have no idea, but fixed focal, and macro?

Any entry DSLR will satisfy your needs. In your case the Nikon D5000 may suit you, because it has presets for different types of scenarios, as well as an added scene mode (which includes, food, sunset, etc), this is useful because it saves you from having to manually adjust settings, which may feel like a tedious task for beginners or people unfamiliar to DSLRs. The T1i is also good, but I have to say that it's not as user friendly nor is the kit lens as good.

I would suggest that you get a kit (18-55mm) lens, with VR (nikon) or IS (canon). The kit lens is versatile and is well suited to general photography, the VR/IS can be very useful in reducing or eliminating blur in your shots (it's very very effective in low light). A fixed focal/prime lens is more suited to portrait photography and low light, the lack of zoom makes it limiting, but if you think you might need one, they are great extras to have. Macros are also fixed focal, but for very very small subjects, like bees, flowers, etc. you might want to experiment with a kit lens before deciding whether you want one...

If you don't want a 18-55mm lens, get a 18-105mm or 18-135mm, you'll find that they rarely leave your camera~

[juliaa]

Budget (Camera body only or including kit lens): Including kit lens; Below $1000

Frequency of Usage: Everywhere I go, except school sometimes.

Purpose (What, where, when?): It's pretty interesting and because I kinda want to be a Pro-photographer when I grow up, haha. I like to take pictures like moving pictures, portraits, day & night, mostly at night pictures.And because I travel A LOT.

Size/Weight: Medium? Not heavy? Just something that's just not too big 0_o.

Desired Functions: Live View, Good battery life, Good Flash? (I'm just saying this because I take lots of "at night" pictures and I want to have a good flash. & simple buttons (I don't know if I'm making sense here)

but I want a camera that's pretty simple? And does not have a lot of buttons to make it look complicated.

Preferred Brand: Canon or Nikon

Preferred lens (Fixed Focal, Wide Angle, Macro, Telephoto, Prime, or specific mm/f-stop etc): I have no idea.

My sister asked me what I wanted for Christmas, and I've always want a DSLR

edit/ I'm kinda stuck on getting the Nikon D5000 ; Nikon D3000 ; Nikon D90 ; Canon Rebel T1i ; & Canon Rebel XSi

Can you guys help me?

[omegach]

Budget (Camera body only or including kit lens): Including kit lens; Below $1000

Frequency of Usage: Everywhere I go, except school sometimes.

Purpose (What, where, when?): It's pretty interesting and because I kinda want to be a Pro-photographer when I grow up, haha. I like to take pictures like moving pictures, portraits, day & night, mostly at night pictures.And because I travel A LOT.

Size/Weight: Medium? Not heavy? Just something that's just not too big 0_o.

Desired Functions: Live View, Good battery life, Good Flash? (I'm just saying this because I take lots of "at night" pictures and I want to have a good flash. & simple buttons (I don't know if I'm making sense here)

but I want a camera that's pretty simple? And does not have a lot of buttons to make it look complicated.

Preferred Brand: Canon or Nikon

Preferred lens (Fixed Focal, Wide Angle, Macro, Telephoto, Prime, or specific mm/f-stop etc): I have no idea.

My sister asked me what I wanted for Christmas, and I've always want a DSLR

if you plan on taking the camera everywhere, you might want to consider the new micro 4/3rds bodies like the olympus e-p1 or the panasonic gf1. or if you want a dslr get a cheap body with decent iso performance (nikon d3000) and a fast lens (sigma 30mm f/1.4) for nighttime photography.

[kuroxkitsuneX3]

^ With that price range, I suggest you go with either Nikon D5000 or Canon Rebel T1i. IMHO, it's a step up from from the usual entry-level DSLRs that both Nikon and Canon has on their lineup.

As for your interest in macro photography, it's not really the camera body that decides this. Rather, this comes in when you're already choosing for lens.

I've only owned a DSLR for a month now... so I guess I know how you feel when you want to look for a camera that is easy to learn. My Nikon D5000 is still a bit of a blur for me at the moment, but everytime I shoot and experiment, I always learn something new. You shouldn't worry too much about a camera being too "complex" cause no one really starts handling a DSLR perfectly. You learn through every shot you make.

And also DSLRs have "Auto" mode so you can DO simple point and shoots.

Thanks for replying! I've been looking at reviews between the two (because they seem to be head to head) and the Canon T1i seems to shout out more to me than the D5000, especially since the Canon is compatible with a lot of Canon and EOS lenses compared to Nikon. The only thing that appeals to me of Nikon is their adjustable (I believe the term is articulating?) LCD screen. Since you have one, how helpful is it to have that kind of screen compared to a fixed screen? People have also said that that T1i is better for macro photography due to it's high resolution display (920,000 vs the D5000's 230,000). Another camera a lot of people have recommended is the 40D? Any comments/suggestions about these (anyone is welcome)?

[.minjoo]

The vari-angle LCD (yes, it's the term. vari-angle. ) is actually quite helpful! I was taking photos in a matsuri (festival) here last last week, and there was a dance performance somewhere in the street. Of course, people would be all huddled up and it'd be difficult to take pictures with my DSLR (unlike those pro ahjossis who brought ladders @_@ and tripods w/ their DSLRs. I came unprepared. ) Through the vari-angle of my D5000, I was able to take shots of the performances while raising up my arms. :] Of course I was on Live View w/c seems crappy, cause.. I'd have to switch back to the viewfinder to set the shutter speed, aperture, and etc. It was like trial and error for like the first few minutes. But after I've set all the settings to perfectly fit the angle and the lighting from where I'm standing, I just practically stood there, shooting and shooting as much as I can. :] The focusing part is a little bit hard to figure out, since it's hard to see on the live view whether it's focused well or not. Either way, the vari-angle is useful for stuff like that. Concerts and stuff. Or like when you're huddled up with a bunch of people blocking your way. :]

It's also useful for selcas... although a tiny bit tricky. Hahaha

Ha as for the Canon vs Nikon question, I actually don't know. Right now I'm actually wondering whether I've bought the right one, or if I should've just went for Canon. But Nikons are actually pretty good. Their manual flash units are superb. (I'm planning to get a SB-600 soon!) I guess I went for Nikon cause I'm pro-made-in-Japan. rofl (Part Japanese).

As for the whole 230,000 thingy, hahaha I agree~! OMG sometimes when I look at the pictures directly from the camera, I go, "Eff, it sucks. " But once I load everything to my laptop (which I can assure you, has good graphics quality) I go like, "Wow." rofl So I guess, the whole LCD thingy of the D5000 is a disadvantage.

I can't really say anything about Canons, since... I haven't handled one. But I heard they're more user friendly than Nikons. I guess Nikon just appeals more to me. I forgot why. I sometimes feel like, pictures look more realistic and raw with Nikons compared to Canons... (only judging from the pictures I see on the internet, so don't throw rocks at me Canon-users!) I also heard Nikkor lenses have nice builds (nicer than Canon lenses, perhaps? I'm not sure again. so don't quote me on this. @_@)

[Guest calv1124]

Thanks for replying! I've been looking at reviews between the two (because they seem to be head to head) and the Canon T1i seems to shout out more to me than the D5000, especially since the Canon is compatible with a lot of Canon and EOS lenses compared to Nikon. The only thing that appeals to me of Nikon is their adjustable (I believe the term is articulating?) LCD screen. Since you have one, how helpful is it to have that kind of screen compared to a fixed screen? People have also said that that T1i is better for macro photography due to it's high resolution display (920,000 vs the D5000's 230,000). Another camera a lot of people have recommended is the 40D? Any comments/suggestions about these (anyone is welcome)?

Macro photography does not depend on the display, because you will most likely be composing your picture through the viewfinder. However, the actual resolution (megapixels) from the canon may help, but it will not be of much use with the ckit lens because it's not... of sufficient quality to allow the extra megapixels to be of any effect. If you are interested in macro photography, you would want to look at buying macro lens, which both companies have a great range of (Nikon just released a new one). And trust me, 230,000 dots on a screen isn't that bad, in fact, I don't care, it doesn't affect the final output of the picture.

The 40D is a very good camera, if you can afford it, it wouldn't be a bad choice of camera.

The vari-angle LCD (yes, it's the term. vari-angle. ) is actually quite helpful! I was taking photos in a matsuri (festival) here last last week, and there was a dance performance somewhere in the street. Of course, people would be all huddled up and it'd be difficult to take pictures with my DSLR (unlike those pro ahjossis who brought ladders @_@ and tripods w/ their DSLRs. I came unprepared. ) Through the vari-angle of my D5000, I was able to take shots of the performances while raising up my arms. :] Of course I was on Live View w/c seems crappy, cause.. I'd have to switch back to the viewfinder to set the shutter speed, aperture, and etc. It was like trial and error for like the first few minutes. But after I've set all the settings to perfectly fit the angle and the lighting from where I'm standing, I just practically stood there, shooting and shooting as much as I can. :] The focusing part is a little bit hard to figure out, since it's hard to see on the live view whether it's focused well or not. Either way, the vari-angle is useful for stuff like that. Concerts and stuff. Or like when you're huddled up with a bunch of people blocking your way. :]

It's also useful for selcas... although a tiny bit tricky. Hahaha

Ha as for the Canon vs Nikon question, I actually don't know. Right now I'm actually wondering whether I've bought the right one, or if I should've just went for Canon. But Nikons are actually pretty good. Their manual flash units are superb. (I'm planning to get a SB-600 soon!) I guess I went for Nikon cause I'm pro-made-in-Japan. rofl (Part Japanese).

As for the whole 230,000 thingy, hahaha I agree~! OMG sometimes when I look at the pictures directly from the camera, I go, "Eff, it sucks. " But once I load everything to my laptop (which I can assure you, has good graphics quality) I go like, "Wow." rofl So I guess, the whole LCD thingy of the D5000 is a disadvantage.

I can't really say anything about Canons, since... I haven't handled one. But I heard they're more user friendly than Nikons. I guess Nikon just appeals more to me. I forgot why. I sometimes feel like, pictures look more realistic and raw with Nikons compared to Canons... (only judging from the pictures I see on the internet, so don't throw rocks at me Canon-users!) I also heard Nikkor lenses have nice builds (nicer than Canon lenses, perhaps? I'm not sure again. so don't quote me on this. @_@)

About your thing on having to change to viewfinder mode to change shutter spd/aperture, you can do that in live view, lol, it's indicated at the bottom of the screen.

btw the D5000 is made in Thailand. If you want made in Japan, you will want to buy a D3 or a D700, but hey, it feels pretty well built (it doesn't really matter where it's built xD).

In my opinion Canon's are easier to use throughout the entry DSLR range if you are already familiar with all the settings and want to be able to change them fast. However, for beginners, the Nikon's are definitely easier to use, it doesn't feel as overwhelming and complicated, and the graphical representations of the aperture is really sleek. I'm saying this after handling a lot of entry level DSLRs (Nikon: D40, D60, D3000, D5000) (Canon: 400D, 450D).

Although I can see why people say that Canon's have more shortcuts, etc. I find that I can navigate through my D5000's settings just as quick.

Lens wise; it is true that Nikon make better build lenses in the lower price range, but in the higher price range, both companies make lenses of unbelievable (and expensive) quality. In Canon, these are the called the L lenses (L for luxury haha) which have a red ring on them, in Nikon's they're just the expensive metal lenses. lol

Hope that clears some stuff up ^^

[pepe.ro]

Budget (Camera body only or including kit lens): below 800-900 (including kit & lens)

Frequency of Usage: every day

Purpose (What, where, when?): portrait, landscape, night-life, nature, just everyday usage ^^ i'll probably use it for photoshop as well :]

Size/Weight: somewhat lightweight. (easy to carry around)

Desired Functions: autofocus! preferable night-functions (depends on the lens though right? - the autofocus?)

Preferred Brand: nikon. (but i'm open to canon)

Preferred lens : probably going to get the tamron 17-50 ^^ good walkaround lens~~ but idk for anything else~

i'm thinking about the nikon d60 or the d40 :]

OR the canon rebel xti. i've asked a lot of people and they recommended me those dslr's.

i'm not a TOTAL N00B. i've used my share of dslr's before. (esp the canon rebel series - they don't appeal to me as much as the nikon's XD)

so i'm pretty content with the d60.. its just that i'm stuck on the lenses... :3

i read it in the official dslr thread that certain nikon dslr's don't have autofocus from certain lenses... and i just want to make sure i do get a lens that has the autofocus.. does the tamron 17-50 have autofocus???

[awdark]

Macro photography does not depend on the display, because you will most likely be composing your picture through the viewfinder. However, the actual resolution (megapixels) from the canon may help, but it will not be of much use with the ckit lens because it's not... of sufficient quality to allow the extra megapixels to be of any effect. If you are interested in macro photography, you would want to look at buying macro lens, which both companies have a great range of (Nikon just released a new one). And trust me, 230,000 dots on a screen isn't that bad, in fact, I don't care, it doesn't affect the final output of the picture.

The 40D is a very good camera, if you can afford it, it wouldn't be a bad choice of camera.

... edited out...

I have a 350d I don't know the resolution of the screen but its small and fairly low in resolution. There have been many times where I failed at taking a picture because it looked clear on my screen but was in reality blurry. It might not be an issue anymore, I think most screens are large enough and offer enough resolution for you to tell. I think some people use the live view for focusing and its supposedly pretty good that way but I don't have any experience with that.

If you got to compare them side by side then you should definitely go Nikon... but your budget might even allow you to get the the new D5000 although im not sure if you really need those features. Im pretty sure the no-auto focus only applies to the old and prime lenses such as the 50 1.8 that goes for about $130 which generally happens to be the cheaper ones and is unfortunate that the entry level users would loose auto focus

[pepe.ro]

^oh okay thanks for your reply!

i looked at the D5000, doesn't seem bad~ ^^

but after playing around with the D40, D60 & the D3000 before, i'd say i'm more likely to get the D60 cause i think it just suits me the most.

i was more curious about which lens to get. :]

[awdark]

I think most people use the kit lens until they find a limitation before they upgrade.

[Guest ☆원이☆]

I think most people use the kit lens until they find a limitation before they upgrade.

O really hmm.. , buy a flash and you will get GREAT RESULTS...

kit lens is a beast lens

the BEST camera is the camera in your hands, now its up to you to shoot wonderful pictures..