Need a new DSLR
 

:idea:

Alright I want to finally take the step into the digital SLR world and want to see what the forum's photographers think of my options.

I am debating between 3 cameras at the moment and will make the purchase in September.

Canon 350D, Canon 20D or Nikon D80. All options are just body only and if i swing the Canon direction then I would be considering the Canon 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 EF IS USM AF Lens or if i go with the Nikon then possibly the 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S VR IF-ED Nikkor Lens.

Anyone able to provide some useful user information?

why not the 30d?

the bigger LCD of the 30D really helps out a lot.

rebel was also too small for me.. igot the 20d over the rebel specifically becuase it felt better in my hand

as far as nikon vs canon... its all up to personal preference becuase both are very good

Re: Need a new DSLR
 

I am no expert but I think the 20D may be the most professional camera of the bunch with lots of custom features, etc.

To help us guide you better, answer the following questions:

A) What is your photography skill level - beginner, amateur, semi-pro, pro?

B) What will you use the camera for: Race photography, car photoshoots, travel shooting, landscapes, sports (baseball, etc)?

C) What is your maximum budget for the entire kit?

Well, the 350D is a very good camera already, and since you can obviously put whichever lense you want on it, you won't be tired easily. but if you can afford the 20D or 30D, well, I don't really see why to go for the "cheap" brother. they can do the same the 350D does and more. Better build quality, bigger screen and so on are only a few + features.

Re: Need a new DSLR
 

A) Amateur, looking to hone my photography skills. I don't have a DSLR at all but have used the Nikon D1x a bit.

B) Camera will be used for everything. From automotive events and races to vacation and travel and even portrait/art photography. More geared towards travel/landscape and portrait/art and the car stuff as extra.

C) I guess I am looking at around $1500+/- a few bucks for a body and a IS or VR (image stabilization lens)

well for that i would go for a rebel and some nice lenses.. you can get a rebel body for like <600 and then spend the rest on some nice glass

this is assuming that the rebel isnt uncomfortable

otherwise... 30d for like <1200 and then a nice walkaround

The EOS20D can be had for just over $1000 now while the Rebel XT is about $680 and the Nikon D80 about $800 (assuming the prices are near the D70s).

Given your camera budget is quite generous, I would say go for the EOS20D or the D80. The D200 is just outside your budget and honestly I am not sure it is worth paying so much for a camera body as the incremental features would really make a difference to a pro more than an amateur. Save your money for lenses.

I don't know much aboout Canon so can't advise there but if you go the Nikon route, I highly recommend the following:
- D70s body (~$800)
- 18-70mm DX lens for landscapes, portraits and travel photography (~$280)
- 70-200mm f2.8 VR (Vibration Reduction) lens for sports photography and amazing closeups with great bokeh ($1500)
Total cost = $2600

The 24-120mm lens is not a highly regarded lens - it is not sharp enough and is bit too slow at max zoom (aperture is 5.6) - sort of useless at a racetrack. Given your orignial budget ($1500 camera + $500 lens) the above listed camera/lens set is a much better combo for the money. If you want to save a bit more, get the D50 instead of the D70s and save another $250.

Lenses count for lot more than the body!!!

I am looking forward to this lense:


AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0608/06...18-135lens.asp

Also remember that with a 24/28mm lens on a crop-body you won't have any wide-angle at all.

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0608/06...0drebelxti.asp

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0608/06...ithpreview.asp

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0606/06...nydslra100.asp

Harry,

Considering you driving a Porka Boxter, how much do you want to spend on a new DSLR and glasswork ?

Cheers

Cowboy, I think he mentioned $1500 US.