Help me pick out a DSLR camera!

[SheRidesABeemer]

When it comes to looking for a new computer, I can read the specs and know what is good, bad and ugly.
But I am currently contemplating the move from my point and shoot Cannon SD750 to a DSLR camera; and I don't know my aperture from my elbow. What I'd really like is some advice from some of you who know what you are doing.
Can I put together a decent package for under $1,500? I don't want something that is going to sit at home because it's to fragile or too expensive to take on the bike, I want a work horse that can live in the tank bag.
I am all for buying the model that was just replaced, no latest and greatest for me. Heck, you know I'll be buying it on eBay. :p But please, tell me which body and lenses I need to start out with.

ps. I can help you pick out a laptop in return. :laugh

I think I've done all I can do with the P&S
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1426/584228245_35592f79cd.jpg

[knary]

It's a flow chart of choices.

1. Consumer DLSR or Prosumer DSLR or Pro DSLR

I'd vote for Consumer. Someday you'll replace the body and you'll still have the glass.
This brings us to the next choice - which system/glass (since you're buying into a family)

2a. Nikon or Canon

Either will treat you very nicely.

2b. This brings you to a Nikon D40X or a Canon Rebel XTi/Rebel XSi

And now we're down to the nitty gritty. Go to a camera store. Poke around and feel the different cameras. Compare ease of use for you. Consider features. Sleep on it. Think about it day and night.

For the basic reviews and feature comparisons: http://www.dpreview.com
For the best prices: http://www.dealnews.com

A few months ago I bought a Rebel XTi. The Nikon D40X was a bit more money. I liked that it had spot metering but wanted exposure bracketing - which of the two only the Rebel offered. Since any of the DSLR's will take fantastic photos with a decent brain behind the camera, I couldn't rationalize getting a D80 or any of the other cameras that are a chunk more expensive. Take the money saved and buy a better lens or two. The kit lenses are ok to start but even a $70 50mm lens will give you shots you dreamt of getting with a P&S.

Find the one that fits your budget, your hands, and any particular features you want.

[dancogan]

I agree with most of what Knary had to say. I would just add the following: when it comes to more expensive cameras, you tend to pay for durability in addition to features. That's why I shy away from the less expensive versions. When I'm out shooting, I'll be out rain or shine, cold or hot, etc. The camera has to be able to take that type of use. For general shooting from the bike I use a P & S. When I'm going to travel with a tripod and lenses, primarily to shoot more than ride, that's when I'll pack my DSLR.

[knary]

A very low light photo taken with that cheap-ish Rebel and cheap 50mm lens. Try this with a P&S!

http://knary.smugmug.com/photos/206298513_jfjZP-XL.jpg

[tommcgee]

Another good resource is here: http://www.imaging-resource.com/

[Oldhway]

Gail, I bought a Nikon D40 in June and am very happy. They have replaced it with the D40X which is a 10 mega pixel (The original was 6.something). It is a smaller body then a standard DSLR which I really like for traveling. I'm not a pro by any means but I have gotten a lot of positive feedback on my shots so I'm not too bad. The downside of the D40 is that it has to have the Nikon lenses since they made it small by putting the autofocus motor in the lens rather than the camera body. For me it was worth it to get the small size. You can probably still get a D40 and several nice lenses for under a grand. Good luck.

[SNC1923]

Gail,

I was excited to see your query and was already crafting a response when I read Knary's. I strongly agree with everything he says.

I used to be a major Nikon shooter. I switched to Canon, rather capriciously, when I went Digital. I used to see big differences between the two brands; now I feel that they are largely the same. Both make an excellent product, great lenses, advanced technology, blah, blah, blah.

I would get the new Canon Rebel XSi, though I have no reason to suggest against the Nikon.

In terms of "bang for your buck," it's all about the glass. Spend your money on lenses.

I'd look hard at Canon's 17-85 and their 70-200 f/4.0. This is, of course, very general advice and in complete ignorance of your shooting needs, etc. The 17-85 is a great on-the-bike travel lens and may very well be all the lens you need, at least to start. I would advise against buying the camera with a "kit" lens, opting instead to buy the body only and the lens or lenses you specifically want. I'm up to six and I'm convinced that that's too many!

Buy a flash. It's one of the reasons to go to a DSLR.

Spend some time over at dgrin.com. Take some time to peruse their flea market as well as their camera section. Very educational.

[kbasa]

There's no substitute for going down and just seeing which one fits your hand. I went Nikon for a DSLR, though I have a Canon P&S.

I haven't yet found the limits of this camera and being able to play with aperture and shutter speed to make an image is nice. I came from a 35mm background and always missed being able to make long exposure shots or accent a particular object in a frame with depth of field control.

You might want to check in your area and see if there's a local camera club. When Tina and I got our first SLR, we joined the Greater Lynn Camera Club and took a bunch of their courses. It taught me the fundamentals of photography, which have stuck with me. I don't know if there's an equivalent in your area, but if there is, it's time and money well spent, especially this time of year.

[BradfordBenn]

I like the image of the Canon sensors, so I went with a Canon Rebel XTi and a second zoom lens. I got away for well under $1K. The other big thing for me was the User Interface and how it fit my hand. I liked the UI on the Canon better than the Nikon. I also liked the fact that it took Compact Flash and batteries that I already have from the PowerShot I had and wore out.

The biggest thing for me though was the way it felt in the hands.

[tommcgee]

The biggest thing for me though was the way it felt in the hands.

Yeah, bring your gloves!

[SheRidesABeemer]

This is good stuff, I like the flow chart approach. I have seen that the EOS Digital Rebel XTi is the #1 Canon camera on Flickr; there is something to be said about following the masses in this category. Funny thing is when I look at the pictures taken with it, I realize, I don't see things in real life that clearly!

Good advise about touch and feel, I think I've been in a camera store once, and that was to buy a tripod, I needed to touch and feel that. I'll ask the NH Flickr crowd what camera store they recommend.

[gsjay]

Gail, I bought a Nikon D40 in June and am very happy. They have replaced it with the D40X which is a 10 mega pixel (The original was 6.something). It is a smaller body then a standard DSLR which I really like for traveling. I'm not a pro by any means but I have gotten a lot of positive feedback on my shots so I'm not too bad. The downside of the D40 is that it has to have the Nikon lenses since they made it small by putting the autofocus motor in the lens rather than the camera body. For me it was worth it to get the small size. You can probably still get a D40 and several nice lenses for under a grand. Good luck.


I'm about ready to pull the trigger on one of these deals........
http://www.ritzcamera.com/static/content/promos/One-Week-Sale-RC.html

comments?
gsjay

[tommcgee]

This is good stuff, I like the flow chart approach. I have seen that the EOS Digital Rebel XTi is the #1 Canon camera on Flickr; there is something to be said about following the masses in this category.

I'm probably a year away from going the digital SLR route, but starting to think seriously about it.

The XSi is a newer version of the XTi. I looked at it a bit tonight and the Canon lenses. I think my first choice would be the 55-250mm Canon EF zoom lens. I used 200mm, 100-200mm, and 100-300mm Canon FD lenses for many years and was quite happy with them. The new 55-250mm Canon EF lens would suit me even better.

I think I just picked out my next setup but need a new washing machine. :bluduh

[Rpbump]

The new Nikon 10 and 12 megapixel cameras have an auto stabilization feature that eliminates the need for a tripod and can use Minolta auto lens.

[Oldhway]

I'm about ready to pull the trigger on one of these deals........
http://www.ritzcamera.com/static/content/promos/One-Week-Sale-RC.html

comments?
gsjay

As I mentioned, absolutely love mine. Anything more would be simply for bragging rights, does all i need and smaller than the others so it fits nice in a tank bag.

[knary]

I'm about ready to pull the trigger on one of these deals........
http://www.ritzcamera.com/static/content/promos/One-Week-Sale-RC.html

comments?
gsjay

Only that Ritz is rarely a good deal compared to B&H, Amazon, etc.

[MLS2GO]

Like Kbasa I am a Canon point and shoot and a Nikon DSLR guy. Some of the lowest end DSLR don't work with all the lenses a manufacturer makes. Check about that before purchasing.
In DSLR you've got Nikon people and Canon people. They are both great. Go to the best camera store in your area and handle the cameras. I have one in my area that is full of camera nuts. Find one, they are invaluable. I pay more than I need to many times to help keep them open. Much like bikes, one brand or the other will speak to you. Hold it in your hands, bring it up to your eye, do the controls feel right or awkard? Does one seem intuitive? Do the menus make sense, or do they seem to be in a foreign language?
I do slightly disagree with Tom on one thing. The kit lense is usually very functional and is nearly free with a lot of cameras. Lenses made by Nikon or Canon are very saleable, and if you want to trade up later, you can sell or trade it. I have a 18-70 MM kit lense that is light and my favorite for indoor snapshots. (Even though I have other lenses that would do this OK but cost several times as much)
Do not leave the store without a UV Filter for your lense, and always keep it on. If you like the lense later you can get a circular polarizer for it. UV's are cheap, circular polarizers not so much.
Most consumer cameras have a flash built in. At some point that will become inadequate for your needs and you will want a better one. You want to make sure it is compatible with your camera so it will read TTL (Through the Lense) so it will meter perfectly. The best ones will zoom with your camera automatically. Sorry for so long. You will love it.

[GregFeeler]

You do need to go look at the different models and handle them, like a bike fit is very important. While you're at it, Gail - take a good look at the Olympus DSLRs. They have features you can't get from either Cannon or Nikon.

Olympus has the smallest DSLR, the E-410 and the only models with in-camera image stabilization, the E-510 and E-3. This is a key feature because all other designs put the image stabilization into the lens which makes for a more complex (read: delicate) and expensive design. With the Oly approach, all your lenses have stabilization. All their models have a better sensor cleaning system (which they originated) than any competitor. Also, only Olympus gives you image preview like a P&S camera (called Live View). The E-330 model has a magnesium frame which is a Pro camera feature but at a consumer price, and you can get an adapter for it specific to use either Nikon or Cannon manual lens, or all the classic Olympus OM-series lenses.

The Olympus current generation lens are all designed specifically for digital use rather than (in some cases) being recycled film camera designs. They are smaller, and incorporate intelligent design to pass image correction information to the camera to be included with the photo meta data.

Given that you are moving up from a P&S camera, the E-410 could be an excellent choice because it has a number of easy to use modes and is designed as an introductory DSLR model for people making just this upgrade.

Anyway, you can see more here: http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_digital_slr.asp

[rocketman]

You do need to go look at the different models and handle them, like a bike fit is very important. While you're at it, Gail - take a good look at the Olympus DSLRs. They have features you can't get from either Cannon or Nikon.

Olympus has the smallest DSLR, the E-410 and the only models with in-camera image stabilization, the E-510 and E-3. This is a key feature because all other designs put the image stabilization into the lens which makes for a more complex (read: delicate) and expensive design. With the Oly approach, all your lenses have stabilization. All their models have a better sensor cleaning system (which they originated) than any competitor. Also, only Olympus gives you image preview like a P&S camera (called Live View). The E-330 model has a magnesium frame which is a Pro camera feature but at a consumer price, and you can get an adapter for it specific to use either Nikon or Cannon manual lens, or all the classic Olympus OM-series lenses.

The Olympus current generation lens are all designed specifically for digital use rather than (in some cases) being recycled film camera designs. They are smaller, and incorporate intelligent design to pass image correction information to the camera to be included with the photo meta data.

Given that you are moving up from a P&S camera, the E-410 could be an excellent choice because it has a number of easy to use modes and is designed as an introductory DSLR model for people making just this upgrade.

Anyway, you can see more here: http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_digital_slr.asp

Good points on internal IS, the VR lens for the Nikon are also a good bit heavier, or so with the 70-300 and I would assume that any lens that has the motor and electronics in it would be.

Also for aux lenses look at Sigma and Quantaray they seem to be pretty good quality and can save you a few bux is cost is a consideration. I have the Quantaray 90mm fixed Marco lens and have been very happy with it.

Note too that while zoom lens are nice for the range they provide, a fixed focal length lens generally renders a better image. I found that one zoom lens I was looking at buying, a Nikor no less, had a lot of wobble in the front section. don't know if it was just that one lens or not, but I didn't buy it that’s for sure, since that was the only one they had in stock.

As for kit lenses, I have to say I'm pretty happy with the Nikor 18-50 that came with both my D70 and D80, when I priced the body separately it didn't really save me much, and as someone pointed out you can always sell it later.

Sinse you're getting your first DSLR, I wouldn't go overboard on lenses to start, just in case you decide its not right for you, since they do take up more room and can easily get out of hand when you start adding lenses and such. I'd wait a good 6 months. you really only need to 2 lenses to start anyway if you go with zoom, one in the 18-55-60 or so and another to cover 70-200 or 300. You can always add later if you feel you are really going to get into DSLRs down the road.

RM

[rdsmith3]

When you buy a DSLR you are really investing in a lens system. If you become an avid photographer, there is a good chance that you will replace the camera body in a few years as technology becomes better and cheaper (similar to PCs). But you will still have your lenses, and you may end up investing a lot in good glass. Canon and Nikon are really the top two choices. They offer an extensive array of lenses, and several other companies also make lenses to fit these cameras. I originally bought a used Canon Rebel/300D, and I recently received a new Canon 40D as a gift. Don't overlook the possibilty of getting something used. At this point, I have invested thousands in Canon lenses, so I will be sticking with them.

For Canon, you can generally safely purchase stuff here
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=14

and here
http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/board/10

Don't be fooled by the megapixel ad claims. More pixels does not necessarily give you a better picture. A DSLR will give you better pictures in low light and other difficult situations.

Finally, if you buy new, be very careful of where you buy from. There are a lot of dishonest dealers on eBay and in NYC. Some reputable places include B&H and Adorama. They have very competitive prices and good service.

Enjoy.

[sachiwilson]

Another option is to check for used cameras. Claire and I bought a Canon 20D last November from http://www.keh.com/. It is a slightly older Prosumer grade camera that has just about all the features of the newest 40D, other than a smaller viewscreen. We were able to save about 500-600 bucks off the price of a new 40D that way, and we're really happy with the camera.

[SNC1923]

Olympus has the smallest DSLR, the E-410 and the only models with in-camera image stabilization, the E-510 and E-3. This is a key feature because all other designs put the image stabilization into the lens which makes for a more complex (read: delicate) and expensive design. With the Oly approach, all your lenses have stabilization.

Sony and Pentax both have camera-based image stabilization as well.

Nikon and Canon hold steadfast to using in-lens technology, though that could be for any number of reasons, including that's the way they've always done it. Canon's IS technology predates digital going back all the way to 1995.

There are arguments for both. It conceivable that the lens-based may be superior as it is designed for a given, specific lens; however, that is only speculation. In fact, lens-based IS stabilizes the image in the viewfinder, though I don't know how important that is. As to it being delicate, I'm unaware of any quality control issues or failures.

I found an interesting resource discussing the issue here (http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/image_stabilization.html). A Google search would mine even more, I'm sure.

Pentax, Olympus, Sony, and others--together--comprise only a small part of the overall market, but their adherents are unwavering in the support of these brands. They obviously have something good going on.

Canon has been the most popular camera for decades. When I used to sell retail, the Canon AE-1 was far and away the most popular camera. I didn't feel it was the best, but it sold in far greater numbers than anything else. I've kind of moved away from trying to figure out what's best, as this is largely a subjective decision. They're all good, and if there's a turkey out there, it will easily be revealed in a net search.

One other thing to consider is the availability of accessories--not only from the manufacturer but from retailers as well. That's one of the reasons I like the big two.

I would also echo others' advice to visit a specialty store--a large, successful, and independent camera store--not a chain. And not everyone agrees with this, but whatever brand you go with: Buy their lenses. In my experience (ancient though it may be) the proprietary lenses were always superior. Whether you appreciate the difference is another matter altogether. . . .

[bricciphoto]

When you buy a DSLR you are really investing in a lens system. If you become an avid photographer, there is a good chance that you will replace the camera body in a few years as technology becomes better and cheaper (similar to PCs). But you will still have your lenses, and you may end up investing a lot in good glass.

Some of the best advice given in my opinion. Add to it a flash system, because if you really get into using a DSLR you'll add a good flash and accessories. You'll spend a lot more on these items than you will a DSLR body.

Sony and Olympus are good choices. As for Nikon and Canon, they are the current two top dogs in the professional (photojournalism) world. You can't go wrong with either system and most pros have adopted one or the other based on what glass they own and which system they are accustomed to using as far as the interface is concerned. There is some difference in the sensors, but generally both are recognized as being excellent--but no pun intended, future lens compatibility should be one main focus for selecting a brand to grow into. That said, play with them all and pick the brand that floats your boat.

[rinty]

Gail:

I've got the Nikon D 40, and it has more features than I'll ever use. It's nice and light, and not too complicated to operate for even me. It's got fewer megapixels than the D 40X, but I'm not shooting for poster size prints.

According to one of the Brit photo magazines I read, it was voted the best "entry level" :laugh DSLR by the editors of 30 European photo mags.

Have fun deciding, with all the advice you get here.

Rinty

[OfficerImpersonator]

By now you're discovering that people are either Nikon OR Canon users and not both. Kind of like BMWs and Harleys :)

One suggestion I have not seen made here is to go with a used camera. Your local high-end camera store will have used models for sale as people trade in/up for newer technology.

Look at the photos I've posted in the various threads. They were all taken with a Canon D60, which is now five or six years old. Yet it still takes perfect photos, and the lenses all work on the newest Canon DSLRs should I ever choose to upgrade camera bodies.

If you're new to the SLR thing and want to learn rather than make credit card payments, I'd try finding a gently used camera. If you really get into photography as a hobby, trade the used one in on a top of the line new model in a couple of years.

[gsjay]

Well after all the discussions here, online reviews and some input from a professional photographer buddy I ordered the Nikon D40 kit from Ritz Camera that I mentioned earlier in this tread.

Should have it in my grubby hands the first of the week! Can't wait. I'll give you an update once I'm shooting with it.

thanks for all your thoughts.
Jason

Gail, what have you bought?

[kenfield]

As others have said, go to a reputable dealer. Make sure it has a USA warranty. The grey market cameras have no warranty and neither Nikon or Canon will work on a grey market camera for any price.

[SNC1923]

Well after all the discussions here, online reviews and some input from a professional photographer buddy I ordered the Nikon D40 kit from Ritz Camera that I mentioned earlier in this tread.

Should have it in my grubby hands the first of the week! Can't wait. I'll give you an update once I'm shooting with it.

thanks for all your thoughts.
Jason

Gail, what have you bought?

Congratulations, Jason. I'm confident that you'll be pleased with your purchase. Please do send us an update. We'll be expecting to see a lot more pictures and ride reports now. . . .

[SheRidesABeemer]

Gail, what have you bought?

I'm holding out for a job offer. :doh

I'm leaning toward the Canon XTi, it can be had for around $500, leaving money in the budget for a couple of lenses. I've had 3 Canon P&S and like the interface.

This is sort of the way I buy cars...I'm on my third Acura because I know what I'm going to get and too much research would lead to analysis paralysis.

[tommcgee]

I'm leaning toward the Canon XTi, it can be had for around $500, leaving money in the budget for a couple of lenses. I've had 3 Canon P&S and like the interface.

The XTi prices will probably drop when the XSi starts shipping in April.

[rinty]

Gail:

We use the same method to get our cameras (we collect them) as MLS2GO: from a local shop that caters to pro's and is full of camera nuts. We pay a bit more than on the internet, but you get tons of valuable advice and comments. These folks' lives are immersed in cameras, and they know what the latest and greatest is.

But you will have noticed that all the posters above really like what they own.

In any event, you'll really enjoy having an SLR; they have nice big lenses that collect a lot of light, and are really powerful.

Using just a point and shoot on the long trips you ride is not taking advantage of all the photographic potential available to you. I would suggest starting with a short zoom, such as an 18 to 50 or so, that the camera comes with, and if you have room you can add a "long" lens (70 - 200 or so) later. I haven't had a long lens for 20 years (but I'm just a duffer):laugh.

Rinty

[GregFeeler]

This is sort of the way I buy cars...I'm on my third Acura because I know what I'm going to get and too much research would lead to analysis paralysis.

Occupational hazard of being an analyst?? :bolt It's a good point, though. I don't think there is a bad product in any of the current or recent (used) offerings in the DSLR market. It's very easy to overthink this decision. Everyone has their favorites, but all DSLR's IMHO will give your photography wings. That's why I think the traditional camera buying advice still works: buy the one that feels the most natural and comfortable in your hands.

[Oldhway]

Gail:

We use the same method to get our cameras (we collect them) as MLS2GO: from a local shop that caters to pro's and is full of camera nuts. We pay a bit more than on the internet, but you get tons of valuable advice and comments. These folks' lives are immersed in cameras, and they know what the latest and greatest is.


Rinty

As a small local busineemen who daily matches internet prices I will second Rinty's comments; Give the local guys a shot. It's also a whole lot easier to get service if you buy locally. Back when I sold oersonal watercraft, after a long time showing features and benefits of a model to a customer, we finally got to discussing price. I gave him a very competetive price (we were in Connecticut) and he told me he could but it for $50.00 less on the internet from a place in Ga. and that he wouldn't have to pay sales tax, all he had to do was pick it up. I had just spent about 2 hours helping him pick out the PWC he wanted and answering all his questions. He now was giving me big attitude about the $50.00 difference and I had been nothing but friendly and helpful. I explained to him at that point that he could have it serviced in Georgia as well and wished him a good day.

If you shop for price only, that's all you will get. A good local merchant gives you the chance to see and feel what you are buying and can provide customer service as well. If they're in the price ball park, they're usually your best bet.

Sorry about the soapbox, just a pet peeve.

Hijack off. I still love my D40.

[dancogan]

...
If you shop for price only, that's all you will get. A good local merchant gives you the chance to see and feel what you are buying and can provide customer service as well. If they're in the price ball park, they're usually your best bet.

Sorry about the soapbox, just a pet peeve.

Hijack off. I still love my D40.

Good point. I shop at the local BMW dealer, even if I could mail order something cheaper, because it's a valuable resource and I want them to stay in business. With lots of things, local prices are very competitive nowadays anyway.

[SheRidesABeemer]

The new Nikon 10 and 12 megapixel cameras have an auto stabilization feature that eliminates the need for a tripod and can use Minolta auto lens.

I just can't imagine anything eliminates the need for a tripod?!

I thought about this thread today...I spent three hours shooting pictures. I had my P&S mounted to my tripod most of the time. It was a lot of fun. I can't wait to upgrade, but my SD750 is not chopped liver. :thumb Like anything else, if you really enjoy what you are doing everything else is secondary.

[sniderl]

I think you'll be very pleased with the Canon Rebel, that's what I carry around in the saddlebag of my F800ST. I review cameras too and found the Olympus 510 to be a fun camera, though I am partial to Canon (I'm testing a 40D at the moment). My husband shoots Nikon and swears by them, I guess that makes us a family divided (plus he rides an FJR and I ride a BMW). Thank Thor we both use Macintosh computers! At least one thing we can agree upon :)

Speaking of the husband, we teach digital photography and have a web site which might be of interest to you called CameraCon (http://www.cameracon.ning.com). Just a bunch of folks taking about cameras and gear and learning new techniques.

-Lesa Snider King
Author/trainer, Chief Evangelist, iStockphoto.com (http://www.istockphoto.com/evangelesa)

[SNC1923]

I think you'll be very pleased with the Canon Rebel, that's what I carry around in the saddlebag of my F800ST. I review cameras too and found the Olympus 510 to be a fun camera, though I am partial to Canon (I'm testing a 40D at the moment). My husband shoots Nikon and swears by them, I guess that makes us a family divided (plus he rides an FJR and I ride a BMW). Thank Thor we both use Macintosh computers! At least one thing we can agree upon :)

Speaking of the husband, we teach digital photography and have a web site which might be of interest to you called CameraCon (http://www.cameracon.ning.com). Just a bunch of folks taking about cameras and gear and learning new techniques.

-Lesa Snider King
Author/trainer, Chief Evangelist, iStockphoto.com (http://www.istockphoto.com/evangelesa)

Hi Lesa,

Welcome! Cool looking site. Why don't you post it in our "Photography Links of Interest" thread in this Photography Phorum?

Glad to have you on board. I'd be interested in your thoughts on the 40D. I've just started shooting with one and am pretty durned happy with it.

[/hijack]

[34]

Gail: Very happy with my rebel XTi with 10.1 mega pixels and I started with a Tameron 18-200 lens. Got this picture with it and it's a beauty
http://i.pbase.com/g6/21/559921/2/81166828.mwP0hk1e.jpg

[SheRidesABeemer]

A forum member made me an offer on a Cannon Rebel XTi that I could not refuse...the check is in the mail...and new gear is on its way. :p

[bmwrebel]

I strongly recomend the Pentax K10D with the 16-45 lens to start. It has I/S, a metal chassis, water & dust seals, and uses all lens for Pentax K's back to the 70's. I would stay away from the cheap Canon Rebel as it has a plastic body and it can strech when a large lens is put on it. B&H has some of the best honest prices and lowest shipping costs. I have been using my K10D for almost a year, it is heavy, but the photos are awesome. :clap :clap My church is having me do the photos of it. Included are a few of last years National too. I will upload the other photos on other posts, I can not get more then one to go on.

[bmwrebel]

This is with out the flash. Pentax K10D.

[bmwrebel]

I liked the colors. Pentax K10D.

[37071]

When I bought my DSLR I had a great thought and bought a 50mm F1.2 lens to take pictures indoors (grandchildren). I found that a 50mm lens is too telephoto for indoors. The 18 - 55 mm that came with the camera body is slow (f4) but with flash gets me the momentos I really want. My $0.02

[SheRidesABeemer]

I will upload the other photos on other posts, I can not get more then one to go on.
Only one attachement is allowed per post.
To post many linked pictures read this post. (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?p=41014#post41014)

[rocketman]

I just can't imagine anything eliminates the need for a tripod?!
I thought about this thread today...I spent three hours shooting pictures. I had my P&S mounted to my tripod most of the time. It was a lot of fun. I can't wait to upgrade, but my SD750 is not chopped liver. :thumb Like anything else, if you really enjoy what you are doing everything else is secondary.

It can't, it CAN reduce the need for it in some situations, but even the best stabilization system only works to a point. Plus there are many other uses for a tripod, for panning when doing a series for making a pano shot, helps when you have the time to set up and really study the subject and ensure the camera is really level or just to try slightly different compositions when you only want to move the camera a little to the right or left or slightly up or down without losing the main composition ....
and the list goes on. A good tripod is a invaluable tool, esp. with a DSLR. that and an outboard flash, are two esentual tools that belong in any camera bag. And if the lens you got with the new to you camera does not have an UV filter, get one, it is the best protection you can get for your lens.

RM

[SheRidesABeemer]

Look what the UPS fairy brought me today! :dance
Oh boy am I over my head!

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/srab/2476741740/" title="My new camera equipment by sheridesabeemer, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3283/2476741740_7e9228da4f.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="My new camera equipment" /></a>