Camera Selection help

[KyleV]

I'm going to bite the bullet and get a nice new camera. Does anyone have experience/opinions on the cameras below or something in a similar price range?

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT 8.0MP Digital SLR Camera Digital Rebel XT 18-55 Kit $549


Olympus - EVOLT 10.0MP Digital SLR Camera $539


Nikon - 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera $699

[erikharrison]

My gf has the Nikon D80 and loves it. Alot of people prefer the Canons though. Maybe you should go rummage around on Texas Photo Forum and see if you can get some good advice. Other than that try Mark or Mako... :) One of the two should be able to point you in the right direction.... I assume this camera will be for the tank mainly? I have seen some great shots out of a regular digital, but I guess it would really depend on how much you really want the SLR features.

[apedroza]

Is the nikon the D40x? IF so it is similar to my D50. The only real differnces is tht it is a higher MP and it is not backwards compatible with the older lenses. I love my D50.

[KyleV]

It is the d40x but I also found a great deal on a Sony.

Sony Alpha DSLR-100K 10.2-Megapixel Digital SLR Camera Kit only $569 ($200 off). It has image stabilization and a self cleaning feature which the others don't.

The camera is for the tank but also kids sporting events so I do want one that will perform at max in all situations.

Any one use a Sony?

[brewercm]

The D80 is backward compatible with all of the existing lenses out there for the mount. I believe the difference is the lenses for the D40 series has the motor built into the lens instead of the camera having the motor to adjust the lens focus. That is if I remember correctly.
I bought the Pentax K10D and love it, I just wish for lens availability I had spent the $150 to $200 more and got the D80.

[erikharrison]

The other cool thing about DSLR is the filters that you can buy. My gf bought some that I call "the poor man's macro" which are basically magnifying glasses for the lens.
The shots that I got with those little filters look like this!
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x315/erikharrison/Fish/DSC_0237Large.jpg

[apedroza]

It is the d40x but I also found a great deal on a Sony.

Sony Alpha DSLR-100K 10.2-Megapixel Digital SLR Camera Kit only $569 ($200 off). It has image stabilization and a self cleaning feature which the others don't.

The camera is for the tank but also kids sporting events so I do want one that will perform at max in all situations.

Any one use a Sony?

Thats a great price!!! I think Ace ahs the Sony.

Erik I bought a couple of the 10X macro filters and I love them. Saved alot of $$$. I need to get the 1X2X4X set.

[brewercm]

That was another thing I liked about the Pentax K10D. It has the self cleaning mirror and the anti shake that is built into the processor on the camera rather than the lens. I've been very happy with the camera, just the limit to lenses which I'm sure Sony has the same problems.
The other nice thing about the K10D is the body build and how everything is sealed and dust/moisture resistant.

[KyleV]

Cliff so both the Pentax and Sony only have a few lense options? I was going to get one that went up to 300mm and don't want to be limited to a shorter distance. Plus a nice macro lense of course.

Erik and Anthony do other brands have the "the poor man's macro" or are those just for the Nikon?

[erikharrison]

I am pretty sure they do. Those filters only cost about 15 dollars, so I could only assume that they would.

[brewercm]

I know I bought a tamron lens that was up to 300 for my Pentax and I'm sure there are other makers that are putting lenses out for the Sony also. The lens I bought isn't the top of the line model but works for my needs. They also have very expensive lenses made by other companies, just too poor to justify it right now.
Ace does have a Sony and I believe he has been very satisfied with his also. Take a look at some of the photos he's taken in some of the photo threads to get a look at what his can do also.

[tony]

im a canon fan

lens selection alone make them a great choice

[MissT]

Yeah, I have a Canon K2 rebel that I play around with every now and then when I want to use film and I like it a lot. The Tamron lenses I've bought have been decent, especially for just lugging the camera around snapping random shots.

[Ed]

Nikon vs Canon. Kinda like Ford vs Chevy.

Hard to go wrong with a Canon or Nikon. Both have excellent glass.

I have a D70.

[KyleV]

Thanks for all the input.

I am still having trouble deciding so anyone else want to chime in?

[hobogato]

dang - sorry it took me so long to find this thread. i have an alpha and really like it. you can find minolta maxxum mount lenses that will work with it also. i have a 100mm macro lens that is a minolta that is identical to the sony lens except for the brand name stamped on it. the one thing to remember is that if you are used to a point and shoot like i was, the dslr is less forgiving. you have to get better at being a photographer to use the camera to its potential.

[KyleV]

Ahhh so even with the image stabilzation on the Sony I'm going to have to be carefull of the shakey hand on all of them.

That being said it looks like price is helping me decide between the alpha and the rebel xt.

Any other comments.

[TheOtherGuy]

All the DSLR brands mentioned are great. One thing to keep in mind that the lenses, and other accessories can add up. Almost all of my equipment I have bought used. I think you will find there is greater selection of used equipment available for Canon and Nikon.

Set some $$$ aside for a tripod. Very useful, especially for reef photography.

[MissT]

amazon.com is one of the best places pricewise that I was able to find Canons and some lenses.

[TheOtherGuy]

Oh and since Misti mentioned Amazon. If you buy online, buy from the reputable retailers online. Amazon, B&H, Berger Bros etc... Many camera places on the net do all sorts of bait&switch schemes, sell grey market stuff and just flat out lie about their prices and products. Just do your homework first.

[MissT]

Yeah, echo that
Everything I've ordered from amazon for my camera has come in exactly as described for a good price, so I don't believe you can go wrong with them.

[tony]

Oh and since Misti mentioned Amazon. If you buy online, buy from the reputable retailers online. Amazon, B&H, Berger Bros etc... Many camera places on the net do all sorts of bait&switch schemes, sell grey market stuff and just flat out lie about their prices and products. Just do your homework first.



http://donwiss.com/pictures/BrooklynStores/

[apedroza]

Cliff so both the Pentax and Sony only have a few lense options? I was going to get one that went up to 300mm and don't want to be limited to a shorter distance. Plus a nice macro lense of course.

Erik and Anthony do other brands have the "the poor man's macro" or are those just for the Nikon?

Yes Canon has plenty of options as well!!!

[brewercm]

I previously owned a Canon and was just moving up to a 10mp camera when I bought mine which is why I sold my old original Rebel that I bought from Tony. I loved my old Canon and have absolutely no complaints, I just thought that what I went with is better for my needs.

[erikharrison]

I will echo what Mark said about the tripod. If you are going to take ANY shots on a tank, it's a MUST HAVE. Don't be too scared of a DSLR, they are a challenge, but once you get the hang of it, it's easy to be able to take some good shots. Luckily for me Tab is the photo queen so I just have her set it up for me now. :) The funny thing about having a tripod is when you start following a fish with it attached to try to get a good pic. Just wait, you'll be having too much fun soon! When you get it and are ready to set it up, refer to Mark's sticky in the photo section.