Digital SLR

[LoneStar]

I'm going to be in the market for a digital SLR soon and have narrowed it down to Nikon and possibly Canon. My main subject of use will be on my upcoming tank, so I want to gear the options of lens' towards that. I would also like to use it for some outdoor photography since there is some nice places up here in Michigan.

Other than the camera itself, what lens's are worth looking into? (no pun intended :bigsmile: ) Also, I'm interested to hear what camera model(s) members on here use.

Thanks :shades:

[wesheltonj]

Do you already have a Nikon film camera and lens? If so, then the D3 line will give you full frame with thoses lens. The other Nikon Digital will not be full frame.

[LoneStar]

Do you already have a Nikon film camera and lens? If so, then the D3 line will give you full frame with thoses lens. The other Nikon Digital will not be full frame.

No, no film version here. The only other camera I have now is a Kodak digital. The SLR 'type' camera will be new to me. I do have over a month to research but always do like hearing peoples opinions!

[fjr_wertheimber]

Well, you're going to find that those folks who like Canons are going to recommend Canons, and those who like Nikons are going to recommend Nikons. Both are fantastic cameras, so it really just comes down to personal preference. I've used both Nikons and Canons everywhere from the U.S., to Korea, and Iraq in every conceivable location and type of weather and personally I prefer the Canon autofocus system and controls. My current camera is a Canon 20D, bought the body for a song for ~$450 on Craigslist recently, nicely weather sealed, great picture quality. Actually, I was in Circuit City last night and they had a SWEET sale on the newer version the 40D for ~$1400 with both the standard 18-55mm kit lens and the 75-300 image stabilized zoom lens. NICE setup.

[princer7]

I use a Canon 40D body and a 100mm macro lens for the aquarium.

[cpreefguy]

costco has a killer Canon 40D deal, the camera and lens, plus a 4gig card for $1149, then take it to Best Buy to price match it plus the 10% off coupon that is floating around the internet = $1034 for the Canon 40d, lens, and 4gig card, not bad!
I may just have to do this now that I think of it...

[tony]

best buy will not price match costco

another canon fan, lens selection alone makes them tops in my book

[cpreefguy]

best buy will not price match costco

another canon fan, lens selection alone makes them tops in my book
They have before :bigsmile:

[LoneStar]

I've been putting off a Costco membership for a long time....may have to get one next month!

Or B&H has it for close to the same price:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/518570-REG/Canon_1901B017_EOS_40D_SLR_Digital.html


I still got a lot of reading to do though....

[wesheltonj]

Having owned both Canon and Nikon, Nikon is my pick. My very first camera was a Canon and I still that that Camera, it takes great photographs. My problem with Canon is that they keep changing their lens mounting over time. Nikon on the otherhand, every lens will mount and work to some degree on the every Nikon SLR, thats from the very first Nikon F (1960) to the present. Thats something to think about over time.

Now, if I was starting over from the beginning and did not have bag full of Nikkor lens, I would look very hard at Leica R9, changable backs for either film or digital, will accept Leica lens back to 1965. Yes, it high priced, but its very top quality. A lot less money, cannot change lens, Leica V-Lux is a great digital camera.

[LoneStar]

LOL I'm reading your post weshltonj while watching Euro-Trip and their talking about the same brand of camera (Leica). The Leica sounds nice but probably out of my price range. I went ahead and researched Canon's last night and I'm gonna check out the Nikon's tonight. Thanks for the advice on the lens's. That is something I want to consider for the long run.

[cpreefguy]

Looks like Ill be picking up the Canon 40D this week, why did you have to start this thread and make me think about it! :D

[LoneStar]

Looks like Ill be picking up the Canon 40D this week, why did you have to start this thread and make me think about it! :D

haha nice! Let me know how it works out for you. I'm still about a month away from getting a new camera...

[LoneStar]

Looks like I made my mind up on the Canon 40D too.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/518570-REG/Canon_1901B017_EOS_40D_SLR_Digital.html

I'm also gonna go with this 100mm Canon lens also. It has one of the shortest 'minimal focus distances' I've seen so far while looking at Canon and Nikon lens's. It should work out better for my shallow tank.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/194451-USA/Canon_4657A006_100mm_f_2_8_USM_Macro.html

Now the hard part of; saving up for it :bigsmile:

[DrMark]

Canon 40D is a good camera, I personally chose the Canon XSi.

Besides the kit lens, after much research, I also bought theses lenses:

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 macro lens

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS lens

Cant go wrong with either lens for sure, although both expensive.

mark

[JLiu]

Saw a nice deal at Costco today a Canon XTi package for like $9xx. Comes with body, EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 , EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6, Bag, Polarized filter, and a 1Gig memory stick.

[LoneStar]

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 macro lens

Yeah I must have had the link wrong before but thats the one I was eyeballing for the macro shots :)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/194451-USA/Canon_4657A006_100mm_f_2_8_USM_Macro.html

Mark, since you are familiar with the XSI, what would you consider the major differences between the XSI and the 40D?

[fjr_wertheimber]

The 40D is more rugged, has a magnesium frame, is weather sealed, and is considered the top of their APS-C sized "prosumer" line. The EOS Rebel line is their "home user" line, not quite as rugged or as ready for the environment.

[DrMark]

I was/am new to the digital SLRs. If you read alot of the comparisons, overall the 40D beats the XSi. I am as far from an expert on this as you can get. I did talk with a couple of experts and was reccomended to go with the XSi, so I did. The key to any of these cameras is to get good lenses!! I have so much to learn with the XSi and so little time so its tough. The XSi is more camera than I need for sure. It is a 12 megapixel camera and has a live mode which would be good for focusing the macro lens for coral pictures, not yet tried it. I did not need the more ruggedness or the weather sealed part of the 40D. Don't know about the price differences. Depends what you are after. I would buy the cheaper one and spend the extra on the good lenses.
mark

[princer7]

Both cameras will take great pictures.

One feature of the 40D is that changing the camera settings on the fly is easier to do vs the Rebel line which is more menu driven. If you usually shoot in one mode the Rebel may be good enough.

If you have large hands, you will most likely have a better grip on a 40D.

Using the live mode for macro shots is a good feature - helps ensure you frame the subject, you are getting the sharpest shot the first time. It allows you to zoom to 10x magnification. Nice to if your eyesight is not as sharp. It all depends on what your intent of the camera is.

[princer7]

Also, the weather sealed camera body has limited use unless your lenses are also weather sealed - L class professional lenses (usually the $$ white Canon lenses).

[cpreefguy]

I went to BB today and played around with both the XSi and the 40D.
Both were great. I will say that the 40D felt a bit more substantial, but is also a bit larger. Both have more features than I know what to do with :D

[LoneStar]

If you have large hands, you will most likely have a better grip on a 40D.

Bingo! Thats the one for me! :D

Thanks for all the responses guys. I figure if I'm gonna pull the trigger to get a new camera, I want to get the best I can. The 40D seems to be a better fit for me since I do not want to regret going with another model (like I did on my current Kodak). The main uses will be for my tank (macro) and I will be using it for landscape photos further down the line. I am considering just getting the camera body at first with the 100mm macro lens. Then when I start using it for more outdoor use, I will get a better lens for that later on. Which brings up my next question....

What would be a good landscape photography lens? For example, trees, to barns to mountain landscapes? Something that will cover each?

[J_G]

Lonestar - See how much you can get the body only for. The kit lens is not very good and you might be able to save a couple hundred dollars to put towards what would be considered a good lens. You made a good choice with the 40D. I have the Xti with some very high quality lens like the 100mm macro you posted and love it. Even though I use to be a Nikon owner I like Canon better...but then again they tell you dont buy a camera for the camera...you buy it for the lenses you want to use (the camera doesnt take a good picture, the lens does).

[J_G]

just to be funny but very true - buy lens by the pound! the more it weighs the better the lens...lol

-John

[LoneStar]

See how much you can get the body only for. The kit lens is not very good and you might be able to save a couple hundred dollars to put towards what would be considered a good lens.

Thats what I'm thinking now too. So far I have found the 40D body at BH for about $200 cheaper than the one that comes with the kit lens.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/518207-REG/Canon_1901B004_EOS_40D_SLR_Digital.html

[DrMark]

just to be funny but very true - buy lens by the pound! the more it weighs the better the lens...lol

-John


funny and true!!
mark

[wesheltonj]

If you are going to use for landscape you want what would be equal to a 35mm f1.4 lens for a 35mm film camera. Do not go down to 28mm as you will get too much edge distortion.

If you can find a zoom from 35mm to 85mm or 105 mm you will have it covered.

[LoneStar]

Well I took some time to research places to buy the Canon 40D and ran into a variety of them, with a good range in prices. My tried and true source in the past has been B&H but I was seeing if anyone has heard of these online retailers listed below and if you have ordered anything from them:

FotoConnection
http://www.fotoconnection.com/p71695-canon-eos-40d-101-megapixel-dslr-camera-body.html

Lenses N More
http://www.lensesnmore.com/products.asp?dept_id=10264&product_id=13317

Sonic Cameras
http://soniccameras.com/catalog/product_info.php?redirect&origin=http://www.pricingdepot.com/compare.asp?item=1901b004&products_id=4554

[tony]

FotoConnection
http://www.fotoconnection.com/p71695-canon-eos-40d-101-megapixel-dslr-camera-body.html


http://donwiss.com/pictures/BrooklynStores/h0066.htm



Lenses N More
http://www.lensesnmore.com/products.asp?dept_id=10264&product_id=13317


http://donwiss.com/pictures/BrooklynStores/h0265.htm



Sonic Cameras
http://soniccameras.com/catalog/product_info.php?redirect&origin=http://www.pricingdepot.com/compare.asp?item=1901b004&products_id=4554

http://donwiss.com/pictures/BrooklynStores/h0005.htm


entire list:

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

caveat emptor!!!

[LoneStar]

ahh hahaha nice

I'm still a good ways away from buying but thats a interesting link no the less Tony!

Any good online stores recommended?

[J_G]

ahh hahaha nice

I'm still a good ways away from buying but thats a interesting link no the less Tony!

Any good online stores recommended?



You have to be careful where you buy cameras. I know there is fraud associated with the warranty and where the cameras actually come from and you want to make sure you get a USA camera and not one that was imported from like Korea etc... Its even possible to end up with a camera thats not in english...lol

Just be careful and only buy from a reputable supplier.

[princer7]

I've personally purchased high end camera gear from these retailers:

Buydig.com - Has the Canon 40D body only for $919.00
http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?omid=103&ref=froogle&utm_source=Froogle&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=CNEOS40D&sku=CNEOS40D

Amazon.com - $969.95
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000V5P90K

B&H Photo - 969.95
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/518207-REG/Canon_1901B004_EOS_40D_SLR_Digital.html

Adorama - $969.95
http://www.adorama.com/ICA40D.html

[princer7]

As for a great landscape lens, I have the EF-S 10-22mm. It is a nice and wide lens that matches the crop of a 40D and the Rebel. It will not work on a full frame camera like the 5D or Mark IIs - a 16-35mm does the equivelant with the full frame. Wish you were local so you could try a lens or two. I also have the 24-70mm which is great at f/2.8 thoughout the entire range of the lens - but not quite as wide. The 10-22mm is a super sharp lens.

[DrMark]

I have bought from, and had good luck with:
B&H
Amazon
Calumet photo (the best)

mark

[princer7]

Rebates are available through www.live.com (http://www.live.com) (Microsoft's search engine). You need to have a live account.

J&R (good store) has the lens for $970 + 12% rebate = $853.60

BuyDig.com has the lens for $919 + 4% rebate = $882.24

.... and there are plenty more shops to choose from there.

[LoneStar]

Thanks for the links. Calumet is a very nice source I haven't heard of before. I found a few nice items there for the wish list also :bigsmile:

[tony]

expect canon prices to drop, drastically

http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/multi_page.asp?cid=7-9314-9568

[DrMark]

expect canon prices to drop, drastically

http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/multi_page.asp?cid=7-9314-9568

nice link to nice camera

[tony]

nice link to nice camera


official info

http://web.canon.jp/imaging/eosd/eos50d/index.html

[cpreefguy]

ok, Im waiting until October!!!

[princer7]

Here is a comparison of the 50D and 40D. Not enough of an upgrade for me - I'll hold out for the 60D :bigsmile:

http://www.dpreview.com/previews/canoneos50d

[JLiu]

It was recommended to me to go with a non-cropping SLR, does it really make that much of a difference?

[princer7]

Depends on what your subject is. If you are shooting sports or macro, you would be just as happy with a camera body with cropped sensor. If your main subject is landscapes, a full frame camera will better suit you. Keep in mind, the full frame cameras cost more and you will notice faults more so in some of the lenses as the edges are not cropped out.

[LoneStar]

Dam you Tony! Now I don't know which one to get now :bigsmile: I may stick with the 40d and see if the price drops anymore. Either way I'll wait it out till October anyway so I can buy some reef stuff first :wub:



ok, Im waiting until October!!!

Which one you planning on getting? :shades:

[J_G]

Dam you Tony! Now I don't know which one to get now :bigsmile: I may stick with the 40d and see if the price drops anymore. Either way I'll wait it out till October anyway so I can buy some reef stuff first :wub:




Which one you planning on getting? :shades:

LOL - waiting to get a digital camera with the anticipation of a price drop is ludicrus. if you are gonna wait then wait till next year or the year after and then you can really get a cheaper model. Always waiting for electronics is a never ending wait......you will always be waiting for that "next" model or that "next" best price. Just go out and buy want you want now. You arent getting any younger and all the models you are looking at are great cameras. You wont save any money anyway because you will just be tempted to go up a model and spend more money. Again, just go buy what you want now and you will be happy.
That is my best advise. (NEVER WAIT TO CATCH UP TO ELECTRONICS! YOU WILL NEVER CATCH UP!)

- John

[wesheltonj]

Look at the site www.kenrockwell.com He compairs the Nikon full frames to the Canon full frames.