Beginners DSLR Camera

[Kybosh]

Hey all, I'm in the market for a newbie DSLR Camera. I am a complete newbie at photography and have only used point and shoot type pocket cameras up till now.

I want to use the camera for hiking, climbing and general mountains shots. Like Cowperson, I also have a golden retriever (also, curiously named Abbey) that I like to photograph as well. Similarly, I like to travel and my next two primary destinations will hopefully be Patagonia and the Himalayas.

I have been looking at a simple Canon Rebel XSi but I'm open to all suggestions. Things to note are that I honestly know next to nothing about photography at the moment and money is an object. I don't want to spend so much on a camera/lens/accessories that I can't afford to go on vacation.

Thanks in advance.

[Kipper is King]

What about some of the Micro 4/3 cameras? They are smaller if you like taking your camera along on active stuff, and there were some new models just released by panasonic and olympus.

[photon]

http://cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_...vie_mode.shtml

The T2i seems like a really great camera, almost a pro camera.. the 1080p movie capability makes me want this camera.

[SebC]

I haven't used it myself, but the Nikon D3000 is a camera designed specifically for newbies. Not as much room do grow into it as something like the T2i, but it's got a "Guide Mode" that isn't found on higher-end cameras.

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0907/09...000handson.asp

It's also pretty cheap.

[Kybosh]

Yep, that Nikon D3000 is probably right up my alley. Also, until now I'd never heard of the micro 4/3 cameras. They also look pretty interesting and might fit my needs as well. The smaller size is definitely appealing and it sounds like they can still take quality shots.

I should also mention that sometimes my point and shoot cameras tend to get a bit of rough treatment from the outdoors so a hardy camera is also desirable.

[REDVAN]

A few years ago I got the Canon Rebel XTi, the older model of the XSi that you are considering. At that time I also got a telephoto lens, non-IS, for it.

In the time since, I have never wished I got a different camera body. I do, however, wish that I had some more lenses. I'd like a macro lens... or even an IS telephoto. I like to shoot birds and that can be very tricky when you do it free hand with a non-IS lens. Landscapes are my favorite though, and I've been using the kit lens, although I'd like to upgrade that as well. Still, the kits lens does well for the beginner, and that's what it's designed for- to be a decent, well-rounded lens. It isn't good at anything in particular, other than being mediocre at everything.

But anyway, if you do go with the "lowest on the totem pole" Canon, know that it still will blow any P&S out of the water if you know what you're doing and have the patience to compose good shots. In fact, I'd say to go with a well-known brand, and make sure of lens compatibility. That way, you know you can buy new lens in the future, but also that if you decide you want to sell the dSLR, someone would consider it.

That being said, if you do want movies, or faster multi-frame shooting, or a FULL size 35mm sensor, go for the more expensive camera. I'd start out small and make sure it interests you before dropping over a thousand bucks just for the camera body.

That's just my opinion, but I was probably in your shoes a few years back.

[Regulator75]

Maybe look at the Canon G11, Nikon P6000 or some other advanced point and shoot.

If you have no clue about photography, there is no point dropping $1,000 bucks on gear.

[moncton golden flames]

i have been using the nikon d5000 and it has been a dream to learn on so far. highly recommended by somebody who knows virtually nothing about photography.

[Kybosh]

Originally Posted by Regulator75

Maybe look at the Canon G11, Nikon P6000 or some other advanced point and shoot.

If you have no clue about photography, there is no point dropping $1,000 bucks on gear.

Yes, I am a beginner but I still want to learn about some more advanced photography. That is why I'm looking beyond point and shoots.

[Regulator75]

Well since I'm a Nikon guy through and through. I'd suggest a D5000 and the 18-105 kit lens. Don't forget a UV filter, as it's easier to replace a 70 dollar filter VS a new lens.

[FlamingStuffedTiger]

nm

[FlamingStuffedTiger]

Originally Posted by Kybosh

I want to use the camera for hiking, climbing and general mountains shots. Like Cowperson, I also have a golden retriever (also, curiously named Abbey) that I like to photograph as well. Similarly, I like to travel and my next two primary destinations will hopefully be Patagonia and the Himalayas.

Since you mention this, I thought you might find the following link to be an interesting read...

http://craigmod.com/journal/gf1-fieldtest/

Originally Posted by Kybosh

I have been looking at a simple Canon Rebel XSi but I'm open to all suggestions. Things to note are that I honestly know next to nothing about photography at the moment and money is an object. I don't want to spend so much on a camera/lens/accessories that I can't afford to go on vacation.

Tell me about it. I've been wanting to get into photography for some time now and I am a huge fan of the Micro-four thirds system (especially the Panasonic GF-1). The only reason I haven't splurged on one yet is that the thing seems so expensive to me

Something you might consider is the equivalent Olympus model which is quite a bit cheaper, although I don't have a clear idea about how it performs in comparison to the GF-1 yet.

EDIT: I forgot to point out one drawback that I am aware of with the micro 4/3s cameras right now is that the native lens selection seems to be a bit weak in comparison to the Nikons or Cannons of the DSLR world. I don't think this is too big of a deal though... It is entirely possible to work something out with non-native lenses with the right adapter piece.

[SebC]

Something to consider about the 4/3 micros: you will burn through your batteries a lot faster using the LCD instead of your viewfinder. Of course, with you weight savings, you could buy an extra battery. But then if you're doing stuff that's well lit a DSLR won't have much of an advantage over a point-and-shoot with good manual controls and a point and shoot will weight much less!

Also, keep in mind the D3000 doesn't have LiveView or video, if you want those go for something more advanced.

[Canada 02]

bump

any opinions on these three cameras (or alternate recommendations)
1. Canon EOS Rebel T3i
2. Nikon D5100
3. Sony SLT-A55

I'm looking for a camera that is good for family pics as well as outdoors when camping or traveling. Good video would be nice, but not as important. Also, I'm a relative newbie, but don't necessarily want a camera that I will grow out of as I learn and get better

the three have good reviews on DPreview, and similar ballpark for price

Secondly, is the 18-55mm lens that comes with these cameras worth it, or is it better to just get the camera body and buy the lens separately? Alternatively, are the kits worth the extra money - often package with a tripod, uv filters, camera bag etc

tia

[ah123]

Originally Posted by Canada 02

bump

any opinions on these three cameras (or alternate recommendations)
1. Canon EOS Rebel T3i
2. Nikon D5100
3. Sony SLT-A55

Don't know much about the Canon or Sony, but the D5100 would be a very good beginner camera - it is considered a mid-level consumer body, there is some "hand-holding", but has enough advanced features to keep you growing.

The only downside is that you will need to use AF-S (lenses with built-in auto focus motor) for auto-focus to work; basically, you will not be able to sue lenses from before the mid-90s, which is probably not a huge deal for you right now.

Secondly, is the 18-55mm lens that comes with these cameras worth it, or is it better to just get the camera body and buy the lens separately? Alternatively, are the kits worth the extra money - often package with a tripod, uv filters, camera bag etc

The Nikon kit lens is pretty good to start with, and I would probably not spend too much on buying new lenses yet. I wouldn't spend too much on tripods etc right now either; once you start learning, you will get a feel for what you like and that will dictate where to spend your money.

Hope that helps.

[dissentowner]

I have the T1i which is not as good as the T3i obviously and I love it! I have shot with both Nikon and Canon but I found the Canon gave me better results. You can't go wrong with either though. If this is your first DSLR I would find a used T1i on kijiji with low amount of pictures taken. Great camera and probably as much as you will ever need. Even a used T2i will be a minor downgrade, more then enough camera, and will save you some cash.

[Yorkshire Flame]

I would recommend the D5100 out of the three cameras you listed. Having said that, either the Nikon or the Canon would give you fantastic results.

The reason I suggest the Nikon is that they come with considerably better warranty in all fashions. Two year warranty on the body (as opposed to all other manufacturers offering a one year warranty) and five years on all of their lenses (as opposed to one year, again). Also, Nikon ergonomics are renowned and they offer a range of good quality, inexpensive lenses for beginners/families/etc.

In reality though, the cameras are very similar and unless you're a very avid photographer, most of the differences wouldn't be obvious. Both have great photo quality, both have great video quality, and both are built well for the price. People love to nit-pick, and that's what most of the differences and discrepancies on 'review' sites come down to. Neither one of these will make your pictures an Ansel Adams if you don't know how to use it, or you don't know the fundamentals of photography. However, both are easy enough to use that you can just point and shoot and still get good photos. If you do know your photography, both can be used as a tool to take top quality images.

So in the end, it all comes down to you. Go into a camera store and try them out, see how they feel in your hand, see how you like the weight/button placement/fit of the camera, because for most beginners that will make the biggest impact; not one camera having a slightly lower S/N ratio, or 0.1 EV more dynamic range.

[SebC]

Originally Posted by Canada 02

any opinions on these three cameras (or alternate recommendations)
1. Canon EOS Rebel T3i
2. Nikon D5100
3. Sony SLT-A55

I'm looking for a camera that is good for family pics as well as outdoors when camping or traveling. Good video would be nice, but not as important. Also, I'm a relative newbie, but don't necessarily want a camera that I will grow out of as I learn and get better

the three have good reviews on DPreview, and similar ballpark for price

digitalreview (edit: not DPReview, oops) picked the D5100 over the T3i head-to-head, and quite enthusiastically too.

http://www.digitalreview.ca/content/...on-D5100.shtml

[MrMastodonFarm]

Originally Posted by Canada 02

Secondly, is the 18-55mm lens that comes with these cameras worth it, or is it better to just get the camera body and buy the lens separately? Alternatively, are the kits worth the extra money - often package with a tripod, uv filters, camera bag etc

tia

I didn't start with a big "kit" and it worked for me. I find that I just buy stuff as I learn more and more about what I'm doing, and what I "need".

I've had DSLR since Christmas, but I've really only started doing it more often since the winter broke. I started out with a basic entry level body (Sony A390 with 18-55 lens). As I started use the camera, I needed nothing more then the body and the lens at this point, didn't even have a bag!

As I grew as a photographer (and I pale in comparison to some geniuses here) I started to grow what I had for the camera. Learn to use the camera first, then get what you want as you "need" it.

Only recently have I picked up my second lens (75-300mm telephoto), a tripod, and maybe by the weekend I'm going to look at a polarizing filter. And now that I have more things to carry around each time I go out... I bought myself a nice bag! Honestly glad I waited too.. because now that I know what I like to use, etc, I knew what I was looking for in a camera bag.

If I had all that stuff right off the bat, I think I would have been more overwhelmed then I was when I started with just the basic body and lens.

That's just me though, I like to learn little by little, totally "get" it before I move onto something more.

[SebC]

The one thing you might want to start with is a UV filter. Not so much for a kit lens though, they're not worth all that expensive to replace if you do damage it somehow and you might prefer shooting without it. I could be delusional but I swear my auto-focus works better with the filter off, which is particularly important if I'm tracking something moving like a car.

Some really high-end lenses have a coating that UV can damage, but I don't think you'd be looking at any of these. (Yet. )

My best-value accessories for Nikon:
- Nikon wireless remote (if you're gonna shoot tripod, and it unlocks start-stop exposure mode)
- reflector (for outdoor portraits and such - you can even make you own with tinfoil if you're really cheap)
- pop-up flash diffuser (Gary Fong Puffer or generic version)