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First D-SLR

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BigM1218
Posts: 998 - Karma: 13
I'm trying to get into photography and am planning on buying my first digital SLR camera. I'm looking at the Nikon D40x, the Canon Rebel XTi, and the Sony a300. Which of these do you guys recommend? Or is there any other camera less than $700 that I should look at? Which is best for shooting sequences? Any thoughts?
Mar 14 2008 9:53AM
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MrPantyDropper
Posts: 5016 - Karma: 65
30D 30D 30D...5fps..can be found under $600. put the extra $$ towards a lens. forget the sony..and if you looking at nikon and are really going to get into it id recommend something besides the 40 and 40x.


Mar 14 2008 11:04AM
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BigM1218
Posts: 998 - Karma: 13
Where can you get it for under $600? I'd love to get a 30D, but I have a real tight budget and I cant find it that cheap anywhere.
Mar 14 2008 2:17PM
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BigM1218
Posts: 998 - Karma: 13
bump
Mar 14 2008 7:19PM
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MrPantyDropper
Posts: 5016 - Karma: 65
i got mine for $575 w/ 4gb of memory, a new eye cup, and in nearly new condition..

check here:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/index.php
and craigslist,keh, or adorama and your bound to find a deal that will work for you.
you can also try ebay...

or were you looking to get new?
Mar 14 2008 10:12PM
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BigM1218
Posts: 998 - Karma: 13
Yea, I was looking for a new one, but if I can find something nice on those sites then I'll take it. Thanks a lot man
Mar 15 2008 12:35AM
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BigM1218
Posts: 998 - Karma: 13
do you think this site is legit? They're selling a new 30d body for $459

http://www.bestpricecameras.com/prodetails.asp?prodid=501564
Mar 15 2008 3:33PM
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Microcosm
Posts: 4765 - Karma: 153
sites def. not legit. there's nooo way you could find it for so cheap. with cameras, if it looks too good to be true: then it is.
Mar 15 2008 8:45PM
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BigM1218
Posts: 998 - Karma: 13
yea thats what i thought...... too bad though, that price is awesome
Mar 15 2008 9:03PM
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Microcosm
Posts: 4765 - Karma: 153
always check reseller ratings.

http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Best_Price_Cameras_6
the site you linked to has 0.14/ 10. pretty bad haha.

I ordered my XTi from http://www.bhphotovideo.com/ and they're definitely legit.
I ordered a lens off of Amazon.com and they're legit for photo purchases too.



Mar 15 2008 9:33PM
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BigM1218
Posts: 998 - Karma: 13
thanks man. I'm probably gonna buy an XTi for Amazon instead because it's cheaper. But that probably could have saved me a ton of trouble with that site.
Mar 16 2008 11:01AM
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Microcosm
Posts: 4765 - Karma: 153
no problem man. are you buying it with the kit lens or without? I bought mine with it, and used it for a number of months, but right now I'm looking to replace it and I was thinking it would have been a better idea to go with a nice lens from the start. I guess it's up to you really, the kit lens isn't terrible but compared to my 70-300 it's not nearly as sharp and that's why I want to replace it.
Mar 16 2008 12:00PM
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BigM1218
Posts: 998 - Karma: 13
well I was planing on buying the kit but I'd like to have the extra zooming and photo quality that I can get from a different lense. The only thing is that I'd like the wide angle that I can get from the 18-55 that it comes with. I don't have a ton of money to spend on a real good lense, but if I can find something that can give me a decently wide anngle and have a pretty good zoom, I'll consider buying just the body and getting the better lense.
Mar 16 2008 8:10PM
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Tucks
Posts: 2120 - Karma: 161
cool I am glade you are going with the canon. Great warrenty I think. atleast for me they had a good warrenty
Mar 16 2008 8:14PM
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Aenigma
Posts: 11256 - Karma: 424
I wouldn't recommend the kit lens either, you'll end up upgrading at some point so you might as well spend a little extra now.  I didn't have a lot of money to spend when I got mine and ended up with a Sigma 17-70mm wide angle that I've been pretty happy with--it was about $370.  It's really amazing how much photo quality goes up once you get a nicer lens.  I shot pretty much all the pictures in my profile with an XTi and that lens if you want to see what it looks like. 
Mar 16 2008 8:57PM
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Microcosm
Posts: 4765 - Karma: 153
word. I'd go with what he's saying if I were you. Only thing is, is the Sigma 17-70 made for a 1.6x sensor crop like the Canon EF-S lenses?
Mar 16 2008 10:02PM
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jwaveson
Posts: 343 - Karma: 10

Tameron lenses use better glass in them, they are some of the best lenses out there. bhphotovideo.com is a good place to look for your cam as well. They usually have good deals.

Mar 16 2008 11:33PM
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BigM1218
Posts: 998 - Karma: 13
sounds good, where did you buy the 17-70? And by the way, all your pics in your profile look great
Mar 17 2008 12:40PM
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BigM1218
Posts: 998 - Karma: 13
Does anyone know if this lens is any good? It's a Sigma 55-200 for $146. If I got this I would probably buy the kit and this and that way there wont be a gap between the 18-55 and the 55-200.

http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-55-200mm-Telephoto-Digital-Cameras/dp/B0001VQ12Y/ref=sr_1_63?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1205775153&sr=1-63
Mar 17 2008 1:35PM
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BigM1218
Posts: 998 - Karma: 13
bump
Mar 17 2008 6:11PM
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scott-skis
Posts: 1161 - Karma: 141
i am having the same problem as u and i think getting the XTI also but i want a decent but cheap lense
Mar 17 2008 7:59PM
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BigM1218
Posts: 998 - Karma: 13
check that link i just posted. that lens looks good to me to go with the kit lens but I want to know what someone more experienced with photography thinks.
Mar 17 2008 8:40PM
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MrPantyDropper
Posts: 5016 - Karma: 65
that lens is meh...
http://www.photozone.de/Reviews/Canon%20EOS%20Lens%20Tests/45-canon-eos-aps-c/323-sigma-af-55-200mm-f4-56-dc-lab-test-report--review

this lens is much better than the older kit lens for sub $200
http://www.photozone.de/Reviews/Canon%20EOS%20Lens%20Tests/45-canon-eos-aps-c/181-canon-ef-s-18-55mm-f35-56-is-test-report--review


or if you really wanna spend next to nothing..this lens is AMAZING for $60, although it is a prime, its good for learning while not draining your wallet. then you can save up and buy a tamron 17-50 f2.8 for a very sharp lens, paired up with a sigma 50-150 f2.8 later.
http://www.photozone.de/Reviews/Canon%20EOS%20Lens%20Tests/45-canon-eos-aps-c/160-canon-ef-50mm-f18-ii-test-report--review
Mar 17 2008 9:46PM
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BigM1218
Posts: 998 - Karma: 13
wow man thanks a lot. You have been such a big help though this. +++ karma
Mar 17 2008 10:07PM
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MrPantyDropper
Posts: 5016 - Karma: 65
heres a sample from the 50mm f1/8..underexposed, but you get the idea..you cant beat it for the price and it will be a lens you will use as long as you have a canon dslr

Click for larger image
Mar 17 2008 10:26PM
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MrPantyDropper
Posts: 5016 - Karma: 65
well that didnt work...here you go.

these are shot in sports mode too btw.pretty sharp lens.

Click for larger image
Click for larger image
Click for larger image
Click for larger image

and a few more
Click for larger image
Click for larger image
Mar 17 2008 10:29PM
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BigM1218
Posts: 998 - Karma: 13
Nice shots. They look real good! Nice Rubys by the way.
Mar 17 2008 10:48PM
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BigM1218
Posts: 998 - Karma: 13
ok, I think I figured it out. This is what I'm planning on buying soon:
Canon XTi Black Body Only - $528.88
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS - $175.95
Sandisk 2GB Ultra II - $19.50
Tiffen 58mm UV Filter - $6.99
Lens Hood - $11.95


All of this is from Amazon and it comes out to $743.27 with free shipping. What do you guys think? Is there anything else I need right now? Or anything there that I shouldn't buy? 
Mar 18 2008 9:52PM
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Microcosm
Posts: 4765 - Karma: 153
sweet, tell me how the 18-55 IS performs. That seems like a pretty good way to start off, esp. the hood/ filter. I don't know much about filters (when I buy a new lens I know I'm getting one for it though), but make sure it's relatively high quality otherwise a good lens is wasted.

I have the Sandisk Ultra 2gb and I'm planning on buying a bigger size right now. Probably a Sandisk Extreme (prob.in 4gb or 8gb.. I think they come in 2,4,8,16 maybe more) because from what I've read they're more shockproof/waterproof and they're more secure. Plus I need another card for more space for a trip I'm taking next month and I think Sandisk is having a sale right now.
btw, on my XTi with the 2gb card empty I have [about] 2800 pics on the smallest res., 850 on the Medium I normally shoot, there's another diff. quality Medium which I have about 1500 on. If you're planning on shooting RAW then be warned because I only have a little more than 200 in RAW and a little over 100 in RAW + High Quality JPG.

I hope some of that helps you with your decisions etc.




Mar 18 2008 10:44PM
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BigM1218
Posts: 998 - Karma: 13
sounds good man, I'll definitely let you know how the lens is. And as for the memory, I think the 2gb Ultra will be fine for now. Especially because I'm getting it for like $20.
Mar 19 2008 10:18AM
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Microcosm
Posts: 4765 - Karma: 153
sweet man.
yeah yeah, no doubt it's a fine memory card. It's actually been the only one I've had for the past few months. It's never too hard to get a memory card so for now you should def. be set if you don't need more storage.
Mar 19 2008 3:00PM
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japollner
Posts: 1699 - Karma: 459
Good Choices, but I would really consider spending some more cash and buying a faster lense.  Getting good shots inside without a flash is going to be really hard with that lense...  Camera shake wont be an issue because of the image stabilization on the lense, but motion blur will be.  Look at a Canon EF 50mm f1.8.  Its a prime though so versitility is down a little.

As far as zoom lenses (which are convenient, but expensive for what you get...)  Tamron makes an excellent 17-50mm that stops down to 2.8.  While it might seem really wide, consider that your ccd on the xti is not a full frame, and it actually makes the lense a 27.2-80mm.  Which is an awesome all around lense...The downside is the lense runs about $430...  

A similar and better bang for the buck zoom is the Sigma 24-60mm f/2.8 EX DG ( go here http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0002ALDKO/lensplay-20 ).  Super good lense and the price for it on Amazon is a steal.  The convetered focal range is 38 to 96mm.  A really good range for skiing, and it will still work well indoors without the flash (which ruins photos for the most part).
Mar 20 2008 1:19AM
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ProducerXXX
Posts: 1776 - Karma: 13
I have the 17-50 on my 20D and this is a very capable combination. I find that, with the right technique, I can shoot almost any low light conditions (no fast action though). If you buy an XTi, which I believe has better high ISO performance than the 20D, and download a noise reduction software or plug-in for Photoshop (like Noise Ninja), you're set.

Seriously-- don't skimp on the glass. Do it right the first time so you don't lose money selling and buying in the future.
Mar 21 2008 2:14AM
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cobra_commander
Posts: 16909 - Karma: 4,686
DON'T BUY CHEEP GLASS get the idea?
sigma makes on or two good lenses (10-20 for example) but for the most part they suck, and don't have good consistency from lens to lens.
Go with canon glass if you are getting the XTi
The first lens you should buy is the 50mm 1.8, it is cheep and supper solid. shoot that for a little bit and then decide where you would like to go, if you want some more reach in your photographs, or a wider lens  would fit your style better.

Keep in mind your not going to go out and shoot like Nate Abbot your first time out, so it seems sensless to spend $300+ on a lens you don't like.
just get the 50mm for now and then once you go out and shoot for a few weeks decide what you would like to have and get that.

again
DON'T BUY CHEEP GLASS


Mar 21 2008 2:43AM
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jwaveson
Posts: 343 - Karma: 10
^ Wait you told him not to buy "cheep glass" and then told him to get something 300 or less. Which is it?  Anything with good glass is going to be well over 300. Further more, the lower the aperature of the less the more expensive its gonna be, especially if its a lense for a Dslr.
Mar 21 2008 1:26PM
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cobra_commander
Posts: 16909 - Karma: 4,686
the 50 1.8 is an exception.
Mar 21 2008 6:00PM
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BigM1218
Posts: 998 - Karma: 13
yea I've heard great things about the 50 1.8..... I would just rather get a zoom lens. I think I might go for the Sigma 24-60. I know its not the best, but I'm just getting started so I dont need incredible quality pictures or lenses yet.
Mar 22 2008 4:05PM
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jwaveson
Posts: 343 - Karma: 10
If you want to know what its like to look through a 50mm lense then just open yours eyes. Your eyes are natural 50mm lenses
Mar 23 2008 1:39AM
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Microcosm
Posts: 4765 - Karma: 153
um? can you clarify this a little more I'm kinda lost haha.
Mar 24 2008 12:58AM
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cobra_commander
Posts: 16909 - Karma: 4,686
no your eyes are defiantly not similar to a 50mm lens.  they may act like a 50mm lens for things that are relatively close to you but they also provide perspectives much closer to a long telephoto lens when you start looking at things that are far away.
Mar 24 2008 10:02AM
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Microcosm
Posts: 4765 - Karma: 153
not to mention wide angle haha.
Mar 24 2008 10:34AM
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messplay
Posts: 4483 - Karma: 1,066
sucha  good cam.
Mar 24 2008 12:39PM
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BigM1218
Posts: 998 - Karma: 13
u mean the xti?
Mar 24 2008 1:01PM
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SwedishMan
Posts: 1914 - Karma: 25
see if you can get good deals on last years models. I just bought a Sony A100 a month ago for 300$ Canadian (with the standard 18-70 lens, a half price bag and a free 256 memory card - not much but free).
Mar 24 2008 2:35PM
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BigM1218
Posts: 998 - Karma: 13
Where can you get last years stuff?? O and I just found out today that one of my dad's friends used to work for canon and may be able to still get me a deal on a camera, I don't know for sure yet though.
Mar 24 2008 6:32PM
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jwaveson
Posts: 343 - Karma: 10
Yes they are actually, they are the equivilent to a 50mm lense. Objects that are in front of you are same equal proportion that of a 50mm lense. Not speaking of perifial. Macros are different as well as telephotos in the sense that they enlarge the object when looking through the lense, yours eyes do not enlarge the object.
Mar 25 2008 11:18AM
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cobra_commander
Posts: 16909 - Karma: 4,686
go look at some distant object such as a mountain, take a photo with a 50mm lens then look at the photo and the mountain. the mountain will look smaller in the photo then in real life.

Mar 25 2008 1:23PM
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purpleflurple
Posts: 1452 - Karma: 20
bhphoto.com
Mar 25 2008 1:27PM
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jwaveson
Posts: 343 - Karma: 10
thats cause your perifials are throwing your eye off. You always have to take those into consideration.
Mar 25 2008 1:32PM
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japollner
Posts: 1699 - Karma: 459
You also have to factor in the size of the print...


...if you blow the negative up to a 36 inch wide poster, it will then be bigger, not smaller.
Mar 25 2008 10:21PM
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cobra_commander
Posts: 16909 - Karma: 4,686
I am talking relative to things closer to you. So if you have some hills or buildings that are relatively closer to you and a mountain in the background say 40-60miles away, in a photo at 50mm the mountain will look smaller relative to the buildings or hills then it does to the naked eye.
Mar 25 2008 11:28PM
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