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Camera Questions.. Again, I know

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Bigwoods
Posts: 3116 - Karma: 76

Alright so I was planning on doing video this winter except still photos and just the general feel of a SLR is.. Heavenly?

I've already looked into the Nikon D40, really digging it so I'm looking for a camera in that caliber/price range (meaning Sony A200, Canon Rebel.. etc)

What camera would you suggest for a somewhat amateur photographer who's looking to take pictures of day/night time sessions, artsy stuff and all the regular photography shananigans?

AND with the D40 only having 6.1 megapixles is it just me or will the camera be outdated in little to no time?

Nov 18 2008 7:07PM
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dergblerp
Posts: 1303 - Karma: 77
6.1 MP is alot of pixels. I know that there are lots of 8-12+ mp cameras out there, but unless your planning on making large prints, it doesn't matter that much.

The rebel is a fun and cheap camera.
Nov 18 2008 7:43PM
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Microcosm
Posts: 4765 - Karma: 153
I have a Canon XTi, and it's better than the Nikon d40 imho. Not that Canon or Nikon is better, but in this case I prefer my XTi. Anwyay, it can be had for a steal used being that it's a pretty old body. The Canon XSi is the update to mine, not sure how it is as I haven't used it. The Canon 40D is also a great camera, better the previously mentioned, and can be found for $700 to $800 used now that the Canon 50D is out. Really, it's all about the lenses. If you're going to be shooting night time skiing you'll need a long lens (lots of zoom, aka 200mm etc.) and a fast lens (wide aperture, aka small number like f/2.8) which can get expensive real quick, so it's best to save money for the lens. You can still find some decent telephotos that will get you started, for less money. What size camera do you want, and how much money are you willing to spend?

I'm not sure how much you know about cams, so I tried to keep this simple. If I'm losing you, or ifI sound like a fool because you know all this then tell me haha.
Nov 18 2008 8:28PM
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LBJJ
Posts: 683 - Karma: 1,730
i feel that nikon is over all the best user friendly easy to use camera, lenses are i think a bit more expensive for nice ones.

canon is great for a lot of things maybe not as user friendly as canon, canon has cheaper lenses you get more for your money

and all i can say about sony is that i think all in all they try to make their cameras as much like a point and shoot as possible

dont take my word for it though im pretty new to photography and got my first camera this summer, a nikon d200 with 18-55vr 55-200vr and 50mm f1.8 after a lot of research.
Nov 18 2008 10:15PM
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LBJJ
Posts: 683 - Karma: 1,730
^^^^^ meant not as user friendly as nikon, sorry
Nov 18 2008 10:18PM
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hnosyalnif
Posts: 584 - Karma: 30
Nikon is a little bit more user friendly than Canon.  Also if you like the D40 I would be inclined to say to continue to look at Nikon over Canon.  Try any camera before you buy it so you know if you like how it feels or not - not going to be great if you don't like using it.

Nikon wise look at the D60 (upgrade of the D40 - 10.1MP etc) and also maybe the D40x (probably cheaper than the D60) if you are on a budget.  If you have a bit more to spent have a look at the D80 or the D90 (D80 should be fairly cheap now).

Canon wise there is the XTi which I own and preferred to the D40/D40x but that is just me.  There is also the replacement the XSi which is a fair amount more for not that much more camera.  The next level up would take you to the 40D which is a really good camera for the price you can get it for now the 50D is out (similar to the XSi).

Sites to check out.

http://www.cameralabs.com
http://www.dpreview.com



Nov 19 2008 7:00AM
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niels043
Posts: 814 - Karma: 185
forget about the D40, it pretty much is outdated and has been for a while. get yourself a D40X or a D60 they are both pretty reasonably priced. but if you want a real camera, get yourself a canon.
Nov 19 2008 9:14AM
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chipkalback
Posts: 2255 - Karma: 30
when i bought my camera and had to choose between nikon or canon, i thought about how at every sporting event all you see are canon L series white lenses with red bands all along the sidelines/court/halfpipe/etc. that's probably not a coincidence and since i was planning on shooting skiing and snowboarding then my decision was made pretty easily. i've been using canon stuff and have been extremely happy with it!
Nov 19 2008 1:22PM
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Pippin
Posts: 4846 - Karma: 661
I can sell you my camera and lens combo for $500, and it still takes amazing pics, check out my photos in my sig.....its a great beginners package. sigma 70-300 with APO (image stabalization) and 350d and then kit lens, 2 batterys, 8gb card and 1 gb card. Bought for over $1500.

......if your interested of course.
Nov 19 2008 3:19PM
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Bigwoods
Posts: 3116 - Karma: 76
So D40x seems to be thought of quite highly.. How about the Sony A200?
Nov 20 2008 8:11PM
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hnosyalnif
Posts: 584 - Karma: 30
The problem with going with one of the smaller DSLR makers is the range of lenses.  Sony's work with the Konica-Minolta lenses so there is the whole range of older lenses.  The thing that makes the camera is the lenses you use it with.  For this reason it is better to stick to Nikon or Canon and generally speaking Canon has the better range of lenses (although Nikons 18-200VR is an excellent lens).
Nov 21 2008 7:00AM
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chipkalback
Posts: 2255 - Karma: 30
if it helps any, last season when i was shooting xgames i was in the media tent uploading shots and taking mental note of what other guys were using, and almost every photographer had at LEAST one 1D or 5D, each with L glass on them. it was pretty nuts seeing the setup of some guys. but anyway, again, canon was by far the dominant brand among the photographers i saw and talked to.
Nov 21 2008 5:58PM
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josh.
Posts: 3469 - Karma: 42
d40 d40x and d60 arn't very good, no af motor is a bummer, d70 and d80 are good as far as nikon goes, most canons are good, if you can buy a 30d/20d/40d over the rebel series do that
Nov 21 2008 10:19PM
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Bigwoods
Posts: 3116 - Karma: 76

Thanks guys (ill karma everyone)

I'm getting closer and closer to finally buying it yet all cameras are the same yet so different! Basically I want to pay about D40X price range but get the best out of my money. AND for quite some time ill be using only the lense that comes with the camera..

Dec 3 2008 10:12PM
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ArhJay412
Posts: 19 - Karma: 10
I was in your position this time last year actually, and I went with Canon. Although Nikon makes good cameras and the D40/D40x are very user friendly you don't get as much for your money as you do with the Canon. I have the Rebel XT and I love it. But if I were to get a "starter DSLR" now, I would go with the Canon XSi.
Dec 3 2008 10:29PM
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Bigwoods
Posts: 3116 - Karma: 76
I'm thinking about like 10MP is plenty, so would the XS suffice over the XSi?
Dec 4 2008 6:04PM
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kkmann
Posts: 1067 - Karma: 74

I've been shooting with an XSi for a few months, ever since my 40d got tossed off my fridge by a drunk cunt ,cause i'm broke as fook and could't afford the 50.

I can honestly say its a great camera. bigger LCD, which is big to me because i shoot manual alot and want clear views of the aftermath to make sure i got the shot that i wanted. quality is pimp as fuck, 12 megapixel never hurts anybody. even though i have 4 other lenses for my camera i still love the measly 18-55 kit. it works great.

I'd say you'd be very happy with it. And it just dropped in price. Which is sick for you.

Dec 4 2008 7:29PM
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Microcosm
Posts: 4765 - Karma: 153
here's a table comparing, which should help.
http://www.photolectic.com/reviews/dslr/canon-1000d/xs-vs.-450d/xsi-quick-comparison.html
the xs seems to only have 1.5 frames per second compared to the xsi's 3.5fps, if that's important to you. my xti is only 3fps, and I don't use it often, but its nice to have when I want to.
Dec 4 2008 8:04PM
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BigM1218
Posts: 998 - Karma: 13
I bought my first dslr in april and I went with the Nikon D60 over the XTi and I love it. I still only have the kit 18-55 lens cuz I have no money, but I'm gettin more glass for christmas. Its taken some awesome photos so far and its insanely easy to use. If you go with Nikon i guarantee you that you will not be disappointed
Dec 5 2008 11:24AM
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LBJJ
Posts: 683 - Karma: 1,730


word
Dec 5 2008 5:08PM
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ChronicLines
Posts: 951 - Karma: 61
Hasselblad H3DII. 
Dec 5 2008 5:34PM
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LBJJ
Posts: 683 - Karma: 1,730
theres the answer right there perfectly in your price range and wonderful camera. haha
Dec 5 2008 6:41PM
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