Your thoughts - I want to spend 1K on a camera.

[Phillycat]

Hi all, thanks in advance for any advice you have. I want to use part of my income tax return on a good digital camera. I am by no means a pro. I have a Fuji Finepix point and shoot digital; it's old and outdated. I have used the Canon Digital Rebel and loved it. I'd like to spend about $1000 and I'd like that to include one decent lens. I will be using it to take regular pictures - don't know how else to describe it. My friends and family, nature, the cats, etc. What camera would you choose for me? Thank you! :hi:

[Blue_In_AK]

1. The newest Canon Rebel Xti, I think it is,

looks pretty fabulous, and I think it costs about $900. I would really like that sensor self-cleaning feature on my 5D and 20D, which they don't have.

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=139&modelid=14256

[mindfulNJ]

8. I would kill for the sensor cleaning feature...

It costs $100 to get my 5D cleaned professionally.

[Mz Pip]

9. I have this one

with an additional 300mm lens.

I like it!

[flamin lib]

2. If you aren't interested in "exotic" applications like wildlife, extreme

closeups and such there are a number of cameras with fixed zoom lenses and lots of versatility for very little money.

Check out this model: http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1367

Under $400 and has a zoom range of 26mm (very wide angle to get group shots inside) to 500mm (head and shoulders portrait of the Lion at the zoo). It offers image stabilization so pictures in low light or long zooms will be sharp and face recognition so even if you don't put the subject's face in the middle of the picture it knows where to focus. Because the lens isn't removable you don't need dust removal. You can use it as a point and shoot or make it totally manual if you want to experiment.

Or if you want the flexibility of a "pro-sumer" interchangeable lens camera you can think about this model: http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1295 This camera with two lenses (28mm-300mm equivalent) is about $1000. Has all the features of other DSLRs plus live-view where you can see the image on the display screen before shooting--something most other cameras in this price range can't offer.

There are similar models offered by all the major manufacturers.

The good news is you can't buy a bad piece of equipment if you stick with the big brands.

[qanda]

3. I have the XTi and I love it

Costco has it for $629 and that includes a 2gb CF card. http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?whse=BC&topnav=&prodid=11171364&ec=BC-EC877-CatHome&pos=10&lang=en-US

[regnaD kciN]

4. You might want to look for a Sony Alpha 100...

...at the local "big box" stores like Best Buy or Circuit City. The reason is that they're currently being replaced by a newer model (that doesn't offer any real advantages, IMHO), and I've heard of those stores blowing out their remaining inventory for as low as $264.

Now, I use an A-100 and like it, but brand loyalty isn't why I'm making this recommendation. You can get good sub-$1000 cameras from virtually everyone; Canon, Nikon, Olympus, and Pentax as well as Sony. My main reason for highlighting this matter is that, for a very limited time, you might be able to pick up an extremely capable D-SLR for about the price of an average point'n'shoot...which means you should be able to pick up additional glass, and even a decent tripod, and still be under your $1,000 limit.

[ManiacJoe]

5. If you are looking to choose a DSLR from Canon or Nikon

you really cannot go wrong with either company. Each keeps leap-frogging the other every 6 months or so.

Take some time to go to your local camera store and hold the cameras. Try the buttons; use the menus; look through the viewfinders. You will find there are enough small differences that you will end up prefering one over the rest. Whatever one that is, it is the right one for you.

If you have any interest in pursuing this as a hobby, what you are really buying into is a lens system since the camera bodies will become obsolete and get replaced after a few years while the lenses last forever.

Ultimately, the Canon users will recommend a Canon; and the Nikon users will recommend a Nikon. I am a Nikon user.

[priller]

6. I completely agree

Canon and Nikon (and others, for that matter) have quite different user interfaces. You really must go to a camera store, hold the cameras, and see which one just "feels right" to you. This is very important! In terms of image quality there's really not a lot of difference. And Canon and Nikon have a very full range of lenses to choose from. But they have quite difference philosophies when it comes to user interface. Try them out. You'll soon find out which one you like.

[livvy]

7. This is the new Canon EOS Rebel XSi...

It should be available this month. It can be purchased as a kit with 18-55mm IS lens for around $899, or camera body only for $799. It comes in black or silver.


http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/542177-REG/Canon_2756B001_EOS_Rebel_XSi_a_k_a_.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/542180-REG/Canon_2756B003_EOS_Rebel_XSi_a_k_a_.html

At the above website they have the XTi also. Use the features list to see the differences between the two models.

I'm thinking about one for myself. Anyone here have any thoughts on this new model?


on edit found this:

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0801/08012415canoneos450dchanges.asp

and a bunch of package deals here:

http://www.fotoconnection.com/search.html?searchwords=XSi&RefTag=ad332&KW=Canon+Rebel+Xsi&gclid=CPm6r5zgvpICFRE0FQodIU9gcQ

[Eurobabe]

10. Wow, I just checked my 20D, it was 1800 new

now the body only is $399.

:puke:

[Blue_In_AK]

11. Sad, isn't it?

Planned obsolescence. (I still love my 20D, though.)

[Eurobabe]

13. Eeek! Yeah wow, I was not expecting that

Time to check out a new model. :(

[HamstersFromHell]

12. I'd say it's a toss up between Nikon and Canon, but

I've been a very satisfied Nikon owner for 25 years now...yeah, I'm biased.

I've always considered Nikon's optics to be superior to Canon's, but the differences are minimal.

Nikon does have one real advantage nowdays...their excellent line of relatively inexpensive VR (vibration reduction)lenses.

Buy a body of your choice, and add the 18-55 VR and 55-200 VR together for less money than the cheapest Canon IS (image stabilization) lens.

With modern image sensor technology, set it to auto ISO and with the VR lenses, it's like getting almost 6 stops of exposure you can hand hold for free.

No tripods = less to lug around.

[DrDan]

14. I would recommend Nikon as well

I am a very satisfied D-70 owner

[MattSh]

15. I have the Canon 400D...

Called the XTi in the states, I believe. Wonderful camera.

When it comes to lenses, I did not get the kit lens, since I already had two Canon lenses. My mistake. My current lenses only go down to 28mm, so I miss many opportunities, especially for city shots. Don't write off the kit lens. They're quite good these days. Here's a discussion of the kit lens...

http://photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00MHPf

Many people, including myself at one time, thought the way to get better pictures was to buy a better camera. That is SO not true. But what no one has mentioned yet, and I highly recommend, is good software. Yes, all manufacturers bundle some with the camera. But the software is by far the weak point. Adobe Lightroom has saved any number of photos for me, with just a few clicks. It ain't cheap, though. There's no doubt cheaper software with fewer features that might be all you need, but by all means, look for good software. Doing my own processing HAS made me a better photographer.

IMHO. :)