[Year's_End]

Well, my b-day's coming up soon (the 9th...same day the e92 arrives lol) and I was looking at digital cameras. I'm talking about the kinds that have the manual zoom and focus...the kinds you guys use. What's a really good digi cam for the price. Preferably I'd like one that has the ability to adjust zoom, focus, and shutter speed. Thanks for the help.

[AK]

Digital SLR right? Nikon D300 is great!
Read this
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/read...key=nikon_d300
and this
http://www.dpreview.com/previews/nikond300/

or you could get the previous model D200 quite cheap now I think.

[Year's_End]

I've heard a lot about the SLR's on this forum. (Actually, I've just seen a lot of threads with SLR in the title). Are They really good for beginners or something?

[TurboFan]

Read http://kenrockwell.com/tech/notcamera.htm

edit - didn't read all the way through. The DSLR's are what I talk about below - Digital Single Lens Reflex. Those are the cameras with interchangeable lenses. Expect to pay $300-$500 for an entry level model.

Excellent site, very objective. I can get 99% of the images I consider worth printing or selling with a d40 and a pos kit lens. However, I use a d200 and some really good glass becuase it makes me more productive, and I can get those last 1% of the shots I can't get with the d40/kit setup. My d200 does time delay sequencing and multi-image exposure, has a full metal chassis and is weather sealed. I doubt that's worth $1000 to you!

Don't waste a lot of time on this - go play with a Nikon d40 and a Canon XTi, and decide which feels better in your hand. Don't listen to the guy behind the counter, and if they start quoting specs on this or that, flick a booger at them. It doesn't matter. Get the camera, get a kit lens with a wide zoom range, and then spend a lot of time learning how to use it. Don't use the program or auto modes, if you want that, buy a point and shoot. Learn how to use the manual modes, and you'll master the camera in no time. Then you can spend some $$$ on glass, and go after ever more difficult images.

That's my $.02 anyway.

[noidea]

The most famous budget DSLR today is Olympus E510. Unless you want to spend over $1000 if not the i would say Olympus E510 is the best under $1000.

[TurboFan]

Originally Posted by Bimmer Loyalist

I've heard a lot about the SLR's on this forum. (Actually, I've just seen a lot of threads with SLR in the title). Are They really good for beginners or something?

Digital SLR's are the next step up from point and shoot. They give you the option to exchange lenses, and the best manual control. Point and shoot cameras don't have the lenses to take the pictures that an SLR can get.

[Year's_End]

Originally Posted by AK

Digital SLR right? Nikon D300 is great!
Read this
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/read...key=nikon_d300
and this
http://www.dpreview.com/previews/nikond300/

or you could get the previous model D200 quite cheap now I think.

Thanks, but no thanks. A $1700 camera is just way too much for me. I'm just a beginner here.

I think I've found some good cameras (all are sub $800). I'm just looking for a camera that I can experiment with, get good enough, and then move on to more advanced equipment/lenses. The idea of photography is really intruiging to me, and I know that I'd be interested in using a dSLR for sure.

Let me narrow my original question down: What dSLR camera(s) would you recommend I look at when I go check 'em out? I would be glad if the suggestions remained in the sub $800 price range. Thanks.

[Year's_End]

Originally Posted by TurboFan

Read http://kenrockwell.com/tech/notcamera.htm

edit - didn't read all the way through. The DSLR's are what I talk about below - Digital Single Lens Reflex. Those are the cameras with interchangeable lenses. Expect to pay $300-$500 for an entry level model.

Excellent site, very objective. I can get 99% of the images I consider worth printing or selling with a d40 and a pos kit lens. However, I use a d200 and some really good glass becuase it makes me more productive, and I can get those last 1% of the shots I can't get with the d40/kit setup. My d200 does time delay sequencing and multi-image exposure, has a full metal chassis and is weather sealed. I doubt that's worth $1000 to you!

Don't waste a lot of time on this - go play with a Nikon d40 and a Canon XTi, and decide which feels better in your hand. Don't listen to the guy behind the counter, and if they start quoting specs on this or that, flick a booger at them. It doesn't matter. Get the camera, get a kit lens with a wide zoom range, and then spend a lot of time learning how to use it. Don't use the program or auto modes, if you want that, buy a point and shoot. Learn how to use the manual modes, and you'll master the camera in no time. Then you can spend some $$$ on glass, and go after ever more difficult images.

That's my $.02 anyway.

Thanks! Read pretty much all of it, and some of his other articles from the links.

[TurboFan]

Originally Posted by Bimmer Loyalist

Thanks! Read pretty much all of it, and some of his other articles from the links.

He's very objective, and quite addicting.

[AK]

Originally Posted by Bimmer Loyalist

Thanks, but no thanks. A $1700 camera is just way too much for me. I'm just a beginner here.

I think I've found some good cameras (all are sub $800). I'm just looking for a camera that I can experiment with, get good enough, and then move on to more advanced equipment/lenses. The idea of photography is really intruiging to me, and I know that I'd be interested in using a dSLR for sure.

Let me narrow my original question down: What dSLR camera(s) would you recommend I look at when I go check 'em out? I would be glad if the suggestions remained in the sub $800 price range. Thanks.

Nikon D40 or D40x perhaps? Or the Olympus E-400 or 410? All sub $800. Check out this site http://www.dpreview.com/, it´s very good.

[AK]

Originally Posted by TurboFan

Don't waste a lot of time on this - go play with a Nikon d40 and a Canon XTi, and decide which feels better in your hand. Don't listen to the guy behind the counter, and if they start quoting specs on this or that, flick a booger at them. It doesn't matter. Get the camera, get a kit lens with a wide zoom range, and then spend a lot of time learning how to use it. Don't use the program or auto modes, if you want that, buy a point and shoot. Learn how to use the manual modes, and you'll master the camera in no time. Then you can spend some $$$ on glass, and go after ever more difficult images.

That's my $.02 anyway.

That´s so absolutely true!

[Year's_End]

How's the Nikon D40 (and D40x) versus a Canon Rebel XTi? I'm gonna go camera shopping today whoopee!

[just4kickz]

Originally Posted by Bimmer Loyalist

Thanks, but no thanks. A $1700 camera is just way too much for me. I'm just a beginner here.

I think I've found some good cameras (all are sub $800). I'm just looking for a camera that I can experiment with, get good enough, and then move on to more advanced equipment/lenses. The idea of photography is really intruiging to me, and I know that I'd be interested in using a dSLR for sure.

Let me narrow my original question down: What dSLR camera(s) would you recommend I look at when I go check 'em out? I would be glad if the suggestions remained in the sub $800 price range. Thanks.

i just got a rebel xti 8mgs from newegg around 450 bucks w/o lense and theres a 10mg for about 550... should be around your range. then you just go buy a lense or two. right now the lense i have doesnt even zoom... its just a straight up lense for point and shoot w/o magnification which kinda sucks but thats the one i can afford for now. im looking into getting another zooming lense in a month or two.

heres a site a friend gave me for reviews on lenses:

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Canon-Lenses/

[hockeynut]

I have the Canon XTi and I love it. Not too expensive, lots of lens options.

The Nikons are just as nice, but I prefer the feel of the Canon.

[Year's_End]

Alright, bought a Nikon D40X. Got it over the Rebel b/c of feel and looks. Feels accessible and looks sleek. I'm already obsessed.

[TurboFan]

Originally Posted by Bimmer Loyalist

... I'm already obsessed.

Welcome to the club! Yep, it's an addictive hobby. Don't get caught up in the gear, get out and shoot. My rec, save some $$$ and go for the 18-200mm VR lens. I don't have it, but it's an outstanding newb - intermediate lens. By the time you're looking for something more advanced, you'll probably be looking for a D400 or something to go with it!

Over the last couple years, I've collected:
D100 w/ MB-100 vertical battery grip - sold
D200 w/ MB-200 vertical battery grip
10.5 f/2.6 fisheye
12-24mm f/4
17-35mm f/2.8
18-70mm f/3.5-4.6
80-200mm f/2.8
80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR
SB-28 - SOLD
SB-800

It's easy to get hooked!

[Year's_End]

It really is addicting. I keep on having to delete pictures from both of my gig sticks lol. I really need a better lense though. The stock doesn't have enough zoom. I also need a tripod cuz I like to take shots with slow shutter speeds. Can't put too much money into this hobby

[TurboFan]

photography, skiing, snowboarding, hockey, bimmer,....yeah, I keep picking the cheapies! Just need to add scuba diving and sky diving!

[Year's_End]

Dayum. That's some expensive living...

I need sleep...now.