DSLR entry level camera suggestions

muncybob

Thanks shack, just watched the video preview and looks worthwhile.

audiocr381ve

I didn't get a chance to go through every single page, but I'd recommend the Canon 60D. Costing a few hundred dollars more than the T3i, the 60D has a rugged body that you'll be able to use in all sorts of weather conditions with out having to worry about it. I shoot primarily with the Canon 7d (cropped sensor, like the T3i and 60D) and a couple of 5DMKii's(full frame). The swivel screen is available on the T3i and 60D which is sooooo handy in the field.

What you're going to want to do is buy the BODY ONLY. The kit lenses are crap. A 50mm 1.8 prime lens (which will be more like an 85mm lens on the cropped sensor) from Canon will run you $100 and you'll be extremely happy with that until you're able to buy some L series glass. If you decide to go with the 60D, it shoots incredible video as well. Here's my demo reel using the 7D which has the same sensor as the 60D.

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Fireman32

muncybob wrote: »

Thought I would let you know what I finally picked up. Much as I would have liked a newer camera, I settled on a Nikon D5000...price was right and seemed to have decent reviews. New learning curve about to begin!

Congrats on the D5000 its a very nice camera. I have the Nikon D60 and I love it but I already have the upgrade bug. I think the D7000 will be my next body. A good tripod should be your next purchase. Look forward to seeing some pictures.

shack

audiocr381ve wrote: »

I didn't get a chance to go through every single page, but I'd recommend the Canon 60D. Costing a few hundred dollars more than the T3i, the 60D has a rugged body that you'll be able to use in all sorts of weather conditions with out having to worry about it.

Kinda late since the OP has already purchased a Nikon D5000. This is however good info for someone else looking to buy a DSLR.

I have a 60D and it is a very nice camera. As far as DSLRs, my progression was a Rebel XT then a 10D and 30D. The 60D was an upgrade to the 30D which I sold. I thought about the 7D but opted to just go with the 60D. The XT and 10D are being used by my daughters. The 60D is probably overkill for a 1st DSLR. The capabilities of the Rebel series or the entry level Nikons (or entry level Sony, Pentax, Olympus for that matter) is probably the best way to go for the novice or casual shooter. They will do most everything the average photographer needs. What the prosumer level cameras (like the 60D) offer is better build quality, better interface, better controls that the more serious photographer needs. I could have bought a used or refurbished 50D since video was not a priority...but chose to go with the 60D for a couple of features the casual photographer would not even be aware of. The improved processor was important since I often shoot in RAW/Jpeg and that will eat up the buffer really fast in burst or continuous shooting. I has better autofocus. One of the things I really liked about the 60D is it will control wireless remote flashes without having to have a flash acting as a master. Higher flash sync speed is nice. I am not a fan of battery grips so the number of shots from the battery is about double on the 60D vs the 50D.

The point is the casual photographer will have to pay significantly more for one of the prosumer models and is paying for stuff they may not need or ever use. As in audio...the upgrade path is always an option if one decides to get more serious.

audiocr381ve wrote:

the 60D has a rugged body that you'll be able to use in all sorts of weather conditions with out having to worry about it.

The body is solid and has some pretty good weather sealing...but it is not anywhere near as good as the 1D (definitely not water-proof) so I would always want to keep it out of the rain if possible.

audiocr381ve wrote:

What you're going to want to do is buy the BODY ONLY. The kit lenses are crap. A 50mm 1.8 prime lens (which will be more like an 85mm lens on the cropped sensor) from Canon will run you $100 and you'll be extremely happy with that until you're able to buy some L series glass.

Not all the kit lenses are "crap". The latest version of the EF-S 18-55 that comes with most of the Rebels...while not great build quality and slow to focus...actually has some decent glass and will produce some nice images. The same holds true for the EF-S 18-135 and EF-S 28-135. Canon L lenses are excellent, but many of the higher end EF-S (specifically for a crop body) lenses are near L quality. Good examples are the EF-S 10-22, EF-S 15-85 and the EF-S 17-55...all excellent lenses that produce excellent images.

I also have the nifty fifty...and it is a cool little lens. At 1.8 you can shoot indoors and/or low light without having to crank the ISO up too high. I think I paid $65 for mine a few years ago before they started increasing the prices...and it is well worth it.

audiocr381ve

If we're talking strictly kit lenses, I hate my EF-S 28-135 and have worked with 4 of the 6 kit lenses you mentioned. Not worth owning IMO and most working professionals will confirm this. I know the OP isn't an aspiring pro BUT like I said, for under $100, pick up a "nifty fifty" and have a lens that will you'll never want to take off of your camera.

We use Canon glass on all of our shoots. Canon 50mm 1.2 L, 70-200 2.8 L, 24-105 F4 L to name a few that we own and I can tell you that the kit lenses you brought up aren't "near" L quality. No no no. Any working pro will confirm this. (My non L series 50mm 1.4 could be an exception because at F4 it's as sharp as anything I've seen)

You can certainly have fun with those kit lenses, enjoy yourself, and take some great photos of course. I like to juggle with my 28-135 personally. My point is, buy the body and save some dough because for under $100 you can purchase the 50mm 1.8 and have a lens that you'll love and be able to grow with!

You sure did nit pick everything I said :eek:

To the OP, enjoy yourself. It's all about practice and patience. Don't you dare shoot in auto mode until you've learned how to master manual mode. :afro

muncybob

I'm looking forward to shooting with this camera and the kit lense will probably be replaced in short order. I do a lot of "nature" type shots as I tend to carry my camera with me on my hikes. Many of my shots have been unexpected "ah-ha" moments out in the woods, etc. This will be good timing with the changing of the colors that autumn brings around here. With outdoor/panoramic shooting what might be suggested in a Nikon compatible lense?

I agree with the manual before auto comment...best way to learn just what you and the camera can do!

shack

The first three I mentioned are true consumer lenses...which are built, priced and marketed for that purpose. They can produce excellent images if one understands their limitations. I disagree with your assessment of the other three. I have talked with a couple of folks affiliated with Canon who said that the 10-22 and 17-55 could have been Ls with the addition of better sealing and a red stripe. The 15-85 is probably not to those standards it is superior to a standard kit lens. The other thing is Canon will never designate a lens made strictly for an APS-C body as a L...regardless of the quality.

I also know a couple of working pros (they make their living with photography...not the occasional weekend wedding or senior shoot) who have and do use the lens I mentioned. They would certainly disagree with your opinion of the quality.

Like anything else...it is very subjective. Maybe more-so for the enthusiast and maybe less-so for the pro...but subjective none-the-less.

You are correct about learning to shoot in M...then step back to aperture and shutter priority when applicable...but forget the green box or the "creative modes". Learn "HOW" to shoot creativly yourself and photography will become more than just "taking pictures".