I'm looking to get a digital SLR for non-professional purposes. I've never used an SLR so I don't need one with all the extra features because I won't know how to use them, yet. I'm looking for something that will allow me to learn the ins and outs, allow me to take quality photos but not cost me an arm and a leg. I know some of you guys take some amazing photos and was wondering if anyone had any experience in this area. I've looked at the Nikon D50 and the Canon Rebel XT and those seem to be in my area but I'm sure there are also other options. Those cameras are in the $400-$600 range depending on which lens the body comes with. That's about what I'd like to pay, if possible. Any help you can give is appreciated!
I just bought a Rebel XTi as a "learning camera". The Rebel XT should be coming down in price (actually it has) now that the XTi is out. If you can swing it, get an XT. I researched the hell out of this for about 3-6 months. I'm sure more knowledgable photographers here could give you more informed opinions. From what I understand the lenses that come with the cameras aren't all that great, so again, if you can do it, buy the body and another lens.
Both Nikon and Canon are good. Choose one and stick with it. I've been a Canon fan for a long time so I have 3 Canon cameras and 2 Canon Camcorders. You won't regret it. The kit lens is probably good enough for you to learn with. Eventually you'll want to get another lens and it'll end up costing the same or more as your camera body. Just remember that you keep the good lenses forever, while you might change the body every 3 years.
check out this site www.dpreview.com and most importantly if you have a chance pick up the camera and see how it feels.
Also, be sure you sleep with it a few nights before you decide on it for sure. Get comfortable with your camera. Get reeeeaaaal comfortable.
Those kit lenses came with the camera are usually below average. A good camera is nothing without a good lens, so you might want to take that into your budget consideration. I suggest you look into Pentax. I just bought a Pentax K100D, and I loves it. I even got a decent lens for a cheap price. Because Pentax K100D has build-in shake reduction, so you don't have to pay for a expensive image stabilizing lens. Also Konica Minolta has some good cameras too if you looking for alternatives to Canon and Nikon. But then again, there is nothing wrong with buying a used film SLR if you have never used a SLR before. You can find them on ebay or craigslist. Some of them came very good lenses for a very cheap price.
Wasn't Konica Minolta bought out by Sony? Sony's cameras accept the Minolta lenses because of this I think. Or at least that's what I recall reading. Also, the built-in image stabilization of the new Pentax K10D almost made me buy it, but when it comes to lenses and accessories, it didn't seem like anything beat Nikon or Canon. But you'll save hundreds by getting the K10D if you end up buying multiple lenses that you would like image stabilization on. Nikon and Canon put their IS into every lens so you buy it with every IS lens.
My boss is a big time SLR guy and we've had some conversations about it. The key thing to remember is that once you start with a certain brand, you are kind of locked into it because the extra lenses only fit that brand, and they can be pretty pricey. So if you start with Cannon and decide to go Nikon later, you will have to start from scratch. By the way, my boss says that Nikon and Cannon are the best brands; he has a Nikon.
I have Digital Rebel XT but i got it back when they were 1000 now u can get em for about 799. But the Nikon D50 is right in your price range and you can find some nice packages with them. I saw a package for like $549, good deal. edit: lol didnt read the last part of ur post
Yes, Konica Minolta was bought by Sony, for a good reason. They have been making great camera for decades. I was deciding between the Konica Minolta 6 MP 7D, Pentax K100D, and Canon Rebel XT. But I finally choose K100D because the shake reduction function. When it come to lenses, I admit Pentax don't have that broad of selections like Canon or Nikon. But they still have some damn good lenses. See The best lenses money can buy. Also you can use all the KAF bayonet mount lenses on the K100D which is not possible for Canon and Nikon.
p.s. When you are considering your budget, make room for another hundred or two for the accessories. You will need new filters, memory card, flash, camera bag, and a good tripod. Don't go cheap on the tripod, that's one of few things that you actually gets what you pay for.
dpreview, as mentioned is a great site for camera reviews. but at the end of the day, if you are just a hobby shooter, any of the canon's, nikon's, et al will do the trick. go to a shop, see how they feel in your hand and buy within your budget.
I have the first gen digital rebel and I beat that camera around and it always takes great photos. I've been very pleased with it.
I currently have the Pentax *ist D, and absolutely love it. It's light, and has everything I need, just where it should be. I am going to purchase the K10D when it hits the market early November. Has everything for a VERY attractive price ($899 body). Pentax has some excellent lenses and the Sigma/Tokina/Tamron outfits really give you a wide range of possibilities. I am also in love with the Nikons. It's really what you do with your camera, and not always the camera that you have that matters. My uncle uses an Asahi he bought in 1968 that blow ppl away; so skill plays a factor too.
