Choosing a DSLR..couple questions.

Paul_N · Apr 22, 2012

I am in the market for a DSLR. I have been looking in the stores, reading reviews. I am a beginner........most of my experience is auto everything, point shoot....then #*%@#....lol. I don't need top of the line but I would like something that I could grow in to and not have to upgrade down the road. I know I am going to want to be able to use for sports, macro, pretty much everything. Is used or refurb'd even an option with DSLR. I know they are out there but is it even worth it? I was looking to spend around $600 or $700 to start for just the body and lens. Let me know your thoughts, experience and opinions.

Thanks in advance for any input....:bigsmile:

reefknight · Apr 22, 2012

I've been shooting for several years with a Canon D20 and love it. I was shooting with a Canon Ã‰lan 7E when 35mm was the standard. I really enjoy their cameras, pretty straight forward and user friendly in my book. Like you I shoot mostly in auto and wanted something I could tinker with and grow as a photographer. I take many a great photos with both of these cameras, just not usually my aquarium, lol. That's my fault as I haven't purchased a quality tripod or macro lens yet. Somehow I keep spending those funds for stuff behind the glass.

Compare the newer Rebel models as I've noticed that they now have equal to better specs than my older D20 does. They should fall into your price range easily.

As far as the age old debate Canon vs Nikon, it's much like Ford vs Chevy. Everyone will have a different opinion. My sincerest recommendation is visit a Wolf/ Ritz camera location and get your hands on them. IME most of their employees are photographers or at least one in the store is and can offer good advice, unlike the big box store. When I bought my 35mm I actually bought the Canon and a Minolta each with the same lens. Took them home for a week and shot with each. Decided I liked the Canon and returned the Minolta. This was actually suggested by the store manager who was assisting me, couldn't believe it.

HTH

63vette427 · Apr 22, 2012

I have a D90. I'm not an expert in any means or even close but have loved the camera since i have had it (2 years). I'm not sure the current pricing but may be worth looking into. It came with 2 lens as well so it gives you some variety. I just bought a macro lens for it as well (these are expensive). I haven't had any troubles with it at all and have been very happy with it.

Waynel333 · Apr 22, 2012

Hey Paul,

I know your price range is $600-700, but I'm just letting you know my DSL (Canon 5D Mark II) is for sale. It's way out of your price range, but I'll promise you this - you won't have to upgrade the your camera body for over 5 years or longer. There is a newer version of my camera, the Canon 5D Mark III, that just came out and which I'm planning to buy, but the advances is between the Mark II and Mark III is pretty nominal. That is why the Mark II price dropped relatively little. However, the advances between the 5D and the 5D Mark II were leaps and bounds. anyway, just letting you know...do the research regardless whichever camera you chose. Good luck!

https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/selling-forum-dry-goods/84411-fs-canon-5d-mark-ii-body.html

Poseidon · Apr 22, 2012

You won't find a DSLR in that range that can "do it all". I too agree that Canon vs Nikon is Ford/Chevy. Here is my honest opinion, it is NOT the camera body that makes your images stand out, it is the GLASS that you shoot through. For general shooting, the Canon Rebel line is a great place to start, because I shoot Canon myself, I can explain a bit more on how that line works. Basically, it goes polycarbonate bodies in the Rebel, then Magnesium bodies in the XXD, and the best of the best is the (1,5)D Series. I shoot with an older 1D mark IIn body, and it is fantastic. It was 4K for the body when I bought it new, now it is worth only about 1K. However, I also used a 24-70 2.8L lens that I bought for $1199 new, and sold just a few months ago for $900. You can see the difference right? Glass is THE INVESTMENT, it doesn't change, the body is good for a few years, and then gets replaced.

I would look for a used 40D and up, that body should run you $350 or $400, then spend the rest of the money on the glass. Decide on what is most important to you first, tank or general, or sports, because there isn't a lens that can do all 3 well. Once you made your choice, get the lens and save up for the next most important lens, and so on.

GOod luck with your purchase, and if you have any detailed questions, feel free to fire away.

clowns101 · Apr 22, 2012

The reble line up is what you will need. Get like a t2i....

Paul_N · Apr 22, 2012

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the feed back. Anything I should be concerned with if I look into used? Also when I look into shooting speed most of the cameras shoot around 3 or even 4fps but the two Sony models shoot 7 and 10 fps. Does that make a difference?

Wayne, Thanks but that is definitely out of my price range for body only..lol Very nice though.

clowns101 · Apr 22, 2012

I think buying used is perfectly fine as long as the camera has LOW shutter count (the number of pictures taken with the camera) and it is cosmeticlly appealing, I want to buy a Mark IV used since its $1k cheaper...

The FPS is up to you, if you shoot sports, then get a camera with faster shutter, but dont go with Sony...get a 7d or somthing, you can get a used one for around $1k, its not cheap, but Id save up for a 7d over a sony if you wanted speed.

The other cameras like the t2i and stuff shoot at 4 frames a second, so 4 versus 7-10 frames per second is a lot, but unless you plan on shooting football, or a lot of action, 4 frames will get you buy just fine.

Toomnymods · Apr 22, 2012

i recently was in your same shoes just 2 months ago, having just owned sony digital cameras for the past 12-15 yrs i figured i'd look at thier dslr's well the reviews said basicilly they are junk compared to the similarly priced canon's. i first intended to go with a rebel 3ti but after looking at the specs for that camera and then looking at the specs of the 60D it was a no brainer.. pay 300-400 more and have a far superior camera that has way more functionality to grow into. if i was you i'd hold off on buying used. used electronics is a big no-no in my book getting a camera repaired imo sometimes costs more than the camera is even worth. i'd just save another 400-500 and get the 60d. you can find them on sale now at fry's for $1199.00 probably the best camera u can buy for under 1,500 the next one up would probably be the 6D but that one just for the body alone is 2k..