Looking at cameras

[cng]

Last night at the wings meet, I got to see the power of a nice lense and a decent camera. This got me to consider in adopting the hobbie of photography. Afterall, being an amature photographer may allow me to tap into my creative energy and produce picture I'd be proud of. It is not an astronomically expensive hobby yet may provide me with years of fun.

Right now I carry an 8.1 MP Cybershot, which is more than enough for everyday point and shoot situations but I now need to consider an SLR if I want to play with the effects of zoom, focus and lighting. What I want, however, is not a pro kit but rather a light kit that may allow me to transition from point and shoot to more serious photography. I'm very interested in the lense (was it Latent? - mmkay) has as I heard it was great value and I saw how nicely the pictures looked. As for the camera, I'm not too worried about megapixels since most of my pictures would only be for digital viewing and the biggest prints would not be bigger than 8 x 11. I am looking for a smaller camera though as I would like to carry my camera everywhere without having to also lug around a duffle-sized bag.

So basically, what is a good entry-level DSLR with enough manual settings to play with that is small and light weight? Also, price is a factor.

[Username]

If you are just starting out and want something to toy around with without spending too much money on a body you could pick up a Canon Digital Rebel XT or XTI. The bodies have come down in price a lot in the past year or so. A lightly used example with kit lens can be found for $350-500.

  Kev

[cng]

How portable is it? Or are most the same?

Also, for the experts I was looking at the D40 but how much is it different from the D40x? 6.1 MP is enough for me but if there are signifcant improvements then I may be swayed to spend a few bucks more. If I use the same lense as mmkay, I'm expecting to spend $129 (or was it $170?) and my total budget should be under $600.

I have quite a wishlist though:
EEE PC (may ask for opinions in another thread later)
Angel Eyes
Tein S-Tech (though I may be swayed to join the CM group buy)
Sharkfins
N95 (had one but gave to (ex)girlfriend, lol)

and for 2009, 16" Rota Slipstream + Falken 452s...

I might go back to HK either in summer or winter but hopefully my parents will sponsor that (or something on my wishlist). =)

[melonvitara]

what is ur standard for portable?
XT or XTI is pretty small for a DSLR
but if u compare it to a consumer type point and shoot it will be big

the best way is to go to future shop or best buy and look at the camera on display
then u will get a feel of the size

[cng]

Does everyone use ultra-protective cases? Otherwise I would think small enough to fit in a small messenger bag would be nice.

Perhaps within a 6" cube?

[melonvitara]

what's ultra protective case?

dimension for xti
4.98 x 3.71 x 2.56 in./126.5 x 94.2 x 65mm
that is the camera body only

which camera do u have right now?

[cng]

Do people carry cameras and lense separately? Because that would make that a very good candidate. How about the D40?

[mmmkay]

If you're looking for a (good) starter camera I'm selling my Olympus E500

With 2 decent lenses.

Box and everything and still under warranty
With the Nikon F-Mount adapter you can get into some pretty nice (and inexpensive) old manual focus lenses on it.

Feature-wise it's probably got more than Canon's XTi, and it's got a very usable interface.

If you like I can bring it to the next meet and you can play with it, or just drive over to Burnaby and pick it up lol

[mmmkay]

I held a Rebel XT and it felt pretty small in my hands. Maybe it's just the hand grip. I dunno about the XTi but it should be somewhat similar.

D40 is nice as a backup/starter camera but you can't use AF, AF-D lenses (read: cheaper lenses that work really well from late 80's to present) and you're stuck with the AF-S or G lenses that have the motor in the lens. It still works, just that you do not get auto focus (!)

XTi or XT at least lets you use all the Canon EF Lenses..


While you CAN carry the lens and camera body separately, unless you have some sort of dust reduction system like how the E500 or XTi will shake the sensor at ultrasonic speeds to flick the dust down to bottom where some sticky tape lives, you probably should take care of where/how you place your camera to avoid dust entry.

[melonvitara]

Do people carry cameras and lense separately? Because that would make that a very good candidate. How about the D40?

kev has a bag for his DSLR and it can fit his camera with lens attached to it and an extra lens
that bag is like the size of a typical "triangular" backpack (the ones you wear on one side of your shoulder)

[cng]

I'm still interested in the D40 but I'll look at the Rebels too.

[melonvitara]

with D40 u will have less choices for lens if u want auto focus

[cng]

I see that the D40x has autofocus too.

[Keiichi]

If you want small, the Olympus DSLRs are the smallest in the market.  It's because they actually use a new standard that was developed for the digital market called, Four Thirds.
The drawback is that because of the new standard, there aren't as many lenses as there are for the other big names like Canon and Nikon.  You can use an adapter like Mmmkay has, but then you would lose Auto Focus functionality etc.

Remember, do you research and don't get caught up with brand names etc.  Canon and Nikon may sound like they are the best in the world, but in the range you are looking for, you will be surprised what's out there that may be better and cheaper than you expect.

As for this not being an expensive hobby.....it actually can become quite expensive.
The lens price that mmmkay quoted for that lens is considered pretty cheap for such a fast lens.  Average lens prices aren't quite has cheap....

To get started, you should really fool around with your point and shoot.  You can do quite a lot with the manual settings and manual focusing aspects.  Learn what it can do you for you and what you want before you really set out on a DSLR.

[dmogx]

i bought a rebel XT from FS during the boxing day sale.. to me it's still a Point and shoot.. but in due time, that is a very entry level DSLR and i feel great for learning on!
i'll consider lenses and different bodies when i'm more comfortable with my camera.

[melonvitara]

when you start buying lenses... it will get expensive

[cng]

Well, the XT right now is very attractive to me in price and features. I'll get the lense mmkay has, which is enough for me. Better than most people is good enough for me. I dont need the best.

[Keiichi]

Do you really want that lens though?

You have to realize the pros and cons of that lens.

[jimmy]

go for the xti, lens are what will suck the juicer out of ur wallet, as for starter lens the 17-55mm kit lens is a good choice, dont go for the other kit lens ( i forgot what zoom)

canon ftw

[StevieSpeed3]

Canon 1D Mark II - Its a great camera to grow into

On a more serious note- The XT is a great camera to start on.  I bought one on boxing day for pennies and its suits my needs