the ultimate camera thread

[BLAM]

So, I am thinking of making the leap of faith and getting an SLR.

anyone have opinions? reviews? discuss

[Leona]

i have no camera...

[BLAM]

lol, i forgot that option

also, Hi Leona. I like that name.

[Boost]

Oh man, SLR's are going to cost you a nice chunk of your soul. Nikon's and Canon's are the best so far. I haven't played with Pentax at all. But for what it's worth, stay away from Kodak. *barf*

[BLAM]

I'm looking at the new Rebel XTi

I'm currently playing with my father's oldschool Canon AE-1 SLR from the the early 80s/late 70s and it is SO MUCH FUN.

only downside is that it's a film camera.  I'm going to waste 2 rolls and see how they turn out.

and as I get more familiar with this camera I will be more hyped about the upgrade to a DSLR

[melonvitara]

old SLR-like camera

Fujifilm FinePix S602Z

[derrick]

I  just have a point and shoot (actually my parents camera). I also have an older Canon film SLR. But I voted for Digital SLR because that is what I have in my dreams.

[BLAM]

I know what you mean.

I'm hioping to get a 2nd job here right away to start my funding =D

[Leona]

lol, i forgot that option

also, Hi Leona. I like that name.

thanks..  .i like my name too..

[BLAM]

I dont like my name =(

but I do like the combo I can make with it. B.LAM!

[Leona]

I dont like my name =(

but I do like the combo I can make with it. B.LAM!

maybe u should change ur name to Blam Lam...
 

[Diddle]

Nikon D80 if you can spring for it, otherwise pick up a used D50 from all those who are migrating to the D80.  It's not the cream of the crop of DSLRs but it certainly does hold strong.  I've been using one for about a year now and I absoluetley love it. 

Many people will try to convince you of Canon over Nikon because "that's what everyone uses", but I prefer the Nikon because of 2 important things - the grip and the software.  I hated the Canon grip - the controls just felt to be in the wrong place and their software on the camera wasn't as easy as Nikon's to navigate and change functions.

[Boost]

Yeah, I agree with Diddle. Comfortability is very important in terms of selecting a camera. Sounds retarded but you would be amazed at how some of the grips feel and where some of the buttons are placed! Nikon is known for their easy to use/navigate menu system as you can most notabley see it in their smaller price ranged point and shoot cameras. They will have a similar feel, which, if you've had a Nikon camera before or have played with one previously, the menu system will almost be as intuitive as the last model before it.

[Barby]

Hey blam,

Thanks for starting this thread.  I'm starting my photography courses the end of this month and I need to get a SLR camera.

Where is the best place to buy a camera?

Barb

[M Speed]

I'd pick Canon over Nikon for their better lens.

But for me, I will take a simple small point and shoot camera. I don't have all day to make the picture perfect

[M Speed]

Hey blam,

Thanks for starting this thread. I'm starting my photography courses the end of this month and I need to get a SLR camera.

Where is the best place to buy a camera?

Barb

Chinese place like boardway camera and multiple electronics (or was it national) something along that line.....

but mostly they have standard pricing unless on sale. But at Chinese places, you can negotiate the price a little (or freebies)

[Terence]

You guys should try pick up and feel an Olympus E-1 if you are concern about grip and comfort. Canon DSLRs are heavy but still doesn't give you a well build feel. I have been using my E-1 for 2.5 years and very happy with it especially their lens. I was considering 10D and E-1 at that time after I returned the Digital Rebel but once I pick up the E-1 the feel and the image quality impressed me right away. I know it's hard for people who already has big collection of Canon or Nikon lens to switch to other brand but it wasn't the case for me. I was starting from scratch so I went with Olympus. Oh, it's also splash proof meaning you don't have to worry about it when shooting in dusty or misting conditions. ?

Of course the E-1 is out of date in everyway now but that also means it's cheap. I will upgrade mine when the new one comes out.

But yeah if I have to chose between Canon or Nikon, I will pick Nikon because, IMO, their average lens are better build(and image quality) than Canon's. You have to use L series to get good picture, the low line lens are just not good enough(IMO), at least for DSLR.

Terence

[BLAM]

Hey blam,

Thanks for starting this thread. I'm starting my photography courses the end of this month and I need to get a SLR camera.

Where is the best place to buy a camera?

Barb

whoever gives you the best deal + warrenty.

with Bestbuy of FS, you can catch a good sale. for instance, this week the rebel XT went from 1099 fo 850 or something and use the savings on an extended warrenty for peice of mind or an upgrade due to "failure" before the warrenty expires *hint hint* *nudge nudge*

That will be the route I am going.

Terence
I've always used Canons and I've never had any issues with them, though I have heard good things about the nikon D series. even my film SLR is a canon and I love it.  I've also always been a fan of Canon's menus on their point and shoot cameras.  I just cant get used to others

I will definatly be checking out all my options for this is a huge purchase for me

[BLAM]

Barby: if you want a good starter camera, the Pentax *IST DL looks pretty damm solid and priced at 580$ at costco.

it has most of the same features as a Canon Rebel XTi that costs 2x more.

as far as I can tell, the pentax has a nicer layout and has a 3200 ISO vs Canon's 1600 ISO
the pentax also has a sony image sensor that is LARGER than canons' (bigger is better in the case of sensor sizes)

I am tempted to buy it myself.  I am totally lost as to why this camera is soooo cheap. FYI, Futureshop sells it for $700 and the XTi is $1100

the pentax lense is also a zoom lense but with a small aperture range. might not be great for low light and shots where you want a small DOF.

[derrick]

Stop tempting me to buy one.