School me on DSLR Cameras

EMP912 · Addict Joined: 28 May 2004 Posts: 500 City: Greenback

First: I used the search function and looked through the forum but what I found was mostly: Hey look at this cool camera I got.
So I decided to start 1 just for me.

My wife loves to take A LOT of pictures and she wants to (finally) start using digital photos because she (finally) sees all the advantages. We have an older point and shoot digital that we have used for a few years and used our Canon Rebel 35MM if we wanted to take serious photos.

Needless to say she hates the regular point and shoot digital because of the lag times between shots. So please point me to a great entree level (or maybe right above that) DSLR camera that will be good for my wife. Great auto features, quick FPS so she can take multiple shots very quickly. Mainly used for taking pictures of the family and on vacations.

She wants another Canon like the XTI 400D but I like the Olympus E-510 because of the dust clearing feature and the live view display.
Would like to stay around $500-$700 if at all possible.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

garveyj · Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 877 City: Savage, MN

I can speak to the Nikon side, since that is what I use.

You probably are best of choosing either the Nikon D-70 or D40 at that price range you are looking at. Both cameras have a 3-5 fps rate, and depending on the model you are looking at about 6 Megapixel camera. Remember that with the DSLR type that you do not get any lenses with it, so you will have to put more out for that.

If you currently have a Canon camera, you might want to look at Canon since you can probably use the same lenses on the DSLR. There are a lot of people on this board that shoot with Canon and can chime in with info on that.

Hope that helps.

Zach M · Posted: Apr 08, 2008 10:26 am Post subject:

What lenses do you have for your Canon Rebel? If you stick with a Canon digital body, you may be able to use the lenses that you have on your film camera (assuming you don't want to upgrade). You could get a Digital Rebel XTI or XSI, or you could also get a 20D, 30D, or 40D. All will suit your needs just fine. Price and the features you are looking for will determine which route you go.

I shoot with two 20D's and a myriad of lenses, and I love them

joedirt00 · Posted: Apr 08, 2008 12:19 pm Post subject:

XTI does not have live view. I'm pretty sure the new XSI does, but I want to say that I read it only works in manual focus mode. I could be wrong on that so you would have to do some digging.

It just so happens that the current issue of Popular Photography is doing a DSLR comparison this month. You may want to pick one up.

I do shoot with a XTi and have no complaints.

EMP912 · Addict Joined: 28 May 2004 Posts: 500 City: Greenback

Thanks for the input.
We have the 18-55 Lens that came with it and next 1 up. Sorry not able to be more specific. The one with more zoom

I was thinking we would need to upgrade because with the Canon I think it does not have the Steady Shot built into the camara it works through the lens but I maybe mistaken.

Is dust really an issue with these cameras?

I don't know how beneficial live view is anyway with these. We are used to using the view finder anyway. Beside the obvious is there any real advantage to having the live view feature?

I might have to look up that article.
Thanks again

edrex · Posted: Apr 08, 2008 1:11 pm Post subject:

EMP912, I use my live view when the camera is on a tripod just because its easier to line up the shot depending on the position of the tripod and how high or low it is. If I am holding my camera then I use the viewfinder.
As far as I know, Canon has Image Stabilization built into the lens not the camera body. If your lenses are EF mount then they should work fine with the Canon EOS bodies.

Zach M · Posted: Apr 08, 2008 1:42 pm Post subject:

Dust can be an issue if you aren't careful. If you change your lenses often, or change them with the camera on, dust can accumulate on the sensor and mirrors. This will happen with any DSLR. You can buy cleaning kits or pay a shop to do it for you.

Canon does not have image stabilization built into the body, it is built into certain lenses. This really should only be an issue if you are using a zoom lens. I have a 70-200L with IS, and I love that feature. But I have not noticed camera shake being a problem with my short lenses. I would buy the body first and see how your lenses perform. You might try renting a lens or two from a local shop. Its a good way to give a lens a test run to see if you get better images with something different.

I do not have live view on my 20D, so I don't know what I'm missing. There very few situations where I could see it useful, but it could be helpful in certain special situations (timer shots, tripod, etc)

edrex · Posted: Apr 08, 2008 2:30 pm Post subject:

Zach M · Posted: Apr 08, 2008 3:06 pm Post subject:

I have the 2.8. I love the extra light. The only lens I have above 2.8 is a 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 (because you can't get it in a 2. Cool

.

That said, I shoot weddings and a lot of other events. I need the extra stop. If you are going to be shooting outdoors in the sun the majority of the time, then you could go with the f/4. If you find yourself shooting with your long lens on cloudy days, at dusk, or indoors, I would recommend getting the extra stop.

Jensen · Posted: Apr 08, 2008 5:43 pm Post subject:

edrex, a lot of people swear the f4IS is a sharper lens. That is probably going to be my next lens as well. but like Zach said, its all about what kind of situations you shoot in.

TxShane · Criminal Joined: 18 May 2008 Posts: 79 City: Flower Mound

If you are shooting fast action sports, the IS version is useless. The IS does not kick in when the shutter speed is > 1/500, so if you are shooting action shots at 1/1000 or greater, then you just have to deal with the extra weight of the IS lens (that beast is heavy)! I use my IS version when shooting concerts, but tote my non-IS when shooting sports . . .

flounderbout · Outlaw Joined: 30 Sep 2006 Posts: 224 City: London

I went with the Canon 20D, largely because of the high fps compared with the other similar cameras out there. I got a very cheap deal on EBay for a good SH set up with a short and long lens plus some other goodies.
I am over the moon with it. The shots are awesome - as for worrying about the number of megapixels, forget it - unless you are blowing up to poster size it is not an issue, and even then I would very much doubt you would see a difference. The other aspects of it on the other hand are epic.
A lot of people have recommended going low end of the "professional" market rather than the top end of the "hobby" market. And go SH if it is just a question of bucks.
I have to say I am glad I went with thagt advice...