Calling all camera guru’s

[Rusty Garoutte]

It has been 20+ years since I have used a conventional 35 mm camera, and zero experience with any DSLR’s.

[Mike Anderson]

These two sites were helpful to me, have fun.

http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/digital_camera_and_lens_reviews.shtml

http://www.dpreview.com

[Mike Anderson]

This too
http://www.cameralabs.com/features/10Megapixel_DSLR_test/index.shtml

[none]

What kind of specs are you looking for?

I wanted the following specs when I wanted a point-and-shoot camera a few years ago:

* a small camera (fit in my fly vest pocket);
* capable of taking wide angle shots (no need to step backwards to get the whole scene on picture);
* fast ready-to-go time when I turn it on (moments are gone when you have to wait 18 seconds for the camera to get ready…);
* very low / no shutter lag

In 2005 I choose the Fujifilm E550.

It’s not waterproof nor does it have 8+ Mpix but it’s still going strong.

Jay

[Richard Bernabe]

Not to offend anyone in here who uses something different, but I would look hard at the entry-level camera models from Nikon or Canon.

When you make a DSLR camera choice, you are buying more than just the camera and a lens or two. You are buying into a system. If you are wanting to grow within that system, I would recommend choosing between the two companies that offer the most options for customizing your equipment to your specific needs. Canon and Nikon simply offer more in terms of lens, flash, accessories, and camera body upgrade options for later. Now, as far as choosing between the two….well… 😉

[david king]

Richards right, if you want something to build on you can’t beat Nikon or Canon. The only thing that you might want to consider is form factor. With a DSLR you not going to be able to tuck the camera in you shirt pocket, you pretty much locked into some kind of case. The other thing I hate about point and shoot cameras is shutter lag and slow storage. If they would just drop the price on the Leica M8 down to about 1500.00 with the 50mm lens. Its the perfect size for a light small camera that delivers high quality.

[Steve K.]

Rusty,

A couple of years ago I was asking the same questions as you. I now own a Nikon D70s, a few lenses, flash, memory cards….and on and on. I think you need to ask yourself what you want to do with the camera and lenses. If you want to take shots of your fishing trips, I’d suggest a small zoom (28 – 70mm) start with. If you want to do wildlife photography…..of course you’ll need a bigger lens.

With that said…..I’ve found that I really enjoy wildlife photography and as a result, bought an older manual lens (Nikon 400mm F3.5) with a 2X teleconverter. Of course I had to purchase a gimbal mount and tripod to support the best.

I guess what I’m saying is….you need to know what you’ll be using the camera for…..and start from there. Word of caution….the hobby is a money pit 🙂

Disclaimer….I’m no expert and my advice might be totally misguided. Use it at your own risk

[yuhina]

Hi Rusty,

You said you have owned 35mm camera system for  a long time. What brand is that? are they SLR? You probably know the pros/cons of “the system camera” that Richard just mentioned right?

My suggestion is exact the same with above mentioned… a system is the key. Not only it is easy find the specialized equipment in a BIG NAME, but also you can find other “cheaper line” equitment made by other small company.

[Rusty Garoutte]

I am of the thinking that the old saying of “KISS” is going to meet my needs.

[Rusty Garoutte]

Hi Rusty,

You said you have owned 35mm camera system for  a long time. What brand is that? are they SLR? You probably know the pros/cons of “the system camera” that Richard just mentioned right?

My suggestion is exact the same with above mentioned… a system is the key. Not only it is easy find the specialized equipment in a BIG NAME, but also you can find other “cheaper line” equitment made by other small company.

yuhina,

[Eric DeWitt]

I would take a look at one of the consumer canon or nikon models.  Something like the digital rebel or the d40.  I know the canon rebel offers the same image chip as the higher end models, just without some of the custom features in usability.  For all intents and purposes, you will get the same image as you would with the higher end cameras, its just that higher end cameras can be a bit easier to use.  

Besides that, you are buying into a reputable system with both of them.  I would also put money into the lenses rather than the body, if you have to cut back somewhere.

[Rusty Garoutte]

The d40 is interesting.

[John Bennett]

Something that I am ashamed of telling is, it will take me 8-10 months for me to decide on this.

[Eric DeWitt]

One thing i forgot to mention last night that may help you shorten up the whole “8-10 months to decide” thing.

[david king]

The Nikon D40 or D40X would be a good entry level DSLR. I think a D40 can be bought for 500 or 600 dollars. Check B&H Photo.

[Richard Bernabe]

Something that I am ashamed of telling is, it will take me 8-10 months for me to decide on this.

In 8 to 10 months, the camera you are researching will be obsolete. I am joking. Sort of.

[grant schofield]

Since no one really stepped up to defend the honor of the Pentax I will give it a swing. Like everyone else said when you are buying an SLR your’re buying into a system and that is why I got the Pentax.

[Anonymous]

Thanks Grant for posting that.  I think your post was dead on.  I have stated my “thoughts and opinions” on the Pentax issue here before and didnt respond because I thought others might be tired of my “thoughts and opinions”.

I too am a Pentax owner and my K100d does more than I can do with it.  I completely agree with the others that you are buying more than a camera…you are buying a system.  I just think that Pentax has just as good of a system to buy into as do the other big names.

Cetainly Pentax was slow getting into the digital game but I agree with Grant, they have taken huge strides the last 2 or 3 years and by the time we are ready to upgrade in the next year or two they will all be on level playing fields.

Certainly if you are looking at a career in photography you will want to look at Canon and Nikon.  They are the leaders in the industry. (although others are making up ground) But if you are looking at a camera and system for recreational purposes…the Pentax is well worth looking at.

At the end of the day, the XTi, D40 and 100d are all great cameras.  It is just a matter of deciding what fits your needs and your budget.

[Carter Simcoe]

Well the K100D is actually slightly more expensive than the D40 and Rebel XT and the K10D is slightly more expensive than the D40x and Rebel XTi…..

Some savings could definitely be had if you were going to shop for a bunch of used glass though.

The D40(x) is a lot of camera for the money, not the Nikon to buy if you’ve already got a stash of lenses though.

[Chad Simcox]

Dont overlook used cameras either. I know http://www.craigslist.org always has tons of used DSLRs listed in my area at good prices. Just make sure you check the camera out before purchasing it. Also be aware that shutters will wear out on DSLRs. Different camera models have different shutter lifespans so do your research.
I did months of research before purchasing my camera (Canon 20D). Then a month after I bought my camera the 30D was announced. I didn’t get discouraged though, its not like the 20D doesnt fit my needs just because the new one came out.

Also check http://www.keh.com for used camera deals. Other dealers like B&H also have used departments and you can trust their ratings on used equipment.

http://society6.com/grainfarmer Fly Fishing and Landscape open edition Photography prints.

http://grainfarmer.vsco.co/ iPhone photos
http://instagram.com/chad_simcox Instagram

[Author]

Posts