Digital Single Lens Reflex Cameras

[ViBurkhard]

Do you have any recommendations for purchasing a Digital SLR Camera? I would like to purchase a DSLR and have been looking at the Nikon D80, the Canon Rebel Xti and the Sony A100. If anyone has any experience with any of these cameras, I would love to hear from you.
Thanks!

[Robin Gonzales]

Thanks for asking this question...I keep looking but don't know if I really need a new camera or not. Can you get better optical zoom with a SLR? Am I correct that optical zoom is what you should look for rather than digital zoom? I'm so confused:confused: Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Robin

[scrapjen]

The D80 was just announced, so might not be out in stores yet. I have the Nikon D50, my dad the Nikon D70s. We both love our cameras. He says he would get the D50 if he had to do over again --- doesn't use some of the upgrades on the D70s. I have a friend who has the Canon Rebel XT and she loves it. Go to a store and try them out --- they are all pretty comprable - it all depends how they feel in your hand.

More optical is better than digital zoom. You can get different lenses for the SLR's to get more optical zoom. My other digital had 10x optical. I can get a little more with my bigger SLR lens. LOVE my SLR so much that I never use my other camera anymore.

[joefriday]

Those are all great cameras, but think about adding the Pentax digital slr's to you list. I have a Pentax istDL and it is an excellent camera and significantly cheaper than the comparable Nikon and Canon models. It also has some great features, like SD card compatibility (many people already use SD cards in other devices and they are relatively cheap and easy to find), as well as AA battery compatibility so you will never be stuck if the batteries die when you are travelling somewhere. AA batteries can be found just about anywhere.

Check out some of the great digital camera review sites on the web too.

Hope this helps!

[growliesgirl]

I purchased a Digital Rebel XT a few months ago, a HUGE factor for me is the speed, especially when shooting pics of kids in motion. The Rebel is instantly ready to go when I turn it on, and can take pictures almost continuously. If you are shooting in the highest resolution or in RAW format that might slow down somewhat, but still better than a point and shoot digital by far. I always used to miss that critical blowing out the birthday candles picture because the camera was too slow, but that's a thing of the past now. Another thing to note is that digital vs optical zoom on a DSLR is a little different, it depends on what lens you have on your camera. You can purchase all the same types of lenses (zoom, macro, fisheye, etc) that you would for a film SLR, and for the Canon EOS cameras, the lenses are interchangeable between their film and digital camera bodies which is a nice feature if you are making the switch. Those lenses can be pricey!

[ScrapProfessor]

I have a Nikon D70s and love it. I completely agree with growliesgirl in that I want a camera that can keep up with me. When I'm in on some action I want my camera there beside me ready for my little finger! And it is. It does a fantastic job in that department.

My film camera, a Nikon N65, is a great camera also, and I still use it from time to time. It's about 6 years old. The great thing is that all my Nikon lenses are interchangable. I LOVE it that they fit each other! All the lenses and filters I had purchased for my film camera fit my digital camera as well! That's like buying one and getting one free. KWIM? lol

I did however, do a LOT of research on the Internet before I made my purchase. It was a toss up between the Cannon digital rebel and the Nikon d70s. The purchase decision for me came down to lense and filter interchangability.

Good luck! Hope you enjoy shopping for, and find, a great Digital SLR!

[khalgren77]

I have the Canon Rebel XT and LOVE IT!!!! It's easy to hold and fairly light weight compared to others. I love it for the instant rediness as well as rapid photo taking....I can take cointiunuous photos and not loose out due to lag time...I have a 1 gig card and shoot at the highest setting possible in jpg and have yet to fill a card on any one outting and I take LOTS of pics. I think I can get over 400 per card but please dont quote me on it...might even be more. The battery life is awesome. Love that I can change lenses quickly and easliy. Only down fall so far is my lack of ability to use and remember what each of the settings are as far as f stop, etc...lol...have to learn those but for now it works for what I am doing. I have taken some awesome macro shots as well as landscape...well worth the price!

[mommy-girl]

My husband and I have been watching the Nikon line for DSLR for about 6-7 years. We are going to purchase the D80 for our Christmas gift to each other. We have a large collection of lenses, filters, flashes, umbrellas, the works and have decided that now is the time to go for the digital SLR. Our film SLR is about 20 years old but still works!

From all accounts the Nikon D80 is the best of the best. Online reviews say it is as good as the D200 ($1,800) at only $1,000 (I think that's the price--haven't bought it yet). But you need to get on a waiting list it seems if you only need the body, the kits w/ a lense are plentiful.

[troush]

I have the Nikon D50 and LOVE it. I can shoot in Auto when I need to and 90% of the time the photos are great! When I have time, I can play with "M", or A, or P, or S :). I recommend Bryon Petersen's "Understanding Exposure" for improving/learning about shooting with a DSLR.

-Trish

[Evie]

Hi Trish,
You might know me as virgo1 (Eva) from the PET boards. A D50 fan also.
Eva

[troush]

Hey Eva! There are a lot of PET people here.

-Trish

[Sharon]

Adding a vote here for the Nikon D70 (or later models). I have to say that I was trying to decide between the Canon Rebel and the Nikon and went with the one that just felt better in my hands. Sounds silly, but it does make a difference. That and the reviews I read made me decide on the Nikon and a year later I'm still very happy with it.

[Janie]

I agree when picking an slr you need to get it your hands and see how it feels. I was trying to decide between a Nikon and a Canon and the Canon just fits better for me. Remember when you make the jump to an slr it is an ongoing investment. As you learn to use it you'll want a different lens for different things. I bought the Canon20D and I love it. There is so much I have yet to learn. The Canonl ens are expensive but they have some features I love, like image stabalization, that I think is worth the price. Start with what feels good to you and is in your price range but I would encourage you to get one you can grow into instead of out of. It is a geat adventure.
Jane

[kygirl]

Another Digital Rebel user here. When you're getting into this price level, most of the cameras you're looking at will do a great job. For me the deciding factor was not only the cost of the camera, but the cost of additional lenses.

If you have small hands, you'll definitely want to look at the Rebel. It's a little easier to handle than some of the comparable SLRs.

[kdgowdy]

I have recently purchased a Panasonic Lumix...8mega pixels/12x optical zoom (with an option of 20x optical zoom on 3mega pixel setting)...not SLR but can buy a wide angle attachment and use filters...everything plus more than I need. Reviews are wonderful and I am pleased with indoor pictures and all other settings. Allows me to use all manual settings as well--though I need to work on that!:) LOVE IT!!

[clsmith10]

Here's a link for one of the best sites (IMHO) for Dig Camera reviews...
http://www.steves-digicams.com/

Enjoy,
Cynthia:cool:

[Wnderlnd]

I have a Canon EOS 10D and a Canon 550 point and shoot. Both are handy for different purposes. I carry the little one with me at all times in our diaper bag since the SLR is so much heavier.

I want to upgrade to another Canon with more megapixels, but just got a new lens instead. I decided I'd wait since the jump was only 2 megapixels--not yet worth it to me.

When I do upgrade it will be to another Canon EOS rather than the Rebel XT--I love the wheel to flip through pics in the view mode, and to select various options. My mom gave me the 10D and I feel spoiled now...otherwise, the Rebel XT is GREAT and it weighs less than the EOS models.

I don't know anything about Nikon. My mom is a photographer, and she uses only Canons--I often get her handmedowns--ABSOLUTELY no complaint about that! Lucky for me none of my siblings are into photography or Photoshop! :)

[cutty3d]

If you want to see some more detailed digital camera reviews, check out Digital Photography Reviews at http://www.dpreview.com/. It is very detailed...sometime too detailed for newbies, but I found it quite useful.

I am a beginner and have had been learning lots since I got my Canon Digital Rebel last year. The photos are amazing and that is now old technology. Also, Canon has some good online tutorials for beginners on their Canon Digital Learning Center at http://www.photoworkshop.com/canon/index.html.

[ViBurkhard]

Thanks so much for all of your input. It really gives me a lot to think about! I think I will make a trip to the camera store soon, and see what they look like. I've had so much fun using my Olympus 3.3 MP. It has really been a good camera, but it is five years old now, and I notice the lag time on it. I've been missing a lot of good shots, especially when it comes to photographing my grandchildren. I feel that the time is right for a DSLR.
Thanks again!

[maggiemaylove]

You certainly won't regret getting a digital camera, It was the best thing I have ever purchased. I have used regular film cameras for a long time, even did a lot of darkroom work. But with the digital cameras and the wonderful photoshop programs, I can't believe how much you can do and so fast and it's cheap compared to buying film. I have always been a fan of Nikon so that's the way I would go. I love that I can use all my old lens and filters on the new digital Nikon. Have fun and happy shopping.



Thanks so much for all of your input. It really gives me a lot to think about! I think I will make a trip to the camera store soon, and see what they look like. I've had so much fun using my Olympus 3.3 MP. It has really been a good camera, but it is five years old now, and I notice the lag time on it. I've been missing a lot of good shots, especially when it comes to photographing my grandchildren. I feel that the time is right for a DSLR.
Thanks again!

[pdrjnn]

Does anyone know if the Cannon Rebel XTi has an autofocus setting?

[seebee]

Adding a vote here for the Nikon D70 (or later models). I have to say that I was trying to decide between the Canon Rebel and the Nikon and went with the one that just felt better in my hands. Sounds silly, but it does make a difference. That and the reviews I read made me decide on the Nikon and a year later I'm still very happy with it.

Totally agree. I did a lot of reading before I went to the store, & I thought I would be getting a Nikon. But the Canon Rebel felt more comfortable, so I surprised myself and began leaning in that direction. I should be getting the Rebel XT for Christmas. :D

[zryne]

I love my Rebel XT. For capturing those wonderful Football moments, the grandkids at play. It is always ready, takes more pictures than you will know what to do with.. but the choices you will have. Outstanding!!!!

[Janie]

I think most if not all the slr camera including the CanonRbelXTi are autofocus unless put into a totally manual mode.

Janie

[Wendy]

I love the Rebel too ... I have the older version (its called the 300D here in the UK :) )


Wendy

[Betty Jo]

Thanks so much for all of your input. It really gives me a lot to think about! I think I will make a trip to the camera store soon, and see what they look like. I've had so much fun using my Olympus 3.3 MP. It has really been a good camera, but it is five years old now, and I notice the lag time on it. I've been missing a lot of good shots, especially when it comes to photographing my grandchildren. I feel that the time is right for a DSLR.
Thanks again!

I just switched last year from slide film to digital. I have the Canon 20D and will upgrade to a 30D as soon as possible because it has spot metering. You will not regret moving to a digital SLR. I shoot totally in RAW now and have incredible control over my photos although I still love getting a good exposure with each shot. But now if I under/over expose a photo I can remedy that easily in my digital darkroom (RAW) and save shots that would have been lost if shooting film. My tip/advice isn't about the camera body you purchase, although it is wise to hold the camera and get the right feel for your personal taste, but about the lens. Buy the best glass you can possibly afford. The lenses can make or break your photos.

[Ritasdigs]

Does anyone have the Olympus Evolt 300?? That's the one that our local camera shop was pushing so even though I was looking for a Nikon (what my film camera is) I ended up with the Olympus. It is okay but wishing I had stuck with Nikon then at least my lenses would have been interchangable!! :(

[ViBurkhard]

Well, since I started all of this.......I guess I will tell you all what I decided to purchase. (Actually, my husband purchased it for my birthday :-) )
The Nikon D80 was my camera of choice...I just hope I'm smart enough to learn how to use all of the settings. After a trip to California and many point and shoot pics, I'm very satisified so far. I know it has great potential...I'll be going to "Nikon School" in January (in Orlando) to learn more.
Thanks for all of your input!

[judystowell]

I just got the Rebel XTi and love it. It's so responsive & fast.
A good place to do some research is at dpreview.com - it's a website that focuses on digital photography. They have a lot of excellent info. But what others have said is also true - go to camera stores and try them out. Some of the DSLR's are heavier & bigger - this could be good or bad, depending on you. Some stores may even let you rent one, and then apply the rental payment towards the purchase of a new camera.
Good luck - let us know what you get.

Judy

[vholdwic]

I have the original Digital Rebel (300D). Bought it for myself about a year and a half ago. Have never regretted it. I don't use the auto focus much, but it is nice to have. I am beginning to play around with the RAW capability.

I think my next purchase will be the 60 mm macro lens, even though I get very nice close-ups with my current lenses.

[letdolphin]

I have a D70 and LOVE IT, I got mine about 2 years ago for a trip to Greece. I took a class on Digital SLR at the local university to learn a little bit more about the camera and the professor, who is a professional wedding photographer, also had the D70 and was buying 2 more for his business.

I will have to agree with everyone else here, I did a lot of reviewing, holding, playing with the camera before I bought one. The 2 sites I saw for reviews listed in the tread are great. The one thing that got me to go with the D70 over the Rebel was the easy of reviewing the picture and the settings on that picture on the back of the camera. The D70 is much easier to see all of the settings on one screen. One of the other students in the class ended up having to look on 3 screens to find all of the settings that were listed on 1 in the D70.

Hope that helps
A very happy D70 owner
Laura

[Paul Cunningham]

I have a D70 and love it. What I like is that there is zero shutter lag so it is good for sports or other action shots. It also has a much larger sensor so the dynamic range is better. The D80 lets you start out in auto mode and as you gain experience you can go to the more advanced modes. Good lenses are expensive but worth the price. The 18-200 VR lens is an excellent choice and is available as a "kit" lens when you puchase the camera. Have fun!

[Priss]

Well, since I started all of this.......I guess I will tell you all what I decided to purchase. (Actually, my husband purchased it for my birthday :-) )
The Nikon D80 was my camera of choice...I just hope I'm smart enough to learn how to use all of the settings. After a trip to California and many point and shoot pics, I'm very satisified so far. I know it has great potential...I'll be going to "Nikon School" in January (in Orlando) to learn more.
Thanks for all of your input!

YOU WILL LOVE NIKON SCHOOL, VI. I learned SO much about my Nikon there and after the school---there's a PHENOM website to continue to educate you to the camera. I have three Nikon cameras--my in the purse is the fantastic point and shoot S6 ---Best thing you'll love about your D80 (and be SURE TO START THIS WAY) is shooting Camera RAW. Adobe supports that format, and with that you can NEVER have an image that can't be fixed (well except if you leave the lens cap on, or try to shoot macro hand held!--:D )

And Vi, get over to nikonians.org and hop onto the D80 boards--any question you have--there are TONS of professional, amateur, advanced amateur, novice, and beginners there ready to help. There's a board for every camera Nikon makes at nikonians.org. Great community!

CONGRATULATIONS!

[nplunkett]

I was an all out Canon Fan of SLR film cameras and purchased a Canon digital SLR first time around. However, there were several functions I wasn't happy with and returned it and purchased a Konica Minolta (a photographer friend recommended it to me). I couldn't be happier! Not all DSLR's are created equal. First, determine your use and budget. Then, take time to try them out in a professional camera shop. The feel, ease of use, etc. are different for each one. Also, the quality settings on the DSLR's can be adjusted. Be sure that you are using the proper quality setting for what you want.
I LOVE my DSLR and wouldn't trade it for anything - the downside is size. If you're looking for a camera to take with you everywhere, opt for an inexpensive digital and take your DSLR with you for special occassions.

[Priss]

I have a D70 and love it. What I like is that there is zero shutter lag so it is good for sports or other action shots. It also has a much larger sensor so the dynamic range is better. The D80 lets you start out in auto mode and as you gain experience you can go to the more advanced modes. Good lenses are expensive but worth the price. The 18-200 VR lens is an excellent choice and is available as a "kit" lens when you puchase the camera. Have fun!

Never in all my lenses have I had one like the 18-200 lens ===it is absolutely AWESOME. My pictures, (while I thought they were mighty good before) with some excellent Sigma lenses on a D50--are beyond description better on the D200 with this incredible lens.

[Priss]

I was an all out Canon Fan of SLR film cameras and purchased a Canon digital SLR first time around. However, there were several functions I wasn't happy with and returned it and purchased a Konica Minolta (a photographer friend recommended it to me). I couldn't be happier! Not all DSLR's are created equal. First, determine your use and budget. Then, take time to try them out in a professional camera shop. The feel, ease of use, etc. are different for each one. Also, the quality settings on the DSLR's can be adjusted. Be sure that you are using the proper quality setting for what you want.
I LOVE my DSLR and wouldn't trade it for anything - the downside is size. If you're looking for a camera to take with you everywhere, opt for an inexpensive digital and take your DSLR with you for special occassions.

Agree---I take the big SLR with me when I have something in mind, and a real photoshoot (or what I think might become one!) But my point and shoot Nikon S6 (now replaced with the just as excellent, only better S9) is irreplaceable, and takes some extremely good pictures. I have to take too much time, and try too many settings when I've got the big one in my hands! :D