This may be a thread already, but search didn't turn up anything too useful for me. Can anybody recommend a good SLR camera for not too much $$.

I am really interested in the Canon Rebel XT 8.0 megapixel (~$850). I would probably finance it over a year or so.

Also, for those who have this camera, what accessories (i.e. bags, memory cards, tripods) would you recommend?

thanks

 

Here is the "authoritative" thread - it is a long read, but has a lot of useful info.

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...highlight=DSLR

 

I bought my first SLR in 1979 when I was stationed in the service, an Olympus OM-2n. Best camera I have ever owned!

I currently have an Oly. Camedia C3000, another camera that I love. I'm looking to jump up in MP's and will not look any further than Olympus. This has become
an unexpected love affair with cameras that has lasted almost 30yrs.

 

which Olympus are you looking into? iam not sure if i should get the E-500 or E-330.

 

The only thing going for the E-330 is the live LCD preview. Other camera people will make fun of you for having an "ugly camera."

I know my friend has a E-300 and we're always giving him a hard time for that.

But really, its an alright cam. I hear the E-500 is better though.

 

I read the entire thread, & it was pretty helpful, but are there any Nikon owners on the board who can talk to me about the D70? I went to a camera store this weekend to actually physically handle the D70 & the Reble XT. I am now back where I started having a really hard time deciding between the 2. I thought I had pretty much made up my mind to buy the XT, but I liked the soid heft of the D70 & the menu was quite a bit simpler. I'm sure I'd get used to any menu, though, so that's not a huge thing. The D70 also seemed to focus a bit more quickly without "looking around" as much. Might that be a lens factor or is that the body?

Do any of you have a strong opinion of one over the other?

Anyone have experience with both?

 

The Nikon D70 and Canon Digi rebel are both excellent cameras. You really can't go wrong with either of them. Anybody who strongly recommends one over the other is just playing brand loyalty. That's my opinion.

By being a part of the Canon family, you technically have access to a staggering world of accessories and lenses. Realistically, most photographers will never need such specialized stuff.

Nikon, to an extent, takes care of its photographers too. Nikon is strictly a camera company though. Canon's main profits are office equipment, which gives them a huge R&D budget. I would say that Canon innovates while Nikon plays catchup. I do have a Canon bias myself, but its a fact that Canon dominates professional photography (like sports). Another example, Canon uses its own CMOS sensors while Nikon uses Sony.

Ok so what does this mean to the casual photographer? Nothing. Whatever camera you choose now might very well lock you in to your future camera purchases from here on out. As you acquire lenses and other fun accessories, you're going to want to stick with that manufacturer. If you think you might go pro, I would give a slight (and I do mean slight) edge to Canon. Otherwise, pick the camera that feels best to you.

Yes I have used both. That's all I'll say about that.

 

Nikon vs. Canon is like Coke vs. Pepsi.

Both produce fantastic cameras and you can't go wrong with either. They also both have great accessory lineups so your expansion abilities won't be limited down the road.

My only advice is if you're looking at the D70, wait a few weeks until the D80 is announced. It should be using the same sensor as the new Sony A100 and will probably pick up a few new features to boot. For that matter, you should probably wait until the end of September, when the Photokina tradeshow takes place. Canon and Nikon will both have new cameras at that show, and I wouldn't be surprised if the Rebel XT gets an upgrade then.

If there's nothing that interests you at that show, you can safely buy whatever is out now, because it's unlikely that we'll see any further announcements before the next show in March.

Bags: Lowepro or Crumpler
Tripods: Manfrotto or Gitzo but whatever you choose, get one with a removable head.
Cards: 1 or 2GB, brand doesn't matter as much but I have had good luck with Sandisk. Anything 80x or faster will be fine.

 

Lowepro evangelist here!

Nature Trekker
Stealth Reporter
Waterproof daybag

Manfrotto evangelist here!

Sandisk is what I use too, no issues whatsoever.

 

I have good luck with Tamrac bags. Well made and as functional as anything. If you do get a pod, look hard at carbon fiber models. You may think the weight savings in inconsequential now, but down the road the lightness really pays off. You'll be more likely to pack something that isn't weight prohibitive.

 

Yes, there will be an upgrade for the Rebel XT.

 

Link?

 

Ok, after much internal debate and intensive research, I put in an order for a Rebel XT with the EF-S 17-85is lens today. The D80 looks pretty great, but this is a birthday gift, so I'm working with a budget. I wouldn't be able to afford a decent lens on D80. Not to mention it will take time to know whether they've improved their noise reduction.

I'll be sad if Canon announces an XT upgrade at the end of the month, but I'd probably be in the same situation with the price.

So YAY, I should have it by Friday!

Thanks for all the good information!

 

The Rebel XT will be just as good after they release something new as it is now, so don't worry about what's going to happen down the road. Sounds like you've got a good setup to get you going.

 

My thoughts exactly!

 

I've been trying to tell myself the same thing regarding the 30D and to just go ahead and get it now. The thing is, I got my 10D literally two weeks before the 20D was released and I think that sort of scarred me.

 

Not trying to rub it in, but I'm picking up my 30D next week.

Oh well, grab a 30D and convert your 10D to IR.

Speaking of IR, I thought of you when I read this product release: http://www.dpreview.com/news/0608/06...ms3prouvir.asp
I imagine it will be pretty popular with the astrophotography crowd. Foveon sensors continue to impress me, but I wish they were a little less noisy.

 

its not official yet, but canon will be anouncing new cameras soon b/c they are having a meeting this week with all canon reps about the new cameras that are coming soon. the rebel is one of them.

 

^^
So, you're an insider?

 

Canon has been fairly predicable with its releases.
Go to the middle of this page:

http://bobatkins.com/photography/dig...ns_eos30d.html

So assuming an 18 month cycle, the 40D should be announced in Late 2007.

 

No, but I got inside info.

 

The 500. I also saw they have a lens converter so I can use my OM lenses!

 

Yes thats what I decided too.

 

How are you doing on pricing?