Considering DSLR

[Bobby Lang]

I'm considering investing in a DSLR camera for the upcoming storm season and for shooting some astrophotography. What camera, lenses, etc do you guys recommend? I was planning at spending no more than $1,500 so I can also upgrade my computer.

I briefly talked to a friend at work, whom recently purchased the Canon Xsi. He really likes it and suggests that I get either the 40d or the Xsi. From the research I have done, the 40d has much better build quality, higher FPS, better AF, and a higher ISO range. The Xsi is cheaper price wise leaving more $$$ available for lenses etc., lighter camera, and has a few more bells & whistles considering it's a newer camera. I've also read that the lenses in the kit aren't very good for basically any camera.

Another note, I get a Canon or Nikon (although it's not very good) accommodation where I work until Feb 28. However, after a brief search online, the Canon 40d is cheaper online (ie Amazon & shipped from Amazon but also at a few other reputable online camera websites). With the XSI, I can get that camera slightly cheaper than I have found available online.

Any recommendations are welcome and also do you think any new models will come out in the next few months? I've heard rumors there might be a new 40d or the 50d replacing the 40d. Thanks in advance!

 

[Dustin Wilcox]

There is a 50D that is already out, however in my un-professional opinion that only makes the 40D the best buy on the market right now. If it were me I would go with a used 40D (from a trusted seller; easy to find on POTN) and then a solid Canon 10-22mm lens. IMO that combination is the best deal and leaves you golden in terms of storm photography! The XSi is great, but it really does feel super cheapy...

 

[Steve Miller]

Love my XSi. With a $1500 max, I would do what I did and snag the XSi and a 10-22mm lens and maybe still have money left over for one of the less expensive telephotos.
I'm not a fan of buying used electronics.

 

[Scott Weberpal]

Unless you're planning on shooting professional work, I see no reason why you would need the 40d instead of the XSi. No reason to spend the extra money for unnecessary features for someone just getting into digital photography - also, the XSi might be a little lighter if you're doing prime focus astrophotography with a telescope. When doing astrophotography, be sure to purchase an AC adapter for the camera, doing long exposures will kill your battery in no time. There are a TON of resources out there with tips and ideas for doing prime focus astrophotography. This digital book is an amazing resource http://www.astropix.com/GADC/GADC.HTM

 

[Andrew Ryan]

Being a Nikon user I have to advocate the D90 as awesome entry level DSLR (and it has video on board ). But I have to say the best way to decide which camera is best for you is by going to the store and playing around with them. That way you can get a good idea of how they fit in your camera. Also, you will be able to see if the camera is too complicated for you to use. If the camera is too complicated, then you will get worse pictures than if you bought one of the entry level cameras.

I agree with the other posts that you should go with the XSi over the 40D. The XSi is an excellent camera for its price range.

 

[Rob Sermon]

Hey, Bobby! You might find a deal in the Marketplace section of ST. Yea, it's from me.

 

[tommywinning]

Just my experience. If you are putting together a DSLR kit from scratch, it is going to be more expensive than you think. I would also factor in the cost of extras that you are going to want/need. An extra battery, good tripod, UV filter for your lenses, possibly a shutter release cable, and a couple memory cards. All of these could run you between an extra $100 to $300 depending on if you get the generic battery or the one canon makes. Some of this seems unnecessary, like the UV filter, but remember for $25 you can keep from scratching (ruining) a $600 lens...it's well worth it.
I shoot with a Rebel XT and love it. If I were starting out fresh I would buy an XTi. I saw them for between $450 and $550. Get it with the kit lens for an everyday shooter. Then a wide angle, either the 10-22mm or 17-40L will do. If you plan to upgrade from your XTi, XT, or XSi to a full frame like the 40D...etc. Go with the 17-40 as it works on both, the 10-22 only works on the XT, XTi, and XSi. Then a decent but cheap telephoto like the 75-300. Less than $200. That camera, the accessories, and three lenses is a pretty good kit and basically what I have used for 4 years.
The wide angles are expensive, but worth every penny.

You can buy wherever you want. I like bhphoto.com there are a couple other really good online stores. A word to the wise, as many people in this forum have said it before, if you find an online deal that is too good to be true it is. There are multiple threads with links to check out reputable dealers, utilize them.

 

[Tyler Burg]

I have a Nikon D40, I think the entry level is all you need. Id say either the XSi, or D40 if your going nikon/canon. Also pick up a sigma 10-20mm if your on a budget. If your planning on doing some deep field astrophotography, plan on buying an expensive track mount. Good Luck

 

[Melanie Kern-Favilla]

I shoot with a Rebel XT and love it. If I were starting out fresh I would buy an XTi. I saw them for between $450 and $550. Get it with the kit lens for an everyday shooter. Then a wide angle, either the 10-22mm or 17-40L will do. If you plan to upgrade from your XTi, XT, or XSi to a full frame like the 40D...etc. Go with the 17-40 as it works on both, the 10-22 only works on the XT, XTi, and XSi.

Just a quick note: a Canon 40D is not a full-frame camera; It has a 1.6 magnification ratio. So any EF-S lens should work on a 40D, including the wonderful, super-fantastic 10-22mm. I've shot with a Rebel XTi for the last two years and I absolutely loved it. Great camera. I would not hesitate to tell someone to buy either an XTi or XSi. It's an excellent prosumer entry-level camera. I also don't have a problem with the 18-55mm kit lens; I use it all of the time.

The only reason why I no longer shoot with a Rebel XTi (I still have a converted infrared Rebel XT) is because I took the plunge and upgraded to a 5D. Holy crap, what a camera. I love it. But that rave is for another thread.

You can check out my website at http://www.spiffypix.com. Not a lot of weather photos up there yet, but you can see all of the shots that I took w/the Rebel XTi. Good luck!

Melanie

 

[Bobby Lang]

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for your opinions and advice. Tomorrow I'm going to meet a friend at work to Best Buy to look at the xsi and other cameras. I'm pretty sure that I'll be purchasing the xsi (online). If I have any more questions or need a second opinion about something, I'll be sure to ask. Thanks again!

Oh and you guys haven't made this easy selling a D60 and xti at a bargain price .