Digital Camera Recommendations

[Bob Hartig]

My four-year-old Canon camcorder died on me a few months ago. One lesson I learned from it is that I can't buy the kind of camcorder I need for low-light storm environments without paying a lot more than I can afford. Given the choice to spend $500 on a crappy camcorder or a really decent digital camera, the camera seems like a no-brainer to me.

Any recommendations for a good camera in the $500 range? I'm obviously thinking of something that will function well in low light, and otherwise serve well for storm chasing.

 

[Ryan McGinnis]

My four-year-old Canon camcorder died on me a few months ago. One lesson I learned from it is that I can't buy the kind of camcorder I need for low-light storm environments without paying a lot more than I can afford. Given the choice to spend $500 on a crappy camcorder or a really decent digital camera, the camera seems like a no-brainer to me.

Any recommendations for a good camera in the $500 range? I'm obviously thinking of something that will function well in low light, and otherwise serve well for storm chasing.

At that price point, the best bet would be the Canon Digital Rebel XTi with the kit lens that comes with it. I'd wait at least a month or two, though; the newer XSi is coming out and will drive the price of the XTi (a perfectly good camera) down.

 

[Dick McGowan]

Canon Rebel XT.
or
Nikon D40

As for low light, it's not the same as camcorders, it's the lens you choose. Larger the aperture (f/2.8 for example), the faster the shutter will be. I think the threshold is 1/60 of a second or faster, handheld. Bumping up the ISO will get you quicker shutter speed as well, but the noise starts to increase. Hope this helps!

 

[Bob Hartig]

That's very helpful, Dick. Thanks for the links, and thanks to both you and Ryan for your input.

 

[D. Hayes]

I just bought a XTi after doing a bit of research on the XSi. The pixel density increase with the same size sensor is what pushed me to go with the XTi. I want something with low noise in low light and that's not going to happen with the XSi's increased density. Plus the price of the XTi kit was like $600 and the XSi kit is coming out around $900+. The XSi comes outs sometime in April which is way too late for me. For the price difference I order extra batteries, waterproof case, memory, extended warranty, RF wireless remote. That was stuff I would need anyways. I can't see a down side going with the XTi as most of the best photos I've seen have came out on this or it's predicesors.