DSLR basics please

[Jason Bolt]

I'm not a techno genius, but am looking for a decent DSLR giving me the most bang for the buck probably under $1K. While looking for a cheapo waterproof camera for a trip I saw some DSLRs on walmart.com that I am considering.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Nikon-10.2-MP-D3000-Kit-WM/13013045

Probably the most basic, but like I said I am looking for something relatively simple that will take good quality pictures.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Nikon-D5000-Digital-SLR-Kit/11037794

The price doesn't show up but it is $645. This one interested me due to the 18-105mm lens. That being said, I am still trying to find out exactly what lens I would even need. I am open to advice on that especially.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Canon-Dig...00mm-f-4-5.6-III-Telephoto-Zoom-Lens/10756657

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Nikon-D50...-200mm-Non-VR-Zoom-Lens-Bundle-Offer/11714567

This seems like quite a deal, but again I don't know enough to be sure. Do I need that type of lens?

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Pentax-12.4-MP-15801/12534891

Price on this one is $712 and it comes with two lenses. I'm leaning this way, but have no experience with Pentax.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Olympus-E...itional-Accessory-Limited-Time-Offer/12560763

Threw this one in as a cheapie, but I don't know if the lens will be good enough.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sony-Alpha-A230-Slr-Digital/11089350

Another cheapie. I'm not opposed to spending twice this much, but only if cost/benefit makes it worthwhile.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sony-Alpha-A230-Slr-Digital/11089350

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sony-14.2-MP-DSLR-A380L/11089356

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sony-10-MP-DSLR-A330Y/11089354

Basically the same as the one above it, but with two lenses for $100 more.

I'm also not opposed to shopping elsewhere, but a quick internet comparison didn't find me better prices anywhere. So basically I guess I am asking what MP do I need? What mm lens is most important? Are there any brands to avoid? Any other input would also be appreciated!

 

[Brad Williams]

I only know canon, so take this for what its worth.

Canon's new T1i is a great camera:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/613613-REG/Canon_3818B002_EOS_Rebel_T1i_500D_.html

15.1Mp CMOS Sensor
HD 1080p, 720p, and VGA Video Capture
3" Clear View LCD with Live View
DIGIC 4 Image Processor
ISO Expandable to 12,800
EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens
Compatible w/ 60-plus EF & EF-S Optics

In the low light of storm chasing, that 12,800 ISO might come in handy. Also the 1080p will not hurt either. Just make sure if you go with this camera and plann on shooting 1080p video to go with a 16g memory card.

 

[Rob Wadsworth]

Focus on the lenses - no pun intended.
Canon and Nikon both have cool lenses, That is what will ultimately make the difference in the final product. Not the megapixels or the camera features. Getting the right glass isn't a cheap proposition, but in the long run you will see it is the right direction - IMO.

I spent $1100 on lenses and ~$300 for the camera body.
Worked out for me...

 

[Mike Hollingshead]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/542177-REG/Canon_2756B001_EOS_Rebel_XSi_Digital.html

If it were me and I wanted to spend little on the DSLR I'd hurry and snatch up a rebel XSi, as they still have them new. The T1i rebel is the model after that and they now have the T2i rebel after that out. So to still be able to get the XSi new is something to consider. You can do most all you'd ever need with those 12 megapixels(that is the pixel count I'd shoot for though even 8mp can go a long way). Has the bigger LCD than the XTi head. Want video on your DSLR snatch up a T1i.

Good luck on the lens aspect. 17mm is borderline wide enough for storms, might have to move back a bit is all. It can work.

Sony, well seems they have been known for using smaller sensors and having more noise but that has been changing. I'd rather have the Nikon or Canon lens lineup to use later.

Unless you plan to shoot in the rain and do so without covering the cam (which you have to if you don't want your lens all full of drops) I would not worry about "weather sealing" at all. Kind of doubt there is any person on ST that has killed their non-sealed DSLR shooting in the rain.

 

[Zach Borst]

I just got a t2i, epic camera. If you don't know how to shoot with a DSLR then it doesn't matter what camera you get. You shouldn't go crazy with a high end dslr if you aren't going to learn how to use it correctly. Canon is definitely the way to go. Also, video on DSLR is amazing but it's much more difficult than a dedicated video camera because you really need to manually focus understand depth of field. Basically if your getting your first DSLR it doesn't make sense to drop a g-note on something you have no idea how use. If you aren't going to use manual controls then do not waste your money at all, get a good point and shoot and a good dedicated video camera. B&H photo/video is a good source and so is Adorama.

 

[Mike Hollingshead]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/675618-REG/Canon_4462B003_EOS_Rebel_T2i_Digital.html

Actually heck if you want to spend a grand or less might as well get a T2i and that kit lens. I heard that kit lens was a lot better than in the past. 18 megapixels would keep you happy forever lol and you'd be able to crop.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-S-18-55mm-f-3.5-5.6-IS-Lens-Review.aspx

Review of the kit lense that comes with that camera.

 

[Zach Borst]

The lens kit camera is great. I had an 18-55 IS lens before but it does seem like the one that came with the camera is sharper, not sure if it's actually different. It's a great camera but again, I have a lot of photo-video experience so this camera is perfect for me, if you don't know how to use a DSLR you don't need to spend 900$.

 

[Mike Hollingshead]

It's a great camera but again, I have a lot of photo-video experience so this camera is perfect for me, if you don't know how to use a DSLR you don't need to spend 900$.

Learning how to take photos and run a dslr isn't rocket science. Quite the opposite in the digital age. I don't see lack of knowledge being a very good excuse on not buying something. Maybe lack of intent to learn or desire to learn could be....though something I haven't seen mentioned. I think a common mistake people make is to simply think photography and DSLR's out of auto mode, is something more confusing than it is.

 

[Jason Bolt]

Thanks for the advice. My DSLR experience is limited so I likely would be a point and shoot guy until I got some practice. I would say $1000 is my top end as this will be my first DSLR and I can always go up from here. So I am hearing Canon or Nikon, and also hearing get good lenses. Am I on the right track with any of the above links?

 

[Zach Borst]

I just don't see a need for a thousand dollar first try at DSLR, not that shooting DSLR is impossible and when you learn how it's a lot of fun but the new cameras have a lot of settings and controls that will be overwhelming. I have been into photography for about 10 years and videography for the last 3 years. I started with a point and shoot that had some manual controls and a big optical zoom. I shot some very nice pictures on it and when I felt like I had mastered it moved to the next level, a basic DSLR. I didn't master it that to the degree of the P&S but felt that I was limited and upgraded.

It pains me to see people use these extremely powerful cameras on full automatic, it's a waste of money. Video is the same way, I use an XL2 a lot and have seen people set it to fully automatic and it makes me wonder why they would want to use a 100$ camera feature on a $4,000 camera. If you have the money go ahead and buy it but don't expect your photo's to get better just because you have a DSLR. You need to practice and in reality some instruction in order to really understand and love manual shooting. I AM NOT SAYING DO NOT GET IT, just warning you because I have had several friends who bought really nice cameras and became frustrated and gave up because they didn't take the time to learn the camera. If you have the cash though, get a t2i. Very similar to canon 7d but half the price. Mike is right though, it's not rocket science but it is an art form and takes practice and patience. It will become an obsession though, I can guarantee that.

 

[Christopher E. Kincaid]

I have a T2i as well and can honestly say that it is much better than my XTi, especially when it come to low-light noise and tonal depth. The two lenses that I have besides the kit lens are:

Tokina 11-16mm F2.8 - love this lens! Very wide and very fast... $599

Canon EF-S 15-85mm IS USM F3.5-5.6 Very sharp... $720

I highly recommend the T2i for what it's worth.

 

[DMMoore]

Nikon, Canon, Olympus, and Pentax are all good brands. I use Canon mainly because...well...I've always used Canon I bought my first Canon when I was in high school, and have now been using them for a bit over 30 years. At the time I bought my first film SLR, way back in the stone age in 1976, Pentax and Olympus did not offer all of the capabilities and features I was looking for, and Nikon came with a much higher price tag simply because it was Nikon, but that's pretty much disappeared these days, and Nikon's prices are very competitive.

My advice, since you say you are a beginner, would be to seek out a good camera store in your area with knowledgeable sales people (yes, they are rare, but they can be found). Try out the cameras you are interested in at the store, and get a bit of a feel for them. Ask questions. Then make a choice. If you get in to it, good glass will be more expensive than the camera body. It won't be a fun experience if you buy in to a brand, acquire a few lenses, and then wish you had gone with a different brand.

One more thing, and this is a bit of a pet peeve with me. If you seek out a good camera store with knowledgeable people and tie up a major chunk of their time with your research, don't then turn in to Super Douche and buy the equipment online just to save a few bucks. People doing that are why good camera stores and knowledgeable sales people are becoming so scarce. If the store was helpful to you, be helpful to them and let them make the sale.

Finally, if you have any local friends who have DSLRs, see what they are shooting with. It can be useful to have a "common" mount among your friends. For example, one of my best friends also shoots with Canon. He tends to favor zoom lenses. I tend to favor primes (fixed focal length non-zooms) because I do a lot of low-light shooting. When he needs a prime, instead of buying it he bums one from me, and when I need a fancy zoom I bum one of his. Saves us both a lot of money if we only need a certain lens on rare situations.

Wow...didn't mean to write a new chapter to "War and Peace" there. Sorry for the length.

 

[Jim Hunt]

There are lots of used options out there too. Don't be afraid of an older camera like a Canon 20D which is just 8 megapixels. They can be a very good value and then you can buy some good lenses.

That said, I just purchased the Canon T2i (body only) over the weekend. It delivers tomorrow. From what I have read and my few minutes with one in the store makes me think it will be a great camera. The good news is I already have a nice compliment of glass to put on it.

 

[Steven Marshall]

Well I had fantastic luck buying a used Canon Rebel off of ebay for $200. Because I use it in the rain, the snow, the storms and even on the odd day, sunshine, I didnt want a brand new camera until I knew what I was doing. If this is your first DSLR, I would recommend a rebel...and maybe a used one. I treat mine like crap....it sits in the car all winter so I can cover news...and Ive had it out in the rain and it keeps on ticking.

I wouldnt give you a nickel for a canon camcorder but the Rebel is made of sterner stuff.

 

[Allan Jeffers]

If you want weathe proof you are going to be spending way more the 1k. Only canons 1 series cameras are weather proof an that is provided the lens is too and those lenses are not cheap... Well the 5DmkII and 7D are said to be weather sealed too but not like the 1 series

With that being said, I echo the t2i kit and maybe a rain coat for it.