Please Help Me Choose a DSLR

I am in the process of basically doing the same research. Deciding between Canon Xsi & Nikon D80 (now D5000). When I was doing my earlier research, I found that the D80 & Xsi were very close. But the D80 seemed to be a bit better. With the D5000 out, I think that is the direction I may go.

In terms of lenses, not sure what to tell you. Not sure if I want to get similar lens to what I have now, or get a 18-200mm and then a 300 or 400.

If you have an actual camera store near by, go talk to the reps there. You will probably get better info then a Best buy.

 

The Canon Rebel is one of the best selling digitals, as well.
I'm sure for a reason.

I belong to Flickr, and one of the features there is a widget that tells you what the most popular cameras are, with a bonus of looking at actual user photos!

I think the Rebel still tops the charts.

 

Are you dead set on a DSLR? If you are not, then you may want to look at the Canon SX1 IS. I've had my eye on this one. Reading a lot of reviews and comparisons, it appears to be the best "SLR-like" camera out there right now. 20x zoom (with very high quality optics), 10 Mpixels, CMOS chip (similar to most DSLRs, as opposed to the CCD chip). Incredible array of manual controls and features, including the ability to record HD movies! Very comfortable to grip and use the controls. Uses 4-AA NIMH batteries, which I find the most convenient.

Only downsides: can't accept other lenses (like a DSLR) - but you probably won't need to with the 20x zoom lens; rated as being "noisy" at the highest ISO settings - only a problem if you take a lot of pictures in a dimly-lit indoor setting.

 

I think a lot depends on what you are using your camera for. You should go to your local retail outlet and see/touch/feel what a current DSLR is with the desired lens group. Both Canon and Nikon make really good choices, If you are not a professional the minute differences between these models are insignificant. I have a Nikon D40X which is more than adequate for casual as well as professional use.

You just have to take the time to read, study, even take a class on the particular model you choose to get the full potential it offers. Then you still have to be able to take good pictures.
Some of these can get real heavy with a big zoom lens, not unlike the original Nikon F I still have. But I would not skimp on quality lenses or filters. The distortion on cheap lenses is not worth the money you save.

 

Proco, I too am considering a digital SLR and will probably go with the Canon since my son bought one a few months ago and has had great success with it. He has me interested in HDR which I had never heard of until he told me about it. For HDR you want a camera that offers auto bracketing, which both of the cameras you are considering offer.

Can you use lenses from the Canon film camera on a digital? Have I just learned something new?

In any event, one of the evaluations that I read recently suggested that one should give strong consideration to a particular camera if you own lenses that are compatible.

Take a look at Photomatix for an intro to HDR. Flickr has some great examples.

 

You can use any of the EOS lenses on the Canon DSLRs. However, unless you are using one of the Full Frame sensor bodies ($$$) you will get a frame crop which has the effect of giving you a longer lens (e.g. a 50mm lens will give the same effect as 1.6 x 50 = 80mm).

 

For a minute I thought I was on another forum. I just bought a Nikon D90 w 18-105VR lens. It is the best camera in it's price range for me. People like to argue, but you can't go wrong with a Canon or a Nikon. They are both geared for slightly different audiences, so a Canon may be the best choice for you (or because of the lenses you already own). PM if you want to compare notes, seems odd to elaborate on this forum.

 

I was surprised that's all, I was not criticizing, sorry if it came across that way.

 

You may also be surprised, midpack, at the range and depth of some of the discussions. Many days the emphasis is more on chat than Prius.

If you want car information, that's here. If you want more, that's here too.


edit: OK, back to cameras:

While I appreciate the quality photography of a 'real' camera, they're just too big and heavy for me. I have an older 'point and shoot', but it eats batteries and what I see isn't always what I get. Is there a happy medium?

 

I took a year to find my newest digital cam. During that time I settled on 'it' a few times, but technology comes so fast, by the time I was able to get to a store, I had choices I hadn't considered before. I finally took the leap and after a little buyer's remorse, I have enjoyed my purchase tremendously. BTW, I was looking for more of a mini point and shoot with lots of features so it would do no good to mention my actual purchase. I decided on my needs (very wide angle for Yosemite type big shots, super zoom for micro, battery type, overall size, and most important and the selling point of my purchase was the LENS.) I settled on a Leica lens attached to a P&S camera.

 

You might actually like something like the Canon SX1 IS. I have the Canon S5 IS which is the predecessor of the SX1. I also have a Canon Rebel XTi DSLR.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both. The DSLR has the advantage of instant on and low battery use in standby so it can always be ready to shoot. But the S5 is pretty versatile - you can treat it like a point and shoot (like my GF does) or you can use the Program and Manual modes to get more control over the camera. I would much rather lug the S5 around on a hike than the DSLR.

 

I went through this same process last fall. I ended up with the Canon XSi, I looked at both the Nikon D80, D60, and Canon XTi & XSi. The Canon seems to focus faster than the their Nikon counterparts, but I don't know if this is real or just perception. I think the real deciding point for me was that the Canon just had a better feel for me, in other words, the one that was the most comfortable.
As for quality in general, I think it's a coin flip, they're both top of the line.

 

It wasn't 'analysis paralysis' which stopped me in my tracks as I find that kinda fun. It was the price of a consumer item which will become obsolete before too long. Once I decided what I was willing to pay for the item I researched as to best fit my needs, I couldn't justify the high expense. Then I got an unexpected small windfall, and in my mind when I added 'my price/savings' to the windfall there was enough to purchase what I wanted using the amount of 'my' money and adding the extra from the windfall to make it a done deal. True, it's all justification in my mind, but it made the expense easier to justify. Although it may be more of a P&S than you wish for, I ended up very happy with a Panasonic Lumix with Leica 28mm lens. Although I didn't aim for the absolute smallest package, SIZE MATTERS. This camera fits in the cell phone compartment on the shoulder strap of my 'camel back' water pack, thereby being readily available for a quick shot.

 

My friend (professional diver) just bought an Olympus point and shoot underwater camera and is very happy with it.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/product/B001P06Q5C?tag=priuschatcom-20
You still will need to worry about condensation inside the case for your DSLR and maintaining the seals etc. The cases tend to be pretty expensive.

The Olympus also can be put in a case to extend the depth from 33 ft to 100ft.

Another friend who does a lot of underwater photography with a Nikonos SLR was impressed with the Olympus also. His Nikonos has flooded several times and he has seen fellow divers cameras/cases also fail.

If you buy the Olympus use CC to get that extended warranty coverage.

I bought a D90 for my daughter and I can highly recommend that camera. Takes impressive photos in auto mode. It would take you quite a long time to out grow the manual side. Also has video which is more of a gimmick but does do a pretty good job.