Florida GM Club

JonintheRedZ28

I'm looking into getting a digital SLR. The criteria I would like to have met is 10+ mp, SD support, and sub $1000. However, I want to make sure I get one that is a good entry-level SLR, but that is a little more high-end. What kinds of SLRs do some of you guys have?

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|Jon - JonintheRedZ28|1998 Chevy Camaro 5.7l LS1|FLGM Moderator|

InsaneSkippy

I have the Canon Rebel XTi. (aka 400D) Personally I've found it to be a great entry level DSLR. One of the photography magazines I own compared Nikon, Canon, and Fuji's entry level DSLRs. The 400D took the cake.

BoarderBob knows more about Nikon than I do though, so I'll wait for him to respond.

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JonintheRedZ28

That was one I was leaning towards.
I was also considering the Nikon D80.
Bob, any thoughts?

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|Jon - JonintheRedZ28|1998 Chevy Camaro 5.7l LS1|FLGM Moderator|

boarderbob

Oh! One of my favorite topics, photography. Granted, I'm not a professional so you can take what I say with a grain of salt. But here goes...

I'm assuming that you've scoped out the DSLR scene and that you understand it can get very expensive very quickly. Some of the associated costs:

• DSLR maintenance: Maintaining the sensor is very important and it requires an expert's hand and experience. A sensor cleaning averages $50.
• Lenses: Because the lenses are interchangeable you'll quickly find that you want a long lens, a wide lens, a fast lens, a sharp lens, etc. the list gets very long very quickly. A good lens will start around $500, and they can easily exceed $4000. These too must be properly maintained.
• Spare Equipment: There are a lot of accessories for DSLR's because they're aimed for users that want more than a snapshot. They start with batteries and vertical grips and move into dedicated flash units, filters, and tripods.

If you've done your homework then that was a waste of text, but if not then those are some things to consider. If you have thought about it and you really do want a consumer level DSLR then I would suggest the Nikon D80 and here's why:

• Versatility. You could probably pick this up with a lens, set it to Automatic, and take great photos. You could just as easily delve into the advanced world of photography with the assorted accessories.
• Physical Interface. Nikon has always in my opinion had a great design department. Every Nikon I've picked up feels great in my hands and very sturdy, including the D80. Everything from the eyepiece to the LCD to the grip feels and fits nicely.
• Quality. Speaking in terms of of photographic needs, this has a step in every direction. The image quality is top of the line along with detail and color reproduction. The autofocus system is from the Nikon D200, a professional DSLR, so it's a proven reliable system. And it controls noise wonderfully, only when you get to ISO 1600 does it come close to being a problem.

The only item that may be of concern is the difference in price, but in my opinion the D80 makes up that difference with what it offers. I shoot with Nikon but I hold nothing against Canon, I have shot with Canon before. Since I'm not a professional I offer two reviews, from dPreview and PopPhoto.

I hope that helps a little, and I hope that I wasn't overly enthusiastic.

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JonintheRedZ28

Well actually Bob, that was a helpful post, cause the place I was looking at the D80 and the Rebel XTi, the D80 was about 70 dollars cheaper.

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|Jon - JonintheRedZ28|1998 Chevy Camaro 5.7l LS1|FLGM Moderator|

boarderbob

I'm glad I can be of service.

Another thought here. Check out the Buying Guide that dPreview offers, even though it seems as though you have it narrowed down rather nicely. And as a vendor, I've always used B&H with great success, they have everything you could or would need. And if you don't mind I'd like to know which one choose, to satisfy my own curiosity.

On a side note, if you purchase it in a package deal, the 18-55mm lens is a great choice. Especially for an introduction to DSLR photography.

And here is a kit I found with B&H. I know, I know... I'm getting carried away.

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JonintheRedZ28

No you're not getting carried away lol you're quite a help, I was looking at a kit, it will most likely be a birthday present so I may not get one until August. But I definitely will keep you appraised of how I choose

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|Jon - JonintheRedZ28|1998 Chevy Camaro 5.7l LS1|FLGM Moderator|

boarderbob

It's good to see you're doing your homework on the matter.

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JonintheRedZ28

After careful consideration, I think I will be aiming for the Nikon D80, since the place I was looking has them for about 30 dollars cheaper than the Rebel XTi.

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|Jon - JonintheRedZ28|1998 Chevy Camaro 5.7l LS1|FLGM Moderator|

InsaneSkippy

You'll love it, I don't regret getting a SLR at all.

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