Digital Cameras - IE (SLR Junkies)

[cakvalasc]

Ive always had a a knack for taking great pictures but never had a camera to really do some great things. I am looking for a SLR camera for a Xmas present. What would be a good suggestion for brand? Ive looked at Nikon, Canon, and Pentax and my price point for a starter camera is under $650.00.

Would any of our amazing photographers that visit mice-chat could give me some pointers?

[PhotoMatt]

The Nikon D40 is your best bet. For $650 you can often get the kit (body and 18-55mm lens) and another 55-200mm lens as well. This package is usually on sale at www.bhphotovideo.com. The kit is usually $499 (sometimes with a $50 rebate) and usually once a month they will have the package deal with the extra lens for an extra $100.

I'm sure some Canon fans will also want to offer their opinions, BUT, at the price range you are talking about I think Nikon is the clear winner.

[SCUBAbe]

I prefer canon, but I don't know what to refer for that price range. I know you can get one with a lens, but IMO the lenses that come bundled are not that great. I think the XSI may be in that price range. You'll probably find some sales the closer to christmas .

[cakvalasc]

I mean I could spend $1500.00 but for a starter kit I figured something around $650 would be a good start.

Thanks Photomatt for the link =) will be browsing that site!

[PhotoMatt]

Originally Posted by cakvalasc

I mean I could spend $1500.00 but for a starter kit I figured something around $650 would be a good start.

Thanks Photomatt for the link =) will be browsing that site!

If you have $1500 (or thereabout) the Nikon D90 and the Nikon 18-200mm DX lens would be perfect. It would actually cost a little bit more than that, but with that body and lens combination you could handle just about every situation that an amateur (which includes myself) would come across.

[Anders]

another canon fan here, I have a refurbed 30D and love it. The new 50D just came out and I don't know how it's performing, but I've heard good things from some people.

[cakvalasc]

Hmm Canon or Nikon.. ah cant decide :x

[Alan]

I have a Canon Rebel. The reason? It was the only one I could afford. Remember though, it's not the camera that makes a good photograph. It's what's behind the camera. Ansel Adams is a noted photographer but his lab people did a lot of work preparing those photos for printing.

[Sambo]

You have apparently not been spending much time in these forums. It clearly is THE CAMERA that makes you a professional - not the quality of your work...

[cakvalasc]

Well i understand its the person who takes the pictures who makes the art, makes the photo, makes the shot... But I dont want to be using something that I can't get the shot I want out of.

I found a Nikon 40x I am going to purchase at Bestbuy for $474.00 it comes with everything to start with... My classes I will be taking in Photography also recommeded this camera and a good novice starting camera!

[Sambo]

Not a bad choice. I think you'll like using it.

Be sure to post some of your work.

[cakvalasc]

I shall, we are planning a Disneyland Trip in January so I hope to use it quite a bit then But I will post some pictures of my native area here in New Mexico!

[cakvalasc]

Our trip is scheduled we leave Feb 22nd to the 26th, I have my new Nikon D40 with 18-55mm lens and a 55-200mm lens. I am excited so much to take some nice pictures of Disneyland!

Any suggestions on Camera Settings? Or should I just leave it on Automatic for the most part?

[Sambo]

If you don't have time to experiment and get the feel of the semi-auto modes - Shutter Priority or Aperture Priority, then yes - Automatic mode will give you the most pictures with consistent exposures.