Hey! I thought y’all would be great to ask for opinions on camera options. The blog world seems to be divided into 2 categories:
Nikon lovers
and
Canon Rebel lovers
If you have a fancy DSLR camera, what kind do you have?
Tell me what you love about yours. I’m in the market to upgrade to an entry level DSLR (not a high-end one!) and would love to hear what you have, why you like it or just some suggestions on what to look for.
I’m a complete novice when it comes to DSLR, but I think it might be time to upgrade from my Canon Powershot, which has served me well for 2 years. I know enough to know that photography can be an expensive hobby and I don’t want to go Pro, just want to improve my photos and have fun with it, since blogging is SO much about good pics.
Lens upgrade: I also know that investing in a good lens upgrade is crucial too (and hear that the lens is MORE important than the camera), so I’d love to hear all about lens options and why you like them. If I do only get one lens upgrade, which one should it be? I’m saving my pennies for this!
I’m leaning towards a Canon Rebel entry level (simply because a lot of my friends have them), but am not sure what the different variations mean on the end of the Rebel, like xsi or xst, so if you have any insight on that, I’d love to hear it.
I can read all sorts of reviews online, but I figure that YOU are the ones to ask. Those of you who love photography and have been using a DSLR are the best ones to share your knowledge. I will read every comment and try to digest it all. I want to be sure I’m making the BEST choice for me.
Let’s hear it, please!
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The giveaway winner for the Scotch-Brite cleaning products is lucky #10, Kelsey. Please send me your mailing address and I’ll get them out to you, hope you enjoy!
Kelsey April 18, 2010 at 7:15 pm
I could always use some new cleaning tools to get me cleaning!
Hi – good luck with your camera search! I just went through the same thing.
For $620 I bought the Nikon D3000 with an external flash and a camera bag with cleaning kit and tripod – I got everything at amazon even though I looked locally as well. I am very, very happy with the camera. The lens that came with the camera works beautifully for me. I will buy a new lens at some point, but haven’t felt the need yet. The improvements from my point-and-click to the Nikon D3000 are amazing without the additional cost of another lens.
My understanding is that lenses vary depending on what you use your camera for. My research indicated that if you shoot a lot indoors (and I do) and external flash is more important than another lens. But, hey, I’m a novice.
Hi Rhoda, I’ve been following for a while but never commented. I LOVE your house and all your ideas and I’m a huge fan! I live in Birmingham too. When I saw this post I wanted to throw my 2 cents in, just because I have actually owned both the Nikon D60 and the Canon Rebel T1i (which is just the upgraded version of the XSi.) In my opinion, the Canon Rebel is MUCH more user friendly, has a much faster shutter speed (so that you don’t EVER have to use a flash indoors unless there is absolutely NO light, which makes for MUCH better pictures.) With the Nikon, you had to flip through the menu buttons to adjust your settings; with the Canon, all your settings can be adjusted by the touch of one button.
As for lenses, if you really want a great one that is WONDERFUL for photographing both people and interiors, I would go with a Tamron Wide Angle lens. You can find them at BHPhoto online and also on Amazon. The extremely wide angle of this lens will let you photograph literally an entire room while standing in the room itself and not outside the door! It also allows you to get close-ups with the subject in-focus and the background blurry. If you would like the link to the exact lens I am talking about, let me know through my email or leave me a comment on my blog! All pictures on my blog are taken with this very lens.
Sorry this is such a long comment! Love your blog!
I started out with the Nikon D60 and the first lens I bought other than the kit lens was the 50mm 1.8. I loved my D60 with all of my heart and my 50mm….I think that was absolutely perfect to learn on. Now, I have upgraded to a D90 and 50mm 1.4 and am loving those as well. Good luck and congrats on the camera purchase. 🙂
I started with Nikon because it just felt better in my hands. I began with the Nikon D60 (replaced by the Nikon D3000) but upgraded to the Nikon D90 within 9 months.
My recommendation: Nikon D90 plus Nikon 50mm f1.8 or Nikon 35mm f1.8.
I love my Canon XSi. With the newer Canon T1i, you can get great deals on the XSi. Unless you really want video, that is what I would go with. The hardest part is making up your mind.
I just got the Canon Rebel T2i and I love it! I usedthe kit lens and the 50mm 1.8 and they are both nice. The difference from my point and shoot is amazing. I got it from Costco because they have a 90 day return period. This was my first DSLR so I was not sure if I would like it. It is easy to use and there seems to be unlimited options but I am still in autofocus mode!
Hi Rhoda, I use a Canon Rebel Xsi and I LOVE it!!! I just use the standard lens that came with it. I bought mine through QVC because they had an easy-pay option and you can pay it off over 3 or 4 months interest free! It’s really easy to use and I mostly just use the automatic mode without a flash. It’s amazing how well it works even in dimly lit rooms! I get so many compliments on my photography and it’s actually just the camera! haha!
I purchased the Canon XSi about 2 months ago… Love it. Actually purchased it on sale with Sears through online “LAYAWAY”. If I’m not mistaken, they do pricematch as well.
I use a Nikon D60. I like it but it does have a tendency to “blow out” reds. Whatever you choose, learn to set your white balance and to set your shutter speed and fstop manually…it will open up a whole new world for you! I purchased gray cards from ebay and they help me to set my white balance…
Good Luck!
I enjoy your blog very much, thanks for all the good stuff 😀