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!
I have a Nikon D5000. It take great photos and it very easy to use.
As with most cameras, you will still need two different lenses in order to get the best photos for interiors – a wide angle and a lens for fine detail. I have not bought those yet and the lens the D5000 comes with is sufficient. Camera is around $500 and well worth it! Hope that helps.
I am so glad you asked this. I too need a new camera. I need more zoom but the fancy cameras scare me. I am not a photographer. I can’t wait to keep up with your responses so I can figure this out too!
I’m sitting on the edge of my seat to see what advice you get. I too am ready to upgrade to an entry level DSLR, but I have absolutely no idea which one to get.
🙂
ButterYum
Hi Rhoda-
I have a Canon Rebel XSi that I bought about 2 months ago.
Why Canon? Honestly because I found a kit for the camera and lens at Sam’s Club for less that $600. I could not find a Nikon in that price range.
I love it, but I have so much to learn to fully use it. Best Buy offers classes, and I plan to take one.
I did keep my small, light digital point and shoot. Why? Because after I took my ‘big’ camera to Round Top, I realized that carrying around a big, expensive camera in my cart, while at the flea market, was awkward- for me. My point and shoot fits in my pocket.
I have had luck with Overstock for cameras and accessories.
Good luck Rhoda!
PS. I am struggling with taking pictures inside of furniture groupings- they seem small in the photo.
I am working on that.
I just purchased a Canon Rebel XSi and LOVE LOVE LOVE it. I am still in the learning phase of using a DSLR but have achieved some amazing shots simply using the full auto mode. You can check out my blog for photos if you are interested. Most are of my 6 month old son.
I’m a SONY girl. I’ve never gone with the flow of public opinion & love, love, love the pictures I get with it.
Have fun making a decision.
Rhoda, I recently got a Canon SX10IS (Powershot) and am very happy with it. (I like it for its size – though it is bigger than regular point and shoot cameras, it’s not quite as big as DSLR.We have a really nice Nikon 35mm (not digital) that we bought some years ago and upgraded the lens and it takes fabulous pics as well. Also, we bought our daughter a Canon Rebel (not digital) years ago, so I am sure their digital Rebel is excellent. I really don’t think you can go wrong. But Pat @backporchmusings is an absolute photography expert. I would go with what she says (I think Canon Rebel) and save yourself some confusion. Linda
My husband just purchased a Canon TS2. It is brand new just came out from Canon. It is wonderful and also has video on it. The picture quality is wonderful I belive it has 18mega pixels.
Rhoda, I am using a Nikon D40 of a friends right now to decide which I would rather have. I have always been a Cannon girl myself. So far it seems pretty basic to use and takes great pictures. Two things I have noticed: Nikon seems to be much more expensive to purchase, and to have repaired. Cannons are much more affordable and you can purchase accessories to use with it of some other brands. With a Nikon, you can only use Nikon products. I look forward to seeing what all everyone else has to say.
Happy Wednesday!
Jen
I have to respectfully disagree, and I mean well. 😉
“With a Nikon, you can only use Nikon products.”
is simply not true.
Since you’re researching and misinformation like this could change your opinion, I think it’s important to do your research either way. Although, it sounds like you already made up your mind since you named a very specific Canon model but only named Nikon as the brand.
Either way – congrats on this big purchase!
I have the Canon Rebel XS. I love it! The lenses are affordable too. The lens that I keep on my camera the majority of the time is the “nifty fifty.”
It’s the 50mm f1.8. The images are just beautiful. It gives good bokeh as well.
Having owned both a Canon and a Nikon DSLR, I don’t think you can wrong with either. Both take fantastic photos and are relatively easy to use. We were gifted a new Nikon DSLR (D200 – not entry level but wish it was) and bought the 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 G VR lens to go with it. It’s a very versatile (and good!) starter lens. I loved my canon (XTi-entry level) that I had before we got the nikon, but i did struggle with the images coming out a little dark when on the auto setting. Before we got the Nikon, I had always been a Canon girl, but now I really love them both.
Hi Rhoda:) How fun to be stepping into the DSLR ring, you will LOVE it:))
I have always shot with Canon’s starting with a great point and shoot and then working my way up to the 5D MK 2 that I have now. The Rebel xsi is a fantastic transition camera because you have the ease to set it as a point and shoot while learning about the other creative functions it has to offer. The menu is very user friendly and it takes the standard SD cards which you can plug into most laptops. Not to mention the clear and crisp images you can get straight out of the camera due to the amazing function of the DIGIC III processor, plus a 12.2-megapixel CMOS Sensor. I also love the large LCD screen on the back of the camera which for my middle aged eyes was much needed:)) I think you can find the camera in a kit with the 18-55 mm lens for around $500~$600. The kit lens would offer you the flexibility of shooting wide angle and mid range. Hope I don’t sound too much like a Canon comercial, but I think you would be happy with this camera.
Here is a link for you to look at from one of the places I like to buy equipment from~http://www.adorama.com/ICADRXSIBKG.html
Blessings,
Carol
I have a Nikon D90, had it about a year, and I love it. I looked at kenrockwell.com, as well as cnet.com and a few others, to help me decide. It’s been so much fun, and what I like about my camera is that my pics look pretty good, even though I still am a total novice.
Rhoda, you know me, I am a Canon Rebel kinda girl.
The letters Xti mean the next generation…as inCanon Xsi is a newer generation than the Xti. Improvements are apparently made with each generation. I want to upgrade from the Xti, soon. I will just buy the body of the camera since I have a good collection of lenses going. Maureen has given me excellent advice in my selection of lenses.
The Canon kit lens is an 18-55. I used that lens for a few months while I became acquainted with the Rebel. The photos with this lens are okay, but you will notice a decided difference when you go with other lenses. I haven’t used it since I purchased my first upgrade lens.
My first purchased extra lens was the Tamron 18-200 Macro, which serves me well. Most of the photos you see. at the Back Porch, are done with that lens. The next lens I purchased is the Canon 50mm, which I use for a lot of food shots. It is actually an excellent portrait lens. With Maureen’s help, I purchased a Canon 70-200 zoom lens. I get great outdoor shots with that one, as well as indoors. It’s a large lens and a tad heavy. I believe you will find the 18-200mm a good first lens for your camera, should you decide to go with Canon.
If you haven’t already downloaded a couple of good free editing programs I want to recommend Picasa 3 and Photoscape. I think other like the Photoshop Elements, as well. I love the effects of Photoscape and Picasa 3. One thing I like about Picasa three is the straightening tool…absolutely invaluable. I use it when I have slanted rooms and leaning trees.:-)
I also recommend the purchase of UV filters,etc. These not only help with the quality of your photos they protect your lens.
Play around with your new camera, set on auto, until you get use to the feel. These are heavier than the point and shoots. But, try using manual settings and playing around with manual focus…there is so much you can do with those options, whether shooting indoors or out. I always shoot in the RAW mode.
A tripod is a must, as far as I am concerned, for room and table shots. I also get around using the tripod by using stacked books etc, to rest the camera on. Use the timer for good clear shots, without flash.
I have a couple of links I use for photography tips and I recently bought Digital Photography Book #1 and plan to buy Book #2, soon. E-mail me, if you would like to have those links or have any questions.
Classes are available for Digital Photography, but I am strictly self taught. I have had good luck with that method.:-) The Canons will accept lenses from other manufacturers, as in Tamron. Tamron is a tad less pricey than Canon.
J is not comfortable using my Rebel, so we purchased the Canon G11, for him. It’s a great little camera. It really takes good photos for a point and shoot. I like to use it for quick shots at flea mkts and those kinds of places.
I want to purchase a wide angle lens and another macro lens. I use the camera for the blog, but photography has turned into an amazing hobby, for me. I find myself reading about photography, browsing the photography sections at Best Buy etc and I love visiting camera stores. Who knew I would develop such an interest in this new hobby, in my “golden years”. I am so thankful I found the world of blog which lead to this new interest. Photography is an ongoing learning experience, that I hope will keep my mind as sharp as possible.
Good luck in your camera buying adventures.
Hi, Pat, thanks for chiming in with your wealth of knowledge! Your email you sent me awhile back was very helpful, but this post is even better & hopefully some others who are thinking about this can take notes too.
There’s SO much to learn with all of this! I know I will need to keep my current Canon Powershot handy too & will probably still be using it some of the time.
Hey, Rhoda! You will love the Canon xsi. That’s what I bought last summer after saving more than pennies! I’ve always used Canon and am more comfortable with it. This is a big decision! Prayer helps too! Mine was offered in a bundle deal last year with Ritz Photo. That means that I was able to purchase another lens–the telephoto– for a fraction of what it sells for. And, it’s a great lens for my boys and their sports. If you want to see some of the shots, go to susanhoodphotography.com.
Since I am using this camera for my photo business, the lens of choice for me is the 50 mm 1.8. What that means is the lens is fixed…you have to step up or back to your subject to focus. The 1.8 is the f/stop which is what lets in your light. There are tons of research about this on the computer…very helpful. Let me know what you decide and if you have other questions, I would love to share with you what I’ve learned. You’ve been so kind to us in bloggyland with sharing your decorating tips! You will love this camera!!!
Hugs!
Susan
Rhoda, I’ve been unoffically following your blog for a while now…I wanted to let you know that I’m trying my hand at blogging myself…of course I’m just getting started so it isn’t quite where I want it to be yet…please visit me if you get the chance…I love coming to your blog and seeing all your thrifty finds…nothing better that turning someone funky into something amazing! Have a great day Rhoda! God bless you! Robyn and Daisy Mae in KY
I have a Nikon D40 that my husband surprised me with a few years ago right before I started the blog. I love it but have nothing to compare it to. But my sister has a D80 or 90 and loves hers too.
I’ve thought about getting one of those fancy flashes that point to the ceiling since lots of my photos are inside–those make it look better than the regular flash that I refuse to use.
No matter what you get you will love it!
I failed to leave my blog address in my comment…it is http://www.foresthillsroad.blogspot.com…sorry! Robyn and Daisy Mae in KY
I have a Canon Rebel and love it. You can visit my blog and look at some pictures that I have taken with it. http://www.feedsacking.blogspot.com
Might I suggest checking out Ken Rockwell’s site. He is a professional photographer but gives great insights and opinions on all cameras.
http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/recommended-cameras.htm