Need advice. Digital SLR Camera

[raythompson]

FX format is a full size sensor that is the same size as a 35mm frame. The only real advantage is more pixel space with reduced noise as the sensor elements are larger. For most consumers you will see very little benefit.

DSLR's are like most technology of today, it is out of date (fashion) six months later. You have to buy based on what exists. If you keep waiting on the next big event you will wait forever. Buy what lenses you need when you buy the camera and be happy. A good DSLR will serve you many years.

[dogbert]

My 3 year old Digital Rebel XTi still takes great pictures. At 8 or 10 megapixels, not sure how much extra resolution I need.

Of course, I paid way more than thtrog.

[thtrog]

Yeah, I did came across a good deal, but it is a 3 year Nikon D70s. Target had the Canon XT in-store only on closeout a couple weeks ago for $349.99.

[kenr08]

Hey guys, thanks for the great information. Bottom line is I guess I need to go to the camera store and check out the different models. Right now I plan on checking out the Cannons and Nikons.

One other question. What lenses do you guys recommend getting and are there off brands that are good or should I stick with the name brand? Again, I really want it to shoot action shots of my kid's sports and then of course other family events.

[raythompson]

Stick with the name brand lenses. Best to get a lens from the same manufacturer as compatibility will not be an issue. Get a moderate wide/telephoto zoom lens for all around stuff. Something that covers the 25mm to 80mm equivalent range. It will be different for digital as I use a 12-60 zoom that is a 24 to 120 equivalent based on my sensor size. It is my workhorse lens and serves 90% of my uses. Most cameras have something within that range.

A long telephoto is really only good for sports, high ISO, low noise cameras. Unless you do a lot of sports the long zoom will be seldom used. I do weddings, portraits, and some sports. I only use the zoom during football and soccer and in some cases the zoom was too long of a lens. All other applications I use the 12-60.

Get the best glass you can afford. The more expensive the lens generally the better the glass. Skimp on the glass and you will quickly regret the decision and will wind up paying more when eventually get the more expensive glass.

When you make your decision visit B&H Photo Video (www.bhphotovideo.com) or Adorama for good prices. Both outfits are reputable and highly regarded among photographers. If a local supplier can come within 5% of B&H then go local for the support and comfort. Just be aware of the web suppliers. And B&H tends to have just about everything you can imagine.

Again I personally don't think you need anything beyond 10 megapixels. You can crop and get still amazing detail.

Also get a couple of additional memory cards. I tend to stick with smaller cards (<= 2 gig) as I don't want all my eggs in one basket. If I photograph a wedding the loss of a single card is not a disaster, just a major problem. Get high speed cards from a reputable source. Kingston is excellent and warrants the cards forever and pays shipping both ways. I have had two cards fail (extensively used) that were replaced with newer models no questions asked. When I get a single failure I do not attempt to ever use the card again even if the failure can be repaired by formatting. Lexar and Sandisk also make some excellent cards. Just get the premium (and higher priced) cards.

Get the dedicated flash for the camera, a flash bracket, and the off camera cord. This will reduce red eye and help with shadow reduction for portrait orientation photographs. The flash will cost, the bracket and cord are not that expensive and are well worth it.

Always format the card in the camera before using. Do not use a computer to format the card. Minimize the deleting you do in-camera. Download the pictures to your computer and then toss them. Deleting seems to cause more corrupting than anything else. Also, never let your card fill up completely. Leave room for a half dozen or so pictures. The space left is only a guess and that last image may take more room than is available and in some cases that corrupts the card.

And most importantly, enjoy whatever you purchase. Backup to DVD in case (or when)your hard drive crashes.

[empty_boat]

REBEL

We have a Rebel and use it a lot. Very easy even for the camera impaired.

[hoopykat]

When you make your decision visit B&H Photo Video (www.bhphotovideo.com) or Adorama for good prices. Both outfits are reputable and highly regarded among photographers. If a local supplier can come within 5% of B&H then go local for the support and comfort. Just be aware of the web suppliers. And B&H tends to have just about everything you can imagine.

Thanks for the link Ray...like I needed another site to spend lots of money at!

-Mike

[TeamAllen]

I bought my Camera at Costco. They also carry Canon.

The whole bundle was $849.

Nikon D60 Digital SLR Camera Body
18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Zoom NIKKOR Lens
55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom NIKKOR Lens
Software Suite CD-ROM
2 Nikon School DVDs - Understanding Digital Photography - Release Your Digital DSLR's Potential
Bonus Accessories:
1GB SD Memory Card
DSLR Camera Bag

Those camera sites, Ray referenced, are good companies to deal with.

I like reading about cameras at this site. http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/
The new Nikon D90 has the ability to capture video, so you might be able to catch something, without reaching for the camcorder.

[jwanck11]

I have a Canon XTI and love it.



What is an FX format? Will my XTI convert to it?

No, your camera will not "convert" to FX.

FX/DX/MF, etc is the size of the frame/sensor that is built into your camera.... effectively it is the space that captures the image that you are taking.

The FX format will bring a huge difference and it will be coming sooner rather than later (it is all ready here on more expensive models.) DX (the sensor size of the cameras listed here) is effectively a 1.5X crop factor handicap.

What does this mean in practical terms? Now that digital is on par with film, people want to blow up shots again, frame and display. An FX sensor will make mountains of difference. I am not sure how this can be viewed otherwise?

In any case Tall, just make sure the lens(es) you buy are not specifically DX lenses as FX lenses will still work on DX cameras - and you will be setting yourself up well for the future.

[jwanck11]

Hey guys, thanks for the great information. Bottom line is I guess I need to go to the camera store and check out the different models. Right now I plan on checking out the Cannons and Nikons.

One other question. What lenses do you guys recommend getting and are there off brands that are good or should I stick with the name brand? Again, I really want it to shoot action shots of my kid's sports and then of course other family events.

Yes, you do need to do that. They might even let you rent cameras/lenses to test drive... ask!

Look at photozone.de for good lens reviews
dpreview is an awesome site
kenrockwell has very very good reviews

Yes, you can go off brand, but you will get what you pay for. Make sure you read up on reviews. Look at the techie stuff but dont get too hung up on it. Any lens can take a great picture!

As far as specific lenses in the Nikon line up there are two very good lenses to look at 18-135 and a 18-200 zoom. Both will allow you to take good close up shots and also allow you to get shots quite far away from the action. I will post a few shots for reference.

These are all taken with an 18-200 to give you perspective of the verstaility of having such a range. I also threw in an action shot so you can see how a decent (read as decent consumer lens captures action.) It is my son and he throws about 35 to 40 mph. Notice that you can almost read the wording on the ball. It really is a one size fits all. Note that the pict of the tractor is taken from a hay wagon while moving!!! Look at the tack sharpness of the image. That is one other thing - Make sure you look into vibration reduction - especially if you want to take boating picts!!

[dogbert]

What kind of tractor is that?

[jwanck11]

Edit to above! The shots at the Phillies games are from the same camera/lens. Notice that zoomed that far out... even at major league speeds, you can still pick up the ball and the number on the jersey is quite sharp.

Now, here is the real difference: same camera (D80) with a pro-lens. This will show you the difference that good glass makes. This is a 70-200 f/2.8 which has an amazingly fast Zoom. It is a ~$1800 lens that I also use it for portraits. The camera is set up manually, but I wont go into the specific settings. Notice that basically all action is completely frozen right down the the dust particles while being as sharp as it gets. Again, play around at a store, see what you like.

Do make sure to also look at burst rate as this might be important to you as well.

[jwanck11]

What kind of tractor is that?

With all the rust, you might think it is a Ford, but it is a Case.

[dogbert]

I know it's a Case. I own one. Mine's a 1973 480 Construction King.

[TeamAllen]

Great pics J!

I mentioned the New Nikon D90 takes video. It is the first DSLR to take HD Video.