Buying a digital SLR camera

**Argyle** · 02-12-2007, 08:59 PM

Well...it is time to upgrade! I am looking at getting the Olympus E-500. It is an 8 mega pixel camera that comes with 2 lenses for $800.00

Has anyone heard anything about it, or should i be looking in another direction?

Gaffa · 02-12-2007, 09:45 PM

Argyle,

For less than an grand go with a Canon or a Nikon. I use Canons. Have done for years. The original Canon Rebel Digital is now cheaper due to the new xti. The $200/300 bucks you'll save can be put toward some good glass (lens). Don't get too concerned with the body you buy. A good lens will produce much better pics. Canon and nikon have a far more extensive lens range. Kit lens' are generally crap. My 10 cents worth. Good luck.

First post in ages!!

Keeper · 02-12-2007, 10:30 PM

I agree completely.

Just have a quick peek at the Canon XTi and you'll find not only a better camera (e.g. faster continuous shooting 3fps vs. Olympus' 2.5; 10mp vs Olympus' 8mp) for just about the same price, but there is also a wider selection of lenses.

Also, take heed to Gaffa's comment regarding lenses. Put more money into glass rather than the bodies. Glass is forever, but you can always buy new bodies over the years.

I can't speak much for Nikon, although I have friends that swear by them. My advice would be to go window shopping, handle both Nikon and Canon and make your choice. Between the two, I think it's just a matter of personal preference -- the way it feels in your hands, responsiveness, egonomics, logistics, etc.

And have fun -- no matter what you buy, trust me, you'll love it!

trece verde · 02-13-2007, 11:09 AM

Argyle:

Personal preference was for the Bro-in-law's digital Rebel - no experience with Nikon gear, but the Canon was great. Really good fit in the hand, good variety on the lenses, both the legacy ones from the film SLR and the new digital-specific ones.

Where it really shone was taking action shots. We gave it a really tricky test by shooting Demonspawn #1 in action at an outdoor swim meet. Nice work for a fast zoom lens: bright sunlight, lots of reflection off the water, and trying to catch a kid in mid-dive from the other end of the pool. The results? Fantastic.

The only caveat is that there is no facility to just hold the shutter open and shoot a movie clip; instead, you get rapid-fire with quick exposures.

Hope this helps...

Trece

**bonefish** · 02-13-2007, 04:34 PM

My Dad has the original Rebel DSLR and it is pretty nice with even the default glass(lens).

[Insert Shameless Plug] If you are interested in a Sony DSC-717 I have one available. It is not DSLR but it has a pretty wide feature set and takes some decent photos. The fixed lens is very versatile 2.4-8 so although you can't change it, it covers a whole lot of ground without having to carry around lenses.[Exit Shamless Plug]

**Argyle** · 02-14-2007, 09:58 AM

Thanks boys...the information has been very helpful...and my mind that was once made up...is now all over the place!!

So...is this one that you would all recomend?

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...10084254&catid=

Thanks for the offer bonefish...but I really want to get into an SLR.

Keeper · 02-14-2007, 10:22 AM

If money is an issue (it usually is), that set up would be OK for a beginner. You'll find yourself so overwhelmed with the joy of a digital SLR that the quality of the lens won't bother you too much. But don't be surprised when you tire of the toy-like quality of those lenses. I don't mean to sound uppity -- I've got pretty lame glass as well -- but soon you'll find yourself wishing you'd bought better glass (particularly the 75-300).

Granted, it's a good start and it'll get you going in a hurry. I suggest you accessorize your body with a fast-access/write memory card -- nothing is worse than having to wait around for the buffer to empty itself when you're trying to take a series of action shots.

Nevertheless, you'll find you can make up for some of the softness of the lenses with a bit of photoshopping. I'm not sure if the latest editions still come with a copy of photoshop, but you'll need it.

**bonefish** · 02-14-2007, 10:48 AM

Review for first lens

Quote:

Summary and conclusions
The 18-55/3.5-5.6 is a very good lens for $100. It's weaknesses show up at the ends of its zoom range (18mm and 55mm), especially in the corners of the frame when used wide open where resolution and contrast can be rather poor. To get decent sharpness in the corners requires stopping to f8 at 18mm or f11 at 55mm - but you still won't get the same image quality as you would from a a prime or "L" series zoom lens. In the mid range (28mm), performance is pretty good at both center and edge. For a cheap, plastic mount, low end consumer lens, the 18-55 is certainly better than I would have expected. It's not a rival for an "L" series lens, but much of the time it can hold it's own against Canon's full frame coverage mid-range consumer lenses, especially in the center of the frame.

Canon EF-S 18-55/3.5-5.6 Lens for the Digital Rebel

Review for the 2nd Lens

Quote:

the new EF70-300/4-5.6 IS fits the bill as an ideal "walking around" lens for nature, travel and sports photographers. It's small enough and light enough to carry around as part of a kit (it would pair well with an EF-S 17-85/3.5-5.6 USM) and the image quality and stabilization are improved enough over the old lens to justify its additional cost

Canon EF 70-300/4-5.6IS USM Lens Review

The first lens, according to the review will need some "learning" to maximize the quality of photos but the 2nd lens is more forgiving. If you buy Keeper a bevie or two I am sure he would let you pick his brain about Lens options. You shold have the option of buying the XTR body only and then you can use the money you save to buy the exact lens you want. FWIW, the 2 lens will probably be great starter lens.

**Argyle** · 02-14-2007, 10:59 AM

Ok...so what body would be a better one to start with? The XT - 8MP or the XTI - 10.1MP?

**bonefish** · 02-14-2007, 11:33 AM

I would think the XTI which features the self-cleaning sensor. Ithe 10MP Sensor will give you some better post processing results.

From DPReview(A great resource)
Canon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTi Review: 29. Conclusion: Digital Photography Review

Keeper · 02-14-2007, 11:38 AM

I'd have to check the specs, but honestly, the difference between 8 & 10mp is negligable (sp?). You need to ask yourself what you plan to primarily use the camera for.

Web/posting photos? Emailing to family and friends?

Do you (or family) want to print them? If so, how big?

The answers to these questions will help you to determine your needs. More pixels means you can crop more and still retain resolution and be able to print nicely. Likewise, with more pixels, you can blow up your photos to poster size -- but, really -- how many times are you going to do that?

For having nice photos to email, post on the internet and even make nice prints up to and including 8x10, even a 5mp camera will do fine.

Therefore, focus not on the megapixels, but on the other features. How does it feel in your hands? Do you want a fast frames-per-second rate (great for sports). Buffer size for taking lots of large photos in succession? Screen size (bigger is nicer). Good quality (little "noise") at higher ISO speeds (you'll need to use upwards of 800 and 1600 for darker days and evenings for action).

In all honesty, the XTi will probably give you best bang for your buck. It's newer, has more features and greater flexibility.

Oh, the fun you'll have.

**bonefish** · 02-14-2007, 11:51 AM

Girls loving posing for a Big Lens!!

**Argyle** · 02-14-2007, 12:01 PM

Again...you have given me more to think about.

The main use of the camera will be for emailing and printing. Usually 5x7 but occasionally 8x10. I just want to make sure that i get a camera that I will have the flexability to try things out, and not have to replace within the next few years.

Like I said...I am a beiginer...but would like to learn and take some classes.

**Argyle** · 02-15-2007, 11:07 AM

Ok...now after stoping at the local camera store last night...the so called expert...tells me that the best camera for the money is the Olympus E-500. He compared it with the Cannon XT and said that the E-500 comes out ahead in way more area's than it falls behind. Especially in the lens department.

Guess that I have more to think about...

**bonefish** · 02-15-2007, 12:33 PM

For 400 I have a very good 5MP camera(box, filter, leather case). That has Let me know if you want to try it out for a weekend to see if it fits.

Gaffa · 02-15-2007, 10:27 PM

Argyle,

Go read many of the DSLR websites and forums. You'll get some more good opinions there. Truth is you'll be even more confused and thats the reason why I'd go with the tried and tested. (Canons/Nikons)

Something to think about...I have a Canon lens that is 17 years old. Because of the system canon has built since the inception of the EOS series that lens works perfectly with any DSLR camera Canon have ever build or will ever build.

You want a Lada with all bells 'n' whistles or a bog standard BMW?

FCbytca · 07-03-2007, 11:13 PM

Just got the Rebel XTi yesterday and man its sweet, I think i've taken 400 pix allready...anyone thinking of getting one should do so, money well spent

**Yoda** · 12-30-2007, 05:52 PM

My/Our final Christmas Gift this year was a Nikon D40x with standard 18-55mm Nikkor lens.
Had it for only a couple of hours and it's phenomenal. We too were comparing the XTi and the D40/D40x. 2 Reasons we went with Nikon was it was more comfortable and the wife was familiar with the Nikons because they use a D200 at their office. Also it was cheaper right now than the XTi, so i guess that's 3 reasons.

Glad to get back into the SLR's again. Sold my Canon Elan II years ago to buy a digital 4MP. Missed it the second i sold it.

We'll be looking for a 55-200mm lens soon. Anyone recommend the best places for buying lenses as far as price? Store? Online? eBay?

FCbytca · 12-30-2007, 07:22 PM

i go for expert advice to kerrisdale camera, prices, u have to shop around, the more advaced lences at 900$ up u'll have to order online or through retailers

Freddy · 01-02-2008, 01:00 PM

Once you find the camera/lenses you are looking for, you will likely find best prices in the US - probably from New York as there are a pile of e-retailers there. Make sure you do your homework on their worthiness (read the responding comments from sites such as cnet: CNET editors' digital SLR camera buying guide - CNET reviews and many others). You can always buy it and ship to to Point Roberts to TSB shipping. They charge about $3 per package to receive this for you.

I did see my excellent Canon lens at Costco for about half the price I paid for it 1.5 years ago. Keeper had suggested the 70-300 IS (Image Stabilization). This is one of the best lenses for soccer and peeping Tom stuff.

02-12-2007, 08:59 PM	#1 (permalink)
Argyle TTP Thread Nazi A Better Bastard Joined: Feb 2002 Location: death's door... Posts: 1,585 Images: 50 TTP Friends: (0)	Buying a digital SLR camera Well...it is time to upgrade! I am looking at getting the Olympus E-500. It is an 8 mega pixel camera that comes with 2 lenses for $800.00 Has anyone heard anything about it, or should i be looking in another direction?

02-12-2007, 09:45 PM	#2 (permalink)
Gaffa Member Joined: Jul 2001 Location: Connaught Park Posts: 264 TTP Friends: (0)	Re: Buying a digital SLR camera Argyle, For less than an grand go with a Canon or a Nikon. I use Canons. Have done for years. The original Canon Rebel Digital is now cheaper due to the new xti. The $200/300 bucks you'll save can be put toward some good glass (lens). Don't get too concerned with the body you buy. A good lens will produce much better pics. Canon and nikon have a far more extensive lens range. Kit lens' are generally crap. My 10 cents worth. Good luck. First post in ages!!

02-12-2007, 10:30 PM	#3 (permalink)
Keeper Member Joined: Jul 2001 Location: - Posts: 5,532 Images: 1172 TTP Friends: (0)	Re: Buying a digital SLR camera I agree completely. Just have a quick peek at the Canon XTi and you'll find not only a better camera (e.g. faster continuous shooting 3fps vs. Olympus' 2.5; 10mp vs Olympus' 8mp) for just about the same price, but there is also a wider selection of lenses. Also, take heed to Gaffa's comment regarding lenses. Put more money into glass rather than the bodies. Glass is forever, but you can always buy new bodies over the years. I can't speak much for Nikon, although I have friends that swear by them. My advice would be to go window shopping, handle both Nikon and Canon and make your choice. Between the two, I think it's just a matter of personal preference -- the way it feels in your hands, responsiveness, egonomics, logistics, etc. And have fun -- no matter what you buy, trust me, you'll love it! __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

02-13-2007, 11:09 AM	#4 (permalink)
trece verde Member Joined: Dec 2001 Location: lado este Posts: 1,602 Images: 9 TTP Friends: (2)	Re: Buying a digital SLR camera Argyle: Personal preference was for the Bro-in-law's digital Rebel - no experience with Nikon gear, but the Canon was great. Really good fit in the hand, good variety on the lenses, both the legacy ones from the film SLR and the new digital-specific ones. Where it really shone was taking action shots. We gave it a really tricky test by shooting Demonspawn #1 in action at an outdoor swim meet. Nice work for a fast zoom lens: bright sunlight, lots of reflection off the water, and trying to catch a kid in mid-dive from the other end of the pool. The results? Fantastic. The only caveat is that there is no facility to just hold the shutter open and shoot a movie clip; instead, you get rapid-fire with quick exposures. Hope this helps... Trece __________________ "Yer on crack Franchise leafs suck and I'm not signing you anymore" - KH on his way to Burger King...

02-13-2007, 04:34 PM	#5 (permalink)
bonefish Premium Member A Better Bastard Joined: Jul 2001 Location: NorthVan Posts: 707 TTP Friends: (0)	Re: Buying a digital SLR camera My Dad has the original Rebel DSLR and it is pretty nice with even the default glass(lens). [Insert Shameless Plug] If you are interested in a Sony DSC-717 I have one available. It is not DSLR but it has a pretty wide feature set and takes some decent photos. The fixed lens is very versatile 2.4-8 so although you can't change it, it covers a whole lot of ground without having to carry around lenses.[Exit Shamless Plug]

02-14-2007, 09:58 AM	#6 (permalink)
Argyle TTP Thread Nazi A Better Bastard Joined: Feb 2002 Location: death's door... Posts: 1,585 Images: 50 TTP Friends: (0)	Re: Buying a digital SLR camera Thanks boys...the information has been very helpful...and my mind that was once made up...is now all over the place!! So...is this one that you would all recomend? http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...10084254&catid= Thanks for the offer bonefish...but I really want to get into an SLR.

02-14-2007, 10:22 AM	#7 (permalink)
Keeper Member Joined: Jul 2001 Location: - Posts: 5,532 Images: 1172 TTP Friends: (0)	Re: Buying a digital SLR camera If money is an issue (it usually is), that set up would be OK for a beginner. You'll find yourself so overwhelmed with the joy of a digital SLR that the quality of the lens won't bother you too much. But don't be surprised when you tire of the toy-like quality of those lenses. I don't mean to sound uppity -- I've got pretty lame glass as well -- but soon you'll find yourself wishing you'd bought better glass (particularly the 75-300). Granted, it's a good start and it'll get you going in a hurry. I suggest you accessorize your body with a fast-access/write memory card -- nothing is worse than having to wait around for the buffer to empty itself when you're trying to take a series of action shots. Nevertheless, you'll find you can make up for some of the softness of the lenses with a bit of photoshopping. I'm not sure if the latest editions still come with a copy of photoshop, but you'll need it. __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

02-14-2007, 10:59 AM	#9 (permalink)
Argyle TTP Thread Nazi A Better Bastard Joined: Feb 2002 Location: death's door... Posts: 1,585 Images: 50 TTP Friends: (0)	Re: Buying a digital SLR camera Ok...so what body would be a better one to start with? The XT - 8MP or the XTI - 10.1MP?

02-14-2007, 11:33 AM	#10 (permalink)
bonefish Premium Member A Better Bastard Joined: Jul 2001 Location: NorthVan Posts: 707 TTP Friends: (0)	Re: Buying a digital SLR camera I would think the XTI which features the self-cleaning sensor. Ithe 10MP Sensor will give you some better post processing results. From DPReview(A great resource) Canon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTi Review: 29. Conclusion: Digital Photography Review

02-14-2007, 11:38 AM	#11 (permalink)
Keeper Member Joined: Jul 2001 Location: - Posts: 5,532 Images: 1172 TTP Friends: (0)	Re: Buying a digital SLR camera I'd have to check the specs, but honestly, the difference between 8 & 10mp is negligable (sp?). You need to ask yourself what you plan to primarily use the camera for. Web/posting photos? Emailing to family and friends? Do you (or family) want to print them? If so, how big? The answers to these questions will help you to determine your needs. More pixels means you can crop more and still retain resolution and be able to print nicely. Likewise, with more pixels, you can blow up your photos to poster size -- but, really -- how many times are you going to do that? For having nice photos to email, post on the internet and even make nice prints up to and including 8x10, even a 5mp camera will do fine. Therefore, focus not on the megapixels, but on the other features. How does it feel in your hands? Do you want a fast frames-per-second rate (great for sports). Buffer size for taking lots of large photos in succession? Screen size (bigger is nicer). Good quality (little "noise") at higher ISO speeds (you'll need to use upwards of 800 and 1600 for darker days and evenings for action). In all honesty, the XTi will probably give you best bang for your buck. It's newer, has more features and greater flexibility. Oh, the fun you'll have. __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

02-14-2007, 11:51 AM	#12 (permalink)
bonefish Premium Member A Better Bastard Joined: Jul 2001 Location: NorthVan Posts: 707 TTP Friends: (0)	Re: Buying a digital SLR camera Girls loving posing for a Big Lens!! Attached Thumbnails

02-14-2007, 12:01 PM	#13 (permalink)
Argyle TTP Thread Nazi A Better Bastard Joined: Feb 2002 Location: death's door... Posts: 1,585 Images: 50 TTP Friends: (0)	Re: Buying a digital SLR camera Again...you have given me more to think about. The main use of the camera will be for emailing and printing. Usually 5x7 but occasionally 8x10. I just want to make sure that i get a camera that I will have the flexability to try things out, and not have to replace within the next few years. Like I said...I am a beiginer...but would like to learn and take some classes.

02-15-2007, 11:07 AM	#14 (permalink)
Argyle TTP Thread Nazi A Better Bastard Joined: Feb 2002 Location: death's door... Posts: 1,585 Images: 50 TTP Friends: (0)	Re: Buying a digital SLR camera Ok...now after stoping at the local camera store last night...the so called expert...tells me that the best camera for the money is the Olympus E-500. He compared it with the Cannon XT and said that the E-500 comes out ahead in way more area's than it falls behind. Especially in the lens department. Guess that I have more to think about...

02-15-2007, 12:33 PM	#15 (permalink)
bonefish Premium Member A Better Bastard Joined: Jul 2001 Location: NorthVan Posts: 707 TTP Friends: (0)	Re: Buying a digital SLR camera For 400 I have a very good 5MP camera(box, filter, leather case). That has Let me know if you want to try it out for a weekend to see if it fits.

02-15-2007, 10:27 PM	#16 (permalink)
Gaffa Member Joined: Jul 2001 Location: Connaught Park Posts: 264 TTP Friends: (0)	Re: Buying a digital SLR camera Argyle, Go read many of the DSLR websites and forums. You'll get some more good opinions there. Truth is you'll be even more confused and thats the reason why I'd go with the tried and tested. (Canons/Nikons) Something to think about...I have a Canon lens that is 17 years old. Because of the system canon has built since the inception of the EOS series that lens works perfectly with any DSLR camera Canon have ever build or will ever build. You want a Lada with all bells 'n' whistles or a bog standard BMW? Last edited by Gaffa; 02-15-2007 at 10:43 PM.

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07-03-2007, 11:13 PM	#17 (permalink)
FCbytca Member Joined: Sep 2004 Location: richmond Posts: 303 TTP Friends: (0)	Re: Buying a digital SLR camera Just got the Rebel XTi yesterday and man its sweet, I think i've taken 400 pix allready...anyone thinking of getting one should do so, money well spent

12-30-2007, 05:52 PM	#18 (permalink)
Yoda Premium Member A Better Bastard Joined: Jul 2001 Location: Neither here nor there Posts: 4,496 Images: 21 TTP Friends: (7)	Re: Buying a digital SLR camera My/Our final Christmas Gift this year was a Nikon D40x with standard 18-55mm Nikkor lens. Had it for only a couple of hours and it's phenomenal. We too were comparing the XTi and the D40/D40x. 2 Reasons we went with Nikon was it was more comfortable and the wife was familiar with the Nikons because they use a D200 at their office. Also it was cheaper right now than the XTi, so i guess that's 3 reasons. Glad to get back into the SLR's again. Sold my Canon Elan II years ago to buy a digital 4MP. Missed it the second i sold it. We'll be looking for a 55-200mm lens soon. Anyone recommend the best places for buying lenses as far as price? Store? Online? eBay?

12-30-2007, 07:22 PM	#19 (permalink)
FCbytca Member Joined: Sep 2004 Location: richmond Posts: 303 TTP Friends: (0)	Re: Buying a digital SLR camera i go for expert advice to kerrisdale camera, prices, u have to shop around, the more advaced lences at 900$ up u'll have to order online or through retailers

01-02-2008, 01:00 PM	#20 (permalink)
Freddy Member Joined: Mar 2006 Location: deep in a dark crack Posts: 289 TTP Friends: (1)	Re: Buying a digital SLR camera Once you find the camera/lenses you are looking for, you will likely find best prices in the US - probably from New York as there are a pile of e-retailers there. Make sure you do your homework on their worthiness (read the responding comments from sites such as cnet: CNET editors' digital SLR camera buying guide - CNET reviews and many others). You can always buy it and ship to to Point Roberts to TSB shipping. They charge about $3 per package to receive this for you. I did see my excellent Canon lens at Costco for about half the price I paid for it 1.5 years ago. Keeper had suggested the 70-300 IS (Image Stabilization). This is one of the best lenses for soccer and peeping Tom stuff.