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I would second the Canon Rebel. I used a Rebel for my SLR so when it came time for me to choose a DSLR, I chose the same since I all ready knew the camera.
Of course I bought mine about four years ago for about $800 so now then newer verisons of the camera have come out and I feel that it just gets better and better!
If you're trying to save money, I find that the Rebel is a really good camera, no matter which model you get. To save a little, you can often find last year's model for about $600 instead of spending $800 or $1000 on the most recent model.
Also, I've tried my best to handel my camera with care, but it's gotten bumped around and has been in my purse and got bumped around in there and I've had no problem. It's a sturdy camera for sure :).
Good luck!
Oooo...I wanna pay attention to this thread, I'd love to get more into photography after the wedding!
im techno stupid but some things to think about when buying a dslr....
does the camera take video and is it live view only or does it let you view the shoot thru the lcd screen before pressing the button?
hubby had an olympus and last year he bought a nikkon (d80 i think but im most prob wrong because i dont really listen to him when hes talking cameras) and has all the bells and lenses. good thing about the lenses is that they fit the nikon body range so when he upgrades his camera next year he can keep the lenses and just buy a new body
Well I am not a lady.. but I might be able to give tips?
Don't frown on used gear. You can get a good mid range camera body (think Canon 20-30D or Nikon D200, D80. I would talk about the other brands, Pentax, Olympus, Sony but I haven't used those to know for sure. They are good to be sure.) for about that price, compared to an "amateur" range model that is brand new.
But keep in mind that you will need good lenses too, to really make use of any camera body's sensor.
If you are really keane on the rebel, the rebel xti, I think 2 year old model, is still a great body to use. You might be able to find it much less than $800, although depending on where you shop. Do more research on where are good places to buy used gear and or new gear for that matter. There are some shady online stores that make things look cheap and enticing, but really scheming and not honest.
Go to a best buy and hand hold a DSLR. Make sure you are willing to hold up that kinda weight a lot. If not, a Canon G9 or G10 would do a great job for you. It is an advanced Point and Shoot, that has a pretty good focal range, speed, and great imagery. Those go for about $400.
Sweet. Where do you go to look into buying a used one? I'm sure there are lots of people who buy it/never use it or buy it/want to upgrade
Mainly on photography based forums are a great way to start. Especially since you will be buying from enthusiasts and pros, you can mostly count on the item being taken care of very well. But you would, as always, have to talk and discuss with the seller. Sites like dgrin.com, fredmiranda.com, are a good place to start shopping and researching more about cameras and photography in general.
b n h has a used camera store too and I see a canon 40D for about $689. But as it is used, expect that there might be some wear and tear. They will all still be very functional.
And there is also ebay.
In the past year I made the jump from a film SLR (Pentax) and the everyday point and shoot (Canon) to a DSLR. I tried out the Pentax, Canon, and Nikon cameras and wasn't a big fan of how they felt in my hands or how heavy they are. I eventually ended up getting an Olympus E420 which is nice and compact for a DSLR and gives me great photos and lots of options (if I am feeling lazy, I can put it in automatic just like a point and shoot). So I definitely agree with Ted above to check out other brands besides the main two, you may find something that works better for you. It has taken me a lot of time to feel really comfortable with this new type of camera, but I love not paying for film and being able to play with my photos on the computer so easily. Check out "dpreview" online, they have fantastic reviews on the different types of cameras out there and where to find new and used cameras.
Edit- since you were looking at pricing: I got mine new a year ago from Best Buy online for $700 including tax, shipping, a bag, 2 lenses, and the body. They may be cheaper now since they have newer models that have come out fairly recently (I'm now drooling over the E620!).
Go with the Canon 40D or Canon 50D. You will really get better quality photos with a better and more expensive lens compared to the body.
Well also be sure that you want a DSLR. Especially with more advanced point and shoots coming out, a DSLR can just be too much camera. I don't want to discourage you from this, but that is also something you would need to keep in mind.
With that said, hopefully you will go to a local best buy or something to hand hold and test a DSLR out. It doesn't have to be any particular brand or model, just a DSLR. Oh, side note, don't really bother paying attention to much of the sales people. They are just there to get you to buy it and might not even know the differences or the functions of the cameras to be of any real help. I don't want to sound mean, it is just how it is.
Thanks for your advice. I'm mostly just really disappointed with the quality of my Sony digital camera. If you don't hold it JUST right it comes out hazy and it's just not that great anymore. I just love the clarity and color of our photographer's work. I hate that I can't capture good pictures of my cats or anything in nature or even of my DH and I with our camera. My photoshop skills only go so far unfortunately. SIL has a Canon Rebel and takes pictures of her son all the time and they're always really good quality. i'd rather spend money on a great camera and do the work myself than pay a photographer to do children's portraits. However, her husband mentioned they might be looking for a newer model and might be willing to sell it, so I'm hoping that conversation comes up again.
I know I might be a bit late on this, but wanted to offer my 2 cents!
I just bought my husband the Nikon D40 for Christmas this past year and he loves it. Brand wise, it just depends on what you're used to. I asked my wedding photog for advice on what camera to get him. He told me that Nikon and Cannon are both great brands, and it's just which brand has the better high end camera that photographers usually learn on. He said that the only difference between the Nikon D40 and the D90 was shutter speed. For beginners, you won't notice the second difference between the shutter speed. The lens is actually what matters more.
He also suggested this website for equipment: <span class="Object">www.bhphotovideo.com The prices are lower and you don't have to pay sales tax. They give you some good deals as well on lens bundles.
<span class="Object">Hope that helps!
Love love love my Canon Rebel XTi. It isn't the newest model, but I've been very pleased with it. Remember that a lot of the money comes with lenses - and that is where you don't want to skimp!
You can't really go wrong with Nikon or Canon dslrs. I haven't shot with others, so I can't comment, but I would suggest picking up a mid-level range camera (Canon 40D etc) and put your money into a good lens. You'll get more bang for your buck that way. Like Ted mentioned earlier, go to a brick and mortor camera shop and pick up a couple different dslrs and see how it feels in your hands.
And lastly, if you're buying new online I would recommend sticking with the big name retailers (BHphoto, Adorama etc) - there are a lot of shady dealers out there. If the price looks too good to be true, it probably is. And don't forget that while it's nice to have killer equipment, it's the photographer that makes the photo. Have fun :)
I have a canon rebel xti and i absolutely love it. I have two different lens that I use, and have had some great results with shooting weddings and portraits. I would ask around with your friends and see if any of them have DSLR's that you could maybe borrow for a day or few hours and just spend a day shooting all sorts of different pics to see which is the most convenient & best fit for you. Good luck in your search!
This thread might be helpful:
http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/has-anyone-bought-a-digital-slr-camera
I love my Canon XTi (newer model is XSi). The Nikons are a bit big for my hands, but otherwise they are excellent also. My advice, stick with Canon and Nikon. And try 'em out in the store (even if you don't buy from there). See which one has a feel and interface that you like.
All good advice, I really emphasize thinking about a used body. Don't fall into the trap of buying an expensive camera and not using good lenses. A good lens will add way more value to a body and you will get greater versatility and overall a better experience by buying nicer lenses and using smaller SLRs versus buying the nicest SLR and using just the lens that comes with it.
A great place to buy various levels of used cameras and equipment that we pros use is www.keh.com
They rate their thinsg on various levels of "use" based on dings, scratches and whatnot, but they are have a return policy of 14 days and a warranty of about 60 days, so you can buy somewhat painfree.
My fiances aunt takes the most breath taking shots I've ever seen. Her's rival a professional photographer and are always flattering. I never had a picture, or they were few and far between, that I actually liked. With this camera his aunt has, the pictures all come out amazing.
She has a canon, I THINK! I remember asking her which camera it is b/c I love the resulting shots. I cannot remember now. I will find out and post it here.
in the end, if you learn a firm foundation of the basics of focus, composition and exposure, you will take breathtaking pictures with any of the modern DSLR. Don't be fooled into buying one or the other based on quality. unless you're gonna be getting into the professional commercial realm (in which case you'd want a hasselblad anyway hehe), the difference in quality between one brand and other (and yes this includes sony, panasonic, etc) is negligable.
Hey everyone! Thanks for your advice, I decided to purchase a brand spanking new Pentax K-7 
the pentax is supossed to be great... let us know how it works for you! glad you finally got your dslr!
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Beekeeper
What do you use too shoot your pictures?
I want a DSLR. Not too cheap, but still takes amazsing pictures. Low end beginngs pro style. I hear a Canon Rebel is a good way to go. I'm determined to have one soon. I need to capture amazing vacation, home shots, etc. Maybe for $800 or so. We HAVE to have one before kids, and i want to get to use it. I'm beocmining increasingly disappointed about my digital. Thanks
Tips, opinions, advice, approximate costs? Help me out ladies!