Which SLR Camera Should I Get?

[zachh12]

I want to get a new SLR camera, but im not sure which one to get. I want to stay at least below the $3000 for the body, if not $2000. Any suggestions?

I've looked at the Nikon D300, and Canon 5D and Rebel XTi. anything I should know about those?

[zan]

depends what you want to shoot really. I've got the Xti (400d) and it's a great beginner camera. It's a good all-round bit of kit while you work out your style. If you want to take landscapes, the 5D is reputedly excellent (although I prefer shooting wildlife, and haven't used it) but slower.

I haven't used any Nikons myself so can't advise there I'm afraid.

I would suggest that if you're just starting, the Xti is really good and cheap as well. Startign with that and getting some nice lenses with the change you have left would get you a nice setup - it's what I've been using for a year and a half now.

Hopethis is some help

Zan

[Hobjob]

All the big names produce excellent cameras.

I think the 5D is full frame and rebel is APS (reduced frame / sensor) size so it his makes a big difference to the degree of zoom.

As a rule of thumb you need to budget to spend as much on the body as you spend on lenses, though if you get really into it then you will end up spending a lot more on the lenses.

As far as lenses go you need to decide what you are giong to shoot - the basic 18-55 kit lens that comes with many canon "kits" is not a very sharp lens and is pretty useless for wildlife as it is too wide angle.

Don't forget to budget for UV filter, proper cloth and cleaning apparatus + bag .............. and flash if the camera doesn't have one built in, which, IIRC, includes the 5D.

Don't forget whatever brand you buy, you will be locked into that band because of the lenses.

You don't tell us what level you are at - if beginner, then consider some of the prosumer cameras - there is one around with a x18 zoom, which would give you massive flexibility for much less outlay whilst you spend some time working out which way you want to go.

[ron1863]

Try before you buy. Visit a camera shop and ask to see and handle a range of cameras in your price range.
As for lenses, it depends what your interest are but Sigma and Tamron make excellent lenses to fit virtually all makes and are cheaper than most Canon or Nikon lenses.

[zachh12]

thank you guys. alright, so I think im going to get the Rebel XTi, but i will probably end up going to try some first. I want to shoot landscape, mostly still, but some waterfalls or streams. any suggestions on lenses?

[Paul mabbott]

As mentioned, depends on what you want to photograph very much. I also wonder why you talk in $ on a British forum - would they be Australian, Malaysian or Canadian dollars? Couldn't be a spam could it?

Originally Posted by zachh12

I want to get a new SLR camera, but im not sure which one to get. I want to stay at least below the $3000 for the body, if not $2000. Any suggestions?

I've looked at the Nikon D300, and Canon 5D and Rebel XTi. anything I should know about those?

[zachh12]

sry, im actually american, so thats american dollars, but this was the most knowledgable forum on cameras i could find.

[Blackbrook Eye]

[/quote]
I've looked at the Nikon D300, and Canon 5D and Rebel XTi. anything I should know about those?[/quote]

I admit to knowing nothing about the Nikon D300, however the Canon 5D and the Rebel xti are poles apart, in specification and cost. May I suggest that you do a bit more research before you make up your mind.

[AndyA]

If the D300 is within your budget, that's the one I'd go for.

High iso noise levels are astonishingly low and the new 50-odd point AF system seems to be very good - a big improvement over the existing AF system in my D2Xs bodies.

I wouldn't entertain a 5d because there's going to come some well priced second hand 1DSMkII's soon as people trade up to the MkIII if a full frame Canon takes your fancy.

For the money and a new camera though the D300 would get my vote

[nightshade]

Thanks to an insurance company I went from a Nikon D70 to a D80 which I am very pleased with,now all I need is Lightroom