Input on DSLR cameras...

[JustinB]

I spent all day looking at DSLR's and it seems like the Cannon 40D is the way to go. Anybody out there with any experience with these. I want something that is user friendly and semi-pro quality for around $1500 without lenses. Any input, advice, or suggestions would be great. :cheers:

[andrewb70]

I spent all day looking at DSLR's and it seems like the Cannon 40D is the way to go. Anybody out there with any experience with these. I want something that is user friendly and semi-pro quality for around $1500 without lenses. Any input, advice, or suggestions would be great. :cheers:

The Canon cameras are very good. I just upgraded my 10D to a 5D not long ago. What will you be photographing mostly?

Andrew

[cheapthrillz]

My mom is a graphic artist and she uses a Nikon D60 that her work supplied for her. It takes AMIAZING pictures and I think it is in that price range.... might be worth looking into.

[mongoose]

look into a 40D or wait for the 450D... if you want cheaper... you can get an older 30D... etc.. and have money for some L glass...

that being said... I do a ok without good glass.

[shortz]

look at a nikon d80 as well, we use a d70s and its fantastic

[Samckitt]

I have a 10D & a 40D. I love the 40D, it takes great pics. There is camera store locally to me that has the 40D boddy for $1000, or if you want something a little cheaper in the Canon line that isn't quite Pro rated, the Rebel XT with 28-90mm lens is $400, or the Rebel XTi with 18-55 lens for $500. The store is Roberts, www.robertsimaging.com

Scot

[ProdigyCustoms]

I use a D80 an am a camera idiot and it makes me look smart. Got camera and lens (18-135) for $1200 and change. For me a selling point, besides good reviews for photo quality and features, was this was the only camera in that price range I could find that had a Big Boy camera feel and did not feel cheap in my hand. If that makes sense!

[baz67]

There is a reason every manufacture compares their product to Canon. I have a 20d and could not be happier.

[andrewb70]

that being said... I do a ok without good glass.

One of the best lenses I have ever used was the Canon 50mm 1.8F. That lens is less than $100. All of you guys messing around with various zooms, give a prime lens a try. I have since upgrade to the Canon 50mm 1.4F and that lens is on my camera almost all of the time.

Andrew

[cmraman]

Being in the pro photo field, I can tell you that the Canon 40D is probably the best bang for the buck. I am considering one for my backup camera. And I have a friend who bought one as a backup camera and loves it. He, and I also have the 5D which is the best DSLR i have ever used. I don't think you'd be unhappy at all. I used to be a Nikon user and I can tell you that they are seriously laking in all areas in their components. They are very far behind Canon and I have found that the image quality is far superior on Canon. Which should be your most important consideration. Here is a link to my images using a 5D which should give you a good point of reference for what these cameras can do...http://www.flickr.com/photos/rkmphoto/sets/72157600791427346/

[Nine Ball]

I also prefer Canon. I don't know of any automotive photogs that shoot with a Nikon, every one I've met uses Canon.

I use a 30D, but also have about $4K in lenses. I think the XTi is the best bang for the buck, unless you plan on making an income at this. It can do far more than 99% of the shooters will ever need.

[Steve1968LS2]

I run Canon, as do most guys at all the various magazines.

I would suggest a 40D if your want a more professional unit. I got mine for just under $1000 on ebay (body). Lots of nice features.

The XTi is great for the casual shooter. Oh and don't cheap out on lenses.

[mongoose]

I also prefer Canon. I don't know of any automotive photogs that shoot with a Nikon, every one I've met uses Canon.

I use a 30D, but also have about $4K in lenses. I think the XTi is the best bang for the buck, unless you plan on making an income at this. It can do far more than 99% of the shooters will ever need.

you can sell pics taken with a xti....

[Samckitt]

I have a couple of the "L" series lenses, I have a 70-200 2.8 IS & a 24-70 2.8. I probably use the 24-70 most of the time. Unfortunately though they are both around $1,500 each. I also have a 28-135 3.5-4.5 IS (I think) that I used to use all the time & was totally happy with. You can get it for around $350. I would like to have an 85 1.2 L lens, but haven't coughed up aver $1500 for it yet.

[JustinB]

The camera is mainly going to be a starter for my wife who is trying to get a wedding photography business going here in SoCal. I would rather spend a little more upfront and have something she can grow into and be a quality back up in the future as she develops. Cannon seems to be the wise choice.

[Samckitt]

I would say at lease get a 40D. Double the price of it you can get a Pro rated full frame sensor in the 5D.

Here is a photography board with the topic being Wedding lenses:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=494142

[mongoose]

if you're up around 3K try and hunt down a used 1D.. 1Ds... etc.

[cmraman]

if you're up around 3K try and hunt down a used 1D.. 1Ds... etc.

I would not do that. The chip technology is far too old and you can get a 5D for about $2100 now and its full frame and the image quality is far better and has very little noise when shooting long exposures. The 40D is the next best with the latest chip technology and is only about $1100. The 1D line is far too much for the average guy or the casual shooter.

[JustinB]

Lenses is definitely where the big money is. You can really tell a difference between the normal lenses and the "L" glass lenses. My ordeal now is that I can get a Canon 40D with the 28-70mmf/2.8L usm lens for around 2k or the Canon 5D with the 24-105mm EF f/4L IS USM lens, case, and extra battery for 3k. Should I get the 40D save a $1000 and put it towards a 70-200mm L glass lens or bit the bullet get the 5D and wait on other lenses?
(http://www.ritzcamera.com/product/541161501.htm)

[cmraman]

Lenses is definitely where the big money is. You can really tell a difference between the normal lenses and the "L" glass lenses. My ordeal now is that I can get a Canon 40D with the 28-70mmf/2.8L usm lens for around 2k or the Canon 5D with the 24-105mm EF f/4L IS USM lens, case, and extra battery for 3k. Should I get the 40D save a $1000 and put it towards a 70-200mm L glass lens or bit the bullet get the 5D and wait on other lenses?
(http://www.ritzcamera.com/product/541161501.htm)
Go for the 40D w/ 28-70 and the 70-200. That is a good combo. There is supposed to be an update for the 5D soon. You won't be sorry. Always go for the best glass possible. The L series are the top of the line.

[Samckitt]

I agree with CMRAMAN

[Steve1968LS2]

if you're up around 3K try and hunt down a used 1D.. 1Ds... etc.

1Ds, 1Ds' and even 5Ds are very large and get heavy after a while. Also, thier chipsets are inferior to units like the 40D and the new 5D mark II (III?).

For example, my 40D has a great feature where the sensor self-cleans itself. And the Digi III chip is far more robust.

Also, with today's lens technology I wonder if there's really a huge need for a full frame camera for most stuff.

[Steve1968LS2]

Go for the 40D w/ 28-70 and the 70-200. That is a good combo. There is supposed to be an update for the 5D soon. You won't be sorry. Always go for the best glass possible. The L series are the top of the line.

Wise words.. for the price of a 5D body you can get a 40D and a couple good lenses.

Lenses are like speakers. A great stereo with crap speakers will sound like crud. An average stereo with killer speakers will sound pretty good.

Of course this is for pro-type work. For your average vacation shots and such a lot of it is overkill.

[ACEFOOTER]

I love my 40D, and the battery life has been exceptional. I also like the self cleaning sensor. I have big hands and really like the feel and balance as well.

[andrewb70]

....

Of course this is for pro-type work. For your average vacation shots and such a lot of it is overkill.

For snapshots anything more than a 300-400 dollar point-and-shoot is overkill. The small, slip in your pocket, are just amazing nowdays.

Andrew

[cmraman]

1Ds, 1Ds' and even 5Ds are very large and get heavy after a while. Also, thier chipsets are inferior to units like the 40D and the new 5D mark II (III?).

For example, my 40D has a great feature where the sensor self-cleans itself. And the Digi III chip is far more robust.

Also, with today's lens technology I wonder if there's really a huge need for a full frame camera for most stuff.

I have to disagree with you on one point. The 5D chip is still far superior to the 40D. The 5D has much better low light capabilities over the 40D. The 40D is still pretty noisy at long exposure times. But I will say the overall image quality is great and the live view is pretty cool.:git:

[andrewb70]

I have to go with the 5D as well. I shoot at 800 and 1600 ISO all the time with my 50mm 1.4F lens and you can practically shoot in the dark

Andrew.

[Nine Ball]

Andrew, what are you shooting pics of in the dark? I rarely shoot night shots, mostly car stuff. I can get decent night photos since I'm using a tripod and external lighting though.

[cmraman]

Andrew, what are you shooting pics of in the dark? I rarely shoot night shots, mostly car stuff. I can get decent night photos since I'm using a tripod and external lighting though.


If you look at my link, I shoot many times sometimes a 10 sec or longer exposure. I use flashes and other light sources, but to keep the noise factor down, I shoot a low iso and longer times with noise reduction on. This makes a big difference. But the 5D is definitely better at low light than most DSLRs on the market.

[andrewb70]

Andrew, what are you shooting pics of in the dark? I rarely shoot night shots, mostly car stuff. I can get decent night photos since I'm using a tripod and external lighting though.

I like taking pictures of people. Portraits and such.

This picture was taken with the 5D in a dark bar with a 80 dollar lens...LOL...ISO 1600

https://www.pro-touring.com/%7Eandrewb/IMG_3071.jpg

https://www.pro-touring.com/~andrewb/CRW_2997.jpg

https://www.pro-touring.com/~andrewb/CRW_2614_tones_web.jpg

If I was going to do weddings, I would be looking into the 5D and the 85mm F/1.2L. After using prime lenses, its tough to go back to a zoom.

Andrew

[JustinB]

What lenses are you guys using to shoot cars?

[andrewb70]

What lenses are you guys using to shoot cars?
You need some kind of wide angle for cars as well as a telephoto. The wide angles are needed for for shooting cars indoors and for interior shots. This was shot with a Sigma 15-30mm zoom:

https://www.pro-touring.com/%7Eandrewb/3528.jpg

The Sigma is not the greatest but it was my first lens.

Andrew

[Larry Callahan]

One of the best lenses I have ever used was the Canon 50mm 1.8F. That lens is less than $100. All of you guys messing around with various zooms, give a prime lens a try. I have since upgrade to the Canon 50mm 1.4F and that lens is on my camera almost all of the time.

Andrew

Well, I broke down and bought the Canon 50mm 1.8F lens at my local camera shop today for $89. I only snapped a few pictures in the back yard and I like it so far. I can't wait until I get to really use it. I thought about the /F1.4 but at triple the cost I would rather put that money towards an IS lens some day.

[andrewb70]

Well, I broke down and bought the Canon 50mm 1.8F lens at my local camera shop today for $89. I only snapped a few pictures in the back yard and I like it so far. I can't wait until I get to really use it. I thought about the /F1.4 but at triple the cost I would rather put that money towards an IS lens some day.

Larry,

The Canon 50mm 1.8F is a great little lens. It trully shines indoors when photographing people.

Andrew

[Larry Callahan]

Now I just need to have a party to get some people here and try it out. lol!

Sorry for all the pet photo's. Susan is sick and won't let me near her with a camera. lol

https://www.pro-touring.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=14945

https://www.pro-touring.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=14953

https://www.pro-touring.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=14955

https://www.pro-touring.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=14965

https://www.pro-touring.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=14971

https://www.pro-touring.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=14965

https://www.pro-touring.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=14977

[andrewb70]

Nice. Just remember that with the 1.8F stop, your depth of field is very short. When shooting people, try to focus on the eye that is closets to you or on the nose.

Andrew

[bwhinnen]

Being in the pro photo field, I can tell you that the Canon 40D is probably the best bang for the buck. I am considering one for my backup camera. And I have a friend who bought one as a backup camera and loves it. He, and I also have the 5D which is the best DSLR i have ever used. I don't think you'd be unhappy at all. I used to be a Nikon user and I can tell you that they are seriously laking in all areas in their components. They are very far behind Canon and I have found that the image quality is far superior on Canon. Which should be your most important consideration. Here is a link to my images using a 5D which should give you a good point of reference for what these cameras can do...http://www.flickr.com/photos/rkmphoto/sets/72157600791427346/

Not any more. Nikon have finally surpassed Canon in this field. With the introduction of the D3, D300 and now the D700 Nikon are way ahead of Canon. It has been a long long long (insert several more longs in there) time coming too. The low light capability of the FX sensor is streets ahead of anything Canon has at the moment, and this is something that is completely new to Nikon, they have never been able to come anywhere near Canon's low light capability, well until now!

You won't be unhappy with either choice in this area. I'm personally a Nikon user, but have partners that use Canon gear. Both take outstanding photos and both are great platforms to use and will give brilliant results.

Just my opinion...

[CliffS]

I used Nikon for years, at this moment D80. Not much difference between Nikon & Canon (not the pro series). It's all about the lens!

[cmraman]

Not any more. Nikon have finally surpassed Canon in this field. With the introduction of the D3, D300 and now the D700 Nikon are way ahead of Canon. It has been a long long long (insert several more longs in there) time coming too. The low light capability of the FX sensor is streets ahead of anything Canon has at the moment, and this is something that is completely new to Nikon, they have never been able to come anywhere near Canon's low light capability, well until now!

You won't be unhappy with either choice in this area. I'm personally a Nikon user, but have partners that use Canon gear. Both take outstanding photos and both are great platforms to use and will give brilliant results.

Just my opinion...
I have to totally disagree. I was a Nikon user for years. I hated Canon. But when I tested several Nikon DSLRs and was shopping for lenses, I was completely disappointed in Nikon's lack of support for new lenses for the pro. I got my hands on a Canon. I never looked back. The 5D that I have is the only DSLR that I have used that resembles the look of film. In my opinion Nikon is a little late with their new line of cameras. Since the D700 is supposed to be a competitor of the 5D, we will have to see what the D700 has to offer once it is released. But think about this. The 5D's replacement is due out soon. And if rumors are correct, It will blow the D700 out of the water. Plus Nikon's glass is something to be desired. Canon's glass is so well made and very consistent. Nikon's glass varies too much. Some lines are better than others. As for the other nikon cameras released recently, I have seen tests and photos from each of these cameras, and they still seem soft and the image quality is still not there. You also have to take this into consideration. Canon makes all of their own sensors. Nikon buys theirs and they have to make the software to work. This is why Nikon suffers. My .02.

[cmraman]

I used Nikon for years, at this moment D80. Not much difference between Nikon & Canon (not the pro series). It's all about the lens!
You are so right.

[mongoose]

i need to dig up a picture... gimmie a minute.

edit... http://static.flickr.com/45/152386454_fa67e5da89.jpg


but above all this mumbo jumbo about what make is superior.... you're still controlling the camera... and thus what the end result will do.. i do pretty good with the cheapest body and cheapest glass available. http://www.flickr.com/photos/diabolusparvulusphoto/

[bwhinnen]

[content removed due to being potential argumentative and not relevant to the thread in general]

When it comes to the crunch my advise to any potential photographer (and not just the professional) is to go out and get the camera that;
a) feels the best ergonomically
b) produces the best results for you straight from camera
c) fits within the budget

Once you put PP into the equation, b) will generally become a moot point in most cases.

Then go out and take photos! Enjoy it for what it is, not what it potentially can get you years down the track.

[BLWN1]

Im looking into the Xsi.... how is it? More than I need to spend, but its probably more camera than I will need for the rest of my life....

[andrewb70]

Talking about the latest camera gear is like comparing the latest greatest ideas in suspension. The truth of the matter is that the camera gear is secondary to the skill and talent of the operator. Just like a skilled driver will post faster lap times in a stock car against a novice in a car with all of the latest greatest suspension gear. So will a seasoned photographer take a great picture even with mediocre gear.

So instead of spending $1500 on a new lens a beginner will do better to take a class.

Just my 2 cents, without getting into all the nuts and bolts...blah..blah..

Andrew

[mongoose]

xsi is like noob proof... if there's a camera to get that would be the one..



but... as you said.. it might be more camera than you need... so you might be able to get away with a high end P&S.. like a G9 or something similar.

[trapin]

I'm glad this thread was posted. I wonder what everyone thinks of this package that is being offered by Costco.

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11243090&whse=BC&topnav=&browse=&lang=en-US

It seems like it will be more camara then I will ever need since I am not a pro and don't intend to become one. But I do want to step up to a DSLR because I've had Point-And-Shoots long enough.

Interested to hear what everyone's opinions are on this one. I am looking to make a purchase here real soon because the baby is coming in 3 weeks and I want to be prepared.

[oestek]

Tony,

I own a D40 and love it. Great low-light sensitivity, and from a practical standpoint, I've shot over 500 photos on 1/3 of a battery, (flash and no flash), and you can fit 3500+ general medium sized images on a 4g card. You can shoot all day and capture all your baby's expressions without braking the bank.

[TonyHuntimer]

I have a Canon 5D. It's my first SLR. I'm very happy with it, but walking around with it for a few hours kills the wrist. After shooting SEMA for two days it will take a day to recover. :) If you are going to buy a camera for shooting weddings you should make sure it's something with built in image stabilization. IMHO the 5D gets an A+ as a tri-pod camera. With the right lens the 5D gets an A- as handheld camera.

I'd say that you should find out what wedding photographers are using, so you get a camera that works best for the right environment. :)

Tony Huntimer
RaceHome.com

[cmraman]

I have a Canon 5D. It's my first SLR. I'm very happy with it, but walking around with it for a few hours kills the wrist. After shooting SEMA for two days it will take a day to recover. :) If you are going to buy a camera for shooting weddings you should make sure it's something with built in image stabilization. IMHO the 5D gets an A+ as a tri-pod camera. With the right lens the 5D gets an A- as handheld camera.

I'd say that you should find out what wedding photographers are using, so you get a camera that works best for the right environment. :)

Tony Huntimer
RaceHome.com

Many of the wedding guys are using 5D's . I know at least 3.

[Roger M]

I dont mean to hijack the thread, but what would be the best advice/tip for someone to improve their picture taking skills (other than taking a photography class)?

[BretB]

I've been doing some research on dslr's and have decided to go with the Olympus E-520. It just came out and has a lot of features and a great price too. Check it out. The older E-510 looks like a good one too. I've seen some places selling the E-520 kit with lens for under $600.00. Do a search.

[bwhinnen]

I dont mean to hijack the thread, but what would be the best advice/tip for someone to improve their picture taking skills (other than taking a photography class)?

To be honest... Get out there and take photos, and play with the settings taking note of what you change to get the effect you want.

Learn how metering works and the differences each of them does with over all exposure, learn how the focal length and aperture can change the depth of field. See how different occasions call for different shutter speeds. Those are the best areas to start with. If you are into landscapes or similar get a hyperfocal distance calculator (you can download them to be able to print out).

But in reality take photos and see what you like, become a member of a photography forum and post photos up for critique.

And above all work with what you have and lust after what you don't (pretty much the rule we all live by).

[mongoose]

I dont mean to hijack the thread, but what would be the best advice/tip for someone to improve their picture taking skills (other than taking a photography class)?


yeah i agree with abouve.. just take the photos... and get input from other photogs but keep it your own.....

to keep your style... different from the herd...