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.

[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.

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/rkmphot...7600791427346/

[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/...d.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?

[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?

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.