Thinking about a new Camera
 

I am considering purchasing a new camera. I notice it has been a while since cameras have been discussed here and wondering if anyone has a new (or older) model they just love?

I currently have one of the original digital rebels. It is still in working order, but I am one of those people that itches to upgrade or try something new every few years.

I do have a few lenses for the Rebel, so in theory I suppose another canon would be logical. But I have heard so much about the nikons I am considering trying that to be different.

I have also been encouraged by a photographer to try the Pentax d10 or 20. She swears it is superior to Canon and comparable to or better than the similar Nikons without the pricetags.

Any input would be appreciated

The Canon Rebel, in its latest model, is an excellent all around camera in that price range. Without further information about your financial situation and your needs for the camera it is impossible to give any further information.

Tell us what you are going to be using the camera for and how much money you have to spend.

Hi Clayton, I will be using for portrait references, photos of my work and some family shots as well.

I'd like to keep it under 1,000 if possible.

If you are on a budget and using for portrait then you should consider the lenses that you already have. Usually most prefer a slightly longer than 'normal' (50mm) lens. Perhaps in the 80-120 range is good for head shots. I prefer more toward the 110 range myself. If you have a good fixed lens in that range, I would fit one of the better camera bodies to that. The $1000 price range can yield some good camera bodies. Don't buy used digital. Too many possible problems. If you do go with the used market make sure that the manufactures warranty transfers. Not likely.

I still think the Rebel might be the best choice for you if you already have good Canon lenses. You might consider upgrading to the 40d or 50d if you want to spend a little more.

I am sure there is much more detailed advice on the subject if you poke around on the net. Good luck. Caviat emptor.

Thinking about a new camera
 

Mary,

Check out the Canon XSI. We really love ours. We first bought the XT, and the quality and features of the XSI are much better. You can get it for about $800 or even less if you don't need a lens. Your Rebel lenses will work.

Elizabeth

THanks Elizabeth, My rebel is even older than your first...it was the 300d. I will go have a look. :)

Mary, I have the Pentax Istdl with 18-55 and 50-200 lenses and I like it very much, although I'm itching to upgrade too. This camera meets all my needs as a portrait artist; for reference photos, photographing my work, and takes great family pics too. The reason I'd like to upgrade has more to do with landcape painting. The newest Pentax is water and dust resistant, so I'd feel more comfortable using it outdoors in our often rainy/misty weather here in the "Great Pacific Northwest." Plus I'd like a 50-300 lense, sometimes I can't get out as far as I'd like with the 200.

Hi Debra,

If one is using a lens at 300mm, your angle of view is only 8

Hello Mary,

I suggest you try the following link:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sidebyside.asp

Here you can make very comprehensive comparisons of most camera brands. For example: here is a side-by-side comparison between the Canon EOS 1000D / Rebel XS and the Nikon D60. An in-depth review is also offered for each.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/comp...n_d60&show=all

I find that this site: www.dpreview.com is very helpful for all digital camera stuff.

The angle that the lens sees depends on the size of the sensor in the camera. A 50mm lens on a traditional film camera is the equivalent of a 75mm on a DX size sensor, which is what you will find on the majority of digital SLRs like the Canon Rebel or the Nikon D60. In order to have a lens equal to the same angle of view as it would on a film SLR one needs a camera with a FX or full size sensor. FX cameras cost more but are much much better in lower light situations regarding noise (color artifacts in dark areas.)

Hi Clayton, I was thinking of the 300 more for getting that heron I can't sneak up on or my grandson's kite at the beach type of photography. As for landscape painting, I try to do a plein air study and take photos too, but I usually use the wide angle lense for that. I consider myself still a beginner in landscape painting, but I definitely try to go for the natural look.

I've never used a 300mm lense, do you know what the difference between a 200 and a 300 would be? I'm not sure I'm even asking this question correctly, but if I took a picture of the same thing from the same place with both lenses how much bigger would the object be with a 300mm lense than a 200? Is there some kind of formula for this?

This link may be helpful in seeing differences between lenses:

http://www.tamron.com/lenses/fundamentals.asp

Actually, this is a better link.

http://www.tamron.com/lenses/learnin...comparison.php

Hi Debra, the 200mm will 1.5 times more of the scene in the image. Each time the number goes up the image captured is proportionately smaller. So, since 300 is 1 1/2 times larger than 200, the 200mm image is 1.5 times more of the scene.

If you are shooting landscape for painting, a 50 - 75mm is the most natural look. Roughly what you can cover of your subject with your hand at arm's length and your fingers spread out. Any more than that and things begin to look 'fisheyed' and smaller looks 'telephoto' and compressed in depth.

Try an experiment, put your camera on a tripod and zoom your lens out all the way. Take a shot and zoom in 10 points, shoot, another 10 points and so on until you reach the capacity of your lens. Open your image editing program (Photoshop, GIMP etc.) and open all the images so you can see them all on the screen at the same time (Ctrl + the minus sign usually reduces the size of the image in most programs). Study all of them for depth of field, focus and just simple which ones look 'normal'. After that zoom in to 100% view and study each for detail and sharpness. Most zoom lenses have a sweet spot where they work best. Find yours and try to use that setting most. Good luck.

ps - expect to spend more on your lens than the camera body.

Well, I went ahead and jumped over the rebel series and went for the 40d. I couldn't justify switching brands when I have several lenses for the Canon. I went up to our local Canon dealership and handled it and loved the way it felt, it was clearly not my old rebel.

I found a better price online so I just ordered it and now wait. Is time for me to revisit all the old threads on photography.

Does anyone else have the canon 40d?

Hi Mary, Clayton here ... I have the 20d. Yours will have a much larger viewing screen on the back. Good camera in the price range. Be very careful about buying 'great deals' on line. There is what is called a gray market. I usually buy from B&H in NY and have not been steered wrong. I pay a little extra ( about 5%) but I have had wonderful experiences.

Yes, got it from them. A couple hundred less than the local shop!

Clayton and Julie, thank you both for the info! And Clayton, I will try that experiment.