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Digital SLRs - How do you choose?
I'm researching. I used to have a completely manual Nikon SLR. Then I went to an auto-focus Canon Rebel. I miss my Nikon. But the Canon has been fine, I simply never utilized the artistic functions. The lens supplied on the Canon is slow and not anything to brag about. Looking at Digital - what things should I consider?
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I posted some advice at this link earlier. I'd definitely say spend money on lenses (or a good flash) more than anything. If you're considering getting something to replace the Rebel, you could certainly do that and even go back to a Nikon if you haven't accumulated a lot of Canon lenses. I'm a Canon guy, but it's not that big of a difference unless you're buying the top of the line stuff.
I don't pay much attention to the consumer to mid-range equipment so I'm not much help, but I'd recommend these two sites . . .
Research - http://dpreview.com
Used Equipment - http://keh.com
E
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Eric
FellowTip Founder
"The world is a better place when we share!"
Links
OK, my post was really no help at all once I went back and read it. Other folks can obviously do better . . .
http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,2845,2331523,00.asp
http://digitalphotographyclass.net/page/buyingSLR.htm
http://www.digitalslrinfo.com/
Hope that's a little more helpful.
Eric
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Eric
FellowTip Founder
"The world is a better place when we share!"
Info
I agree with Eric completely regarding investing in top glass. Depending on your needs, the consumer DSLR's bodies both Nikon and canon are fantastic for general shooting. If you need speed in all areas, both processing and AF performance, the higher end modles excell here but are quite expensive. If you don't need the speed in these areas, i personally feel the consumer grade bodies are just as good in terms of capabilities in producing quality results. I'm a fast pace wedding photographer and i simply couldn't do without the pro level bodies. However, i've also got a consumer grade body and that is what i choose to take with me for almost everything other than wedding work.
Regarding hi-quality glass. Don't discount 3rd party lenses. Sigma and Tamron have been consistantly producing fantastic pro lenses for about half the cost of Canon or Nikon's top glass. When i first started out in the buisness, i purchased a few of Sigma's and Tamrons top glass. Even though i can now afford Canon L's (which i do have a few of them), i've chosen to stick with Sigma's and expand my glass with them based on my experience not only with application but also with comparing the performance with that of Canon's equal counterparts. When you compare the performance v/s the price tag, it was a no brainer for me in a pratical sense.
Follow up
This has been great advice! Thanks so much for all your help.
Good Article
Here's a good one from CrunchGear regarding jumping in on DSLRs. I second his recommendation on the Canon Rebel as the best entry-level DSLR out there.
http://www.crunchgear.com/2008/12/01/help-key-why-when-and-where-should-...
Eric
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Eric
FellowTip Founder
"The world is a better place when we share!"