$1000 to spend... - DPChallenge Forums

04/18/2006 06:47:28 PM · #1

Well when I get paid from my consulting gig (the check's in the mail-LOL), I'm finally gonna treat myself to an upgrade. I've never had any digital camera other than my little Gateway, but I must say has treated me VERY well. I've been looking at a number of models and brands - all new. I hadn't really considered used, but someone at the DC GTG suggested I might.

What would you suggest I get with a budget of about $1000 US? Thanks!

04/18/2006 06:48:37 PM · #2

You wanna go dSLR or Advanced P&S route?

04/18/2006 07:21:59 PM · #3

I'd rather go dSLR if possible. :-)

Message edited by author 2006-04-18 23:22:08.

Olympus 14-54mm f/2.8-3.5 Zuiko Digital Zoom

04/18/2006 07:25:43 PM · #4

You could get a Nikon D50 and a few lenses with $1000

MQuinn

Olympus OM-D E-M1

04/18/2006 07:27:27 PM · #5

Or a Nice Olympus Evolt 500 with a couple of lenses, bag, tripod, and some filters;)

MattO

Nikon D4

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

04/18/2006 07:27:31 PM · #6

I'd recommend looking into the 2 lens Oly kits available right now for the E500. They are coming down in price and they are a nice digicam. They have alot of presets and also can go full manual. Good luck with whatever choice you make.

MattO

ShutterPug

Canon EOS-6D

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

04/18/2006 07:27:44 PM · #7

Look into the Canon Rebel XT - I thought someone posted recently they found it for $849

LedZeppelin588

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) for Canon

04/18/2006 07:28:43 PM · #8

The body's about 550 at B&H last time i checked, for the XT.

thegrandwazoo

Nikon D750

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

04/18/2006 07:29:45 PM · #9

D70s with the kit 18-70 $949.95

Message edited by author 2006-04-18 23:30:24.

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX Aspherical DF for Nikon

04/18/2006 07:36:35 PM · #10

Originally posted by MQuinn:

Or a Nice Olympus Evolt 500 with a couple of lenses, bag, tripod, and some filters;)

Actually, not a bad route to take. I've never had any issues with Oly equipment.

Apple iPhone

04/18/2006 07:47:16 PM · #11

go to a camera store... Look over the dslrs... hold them in your hand... take time with each one to see if it fits in your hand ... and feels RIGHT...

Check out the ones in your price range... and then make your decision..

Katmystiry

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

04/18/2006 07:53:11 PM · #12

Canon XT is going for $799 locally here .. I'd check into that for sure! Leaves you enough for a lens if you shop right :)

MadMan2k

Sony Alpha a6400

Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VXD

04/18/2006 08:16:18 PM · #13

That should be enough for an XT, kit lens and 50mm 1.8.

jpochard

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

04/18/2006 08:21:02 PM · #14

It's not the latest and greatest, but I really liked the Sony 717. I fully plan to purchase one for a back up when I have the funds. I used mine for 2 1/2 years and loved it. I'm sure you could get a great deal on one, too.

Elmakias

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM

04/18/2006 08:33:13 PM · #15

well if you cant decide
you can let me have it
and ill make sure it goes twords a worthy cause
ok?
good im glad we have a deal
:)

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM

04/18/2006 09:19:13 PM · #16

Actually, I've been leaning toward the Canon Rebel XT, but wanted more informed opinions. This is all good info - thank you! I'll let you know what I end up deciding. I should receive my first check within the week, so will probably have my new toy(s) by the end of next week! LOL

I'm REALLY excited!!!

I have been going to camera stores, Best Buy, etc. and holding a bunch of different ones (including the REALLY nice ones that are WAAAY out of my price range). They all certainly feel different than my little Gateway does, but I'll get used to it. One thing's for sure though - I'm not giving up my Gateway. That little camera (for no more than it is) can take a really good photo!

Elmakias

Canon EOS-5D

04/18/2006 09:23:52 PM · #17

YOU. my friend take good pictures

Samsung Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra

04/18/2006 09:26:30 PM · #18

The Canon Rebel XT is an awesome choice. :-)

DanSig

04/19/2006 12:27:50 AM · #19

the rebel XT and the 50mm f1.4 will set you back about $1000 and that is about the best setup you can get while starting the dSLR route

much better to buy a prime lens to start with, that way there is less to think about while learning how to use the camera and you can concentrate on the important stuff like aperture, shutterspeed, ISO, composition, angle, and other stuff you'd normally not think about after buying a dSLR with kit lens.. since most dSLR beginners buy the kit put the camera on auto and start zooming away.. with poor results ;)

when you get the camera do NOT take it out of the box, only get the manual and read that, then get the camera out of the box, do NOT put a battery in it, read the manual again while studying the camera, then put the battery in and read the manual again while studying the camera programs and settings, then put the lens on, hopefully a 50mm prime, and start experimenting with the camera and different settings.. after a couple of days experimenting taking pictures around your computer ( better to be close to the computer to view the results) and you think you have figured out how it works, then go out shooting..

NEVER PUT THE CAMERA ON AUTO it does not see what you are shooting and can not decide what shutterspeed and aperture is best for the shot, it only picks the one that is fastest for the light and by that can make the dof too shallow for the image

by following these instructions you will master the dSLR in less than a month, if you do like most beginners and buy the kit, put the camera on auto and start shooting, you will probably never learn the full potential of your camera.

just a friendly advice... I started the beginner way with my 300D and never got an image I liked, but then I got this advice when I bought the 20D and followed it, I learned more in 3 days reading the manual and experimentin in the office than I did in a whole year with the 300D.

Message edited by author 2006-04-19 04:31:45.

Bear_Music

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

04/19/2006 12:40:50 AM · #20

Originally posted by LedZeppelin588:

The body's about 550 at B&H last time i checked, for the XT.

That's the 300D; the 350xt is $779 at B&H, with Canon currently running a $100 rebate, making it $679 total.

I notice that SJ really likes macro work; a nice setup would be the 350xt and the EF-S 60mm f/2.8 macro lens. Cost after rebate would be about $1,100...

Robt.

ragamuffingirl

Sony Alpha NEX-5N

04/19/2006 02:55:32 AM · #21

Coscto has the XT for $799.

SJ, last time I was in there Glenn's Fair Price here in Harrisonburg had a used 20D for $800, and a 10D for $600. Those were both without a lens, but you'd be able to afford a basic lens. You don't live too far from me, so coming up for that could be an option. Do you want me to check if they're still there? I also have a Costco membership if you wanted to go the XT route.

Okay, besides the problems I've had with my Olympus (which I think has been partly me, partly a problem with my individual camera) what I have against Olympus is that they do not have the variety to choose from that Nikon and Canon do. What they do have is more expensive. Don't believe me? Go to eBay and do a search for "Olympus E-500, flash." You'd be looking at about $400 bucks for a decent flash. Then, do the same search for a Canon or Nikon flash. You can get a decent Sigma flash for either for around $150. I can get a decent Canon flash from Glenn's, brand-new, for $250. It's something that I didn't consider when I bought my Olympus because I was so excited to be getting a dSLR, and it was something that I regretted more than anything when I needed to buy a flash.

Message edited by author 2006-04-19 06:56:01.

Prof_Fate

04/19/2006 05:03:02 AM · #22

My Rebel 300D - asking $450 (PM me)
Lenses...
Tamron SP 24-135 - great all around lens, does macro and the range is good, the sharpness outstanding. this is pro glass my friend. ($400)
canon 50 1.8 ($75)
1 2Gb Sandisk card ($90)
1 spare battery ($10 to 20 or something on ebay)

If you get a new camera then you have less money left over for lenses, so the kit lens and the Sigma 70-300 APO ($185 ish). These lenses will work fine until you experience pro glass. then you will not be satisfied.

eschelar

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

04/19/2006 05:28:52 AM · #23

Konica Minolta cameras are a wicked bang for the buck. Soon, it would not be unreasonable to expect some Zeiss lenses and a Sony version coming out to further this product line.

current prices atB&H for the 5D and 7D are VERY good. Either camera rocks and a half.

At 700 bucks, you get 5D with the kit lens, and add the Sigma 70-300 APO, still staying below 1000 dollars. For a bit extra you can get the Minolta 50mm f/1.7 for really pumping up your macros and general portrait use. I can't find it on BH right now, but I've seen them locally in stores. I personally am a brick and mortar shopper. Internet shopping is a last resort for me.

Check the Red Ribbon with the fly macro on the front page. It was taken with exactly that combo.

If you are on a bit of a budget long-term and you want to treat yourself, there is simply NO better bang for your 1000 bucks. Later on, EVERY lens decision you make will be fantastic. With just 3 lenses, your kit is very small. Konica Minolta accessories tend to be pretty good generally too.

I understand that their kit lens isn't amazing (none really are), but it's better than average for kit lenses. 18-70 is a great range.

Going from my S2 IS to the 30D has shown me how sweet AS/IS really is.

MattO

Nikon D4

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

04/19/2006 09:34:26 AM · #24

Originally posted by ragamuffingirl:

Okay, besides the problems I've had with my Olympus (which I think has been partly me, partly a problem with my individual camera) what I have against Olympus is that they do not have the variety to choose from that Nikon and Canon do. What they do have is more expensive. Don't believe me? Go to eBay and do a search for "Olympus E-500, flash." You'd be looking at about $400 bucks for a decent flash.

Wonder how come you never tried to get the FL-36 flash which can be had for less the $200 and its an awesome flash, I use it and its powerful enough to do stop action on the racetrack to get shots like this.

Now go price the Top of the line Canon flash and compare it to the Fl-50 and see where your price is. Olympus may not have a ton of alternate makes of lens at the moment, but sigma is already announcing they are going to make alot more available in just a few months. I think your right though, you are regretting that you bought an Olympus and are trying to find ways to convince yourself that its their fault. Its a shame you arent happy with your camera. As many others find they are excellent cameras systems. Enough that I now own 2 bodies the E300 that you have and the Proline E-1.

MattO