Both are highly respected, and of course there are even more options. Sony, Olympus and Samsung among others make some great DSLR's from the reviews i've read. If you're starting from scratch (i.e. not tied down by existing lens mounts) maybe consider the price/availability/quality of glass for the future (not that you should have much problem with any of the brands mentioned). If you're looking at an entry level DSLR I suggest looking closely at body features, for example- im not sure if the new Nikon D60 will have an AF motor in the body (might limit lens choice in the future, of course you can always use manual focus though).
Don't forget to check out Pentax as well. My K100D is a super camera, built in stabilisation, the complete pentax range of lenses can be used, from day 1 to now! Also, a cheap adapter allows you to use any M42 screw mount lens!
With the new models due for sale in March/April, have to be a contender:)
I was considering the Olympus E-510 as a great upgrade at a good price, but by the time I can afford an SLR, the new Canon Rebel XSi will be out. The specs on that look sweet.
Have a look on ebay and work out which manufacturers lenses are the best value and most numerous. I buy nearly all my lenses on ebay and I decided that in the UK then Canon lenses were more regularly traded and were slightly better priced. I've changed the body 3 times now, but my lenses are mostly the same ones I've had for some time.
The features on the body don't really come into the equation in the longer term, look for the glass you want and work back from there.
Assuming you don't already have lenses from a film slr that you might want to be able to use on the dslr, well then the field is pretty open. I am happy with my nikon d80, and prices for it should start dropping if the rumored d90 gets announced soon. But I suspect you can't lose with either nikon or canon, and olympus, etc. are also good too.
One thing to consider is the lenses you will want over time: eventually, you may upgrade the camera body, and will want "good glass" in hand that will play with the upgrade. If money is a constraint (well, when is it NOT a constraint, right?) you might want to opt for better glass and go with a less expensive body--prices on bodies drop over time, and that jazzy one will probably be more affordable later on, when it's replacement comes out. D80 prices have dropped a lot since I got mine last summer.
Any manufacturers (Canon, Nikon, Pentax/Samsung, Oly, Sony) entry level model will suit you fine. It all comes down to personal preference, really. Try a few different bodies out, and go with what feels best to you.
It's mostly about the glass - the lenses. Canon has the advantage here in several ways (range, specialty lenses, used market for buying and selling, etc).
Second thought might be growth path - in a year or two what will be your options for upgrading? Some are known quantities that will be around for sure, and you have a pretty good idea what they'll offer. FF sensors were once a rare thing - 2 canon bodies and that was it. Now Nikon has one and Sony will have a body out by year's end. In 2 years crop bodies may be undesirable and if you've invested in a 4/3 system or something similar you may have a hard time selling it to move on up to a FF system.
Any manufacturers (Canon, Nikon, Pentax/Samsung, Oly, Sony) entry level model will suit you fine. It all comes down to personal preference, really. Try a few different bodies out, and go with what feels best to you.
Any manufacturers (Canon, Nikon, Pentax/Samsung, Oly, Sony) entry level model will suit you fine. It all comes down to personal preference, really. Try a few different bodies out, and go with what feels best to you.
someones een reading kenrockwell again.. lol
Riiiight...
Canon is the only brand that offers good image quality, sturdy build, and adequate lens lineup for entry level cameras.
One way to check is to break it up into the component parts and do an advanced search for each of them checking the "Completed listings only"... if the sum of the average prices for each bit (basically the body and then each lens you have) add up to more than what you paid then you got a good deal :)
I'm not going to do that right now - i am interested, but just need to go to bed (UK is me and it is 2am)
So new, you're looking around $850 -- so your deal was good in my opinion as it all looks like it's in good shape.
Neither lens is really pro quality, but you're going to be able to cover a wide range with a good introductory package and I think you'll be really happy about it.
Now that you have that taken care of, any future lens purchases can be directed towards specific glass that you find a need for (fast primes, macro lenses, etc...)
Congrats! Now all you have to do is wait for it to arrive and get out there and shoot!
I got the package today... Always a bit nervous about Ebay items but my seller turned out to be A-Ok. I don't know much about cameras but already out of the box with the few pictures I have taken on automatic really impress me. I like the larger body too compared to my old S1IS.
I do have one question that perhaps some one can give advice or opinion on...When I was bidding on the item I seen questions posted about the number of actuvations. I'm not sure what that is other than the number of pictures taken.... Is this a way to gauge the mileage on the body? I think this camera had about six thousand - is that good or bad?
Also, know where I can get a camera cleaning kit a decent one but not too expensive?
I got the package today... Always a bit nervous about Ebay items but my seller turned out to be A-Ok. I don't know much about cameras but already out of the box with the few pictures I have taken on automatic really impress me. I like the larger body too compared to my old S1IS.
I do have one question that perhaps some one can give advice or opinion on...When I was bidding on the item I seen questions posted about the number of actuvations. I'm not sure what that is other than the number of pictures taken.... Is this a way to gauge the mileage on the body? I think this camera had about six thousand - is that good or bad?
Also, know where I can get a camera cleaning kit a decent one but not too expensive?
Thanks for everyones help.
It's the number of times the shutter has been actuated. The shutter's basically the only moving part on the body, that and the mirror, of course. Sooner or later the shutter will wear out and need to be replaced. I think the shutter on your camera is "rated" for 50K actuations. You should be in good shape with 6K.
What would be a entry level wide angle for the Rebel XT?
I'd like to pick up one of these too but would like not to spend alot on one of these initially.
The Canon 10-22mm is, IMO, best in class. B&H has it for $689 and Canon is offering a $50 rebate right now, bringing the price to $639. Other places on the web have them as low as the mid-500's, but I don't know how reliable any of them are. There is really no "inexpensive" solution to a superwide zoom; they are expensive to design and produce. But the image quality on this lens is on a par with L glass, and it's a LOT cheaper than most L glass is.
The Sigma 10-20 is $499 at B&H and my local camera shop. The Canon, however, is currently (through the 17th) on instant rebate. B&H has it for $639, normally $689.
