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3rd Trimester
GoodyWife06
member
Camera advice needed for DSLR purchase
GoodyWife06
member
Hi, this is my first time posting on 3rd Tri! I've been saving like crazy so I can buy a nice camera before the baby comes. I have around $800 saved up but obviously want to get the best deal for my money. I'm basically upgrading from a point-and-shoot digital camera to a DSLR, but I'm having a hard time deciding between them. I'm looking at the Canon XS, Canon XSi, or an entry-level Nikkon DSLR. (I'm looking to be able to get the camera and two lenses for under $800, and those all seem to fit or come close to that criteria.) Has anyone compared these cameras or have good/bad experiences with any of them, especially taking pictures of kids? I know the XSi would probably only cost me around $100 more than the XS, but as someone with no photography knowledge, would I even notice the difference in features? I've tried looking at lots of photo websites, but all the comparisons get really technical and haven't really helped much at all. Any advice is appreciated!
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Camera advice needed for DSLR purchase
You might ask this on the photography board.
I have a Nikon D90, I know very little about Canon's except they meter opposite of a Nikon. The bad news about some of the entry level Nikons (40 and 60) is that they only autofocus with some of the lenses sold and generally on the more expensive AFS lenses. I think Canon's have the same limitations but am not 100% on that. Two months after buying the 90; I wish I had bought the 300. I've heard in photography you alway regret the lowest purchase...but who can start off with the most expensive pro camera (in which most don't have the auto mode which beginners need).
Do you plan on taking a class? If so, you will learn lots from that and wish for the larger purchase....Good luck!
Check out lenses you want to and the cost of those. Factor that into your someday purchase... The lens I currently want is 450 dollars....
GL! I love taking photos of my kids and I love the quality of my DLSR.
Not sure about the price range, but my husband loves his Nikon D80.
::Butting in from first tri::
To be 100% honest with you....I have a DSLR and 2 point and shoots. The DSLR very rarely gets used because of the size. The point and shoots take pictures that are just as good and sometimes better without the need for lens changes and all that. If you are not looking to get into photography and take classes I would suggest getting a point and shoot - there are some great ones out there in every brand just go to a camera store and start asking questions. GL!
We have several cameras and have used Canon and Nikon - I definitely prefer the Canon (mostly for it's intuitive menus and controls) but both are excellent quality.
Agree with PP - look into the lenses as the camera body is cheap in comparison. You'll want to think long term, buy a good lens that will be your "workhorse" and later you may want to invest in some additional lenses, once you become more experienced and understand the benefits of fixed lenses.
Have fun!
My DH is a photographer and also teaches photography in high school. He just purchased ten of these for his digital photography class:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/589090-REG/Canon__EOS_Rebel_XSi_a_k_a_.html
The XSI has a 3-inch screen with a 12 megapixel (as opposed to 10), and the XS has a 2 1/2 inch screen.
Sorry, don't know how to do clicky links on a Mac.
Hi, My husband just got me the Canon REbel XS for my birthday/anniversary( I love him) I like dit better than the Nikon because it took better night/indoor pictures without distorting color. Also the action pictures are great! I felt like a traitor when I first got iit because I've always had Nikons but now I love it. Let me know if you wnat to see some pictures that I''ve take with it/ So far I've only used the auto feature.
Having said all that as a beginner photographer I don't think you would notice the difference between the XSI and the XS. That's why I opted for the XS.