I've decided that I want an SLR for my birthday. My dad just got the Canon EOS Rebel T1i for Christmas, and I am in love with it! (he left it at my house yesterday, so I played around w/ it a bit and that was what ultimately made me decide I wanted one!)
So, I know quite a few of you own SLR's... and I know it's all personal preference... but I'd like to hear your reviews on your camera. What kind you have and what you love about it, and anything you don't like etc.
I think I'll end up w/ a canon (so then my dad and I could share lenses)... but I'm open to other suggestions.
TIA!
Re: DSLR owners
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I sent you a PM w/ my email... I would love to look at the tutorial!
I got a Canon Rebel Xsi last year, and love it. I had a 35mm Canon, and the lenses I had from that fit my digital, so I'm very excited that I didn't have to shell out more money for a zoom lenses. I have found that in general Canon cameras are more user friendly for me than Nikons.
I think if you're starting out, you'll be fine with an Xs or Xsi. The T1i is nice, but I didn't need to spend the money on the video capability.
I have the Nikon D60. I have learned a lot in the past year and was frustrated a bit at first because I wasn't getting some of the photos I expected. I realized it is all about the lens (not necessary the camera body). Without some training and practice, a DSLR is going to be an expensive, heavy, point and shoot (without the annoying delay).
With that said, I invested in a 50mm 1.4 lens and it has made ALL the difference. If I was you, I would avoid buying a kit. I would get a good camera body that you are happy with and does what you need and then buy a great lens. If you want to be able to capture photos inside without a flash you will want a something with a f stop around 1.8 or 1.4. I think the next lens I am going to purchase is a 35 mm 1.8 so I am not so limited in my depth of field. I never use my kit lens anymore. I have a zoom lens that hardly ever gets broken out either. It all depends on what type of photos you are hoping to take.
I'm a canon girl. LOVE them. I have a 40D and hoping that if the rumors are true and a new 5D Mark III is coming out in a few months! Woot woot!
For starting out I would for sure get the Canon T1i...the one that has HD video. I've heard the video is amazing and that is coming from a videographer friend of mine! Of course it is also a great camera! I just feel that getting both features in one kick butt device is well worth the money! Good luck on whatever you buy!
ditto to most of this - ESP the point about the camera being an expensive and heavy point and shoot if you don't learn how to use all of the functions propery. I would avoid getting the kit lenses as well. Just get the body and research what lenses will fit what you want. I also LOVE my bounce flash (speedlight) - it gives a great overall light but not the deer in the headlights type of look.
And BethPSU - I have a 35mm 1.8 lens and that is all I keep on my camera - LOVE it!!
Yes, I definitely plan on learning to use it the right way. My dad and I have already talked about taking a basic class together to start out. He actually minored in photography in college, so has a lot of basic knowledge and will be a good person to learn with. After playing w/ his a bit, I can tell it's going to be something I love! I've always liked taking pictures, so I can totally see it turning into a great hobby (and hopefully something I can be decent at!)