Calling all knowledgable photography folks - DSLR

[pauldun170]

Wifes birthday is coming up and I want to pick her up a DSLR.
I'd like to keep it under 700 (with tax\toll\tip)

I was looking at the Canon T1i
http://www.jr.com/canon/pe/CAN_REBELT1IBKT/

Thoughts?

[Papa_Complex]

Not a bad choice. 15MPix is pretty much overkill, but seems to be where the 'horsepower wars' are concentrating these days. 1080p HD video recording ability is nice, especially when coupled with an image stabilized lens. Because it's Canon, there are plenty of new and used lenses available as upgrades, later on. Flip screen can be useful for tough to get shots. Fairly good low light performance.

[goof2]

dpreview.com has their usual comprehensive review of the T1i. I've not used one myself but I've had its predecessor (XSi) for a few years and am happy with it. Mine came with the same kit lens and it works pretty well. The image stabilization is a nice feature to have, though it would make more of a difference on longer lenses. The camera body itself should be suitable for most any type of photography.

One thing to consider is if the kit lens is appropriate for the pictures your wife likes to take. The included 18-55 lens is good for closer subjects but it doesn't get as close as I would prefer with shots of subjects further away. For an example I wouldn't want to use the included lens for shots at the track.

Get at least a couple of larger memory cards too, especially if you think your wife may shoot in RAW. 15MP pictures will fill up a card pretty quickly. This isn't as much of an issue if she will be shooting JPEGs.

That is pretty much my take as a barely knowledgeable amateur. I'm sure Papa will have more and better information for you.

ETA: I was typing when Papa posted.

[Papa_Complex]

Good point about the lens. The supplied lens is a great range for the usual family-type photos. It's a good middle focal range, for things like the odd landscape and for personal snapshots. A wide angle, of some sort, would be better for landscapes and a longer lens, like a 70-200, would be better for motorsports or birding. Serious portrait shooters would want a brighter lens, like 50mm F1.2.

[Amber Lamps]

Just sticking my nose in but I like my Sony and the reason is that I'm not a very good photographer...My point being is that I personally need all the help from the camera that I can get!:lol: The Sony does basically everything for me. Heck, it even clicks the shutter when the subject smiles, insuring that I don't miss it. If your wife is not really savvy camera wise, like me, there may be other choices. BTW the Sony with the standard 18-55mm and the 70-300mm lens was running for around $5-600 for quite a while.:idk:

[Mr Lefty]

dpreview.com has their usual comprehensive review of the T1i. I've not used one myself but I've had its predecessor (XSi) for a few years and am happy with it. Mine came with the same kit lens and it works pretty well. The image stabilization is a nice feature to have, though it would make more of a difference on longer lenses. The camera body itself should be suitable for most any type of photography.

One thing to consider is if the kit lens is appropriate for the pictures your wife likes to take. The included 18-55 lens is good for closer subjects but it doesn't get as close as I would prefer with shots of subjects further away. For an example I wouldn't want to use the included lens for shots at the track.

Get at least a couple of larger memory cards too, especially if you think your wife may shoot in RAW. 15MP pictures will fill up a card pretty quickly. This isn't as much of an issue if she will be shooting JPEGs.

That is pretty much my take as a barely knowledgeable amateur. I'm sure Papa will have more and better information for you.

ETA: I was typing when Papa posted.


I can't comment on the camera as I've not really paid much attention to DSLR's since I bought mine a couple years ago... and I was looking a bit higher price range...

but I agree about the lens... I'd skimp on the body and put more into the lens... as they make the biggest difference

[goof2]

Canon makes a nice (and dirt cheap for a lens) autofocus 50mm f1.8. I found mine new for $85 and while its construction feels pretty cheap it takes good shots. On the other end of things Canon makes a 55-250mm with image stabilization that is supposed to be pretty good for the price but I have never used it. It is usually around $300 but every now and then they are on sale for around $250. At some point I'd really like to get Canon's 70-300mm image stabilized lens. It is supposed to be pretty equivalent to their L lenses, just without the price or white finish. It will also work on full frame cameras. It is still over $500 so that isn't happening any time soon.

[EpyonXero]

I have the T1i and its a great camera. I bought it at the end of 2009 for about $800 with the 18-55mm and 55-250mm lenses. I recommend buying a kit with both lenses if you can otherwise your wife will probably feel limited by the short zoom range of the 18-55mm lens, most compact point and shoot cameras are able to zoom to around 100mm and thats probably what shes used to. Also, the image quality from the 55-250 is better than the 18-55 in most cases.

Canon came out with the T2i last year and the T3i was announced this month so you may be able to get a deal on the T1i.

[goof2]

Another option would be the Nikon D3100. If you have a membership or know someone who does Costco carries it in a bundle with 2 vibration reduction lenses and some other stuff. I linked to it below. It would put you over your $700 budget though by $30 plus whatever you have to pay in taxes up there. I have a friend who got the same kit from Costco, only it came with the older D3000 and she really likes it.

One other thing, don't worry too much about the difference between Nikon and Canon. When I got the XSi Nikon didn't really have anything that served as direct competition. That isn't the case anymore. Check them both out and see which one your wife might like more and don't get too wrapped up in the brand.

ETA: forgot the damn link. http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?prodid=11622027&whse=BC&topnav=&cat=87150&b=1&lang=en-US

[Lamnidae]

.... this is like the Chevy vs Ford debate....

I, myself, am a Canon guy. That's how I roll.


I think that your wife would be just fine with the T1i.

With that being said, she'd be fine with a Nikon D3000 series too.


Both can be found for fairly cheap. I personally would reference B&H Photo Video out of NYC -- I've been a very happy customer of theirs for about 8 years now -- In fact that's where I made my recent purchase of my Canon 7D and some studio lighting equipment.


When it comes to RAW --- IMHO you/she really don't/doesn't need it. Just shoot in high quality JPG, you'll be OK. I don't shoot in RAW, personally, even with my 7D. Once again, that's my opinion, YMMV.


I agree with what the folks ahead have said with lenses, make sure you got a lens that's gonna do what she wants to do. When it honestly comes down to it, you're investing in LENSES --- not the camera. Camera bodies come and go, your lenses will carry you between them. Choose the body manuf. you are most comfortable with (many of these things have become so easy to use, any novice can pick one up and take some decent photos with them). Remember, this could be a major investment.

[Papa_Complex]

In the digital age camera=film. If you buy into a system that you like then the body is relatively disposable, but the lenses aren't.

If it's a Chevy vs. Ford debate, then I guess I'm a Lexus guy (Olympus).

[pauldun170]

Thanks for the feed back guys.
I'd like to stick with the Canon because friends of ours are Canon folk and we can share lenses\bits and pieces. That and my wifes friend can help her get familiar with it. As for lenses in general, I'm going to stand back for awhile and let her work it out.



B&H Photo is going to be my first stop tomorrow after work. I see they are right outside of Penn station. Thanks for the recommendation.

[Papa_Complex]

It's always a good idea to get something, that you know you'll have help with. Just understanding the menus can, at times, be quite a chore.

Make sure that you have someone along with smelling salts, for when you see the size of B&H.

[pauldun170]

It's always a good idea to get something, that you know you'll have help with. Just understanding the menus can, at times, be quite a chore.

Make sure that you have someone along with smelling salts, for when you see the size of B&H.

Too small or too big?
I'm not the shopping type.
Step 1.
Walk in and grab the first person who works there
Step 2.
Hands them list ("You have this in stock?")
Step 3.
(if in stock)
Head straight for cashier.
(Not in stock)
Head straight for door

no looking\browsing\talking\chatting

[goof2]

B&H has a good reputation. I've ordered from them before and have no complaints. I've also ordered audio stuff from J&R and that was fine as well, but that was more than 10 years ago. Just don't get swayed by the seemingly good prices at some of the other Manhattan camera/electronics stores if you go in them. I've heard about nightmares dealing with them.

[Papa_Complex]

Too small or too big?
I'm not the shopping type.
Step 1.
Walk in and grab the first person who works there
Step 2.
Hands them list ("You have this in stock?")
Step 3.
(if in stock)
Head straight for cashier.
(Not in stock)
Head straight for door

no looking\browsing\talking\chatting

Like the size of a department store or supermarket. Go all the way to the back counter, then you can do your, "Do you have this in stock?"

[pauldun170]

Like the size of a department store or supermarket. Go all the way to the back counter, then you can do your, "Do you have this in stock?"

Cool...thanks.
Is it even worth going in or are they pretty good with online ordering (quick turn around on online order)?

[Papa_Complex]

Cool...thanks.
Is it even worth going in or are they pretty good with online ordering (quick turn around on online order)?

Up here I generally have stuff at my door, in about a week. That's including Customs. Probably a few days to process and ship, down there. If you're on the line then you might as well go in, if there's a time constraint.

[Trip]

I bought my wife a Nikon because in the low end range, I felt the Canon Rebels were very cheaply made. The cheaper Nikons felt like a more robust made body. Some of the buttons/knobs on the Canon felt cheap and easily breakable. Knowing how tough we can be on electronics, I went with something that felt like it would hold up better to our abuse. You may want to go to a place that has the bodies you are looking at and get a feel for which you like better.

You suck for actually being able to go to a brick/mortar B&H.

[Papa_Complex]

I bought my wife a Nikon because in the low end range, I felt the Canon Rebels were very cheaply made. The cheaper Nikons felt like a more robust made body. Some of the buttons/knobs on the Canon felt cheap and easily breakable. Knowing how tough we can be on electronics, I went with something that felt like it would hold up better to our abuse. You may want to go to a place that has the bodies you are looking at and get a feel for which you like better.

Then he's going to the right place. If they don't have it, and even a demo of it, then it isn't made.

[Trip]

Then he's going to the right place. If they don't have it, and even a demo of it, then it isn't made.

Yeah I read he is going to B&H after I posted. Bastard, I online shop from them all the time. Would love to go to their store.

[Papa_Complex]

Yeah I read he is going to B&H after I posted. Bastard, I online shop from them all the time. Would love to go to their store.

So would I. We get hammered on the cost of photo gear, up here. I recently bought a lens from a local dealer, at their cost, and it was $50.00 more than the price at B&H.

[Lamnidae]

In the digital age camera=film. If you buy into a system that you like then the body is relatively disposable, but the lenses aren't.

If it's a Chevy vs. Ford debate, then I guess I'm a Lexus guy (Olympus).

.... hey that's what I said. lol

[Papa_Complex]

.... hey that's what I said. lol

Yup. I just said it in a sentence, instead of a paragraph, and in an easily understandable form :p

[Lamnidae]

You suck for actually being able to go to a brick/mortar B&H.

x2

Yup. I just said it in a sentence, instead of a paragraph, and in an easily understandable form :p

Don't get pissy cause I like to ramble.

lol

Yeah I read he is going to B&H after I posted. Bastard, I online shop from them all the time. Would love to go to their store.

I should be in NY this May.


I'll be sure to post pictures for you, Trip. :rockwoot:

[Switch]

Pentax K-x Digital SLR with 18-55mm Kit Lens
http://sellout.woot.com/

[pauldun170]

Hoofed it down there during lunch.
Place is pretty big and followed the signs around until I get counter ...and the big line. Left the line and walked over to the canon counter and saw the T1i. Walked back over to the counter and waited for any kind of movement in the line. After being told it will be about 15 minutes waiting on line, I walked back to work, picked up lunch and ordered the T1i +lens kit online from B&H's site. Free shipping and the estimated delivery date is Thursday.

At the very least I got a nice lunch time stroll out of it and I got to see the place.

[Lamnidae]

Hoofed it down there during lunch.
Place is pretty big and followed the signs around until I get counter ...and the big line. Left the line and walked over to the canon counter and saw the T1i. Walked back over to the counter and waited for any kind of movement in the line. After being told it will be about 15 minutes waiting on line, I walked back to work, picked up lunch and ordered the T1i +lens kit online from B&H's site. Free shipping and the estimated delivery date is Thursday.

At the very least I got a nice lunch time stroll out of it and I got to see the place.

Nice store?

[pauldun170]

Nice store?

As nice as any NYC store could be. Seemed like a good place for those who need to feel it in the hand before buying. Didn't interact with the staff too much but there appeared to be plenty of attentive people about ready to help out. I thought it was convenient that they had individual stands\booths per brand.

Summary - TONS of stuff, not too tight with plenty of room to check things out (at least during the time of day I was there) decent amount of staff floating about to assist.

[EpyonXero]

I buy all my gear from Amazon.