Newbie Discussion

This site is great, but I couldn't find where the best place to post newbie questions. So figured I'd create a new forum. Since I am new to all this, will be in the market for a decent starter camera, and don't know all the lingo, I figure this would be the place to ask and be enlightened.

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Permalink Reply by Nathaniel on November 14, 2008 at 12:45pm

I highly recommend the Canon Rebel XTI, that's what I started out with and I absolutely loved it. It is a great camera especially for the beginning photographer and you can find it for a great price online. I got a helluva deal on amazon.

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Permalink Reply by Sean on November 17, 2008 at 8:45pm

I also recommend the canon rebel xti. I like the interface. Extremely user friendly. But I know that there will be tons of Nikon guys recommending the D60.
You cannot lose choosing either one.
Your best recommendation would to be find a place that will allow you to play with them in the store or a place that rents them and test them both out.
They are both about the same price.

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Permalink Reply by Roland Caranzo on December 5, 2008 at 4:59am

i will also recommend canon rebel xti, i have my first dslr canon 400D last my 2007.... and i am very happy to have it coz i am very satisfied.

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Permalink Reply by Gabriel Catalin on December 5, 2008 at 7:48am

Depends very much on how much you can spend.
1.If you budget is rather limited and will keep so in the next 1-2 years, I would suggest you go for Nikon, D60- D40 even, as Nikon's all low cost lens line is better than the one Canon provides.
2. If your budget for 1-2 years is SOMEHOW limited (that is... bigger than above) I would suggest Canon XSi (450D), in any case not 400d (xti), which in my opinion worth less than the Nikon D60. XSi is a far better and newer camera, including live view and other advantages which will compensate the need to spend more for good lenses. It is also a valid solution for longer time.
3. If you can and want to invest more right now and not need to upgrade in 1 or maybe 2 years, that is in a camera you can learn and grow with, I strongly suggest to go straight to Nikon D90 which is delivered in kit with far better allround lens (18-105VR) than the others above. You will then have a sollution that covers more of your presumed needs and you will not need an urgent acquisition on further lenses. Although you can probably find a good deal on Nikon D80 and I really like this camera, it is definitely at the end of his life, or will be shortly!

As far as I am concerned, I was in your situation some 1 month ago and after considering carefullly and having limited budget (therefore no XSi...) I chose option 1 - Nikon D60 with the ideea to learn on it and then upgrade in one or two years to D90. So far I consider the decision was a good one, at least for me.