So JF....School me on DSLR's

Punisher · 08-21-2007, 09:32 PM

Looking to step into an entry level DSLR from my old AE1-Program. I've been shooting with it for years, and love the thing. But its getting old, and i'd like to venture more into digital imaging than what my Canon Digital Elph will allow.

Soo....school me. Bodies, lenses, etc...
Remember I'm not a noob to SLR's...just looking to get a digital one.

Black Hills TJ · 08-21-2007, 09:37 PM

I use my dad's AE-1 from the 70's for all my b+w work that I develop/print on my own. When it comes to digital the Rebel is alright, but go as big as you can afford. I shoot a Canon 30D and I love it. I'm not bashing Nikon because they do make good cameras, but Canon is way ahead of the game in advancing technology.

mpd8488 · 08-21-2007, 09:40 PM

Canan Digital Rebel or The Nikon equivalent will both be great for you. People will argue back and forth about Nikon and Canon, but they are both great for any hobby photographer.

As far as lenses are concerned, uh I've got a few (i got them for free so I couldn't tell you what to buy). I'm not sure what you're looking to do, but you will be able to find what you want at any photography store. It all depends on what you want to do.

I occasionally throw an old flash that I used on an old AE-1 onto my digital rebel, but it's a bit overpowering, but I'm sure newer flashes are better suited for the newer bodies, but the flash that's on the body is adequate for most situations.

edit: I love my Rebel, but I still use my old AE-1 program as well because film still gives you a depth that I don't believe digital will ever be able to achieve simple because it is digital.

Black Hills TJ · 08-21-2007, 09:44 PM

MPD suggested the rebel, but I'd say, if you can afford it go bigger. The difference is incredible!

mpd8488 · 08-21-2007, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Black Hills TJ

I use my dad's AE-1 from the 70's for all my b+w work that I develop/print on my own. When it comes to digital the Rebel is alright, but go as big as you can afford. I shoot a Canon 30D and I love it. I'm not bashing Nikon because they do make good cameras, but Canon is way ahead of the game in advancing technology.

I don't think that an amateur photographer will see any benefit from using any of those D cameras over a rebel (though I would still love a 1D, I got to play with one for a while over the summer).

Black Hills TJ · 08-21-2007, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mpd8488

I don't think that an amateur photographer will see any benefit from using any of those D cameras over a rebel (though I would still love a 1D, I got to play with one for a while over the summer).

I am an amateur myself actually. I shot with a rebel that my photography teacher allowed me to use my junior year of highschool and wanted something better right away. I got the 30D the spring of my junior year. You won't regret going big.

mpd8488 · 08-21-2007, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Black Hills TJ

I am an amateur myself actually. I shot with a rebel that my photography teacher allowed me to use my junior year of highschool and wanted something better right away. I got the 30D the spring of my junior year. You won't regret going big.

It really depends on what he is looking for. I'm the type of photographer that likes to capture moments for memories sake, not so much as an artist. Any entry level DSLR will do everything that I need (except super long exposures, the rebel can only do 30 seconds). I wanted something that would allow me to quickly take several shots so I have many to choose the good ones from. In that regard I saw no benefits when I got to try out a 20D for a while (or the 1D for that matter). Yeah they were cool to have, but what it really comes down to is will you ever use the features that are targeted at professionals.

I went from an AE-1 automatic to the rebel and I consider them to be comparable. There are cameras that are far superior to the AE-1, but only serious photographers need that.

JustANeon · 08-21-2007, 11:26 PM

The Rebel should have a bulb mode that will allow for exposures over 30"

As far as for the OP. What is your budget? How serious are you? Do you have lenses for a certain company already?

I suggest going to a store and holding them in your hand and playing around with them and ignore the salesman. Because the Canon/Nikon debate is neverending and honestly a little silly. Nikon is an optics manufacturer who makes digital cameras. Canon is an electronics manufacturer who makes lenses. IMHO Canon makes better bodies and Nikon makes better lenses. I chose Nikon because I expect to have my lenses for much longer than I use a body. It all comes down to the type of photography you are interested in. If you are into fast action or sports I suggest a Canon because they tend to have a higher FPS at the same price levels. If you are budget minded are just wanting to dabble in photography the Nikon D40x is very feature packed for the price although it has to use AF-S lenses to have autofocus

**Poor Boy** · 08-22-2007, 05:15 AM

i just made the switch from the EOS 3 to the rebel XTi. i'm happy with it. well, not a full switch, i've still got the 35mm, and all my darkroom crap...but i just don't use it as much.

the deciding factor for the XTi was that my set-up carried over.

Punisher · 08-22-2007, 04:42 PM

I've looked into the Rebel XT and XTi. Both nice cameras, and I like the self cleaning function in the XTi.

I only have a few lenses from the AE-1 Program, so thats not a huge concern....And as far as I read, those lenses are NOT compatable with the Digi Rebel anyway. Good to know the flashes still work though.

The AE-1 will still see use, it still works flawlessly and takes some kickass pictures.

Budget is pretty much $700 max. I Don't want to start with a ton of lenses/flashes etc...
Most of you hit the nail on the head: I'm a hobby photographer...for fun, and now taking a class for the "artsy side" of it all.

What I'm looking for...

Body & lens to start with (18-55 is fine...I need to learn the camera before I go for more)
6-8 MP
Built in Flash

I've looked at both the D40 and the XT....both are well within my price range, and leave some extra room for memory, case, extras....

fundabug · 08-22-2007, 05:54 PM

I have a Canon XTi with several lenses, but don't be fooled by the "self cleaning" camera gimic. YOU WILL eventually have to clean the sensor. My Canon came from the factory with dust on the sensor and after a trip wheeling out west it had some serious dust. Once you get more used to aperture settings and shutter speeds you'll start to notice more dust. Smaller aperture settings give more contrast, but will show any and all sensor dust. Most people don't even notice it when they're first starting out. Any DSLR will eventually have to be cleaned and since there isn't a camera shop within 70 miles of me I learned to do it myself. The first time is like doing brain surgery and I was scared I would destroy my camera. After about 10 times it got easier, but I still don't like to do it. I bought a good kit and did a lot of research before I tried it and after the first time I really got it right, I noticed my pics were cleaner and crisper than the day I bought the camera. Just keep that in mind when camera shopping.....It's not just Canon, but ALL sensors on camera's with changable lenses (SLR) will HAVE TO BE CLEANED! Good luck!

Also camera's are like Jeeps....If you like it at all....just get ready to empty every pocket!!!!

fundabug · 08-22-2007, 06:25 PM

Are you the guy on the Canon POTN site posting this exact same question? If so, listen to the guys at POTN....they know their stuff....Not that I have any doubts about the photographers on JF....and there are some really good ones here, but it is a photography site with people who do it for a living. They're very helpful and will help you from wasting money on equipment that you'll regret later.

Punisher · 08-22-2007, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fundabug

Are you the guy on the Canon POTN site posting this exact same question? If so, listen to the guys at POTN....they know their stuff...

Not me. Sorry.

Link?

Thanks for the advice guys. Fundabug I'm aware of the cleaning procedures for these cameras. (been shooting/cleaning my AE-1 Since It was first passed down to me when I was 15). Its amazing what a good cleaning can do for your shots!

Black Hills TJ · 08-22-2007, 07:53 PM

Its rather funny about the self cleaning sensors. What they actually do is adjust the pixels around the dust on the sensor to compensate for it.

fundabug · 08-22-2007, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Punisher

Not me. Sorry.

Link?

Thanks for the advice guys. Fundabug I'm aware of the cleaning procedures for these cameras. (been shooting/cleaning my AE-1 Since It was first passed down to me when I was 15). Its amazing what a good cleaning can do for your shots!

Okey dokey....Looks like you got the camera thing covered....Sorry for the redundant post. Here's the link to the POTN site.....if it works...
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/index.php

EDIT: Correct me if I'm wrong...But isn't the AE-1 a 35mm camera? If so, then you haven't cleaned a digital sensor.....Cleaning 35mm is an entire different beast than cleaning a DSLR sensor. The sensor is basically your film....each frame you shoot the film moves, but in a DSLR the image sensor is always in the same place...therefore it gets dirty. If you know how this works then I'm sorry for another redundant post. Just trying to help out.