Here's the problem: at the moment, I have a 35mm SLR camera. It's costing me a fortune to develop the film and even buy it, so I've been considering digital for a while. The only problem is that if I get a digital SLR, I'm probably not gonna have enough money to buy lenses, flash units, etc. until next year, and I'm the kind of person that if I can't get something in the next four months then I'll probably end up spending whatever I have saved without realizing it, plus I have no idea what to get.
I need one that'll at least have the basic advantage over film, being that it'll be cheaper overall later on.
If it can, I want to have all the features a film SLR has, and preferabely more.
Also, I want it to have a fairly good resolution, enought to be able to print quality 8x10/8.5x11 and still look good at a print size higher than that.
Basically, I want a good resolution, feature-packed, overall money-saving digital SLR at a good price-not past $900. Also-must be compatible with a wide array of equipment, software, etc. etc.
Very flexible, pretty much. Hello.
Like what other people said, the XTi sounds good for you now. Compared to your Rebel K2, it has so much more to offer and since it has 10 megapixel resolution, you don't have to worry about enlarging the picture to the size you specify.
I understand from your previous question that you shoot indoor sometimes and in that case I think the kit lens (EF-S 18-55) would be enough for now. Its not the best lens in the world, but it's serviceable and I often found myself using the kit lens when doing indoor photography (if I'm not using the plastic fantastic 50mm f1.8 that is).
But hold on. Before you bite on everyone's word including mine, I have a gripe about the XTi which I have it myself. The grip is too small for my big hand. It might not be a big deal for a lot of people but for many photographer it does. So all I'm saying is, go to your local camera store and hold the camera with your own hand and see how it feel. If you like it, then get it. If you don't, then you could switch to Nikon like the D40 (not the best Nikon camera but it's still better than your K2 and it's a good start anyway).
The XTi kit can be had for about ~$680 at www.bhphotovideo.com - give or take a few in other sites. The camera kit, a 2 Gb Lexar Compact Flash card and a 430EX flash cost just a little bit more than $900 - $962.9 to be exact at www.bhphotovideo.com. With a little bit of your time you could perhaps get it at a bargain price and meet your budget on this one.
Well, good luck in this one. You told us every thing but what we needed to know. What SLR do you own?
Basically buy the DSLR camera that matches the lenses you already own. Pick the DSLR model that is one level higher than you "think" you can afford. It will then keep you shooting for more years before you will want to upgrade to a higher tech body.
Keep the old body, because you may want to shoot using IR or some really cool black and white images you can later print and hang on your walls.
BTW:
"Also-must be compatible with a wide array of equipment, software, etc."
When you start talking about DSLR's you are talking about camera systems that support pro photographers, so any of them will be supported by a wide array of equipment (Nikon and Canon leading to pack) and software wise?
Why would you think that a Nikon would support software that a Olympus would not?
These cameras all shoot producing high quality JPEG and RAW image files ... some even TIFF files. First, consider the brand of film camera you're using now. Many digital cameras can use lenses from film cameras from the same company.
Go to a camera store with your lenses (or a list of them) and ask to see if there are any DSLRs that they will work with. Tell them you budget and style of shooting, and they will help you find the right camera. Try out a few and get the feel for them. One might feel "just right" to you.
Camera stores can also offer you help after you buy your camera, with anything that might come up. Usually all you have to do is show them your camera, and a few pictures, and they can troubleshoot problems. They can also help send a camera in for repair if it needs it, and they will advise if it's warranty and how long it will take.
So bottom line, start at a good camera store. You say you already have a film SLR camera, is it a Nikon or Canon? If so, you may be able to keep your lenses and use them on a digital. Bring them to a reputable camera store to see if they work. I still use my Canon EOS lenses than I used on my film camera almost 10 years ago. The newer Nikon lenses would fit on a Nikon digital too. I'm not sure about other brands.
I would look at either the Canon Rebel XTi or the Nikon D80. Both have the resolution and features you are looking for. Stick with Canon or Nikon. They are the best in digital SLR's. Have you considered a film scanner? Develop only at Wally Mart is $1.94. Scan and then print the keepers only. Plus all your old shots can be digitized and adjusted. It can breath new life into old photos. The obvious answer here is to recommend a Canon Rebel XT or XTi, because you own a lens. BUT - since you only own ONE lens and it is not particularly suited to digital format (It's probably something like 28-80...), if you are going to jump ship to Nikon, NOW would be the time.
Personally, I favor Nikon's entry level SLR's to Canon's as they seem to allow a little more technical growth, but I admit that is a real bias on my part, as my wife and I own 3 Nikon DSLR's between us. Since you own a Canon Eos you should be able to use the lenses on any Canon Eos camera. The Canon Digital Rebel xti goes for about $900 with the 55mm-85mm lens.
It's a 10 megapixel camera so you should be able to get larger images easily. |
