So, I'm looking to make an investment by purchasing my first ever legit digital and substantial camera. I'm looking for a camera with a good shelf life that I can use to experiment with some new techniques that my current camera (Nikon Coolpix L18) doesn't offer. It needs to be user friendly and something that I can play with, like a camera that you would have started with when you began taking photos. Nothing outrageous, and under $1,000. I'm partial to Canons but am open to other options.
I love my Canon Rebel (EOS 300D), got it years ago and mainly just point and shoot with it. I've just started to discover some of its more advanced features but I've always been happy with its reliability and picture quality whatever I'm doing with it.
I have a Canon Power Shot A480 and am pretty happy with it. It's not an overly complicated camera, but it has some nice settings and features. It's also relatively inexpensive. A quick Google search says they're retailing at about $100 right now.
Canon rebel, any rebel. They are all good, though if you are looking to save some money the Sony Alpha is also very wonderful. I've worked with both and I enjoy the canon because the picture quality is consistently better, but not to a degree that it is a bad quality photo. The rebel XSi with a nice lens will serve you well.
I recently purchased the Canon EOS XSI and love it. The Canon Rebel T2I is basically the same camera but does video and has more megapixels. They seem to be great entry level DSLR cameras. Intimidating at first but now I'm feeling comfortable with it. My advice is to buy the body only and then purchase a better lens for it separately. This advice is based on my reading research and my photography teachers advice and personal experience.
Since I am a Nikon guy I would suggest the D90. Has the same sensor as the D300 without some of the bells and whistle in other areas. It is under a grand so it fits.
As far as a camare being an "INVESTMENT", in my opinion is wrong way of thinking. Your body is a commodity. Your lenses however are your investment; and depending on your body a good quality lenses will most likely be more expensive then the body. Get yourself good quality fast glass and it will move with each new body you have. (at least on the nikon series stuff I can't speak for other manufacturers)
and as I have recommended before, visit HERE to help you make your decision.
I have a Canon 50D and I love it. It does things that I haven't even figured out yet. I've gotten as far as putting the manual on my desk. But even if I shoot in auto, it is fabulous. I have a Sigma 28-105mm and I seldom wish I had more. Being a photographer, there is always more, but let's not go there.
I just got the Canon T2i that was recently released and am loving it. I previously had the Rebel xTi and loved it as well. Some new features with the T2i that I am very happy with are: upgraded super clear large LCD, LiveView functionality (used when shooting at angles that my eye can't get to the viewfinder), auto ISO settings allow for incremental ISO. The only downside to the T2i is the new media format - SD instead of CF, and the 18MP camera creates quite large file sizes.
Just saw a Nikon D5000 package - including a telephoto lens - on special for $850 at CostCo. (They even have a 90 day return policy!) I was sorely tempted!
I just went through a week of trying to decide on which DSLR. I ordered a Canon XSI from Amazon. I took a ton of photos with it, and felt like the focus was really off. So I ordered another one to see if it was a lemon (free shipping!). The second one was markedly better. But I still felt like it was a little soft and for this much $$ i want to love it. So I borrowed a friends Nikon D5000. OMG. A HUGE improvement in every way. Pictures were crisper, and the camera was much easier to use. Of course the Nikon was more expensive, but I found a great deal on a refurbished from Adorama. I can't wait until it arrives!
Get Nikon (D80/D90/D5000) camera BODY - dont look those with kit or cheap telephoto lens. And get Nikkor 18-200 VR (or VR II) lens. That should keep you happy for a while ;)
I'm sure Canon has similar products, it really doesn't matter which brand you choose, both are good but almost certainly you'll be married with that one for eternity, very expensive to switch over later ;)
I suggest you to take brand your friends are using, so you can lend gear from them before buying. And local support is also a bonus.
I personally suggest Nikon, but YMMV.
Like my friend said: Since I can't afford Hasselblad, theres only one option left - Nikon ;)
I just bought a refurbished Canon XS from Adorama, and I love it so far. It's not the latest and greatest, but I don't think that's necessary when you're just getting started with an SLR. Plus I agree that the lenses are the investment, rather than the body, so I'm starting out with the kit lens to make sure I'm serious enough about photography before I invest more money into better/more lenses.
You really need to get your hands on different cameras before you commit, though. Even if you don't plan on purchasing from a local camera store, you should still get in and hold different cameras and ask the sales guys any questions you have. I thought I wanted a Nikon until I held it, then held a Canon, and felt more comfortable with the Canon.
PS - I got my XS for WAY under $1000. The refurbished model I bought was only $399 and sells for $549 new in a lot of stores.
Nikon D3000....also, I would suggest buying the Nikon D3000 For Dummies book (or for whatever model you buy)...it helped me sort through the different options etc.
My wife is an avid Nikon user. She started with a D40x, and has since moved onto a D300.
I have played with her cameras and enjoy them, but when it came time to buy one for myself I opted for an Olympus E-620, and I LOVE IT! It's incredibly affordable and offers a ton of features for your dollar. It's very light, has built in image-stabilization, live-view screen that flips out and rotates, has all the manual options but also takes great pics on auto, and you can use BOTH olympus and Panasonic/Leica lenses on it. My images have been sharp with beautiful color (when I take them correctly) from day one. I also feel like I'll have no need to upgrade in a few years. It does everything I could imagine wanting to do for many years to come. Feel free contact me if you want more info!
I recently got a Canon Rebel XSi (you can find it for as little as $549 at Costco) and it really is a great camera-- there is a lot of room to grow with it.
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I have the T1i and adore it.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/675618-REG/Canon_4462B003_EOS_Rebel_T2i_Digital.html
As far as a camare being an "INVESTMENT", in my opinion is wrong way of thinking. Your body is a commodity. Your lenses however are your investment; and depending on your body a good quality lenses will most likely be more expensive then the body. Get yourself good quality fast glass and it will move with each new body you have. (at least on the nikon series stuff I can't speak for other manufacturers)
and as I have recommended before, visit HERE to help you make your decision.
Good luck and enjoy!
Thats not really a T2i specific problem. Camera manufacturers in general seem to be switching to SD cards.
I'm sure Canon has similar products, it really doesn't matter which brand you choose, both are good but almost certainly you'll be married with that one for eternity, very expensive to switch over later ;)
I suggest you to take brand your friends are using, so you can lend gear from them before buying. And local support is also a bonus.
I personally suggest Nikon, but YMMV.
Like my friend said: Since I can't afford Hasselblad, theres only one option left - Nikon ;)
You really need to get your hands on different cameras before you commit, though. Even if you don't plan on purchasing from a local camera store, you should still get in and hold different cameras and ask the sales guys any questions you have. I thought I wanted a Nikon until I held it, then held a Canon, and felt more comfortable with the Canon.
PS - I got my XS for WAY under $1000. The refurbished model I bought was only $399 and sells for $549 new in a lot of stores.
I have played with her cameras and enjoy them, but when it came time to buy one for myself I opted for an Olympus E-620, and I LOVE IT! It's incredibly affordable and offers a ton of features for your dollar. It's very light, has built in image-stabilization, live-view screen that flips out and rotates, has all the manual options but also takes great pics on auto, and you can use BOTH olympus and Panasonic/Leica lenses on it. My images have been sharp with beautiful color (when I take them correctly) from day one. I also feel like I'll have no need to upgrade in a few years. It does everything I could imagine wanting to do for many years to come. Feel free contact me if you want more info!