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The budget is not an issue. It's a matter of finding a decent "starter" or "entry-level" camera, if you will.

Assuming you're wanting to step into DSLRs, Rebel XS/XSi is one of the best bets. Don't count out Nikon though, they've got a huge lineup.
I have the XS, bare bottom of Canon's SLR line, but I think it would have been a little better to barely skim the bottom of the barrel with the XSi than scrape it with the XS. Besides a 2MP bump (hardly important), the body is a little more rugged, the LCD is .5" larger and it has a slightly better auto focus and faster burst. None of these will really improve what you do, but I think if you used them back to back, it'd be appreciated. I saw an ad in Best Buy today really similar to what I have. Rebel XS kit with the 75-300mm telephoto and an extra battery for under $700. This is an AWESOME deal.

That's a great deal! I'd want a 50D with a battery grip and maybe a 50mm f/1.8 to start with.




Ian

Assuming you're wanting to step into DSLRs, Rebel XS/XSi is one of the best bets. Don't count out Nikon though, they've got a huge lineup.
I have the XS, bare bottom of Canon's SLR line, but I think it would have been a little better to barely skim the bottom of the barrel with the XSi than scrape it with the XS. Besides a 2MP bump (hardly important), the body is a little more rugged, the LCD is .5" larger and it has a slightly better auto focus and faster burst. None of these will really improve what you do, but I think if you used them back to back, it'd be appreciated. I saw an ad in Best Buy today really similar to what I have. Rebel XS kit with the 75-300mm telephoto and an extra battery for under $700. This is an AWESOME deal.

An entry level camera can certainly do some great stuff and take some great shots. When you get into higher end cameras, what you end up paying for is stuff like magnesium bodies, good high ISO performance, faster burst shooting, and better AF performance. So unless you plan on shooting fast action in low light, or need to print larger than 36"x24", a 10mp entry SLR with some decent lenses should be able to get great shots. Just remember that your image is only as good as the glass it passes through, so unless you absolutely need certain features, its always better to upgrade lenses before upgrading camera bodies.

If you get a X0D, I have this grip and am pleased with it. It's about 1/3 the cost of the Canon brand, and has all the same features.

This post has been edited by am3pkcet on Sep 22 2009, 11:21 AM

I know this. Can you show me pictures of your camera with the battery grip attached?




Ian

here ya go!

http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/5845/img9951.jpg

http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/4011/dsc05488h.jpg

http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/6500/mg9918.jpg

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/2092/mg9917.jpg

Looks just like the Canon E2N Battery Grip..

yeah pretty much. what sold me on this particular one was reading a review from someone who only strictly bought canon-brand stuff. lenses, bags, other grips, flashes, etc. he picked up this particular one for a backup-to-a-backup 20D and stated virtually no noticeable difference between it and his other X0D canon E2N. i've personally been all about canon first party brand, so if it convinced someone else who thought that way, it was good enough for me. very pleased with it, and i saved myself over 100$ in the process.

Very nice! And for a fraction of the cost.




Ian

If you ask me, Sigma and Foveon technology would suit your style. SD14 is a bargain and still sharp as knife

Although Sigma's SLR suck hard in specs, in IQ there just isn't any other camera which has so good printing resolution.

But Sigma doesn't offer a good ISO range and you can't buy 3rd-party accessories for it.

But please visit on my flickr and see what Foveon can do with landscapes:
My Flickr

If you got interested, then visit also:
Sigma SLR talk @ DPreview

Also Pentax is pretty interesting right now, becouse of K-7 and the rumoured 50mm f/1.0 (!) SDM.

I have a Olympus evolt e410, with 14-42 and 40-150 lens. Pretty small dslr, reason being its Four-Thirds.

Recently picked up a canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS. It's absolutely fantastic. Everything comes out much clearer and sharper, plus I have the tag-team low-light duo of f/2.8 and IS. <3

I used my friend's Canon 35mm f/1.4L. Pure sex. SO GOOD.




Ian

I am using a Olympus Camera...

I need to find someone near me who has the 85mm f1.2L so i can play with it! The new 100mm f/2.8L hybrid-IS macro lens looks very intriguing too...

Hybrid IS? What's that?




Ian

rented a 70-200 2.8 IS yesterday for a high school football game tonight. hopefully i can grab some nice pics with it!

as far as hybrid IS, its like... it takes care of angular rotation and location shift movement. honestly, i'm not too taken back by it compared to "normal" IS, but it'd be cool to become the standard.

Whew that thing is a beast. I wish there was a local camera shop near my house where I could borrow lens.

www.lensprotogo.com has lens rentals. though, most of theirs are for a week, whereas my local shop was day by day. they have better prices on lensprotogo if you're looking for longer term rental though.

Nikon Coolpix P50 here and it does more than I'll ever need. Gotta love only 2xAA and a wide angle lens.

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