Which DSLR do you recommend? Why?

[AutumnSangria]

I am considering going into business for myself, but I believe I will be starting off with small, paid assigments first. I am looking to purchase a DSLR camera, but I have very little experience DSLR's.

The cameras I am taking into consideration of purchasing are:
Nikon D40
Nikon D40x
Canon EOS Digital Rebel Xti

I would like to know which DSLR camera you recommend?
If not any of the above, which one? I

I want to know what others are using, and what they like, and dislike most about the camera they are using, so I have a better idea what to expect, and what I should consider before making the big purchase.

Personally, I love the camera I have: Panasonic Lumix FZ8, but it's not a DSLR, and I've been told I cannot use it professionally by several photographers I have spoken with.

So, if you have a minute. Please respond!

[Twisted Image]

I think it depends on what your business is going to be. I have seen great pics from lowly camera phones....it really depends on your subject matter as to what type of camera would suit the conditions best.

[HaroldC3]

Canon and Nikon are both very different. I suggest trying them both before deciding.

[AutumnSangria]

Well is there any differences in particular I should be aware of?
I can't really "try" any of them. I'd have to purchase or borrow one from a friend or something, which I cannot do.

[bps]

Hi AutumnSangria,

Welcome! I say go with Canon, but them again, I'm biased. :)

Canon and Nikon lenses are not interchangeable, so once you choose a path to go down you're probably going to stick with it. Your best bet is to read about the technical features that each camera offers and then head to a camera shop and spend some time getting acquainted with each of the models you are looking at. Hopefully you can determine which one feels right to you.

If you go with Canon, you may want to consider the 30D. It can be had for a great price now that the 40D is on the market.

Good luck!
Bryan

[ofdphoto]

What's your budget?

If you end up putting a pro kit together, the body itself will be the least of your expenses. Bear in mind when considering the options that you're buying into a system of lenses, flashes and accessories, not just buying a camera. Also, the "kit lens" that will come with whatever camera you do buy will not bring out the best of what your camera can do (not at wide apertures, anyway) ... so be prepared to outlay enough for at least one good lens to start with. Which one depends on what camera body you go for, and what size sensor it has.

Also, if you're seriously planning to go into business with this, you'll need a backup body and some redundant glass (e.g. a prime lens or two), because things do fail sometimes.

As far as a recommendation goes, you've come to a Canon forum, so we're very unlikely to recommend Nikon. That said, Nikon have finally started to catch up with Canon in the high-ISO noise department, so there's less to distinguish them these days.

In terms of bang for back for pro's, I think it's VERY hard to beat the 40D. From memory, the "equivalent" Nikon is significantly more expensive. And 40D's are pretty ruggedly built ...

[Mike R]

What's your budget?

If you end up putting a pro kit together, the body itself will be the least of your expenses. Bear in mind when considering the options that you're buying into a system of lenses, flashes and accessories, not just buying a camera. Also, the "kit lens" that will come with whatever camera you do buy will not bring out the best of what your camera can do (not at wide apertures, anyway) ... so be prepared to outlay enough for at least one good lens to start with. Which one depends on what camera body you go for, and what size sensor it has.

Also, if you're seriously planning to go into business with this, you'll need a backup body and some redundant glass (e.g. a prime lens or two), because things do fail sometimes.

As far as a recommendation goes, you've come to a Canon forum, so we're very unlikely to recommend Nikon. That said, Nikon have finally started to catch up with Canon in the high-ISO noise department, so there's less to distinguish them these days.

In terms of bang for back for pro's, I think it's VERY hard to beat the 40D. From memory, the "equivalent" Nikon is significantly more expensive. And 40D's are pretty ruggedly built ...

Another vote for the 40D from a user. HOWEVER you need to consider what type of photography you will be shooting, Sports ? Portraits ? Weddings ?
Commercial products? and the list goes on...

For example the 40D is great for sports, and will handle most other things but a Rebel would not hande sports as well.

[AutumnSangria]

Thank you all again for your feedback, it is much appreciated.

As far as which style of photography I want to go with, I guess... I have a huge problem there, because I want to do it all.

I guess this means I would need numerous cameras and numerous lenses for each.

[Mike R]

Thank you all again for your feedback, it is much appreciated.

As far as which style of photography I want to go with, I guess... I have a huge problem there, because I want to do it all.

I guess this means I would need numerous cameras and numerous lenses for each.

Not really, one body will do it (with a back up) but you may need to purchase a higher end camera, which are also built better. A 40D can handle most anything. You're right about lenses, You will need to consider what you will be shooting when purchasing lens.

[bps]

...As far as which style of photography I want to go with, I guess... I have a huge problem there, because I want to do it all...

It sounds like your best bet is to perhaps buy a Canon 30D or a Canon 40D and then take things from there. Over time, most of your money will be spent on glass. The 30D or the 40D are excellent cameras and you will not outgrow them anytime soon. I suggest either one of these cameras because they are solid all-around performers. The 1.6x crop rate and the 5 frames per second (for the 30d) or 6.5 frames per seconds (for the 40D) will give you the reach and speed that you need for most anything.

Once you've spent some time in the saddle with DSLRs you'll begin to acquire a taste for what you like to photograph and then down the road if you choose to upgrade your camera body, you'll know which way to go once you get there. (there stands a good chance that the 30D or 40D series may be all that you ever need)

If you are on a tight budget, then the Canon Xti is a good choice and is very much worth considering.

If you have any specific questions, do let us know!

Bryan

[MLphoto]

dont get the D40 the camera isn't that good..

the d40x is good kinda like the xti...

or pay a little more and get the canon d300 or something

[ofdphoto]

Canon D300?