Recommendations for a still camera

[Steve Polley]

Since I have been actively chasing the last 2 years, I have finally decided that I need a more serious camera than my meager Sony Cybershot. What would you recommend for someone that has around $500-750 to spend on a decent camera. I am also wanting to do some nighttime lightning shots as well.

Thanks for your input

Steve

[Dan Cook]

In that range I would go with a Canon Rebel XT. IIRC mine cost me around $600 new on eBay last year.

[Jayson Prentice]

Just as, if not more important is going to be what type of lens you get with that camera. And for the price range you listed, your best choice is probably going to be one of the 'older' Canon or Nikon DSLR's. This way you can spend ~$400 on the camera body and still have money left to at least purchase one decent wide angle lens.

Sometimes the kit lenses aren't too bad, especially the newer one that Canon has came out with for their XSi. For your price range though, I would suggest the cheap body and one good lens.

[Mike Hollingshead]

In that range I would go with a Canon Rebel XT. IIRC mine cost me around $600 new on eBay last year.

May as well go higher with the XTi as BHphotovideo.com has it for $540 new right now without the lens. I'm actually pondering this route instead of the XSi. The higher ISO noise performances aren't thrilling me enough to go with the XSi for that much more. Seems like you can only cram so many pixels into the same sized sensor before increasing the noise, and maybe they are fully there with the cropped sensor sizes. Anyway, I'd say that price is the best bang for the buck out there right now in DSLR's. I'd love the upgrade to a couple more mp, bigger lcd, and most importantly, that automatic sensor cleaner(I think anyway).

And if you want to bother with that kit lens, it's $629 with it.

Edit: Then again, maybe the XTi and XSi high iso noise levels are similar. Hmm.

[Jason Boggs]

Here is a sample image that I shot last week at ISO 1600 with the XTi. Nothing has been done to the image besides the crop.

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/5765/img1187gq7.jpg

[D. Hayes]

I've got the Rebel XTi but to be honest I find myself using my Canon A640 more often. I guess what you want to shoot would be the main factor in what camera you need. I shoot mostly lightning sometimes in the middle of the storm with a down pour and mainly at night. I was able to get a Canon waterproof hard case for my A640 for about $130.

Setting up my A640 takes me all of 1 minutes doing this process - custom mode, flash off, manual-infinite focus, ISO 80, and then set f8/15" continuous drive mode. All this while on the tripod and in the waterproof case. Then I aim it at a active area and hit the shutter release and it'll take pictures for about 6 minutes. I normally shoot from my front porch, work, or out spotting with the camera just outside the truck window.

Now there are times I practice with my XTi but I don't have a good waterproof case yet. I do have a few "rain jacket"cases but the lense is still exposed on these. So I'll only use it in dry or light rain conditions. Now for far off shots of approaching storms I will strictly use my XTi. I get a lot better detail and higher contrast plus being able to rapid fire off shots is a big bonus.

My suggestion would be to get a solid point and shoot camera like the A640 with a hard waterproof case.

[Chris Allington]

Love my XTi, the settings displayed on the lcd are alot more intuitive than the XT being on that secondary lcd strip right below the view finder.

I like being able to set user defined settings (The wb and sharpness/ contrast, all those other goodies) for different uses in the professional modes (i.e. AV, TV, Manual). So you can quickly change to different combinations that work well in certain conditions.

[Robert Edmonds]

Anyone have an experiance with a self cleaning dslr? I would be interested in hearing how well a self cleaning system works. I have a Nikon D70 and can only do post processing to remove the dust, and if the reference photo isn't recent forget about.

[Jason Boggs]

The Xti is self cleaning. I have had no problems with having to remove dust in post processing. I really didn't guy it for this feature, but I guess it doesn't hurt to have it.

[Mike Peregrine]

I thought about trading in the XTi for an XSi this year ... but decided I like it too much, and while the upgrades are tempting, I don't think there are enough of them yet to really warrant a full upgrade. The self cleaning thing is great. I was going crazy on the old 300D removing dust spots. I've probably shot around 4000 frames with the XTi, and so far so good.

[Jayson Prentice]

I have never once had a problem with my XTi and dust accumulating on it, maybe it is just that I'm careful when removing/attaching the lens. Either way, it is a nice feature on it and it certainly doesn't hurt anything...

One option that may not be so bad in that price range, what about going with an XTi body, but getting the new kits lens that is featured on the XSi? It would likely be within your range and you would get a much better kit lens than the one that normally comes with the XTi.

[Carey Walton]

Just a thought, but you might want to check out RitzCamera. I just noticed that they have a mother's day special on a Nikon D40 with 2 lenses for $549 which seems within your budget and might be a pretty good bang for the buck.

I don't have any experience with the D40 or the lenses, but I'm sure there are plenty of reviews and maybe there's someone on the list that's using one that could comment. I'm sure that Thom Hogan http://www.bythom.com/thom.htm has reviewed these.

[Aaron Kennedy]

One option that may not be so bad in that price range, what about going with an XTi body, but getting the new kits lens that is featured on the XSi?

Did that for my wife... great combo!

[Gordon Spencer]

The new Panasonics are really impressive. My buddy is the buyer for a big Audio Video place in Buffalo and he claims they are the best digital cameras for the moment

http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/shop/Cameras-Camcorders/Digital-Cameras/Lumix-Digital-Cameras/model.DMC-FX500K_11002_7000000000000005702

[Ryan McGinnis]

The new Panasonics are really impressive. My buddy is the buyer for a big Audio Video place in Buffalo and he claims they are the best digital cameras for the moment

http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/shop/Cameras-Camcorders/Digital-Cameras/Lumix-Digital-Cameras/model.DMC-FX500K_11002_7000000000000005702

I dunno, I don't know your buddy, but I'd submit that they're not -- not by a longshot. The Leica lens is nice, but the sensor and in-camera processing leave a lot to be desired, especially with noise. I mean, it's not terrible for a point and shoot by any means, but you can do better for the money.

[Gordon Spencer]

well for what you get for your money he claims they are . He buys alot of Cameras . He says The new Panasonics are very impressive. The models he is referring to are not even out in most retail right now. He has them backordered. I wanted a new camera and he is the one that told me to wait till He could get me one of the new Panasonics. He sells to me for his cost so it is not that he is making any money off. Me . Exact Model he suggests I wait for is a DMC-TZ5
DISCLAIMER ---- I am in no way affiliated with PANASONIC - I make no money if you buy PANASONIC . Just passing on info from a very trusted source who is the buyer for a major Camera dealer in the Buffalo area . They sell thousands of cameras a year and I trust his opinion . Please do not attack myself or my friend for his opinion . It is just his opinion . And opinions ar like a**holes . Everyone has one . I trust his because of his knowledge and expertise.

[/I]I dunno, I don't know your buddy, but I'd submit that they're not -- not by a longshot. The Leica lens is nice, but the sensor and in-camera processing leave a lot to be desired, especially with noise. I mean, it's not terrible for a point and shoot by any means, but you can do better for the money.

[Mike Hollingshead]

Has the threshold for what is considered an "attack" gone down on here or what? Posting a different opinion is not an attack.

[Ryan McGinnis]

well for what you get for your money he claims they are . He buys alot of Cameras . He says The new Panasonics are very impressive. The models he is referring to are not even out in most retail right now. He has them backordered. I wanted a new camera and he is the one that told me to wait till He could get me one of the new Panasonics. He sells to me for his cost so it is not that he is making any money off. Me . Exact Model he suggests I wait for is a DMC-TZ5[/i]

BTW, DPreview did a nice writeup (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonictz5/page11.asp) on the TZ5 -- not a bad little camera, but it has some significant issues, which disqualifies it in my book from being the best camera in its class. From what I've read, most Panasonic cameras have similar issues that revolve around the camera sensor, noise, and the noise reduction firmware. Personally, I wish Lumix cameras were better than they are as they really do have some high quality glass in them for point and shoots.



The 28-280mm 10x zoom makes the TZ5 an ideal travel companion covering an enormous array of photographic assignments, from wide angle landscape shots to wildlife photography (well, as long as the wildlife remains fairly stationary). But the Leica badged lens has not only an impressive zoom range, it also offers admirable edge-to-edge sharpness across the zoom range. Combine that with very little distortion even at wide angle and you've got a truly excellent lens.

Unfortunately, as before, what's behind the lens does not entirely match the glass. Although image quality has again been slightly improved with the new model (noise reduction at higher ISOs is a lot less intrusive) all is still not rosy in Panasonic's garden. The tiny sensor means that noise and a general softness caused by noise reduction is visible in the TZ5's output even at base ISO. Of course things don't exactly get better at higher sensitivities and anything higher than ISO 400 should be avoided if you plan to print your images at a decent size or publish them online at a high resolution.

In conclusion the TZ5 is a versatile, user friendly photographic tool that can produce good results outdoors in decent light but struggles when it comes to taking pictures indoors and in low light (the flash performs quite well though). If you are looking for a travel or walkaround camera that is quick enough for the occasional spontaneous street shot and can also produce great quality HD video you should definitely have a closer look at the TZ5. If low light photography or indoor social snapping is more your thing or if you're into 'pixel-peeping' you might want to look out for alternatives.

[Bob Hartig]

I just went through the process of purchasing a DSLR recently, and after a lot of advice-seeking and plenty of personal research, I purchased the Rebel XTi body and a Sigma 18-200mm OS lens. This is my first DSLR, and I'm absolutely delighted with the setup.

I bought the XTi through Beach Camera for $515, and the lens for $425 through DigiBuy.

Thanks to the invaluable input of members on this forum, I was able to quickly narrow down my choice to either the Canon or the Olympus Evolt 510. There were a number of things I really liked about the Evolt. The reviews I read suggested that it really does give a lot of bang for the buck, particularly considering that you get not just one, but two lenses with the kit, and I've heard that they're actually pretty decent lenses at that. However, according to both online reviews and camera store staff, the camera is unacceptably noisy at ISOs above 400, and since I plan on shooting in low-light conditions, that for me was the deal-breaker.

On the other hand, Digital Photography Review had this to say about the Rebel XTi: "From an overall performance point of view the Canon EOS 400D (Rebel XTi) with its CMOS sensor once more delivers the best compromise between noise and detail." (In a comparison between the Canon Rebel XTi, the Olympus E-510 Evolt, the Pentax K10D, and the Sony DSLR-A100.)

For me, that cinched it. I figured that a lot of folks on Stormtrack love the XTi for a reason, and what I was reading about it seemed to underscore that it's a great camera for the price range.

However, the kit lens seemed kind of junky. I know some people like it okay, but I've heard--and read--some unfavorable comments about it, and what I saw at the store certainly didn't impress me. So I chose to buy just the XTi body and spend a little more money on a lens I'd truly be happy with. After more research, I settled on the new Sigma 18-200mm AF lens with optical stabilization. If you, like me, can only afford one lens, this is a great multi-purpose lens. It does show a bit of curvature at extreme wide angle, but that doesn't bother me. Overall, I love both the lens and the camera. Check out www.dpreview.com (http://www.dpreview.com) for reviews on both.

[Eric Flescher]

I thought about a digital SLR for a long time for astronomy, chasing nature and more. My kodak 280 did not have enough megapixels and the batteries were a pain. My minolta digital was great but it busted right before the big comet in January 2007. I settled on a canon rebel xt (as it was little cheaper but had lesser pixels ) but was really good for changing lens and more.
The new nikon models and new canon rate well and you can pick up a canon xt (as I did ) or an xti or the new ones. It taken a little while to figure out how and when to use some of the settings. good luck hope this helps.

[Steve Polley]

Think from everyone's input that most are pleased with the Canon XTI. I think this is the route I will go. Is there a particular type of lense that is preffered over another? Im not looking to spend over $200 for the lense since this is about the limit for my camera budget. :)

Thanks

[Ryan McGinnis]

Think from everyone's input that most are pleased with the Canon XTI. I think this is the route I will go. Is there a particular type of lense that is preffered over another? Im not looking to spend over $200 for the lense since this is about the limit for my camera budget. :)

Thanks

For your budget, under $200, I would get this lens:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/519475-USA/Canon_2042B002_EF_S_18_55mm_f_3_5_5_6_IS.html

Tremendous bang for the buck. Do NOT get the older, non IS version of this lens -- it's terrible. But the newer generation IS version is quite good, considering the price, and will cover a lot of the range you'll want to cover in storm chasing.

[Darren Addy]

Alternate opinion: I'd put more into the lens and less into the body. The Rebel XT (not XTi) is a great camera and body only is $394 at J&R. That leaves you $356 for your lens (to meet your $750 top end budget amount).

For just a hair more than your top end budget figure you could get the widely loved (and faster at f/2.8) Tamron 17-50mm
http://www.amazon.com/Tamron-AF17-50mm-Aspherical-Canon-Cameras/dp/B000EXR0SI
The lens is $428.50 ($385 refurb).

My thinking is that you will keep the lenses far longer than you will keep the body (you'll probably upgrade the body in a few years, but the lens will live on). IMHO better to spend money on the lens. I'd even advocate getting an original Digital Rebel and spending more on the lens, if push came to shove. The leap from a point 'n shoot to a DSLR (even the original Rebel) will be a treat in itself. You don't have to have the latest and greatest XTi. As far as the sensor cleaner on the XTi goes, some people say it is a joke - doesn't work long.

Anyway, just another guy's opinion.

[Mike Peregrine]

It's true ... lenses are everything. Although I do like Ryan's suggestion. The Tamron is good and has good reviews. I still really like the Sigma 10-22mm too, even though it isn't as fast. I just like the wide open views of 10mm.

By the way, you can pick up lots of great lenses through Dell and buy them on credit. The drawbacks are they are usually more expensive than B&H (and look out for their interest - ouch). But it's an option, anyway.

And stop having opinions, Darren - -

[Mike Hollingshead]

I wouldn't get the original rebel when an XT is as cheap as it is now. If you do lightning, you'll be glad if you go XT or up instead. There's virtually no lag time between shots, so shutter been open too long, but there ain't been a big bolt forever either....click click on the release and you're good to go. This is not true on the original. Also, there was a big improvement in noise in the step up from the original to XT. If you use the camera and usb cable to offload pics like I do, the speed increase in the XT for that is worth the few extra bucks over the original. It must do it about 10 times faster than the original(literally).

[Mike Deep]

I also say go XT and get some better glass. That's what I opted for.

You may want to take a look at the Sigma 24-60 f2.8 EX - It's a steal at ~$220. You could pair it with a Sigma or Tamron 12-24 later on.

[Bob Hartig]

For both camera and lens, I strongly recommend you research prices. When I was in my own buying mode back in March, I was amazed at the price spread. Caveat emptor, friend. But on the plus side, if you do your homework, you can find exceptional prices from reputable dealers. I was totally pleased with Beach Camera and BuyDig.