dslr camera help needed. please read!!!!

[hipnotic]

I am new to the dslr cameras and in the process of buying one. First of all my budge is around $650. With this camera my intention is to take pictures of outdoors, special occasions, sporting events, and random pictures. I want something easy to use since I am a beginner. I am only looking at either a nikon or canon camera. As of right now the two dslr I am looking at are the Nikon d3000 and the canon rebel XS. What do you guys think of these two cameras? I looked at walmart website regarding prices and packages. Walmart is selling the nikon d3000 the camera only for 449.00 and is also selling a package for 599.00 which includes a bag, 2 G memory card, camera, and a 55-200 mm VR lens. And for the canon rebel XS they are selling a package for 499.00 which includes the camera, bag, and 2 G memory card. Canon rebel XS also has a more expensive package for 599.00 which includes the camera, 2 G memory card, bag, and 75-300 mm lens. What do you guys think about these two cameras and its packages? Any help or advice would be appreciated or other dslr that you would recommend. Don't forget my budget is $650.00 and I am new to the dlsr world.

[ChasVS]

Look for a refurbished nikon d40 kit at adorama or other online site. Then go to www.ppsop.com and take one of their online courses. From there you'll find out where you want to go and what specific gear you interests will require. You can do all this for under your budget.

[Koroush]

Between the XS and the D3000, I'd take the XS. Plus a 75-300 lens is just a great lens to have in your bag.

[vachss]

Originally Posted by Koroush

Plus a 75-300 lens is just a great lens to have in your bag.

Actually the 75-300 is not one of Canon's particularly high performers. For not much more money I'd go for the 55-250 IS. Not quite as much reach as the 75-300, but sharper and IS can make a big difference once you go tele.

[radiantm3]

Originally Posted by vachss

Actually the 75-300 is not one of Canon's particularly high performers. For not much more money I'd go for the 55-250 IS. Not quite as much reach as the 75-300, but sharper and IS can make a big difference once you go tele.

I think zoom lenses with that much difference in general are mediocre at best. It's really all about convenience. Great for those that aren't serious about photography and only want 1 lens that does everything. But I know everyone has their own opinions on that.

[BMW F22]

Originally Posted by ChasVS

Look for a refurbished nikon d40 kit at adorama or other online site. Then go to www.ppsop.com and take one of their online courses. From there you'll find out where you want to go and what specific gear you interests will require. You can do all this for under your budget.

OMFG I'm gonna go bananas if one more person suggests the D40. For Christ sake it's like a 10 year old camera. Just because Ken freaking Rockwell said it's the best damn thing since slice bread doesn't mean that everyone starting out in photography should get a D40. There are so many new, nice, well-featured cameras out there that can kick the D40's butt yet are budget friendly.

OP- get an Xs or the Xsi. There are other Nikon and Canon cameras out there that are better than the damn D40 for less than $650. G'luck.

[BMW F22]

Originally Posted by Koroush

Between the XS and the D3000, I'd take the XS. Plus a 75-300 lens is just a great lens to have in your bag.

Originally Posted by vachss

Actually the 75-300 is not one of Canon's particularly high performers. For not much more money I'd go for the 55-250 IS. Not quite as much reach as the 75-300, but sharper and IS can make a big difference once you go tele.

Agreed. The 75-300 is shit. Go with either the 55-250mm IS or the 70-300mm (pretty expensive at about $500-600).

[Koroush]

Originally Posted by BMW E90

Agreed. The 75-300 is shit. Go with either the 55-250mm IS or the 70-300mm (pretty expensive at about $500-600).

[u2b]WWnAdB-vkXo&feature=player_embedded[/u2b]

This is what happening right now. But with cameras instead of cars.


The 75-300 Is fine, don't listen to these guys.

[BMW F22]

Originally Posted by Koroush

This is what happening right now. But with cameras instead of cars.


The 75-300 Is fine, don't listen to these guys.

Lol funny video. Repost but funny nonetheless.

Seriously though, the 75-300 is a shitty lens. Why do you think they're selling for so cheap? This sounds like lines from Fast and Furious but go ask any photographer, any real photographer and they'll tell you that it's a crappy lens.

[vachss]

Originally Posted by BMW E90

Agreed. The 75-300 is shit. Go with either the 55-250mm IS or the 70-300mm (pretty expensive at about $500-600).

BTW I have both the 70-300 and 55-250. While the 70-300 is a bit sharper at the tele end I don't think the difference is nearly enough to justify the 2-fold cost increase. IMHO other than the modest increase in reach the only real advantage of the 70-300 is that you can use it on FF cameras. On a crop body (particularly on a budget) I'd stick with the 55-250.

[bosstones]

Originally Posted by BMW E90

Why do you think they're selling for so cheap? This sounds like lines from Fast and Furious but go ask any photographer, any real photographer and they'll tell you that it's a crappy lens.

While I don't disagree, the OP is on a tight budget (relatively speaking when it comes to the money pit that photography can become). There are plenty of people that buy the kits that are at BB, CostCo, etc... everyday and are fine with the lenses in them. It goes back to what you want out of your gear/photographs. We like superb optics for when we shoot and are willing to pay the premium for them. Other's aren't, can't, and/or won't.

[BMW F22]

Originally Posted by bosstones

While I don't disagree, the OP is on a tight budget (relatively speaking when it comes to the money pit that photography can become). There are plenty of people that buy the kits that are at BB, CostCo, etc... everyday and are fine with the lenses in them. It goes back to what you want out of your gear/photographs. We like superb optics for when we shoot and are willing to pay the premium for them. Other's aren't, can't, and/or won't.

I was just saying that I would go with the kit that has the 55-250mm over the one that has the 75-300mm.

[bosstones]

Originally Posted by BMW E90

I was just saying that I would go with the kit that has the 55-250mm over the one that has the 75-300mm.

No worries. Sorry if it seemed like I was nagging you.

[Clueless]

here is a comparison website..... click on the owners opinions....

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp

Cheers

J

[Koroush]

Originally Posted by BMW E90

I was just saying that I would go with the kit that has the 55-250mm over the one that has the 75-300mm.

Its 55-200 not 250.

I'm sure any photographer would tell you the 75-300 is bad based on their standards. But keep in mind that "Real Photographers" probably use $500 dollar lens themselves anyways.


But our OP is not a photographer, he is just a guy who is trying to get into photography and a 75-300 would give him much more versatility for his beginner days than a 55-200.

And B&H reviewers give it a good rating : http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...s.html#reviews


I forgot to tell the OP that the D3000 does NOT have live view, as in you cannot see the picture you are taking in the LCD screen like you would on a normal digital point and shoot.
If this is a big deal for you then you should go with the rebel XS, but if you do not care then you can choose between the two.

[khaye1]

i had the xs and it was a nice beginner camera for sure...but for $650 why not add an extra $50 and get the t1i with a kit lens? just throwin' it out there

[Kcc]

I am new to the forum, and hello.

Josh, as you mention about taking sport, you will need to consider the enviorment at the place you are taking photo. Will it be bright or it is gonna be dark? Basic zoom lens has a aperture of around 3.5 - 5.6, which it is really hard or even impossible to shoot sport photo if the lighting condition is low. If that is the cases, you might wanna consider getting lens with "18mm" to whatever zoom it goes to. Because a 55-200 or 75-300 lenses is really hard to take "group" photo with. If the package you mentioned came with a kit lens and a zoom lens, you are well geared to start with.

About VR / IS lenses, it is better to have them. They help alot in low light photo shoot (not for sport).

[hipnotic]

it seems like most of you guys like the canon dslr better than the nikons. The nikon D3000 which is the one I am looking at comes with the standard 18-55mm VR lens and has a f 3.5-5.6 with a 2 G memory card for $449.00 with free shipping. What do you guys think of this camera and that deal? The sport photos I plan on taking are outdoor sports and mostly action tennis shots.

[hipnotic]

but thanks everyone for the great comments. More the better

[Koroush]

Originally Posted by josh06lau

it seems like most of you guys like the canon dslr better than the nikons. The nikon D3000 which is the one I am looking at comes with the standard 18-55mm VR lens and has a f 3.5-5.6 with a 2 G memory card for $449.00 with free shipping. What do you guys think of this camera and that deal? The sport photos I plan on taking are outdoor sports and mostly action tennis shots.

If you are taking pictures on sunny days.... any brand name telephoto will work, honestly. (Canon/nikon)


My best advice in this stage is to go look at both the cameras (They let you check them out if you ask at bestbuy) take a couple pictures and see which one you like better. However both are solid cameras. Personally I prefer the canon, but the nikon is also a good camera. Just because I prefer one over the other doesn't mean the other one is absolutely horrible and bad. Anyways good luck with your pick and let us know what you go!

[BMW F22]

The D3000 is a decent camera. If you can afford a bit more money, go with the D5000. From what I know it more camera than the D3000.

[khaye1]

xs > d3000

d3000 = no live view xs does
d3000 = settings require too many clicks xs is same controls like higher model canons
d3000 = no exposure bracketing xs does
No AF with older (non AF-S) lenses