Camera advice

[Shoe]

My wife used to be really into photography back in the day and I want to get her a digital SLR camera for xmas. I only know (a little) about pocket point and shoot type cameras, so I need help picking out a camera. Something fairly easy to use since I'll be using it too :), and well built (will probably pack it on the bike for trips). Lastly I dont want to spend a fortune (yet), since this is just a starter setup.

Thanks, Shoe

[Diamond Lil]

Hey Shoe,
For your needs I'd suggest you take a look at the Canon EOS 1000D / Digital Rebel XS, the Canon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTi, the Nikon D60 and the Nikon D80. They are all good quality.

[pegdragger]

Hey Shoe,
For your needs I'd suggest you take a look at the Canon EOS 1000D / Digital Rebel XS, the Canon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTi, the Nikon D60 and the Nikon D80. They are all good quality.


Being a Nikon user, Iam of course going to recommend the Nikon D40, D60 or D80. I have nothing against the Canons either. I have a small Canon point and shoot that we use on the bike. Both brands are equally good camera companies. I think one is just as good as the other. I think the choice for most people in the Canon vs. Nikon war is what you are used to using.

And feel free to keep bouncing questions off us in here. We can answer most questions you have here.

[Diamond Lil]

I was trying to be diplomatic. If it were totally up to me, being someone very used to Nikon.....

That being said, I know some very happy folk who use Canon. I simply do not have much experience with them.

[Max]

When digital first became big Jeannie and I were huge Nikon fans. Almost everything we had was Nikon. Of course our first D1 gave all kinds of grief so we slowly made the transition to Canon. Jeannie thought the color correction was much better on the Canon so with that said we started the transition which means lenses, flash and camera's to Canon. To me either works fine just make sure you know which way you plan to go before you start.

[Shoe]

It seems the Canon EOS is the simplest to use. The only difference I've found is the upgraded Canon's use a "regular" XD type flash memory card and the previous models use Compact flash. Any problems with Compact Flash memory?

[Diamond Lil]

Shoe, many cameras use Compact Flash without a hitch.

[Shoe]

Shoe, many cameras use Compact Flash without a hitch.

Ok, thanks Lil. The gal at the Camera store made it sound like CF memory was a big problem, that the most common is that the pins get bent, which wouldn't be a problem with SD type memory. Also SD memory is cheaper than CF. All in all the Canon rebel seems to fit the bill - compact (fit on the bike) and has both pre-programmed and manual settings so even a beginner like me could use it :).

[Diamond Lil]

Shoe,
I leave my card in the camera for the longest times and transfer the pictures to the computer using a USB connection. I also do pretty extensive comparative shopping before buying anything, so price never seems too bad.
I think you will be very happy with the Rebel and hope to see your pictures posted here for all to enjoy!

[Diamond Lil]

PS
Leaving the card in the camera is possibly why the pins have never been damaged. Also, when it is out of the camera and not in a reader slot it is in a plastic case.

[Max]

It seems the Canon EOS is the simplest to use. The only difference I've found is the upgraded Canon's use a "regular" XD type flash memory card and the previous models use Compact flash. Any problems with Compact Flash memory?

I use both compact flash and SD and never have I had any problems with either. The 1D mark II that Megan now has accepts either or both at the same time. It has the ability to write to multiple cards at the same time, it can even write the same images to both cards for security if you so desire.

[pegdragger]

I have the Nikon D70 using compact flash and have never had any issues with the Compact Flash. The camera and most of my CF cards are just shy of 4 years old. I leave them in the camera all the time, or in the card reader. The extras stay in their plastic cases.

[Max]

What I can't believe is how much compact flash and sd cards have come down. Just two weeks ago I got a 16gb on sale for 54 and today they have the same card for 44. I think I'll get a spare for the price. :) I use the big sd cards in my video camera and they work perfect for skip free and vibration resistant recordings.

[Megan]

Canon Rebel sounds like your best bet.

[Shoe]

*UPDATE* I purchased a camera! woo hoo!! I got a great deal on a Nikon D60 w/4 gig memory card. Someone purchased this at the local Best Buy and returned it the same day. They checked it out and certified everything was OK, but they knocked-off $120 plus a great deal on the 4-year warranty (w/accident coverage). I was really leaning towards the Canon, but I couldn't pass up this deal. Overall I'm really happy with it, now I have some reading to do so I can turn the thing on! :) Thanks for all the advice, I know I'll have lots more questions, but at least know I have somewhere to go for answers.

Shoe

[Diamond Lil]

Shoe! You will enjoy that camera! Have a wonderful time learning, keep in touch with us here and post pictures of your adventures. Also, use the gallery to share them with your friends and family. You have no idea how easy it is around here! Best of luck!

[Shoe]

I'm having so much fun with the new camera! My wife just shakes her head and laughs, but she knows I'm having a blast!