I'm not one to post 'what should I get' posts, since I research my purchases heavily, but I've run into a bit of a time restraint. At the last moment I have agreed to go on a trip in about a week and a half and would like to take a DSLR with me. I have been planing on upgrading for a while, and was planning on getting an entry level DSLR. Been using an old Powershot for my shooting but it is really showing it's age and limitations. I was waiting till the release of the new Rebel XS(1000D) to make a final decision but this trip is forceing me to make a tough choice. The trip will offer many good outdoor shots and would like to have a good camera for the trip.
I have been leaning towards either getting a Nikon or Cannon model. I would like to keep the entire setup sub $800. That would include body+kit lens, bag, and memory cards if needed. I currently use SD cards so I would have to purchase compact flash cards if the camera used those. I also plan on getting a 50mm lens not too far down the road so I want to take that into consideration, though I would just stick with the kit lens on the trip. So with this in mind, here are what I think my options are....
1) Just go the cheapest route and get either a D40 or a clearance Rebel XT.(~$450-$500 for body+kit lens) Basically don't worry about about features, just get something that will work. If I find it too limited I can always upgrade in a year or two without blowing a lot on a first camera.
2) Bite the bullet and get something a step up that pushes on my budget some.(~$650-$800 for body+kit lens) With a D60 or Rebel XSi(maybe an XTi) I would get a newer camera with more up to date hardware and more features. The drawback is that I may be paying for more than I need.
3) Just foget about taking a DSLR on the trip and wait till the new Rebel XS gets released. Then compare the models.
I'm just not sure. I would have to make purchase this weekend or early next week to have one for the trip. As I said, I don't tend to make impulse buys. I have looked at the current models and have been leaning more towards the Cannon's. I'm use to the Cannon UI and do like the live view option on the XS/XSi. But I like the Nikon's feel and lower price points. I'm more curious as to how the stock kit lenses stack up. Since I would be using it the most at first I would like something halfway decent. Any advice would be apreciated, thanks.
I have been leaning towards either getting a Nikon or Cannon model. I would like to keep the entire setup sub $800. That would include body+kit lens, bag, and memory cards if needed. I currently use SD cards so I would have to purchase compact flash cards if the camera used those. I also plan on getting a 50mm lens not too far down the road so I want to take that into consideration, though I would just stick with the kit lens on the trip. So with this in mind, here are what I think my options are....
1) Just go the cheapest route and get either a D40 or a clearance Rebel XT.(~$450-$500 for body+kit lens) Basically don't worry about about features, just get something that will work. If I find it too limited I can always upgrade in a year or two without blowing a lot on a first camera.
2) Bite the bullet and get something a step up that pushes on my budget some.(~$650-$800 for body+kit lens) With a D60 or Rebel XSi(maybe an XTi) I would get a newer camera with more up to date hardware and more features. The drawback is that I may be paying for more than I need.
3) Just foget about taking a DSLR on the trip and wait till the new Rebel XS gets released. Then compare the models.
I'm just not sure. I would have to make purchase this weekend or early next week to have one for the trip. As I said, I don't tend to make impulse buys. I have looked at the current models and have been leaning more towards the Cannon's. I'm use to the Cannon UI and do like the live view option on the XS/XSi. But I like the Nikon's feel and lower price points. I'm more curious as to how the stock kit lenses stack up. Since I would be using it the most at first I would like something halfway decent. Any advice would be apreciated, thanks.