[Flip500]

I am looking into buying my first SLR Digital Camera, I am looking into a lower end camera (MAX $700 with lens body etc.) I was looking more specifically at the Nikon D50, Konica Minolta Maxxum 5D (little high cash wise), and the Canon EOS Rebel. I am really leaning towards the D50 because of price and features. I really just need help picking out a camera and seeing if it suits my needs, please don't feel limited to these companies and every thing else. I'd really appreciate everyone's imput!

-Thanks

P.S. I really am just looking for a camera with great quality (product and picture quality), impressive features, and compatibility (with lenses, other "add-ons", and everything else I ever might need).

P.S.S. I know this subforum is for video and audio but there is no other place for photography and it is somewhat in the same catagory.

[vinster]

I would look at picking up an older Canon EOS, such as the 10D, and adding some decent lenses. You can get a brand new body for $799 and a decent starter lens such as the 24-85 USM for around $300 at the same web site. Then take it from there.

It's a little above your budget, but you'll have a mid-range camera and good general lens that you can grow into. I think you'll end up losing money later when you want to upgrade a $700 system.

Good luck!

[Flip500]

do you (or anyone) know of a reliable site to search for any used cameras, or is the chance of finding a good deal and a camera and lenses in good condition really unlikely? That camera body + lens really is out of my price range, but thanks for your help! Any other suggestions?

[vinster]

Then get a used version at the same site for $120 less and a pick up used lens on eBay (or just go to eBay for everything). I strongly recommend getting something above entry level as you'll only want to upgrade in a few months and end up losing money when you do.

[Flip500]

ummmm.... sorry i wanted to see the used section of B&H, but if i want to see the used items it says i'd have to go to there store... i'm going to look on ebay right now, maybe if i find a great deal i could afford something more than entry level...
Once again thanks for all your help!

[jasonsRX7]

How much have you seen the Maxxum 5D for? I paid around $650 for mine from Circuit City, but there was an instant rebate at the time.

I'm no pro photographer by any means, but the thing takes really good pictures. What I really REALLY love about it is the built in image stabilization. It works very well and lets me take pictures without a flash or tripod.

If you want to see some pictures from it, I'll PM you a link to some of my cousin's new baby.

[Flip500]

I'll go and try to "ebay" that right now, I also found this on ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/NIKON-D50-CAMERA...QQcmdZViewItem
I think it is a really good deal is it (plus it is right in my price range and 6 are avalible) what do you guys think?

[vinster]

Originally Posted by Flip500

ummmm.... sorry i wanted to see the used section of B&H, but if i want to see the used items it says i'd have to go to there store... i'm going to look on ebay right now, maybe if i find a great deal i could afford something more than entry level...
Once again thanks for all your help!

Sure. I have the 10D and don't feel the need to get a new body, even though it's two revisions prior to the latest Canon EOS mid-rage lineup. Beware that the lenses will hook you once you get a SLR. There are so many nice Canon lenses, too, which will give you great reach, macros, etc.

One thing's for sure is that you'll appreciate the faster focusing, low light capabilities, range of optics and overall control that an SLR provides.

Let everyone know what decision you make.

[Flip500]

I definatly will let everyone know my decision, but to jason's suggestion i looked around ebay and found this.. http://cgi.ebay.com/Konica-Minolta-M...QQcmdZViewItem
but with Minolta stoped making cameras there is no telling what will happen with support, lenses, etc. in the future...

I most likely won't make a decision very soon, but i will tell you when i do, but please, if you still have anymore ideas tell me them.

-Thanks Again

[jasonsRX7]

Minolta sold their camera division to Sony... Not sure what'll happen in the long term, but the mount will be retained and there's plenty of lenses.

Nikon and Canon are more popular I'm sure, but the built in stabilization was the seller for me.

[stevesnj]

I took these with a Canon Rebel XT with stock lens whatta u think? http://www.steveranieri.net/bmxpics/

[Flip500]

They're pretty sweeet, you should up the iso (shutter speed) so that you don't get that blur, unless you want it and you were trying to be artsy. any way i'm pretty sure i'm going to get the Nikon D50 because of the two friends and one professional that i got recommendations from plus all the conparison and reading i did on all my optiions.

[ChrisF]

Originally Posted by vinster

I would look at picking up an older Canon EOS, such as the 10D, and adding some decent lenses. You can get a brand new body for $799

The 8MP Rebel XT is less money, with an 18-55mm lens. There's no good reason to buy a new 10D at this point at all- it's a 3 year old camera.
Personally, for a starter camera, I'd buy a Nikon D50 or even a used D70.

[stevesnj]

Originally Posted by Flip500

They're pretty sweeet, you should up the iso (shutter speed) so that you don't get that blur, unless you want it and you were trying to be artsy.

Well I am trying to be artsy...lol the blury one is a test shot that I thought looked okay but loked best in sepia. I was just getting used to the camera so i didnt set the white balance on some shots thus the blueing which I increased on the one shot. My fay is the wide black and white. This cam shoots amazing in RAW these were in time value

[SLiMeX]

I recently bought a Nikon D50. It's amazing. I HIGHLY recommend your choice be the Nikon. Two thumbs way up!