New User - Looking for a Camera

[v bindal]

Dear Pals,

 

I am new to the photografers community.

 

Looking for a Digital SLR - I believe it is good to start with them. pls.

enlighten

 

I am thinking of Canan rebel xt / xti or Nikon D40

 

My budget is approx. $400

 

Usage will be Close ups and Portraits and functions.

 

Thanks

[bueh]

Forget the D40. It cannot autofocus with prime lenses, so it is severely limited. $400 is way too little money, because the (Canon) starter kit absolute minimum should be:<br>

EOS body + kit zoom with IS (EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS) + EF 50mm f/1.8 prime + Speedlite 380EX unit for <a href="http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-82.html"><b>bounce flash</a></b>.

<p>

For portraiture you need a fast portrait lens (here covered by the EF prime), and for indoor photography a good flash unit, which also comes handy for fill flash with high-speed sync. For macro or close-ups you might want a special lens and wait until later. Or get a reverse adapter ring and any inexpensive manual focus 50mm lens with a matching filter thread for cheap macro fun. Or extension tubes for the EF 50mm f/1.8 (which cost more).

[jeff_s]

You guys can't be serious can you? ~$400 actually does buy a DSLR outfit these days, from a reputable dealer too. Limited or not, I think either will handily outperform a point-and-shoot and should be a fine introduction to "serious" photography.

 

$400 Nikon D40 outfit (refurbished):

http://www.adorama.com/INKD40KR.html?searchinfo=d40&item_no=11

 

$460 Canon Rebel XT outfit:

http://www.adorama.com/ICADRXTBK.html?searchinfo=canon%20rebel&item_no=1

[jobo1]

Look at pentax. A K100 is quite cheap, and hardly different from this year's model (K100 Super). Used manual-focus K-mount lenses also go for a song and will work on the camera.

[ed_nicholson4]

Try the "Help me pick an inexpensive dslr" thread of 2007-12-17.