Which SLR Camera to buy

[D.G.]

Which is the best SLR camera to buy at the most reasonable price?
I want a good camera that I can afford. But after alittle shopping it is apparent that by the time you add a micro lense and any extra lenses, tripod and other goodies the price really adds up quickly.

[Engine 7]

If you go digital and still want an slr...I own a Canon Rebel XT and love it. It is a DSLR.

[NikonNurse]

The whole Nikon line was well represented at the meeting last evening...

[D.G.]

Oh yes have to have digital. Each store you go to seem to have there own favorite. Choices are between Canon Nikon.

[NikonNurse]

You can't go wrong with either...IMO

[captbunzo]

The best advice I can give you is this.

First, decide which camera you would purchase from each the Canon and Nikon line. Find out what's in your budget, basically, because the higher quality you can afford, the better, generally speaking. There are lots of good answers you can get in the forum here on both Canon & Nikon queries.

Second, find a store that has both the Canon and Nikon IN STOCK that you selected in step one. Any shop worth it's salt should let you touch and feel and look at them. Have them get both out and play with the two for a good 30 minutes or more. Get the salesperson to give you a run through on how each works. And after that, see if you lean one particular way. That can make all the difference in the world.

And btw, if the camera shop can only give you a run down on one of the two brands, find another store. Again, any shop worth it's salt should absolutely be able to give you a fair demo of both major brands.

Other then the above advice, there is not any SPECIFIC deciding factor as long as you don't already own equipment (i.e. lenses) only compatible with one line or the other.

Now, we all have our preference. I am a huge fan of the Nikon line. I have done the aforementioned touchy feeliness with both and ended up become a Nikon guy. And I think that the D80 is ABSOLUTELY the best camera on the market right now that is targeted at consumers.

But there are those here that will give you the Canon answer as well...

There ARE many good reviews out there for all cameras available and even lots that will compare like models for Canon vs. Nikon head to head. Those are great - read 5 or so and see if you start to get a feeling one way or the other.

Last comment - accessories and other stuff can (will?) run lots later. HOWEVER, you CAN get setup for reef photography on a budget. Even the BASIC kit lens that comes with the camera plus an inexpensive close-up macro filter lens set will give great ability to take good shots of your reef(s).

Here is a link to an example of an inexpensive such close-up filter set that you would use with the basic kit lens that comes with the Nikon D50.

http://www.amazon.com/Adorama-Close-...&s=electronics

Anyhow, so you might let us know what your budget is or whatnot. And then based on that, we can give you more specific recommendations on selection, etc. In short, you'll probably have to spend at least $700-$800 or so, and can easily get up to $1200. (depending on model, etc)

[D.G.]

Thanks Paul. I will check out this website. I was looking at a nikon micro lense that ran $430.00. Time you add that to the camera and accessories your looking around 2000.00

[pwhitby]

Doug I purchased the Nikon D80, with zoom lens (18-135 I believe).

This is a pic I just took, first time ever I have been able to get a good pic of this coral.



Paul.

[D.G.]

Great take. So I take it you are satisfied with the D80. Where would you suggest would be the best place to shop for such a camera.

[pwhitby]

well it was about the same price everywhere I went, but I had a 10% of voucher from Best Buy....so thats where I went.

heres another pic.....

so far all I have used is the automatic feature.....I have yet to play with it sufficiently to be able to use apperture/shutter mode etc.



P.

[D.G.]

I have not been to shop at Best Buy yet. I recently purchased DLP big screen at Curcuit city from their website and picked it up in the store for less than what was listed on sale in store. I am going to look and see if that holds true on cameras. Anyway, I guess a person can get enough to get started and go back and get other things later.

[saltysooner]

Paul great pic!! if you ever decide to frag that baby let me know!!

[captbunzo]

With all these new fancy cameras, and pics like Paul's above, POTM could get VERY interesting and QUITE challenging!!! I mean even more so then it already is....

Speaking of which, I want lots more POTM pics. We don't have enough for February yet!!!!!

[captbunzo]

Read here for POTM submission info:
http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...readid=1037807

[bigB]

newegg.com is THE best computer and gadget store IMO if i was to buy one I would go there. http://www.newegg.com/ProductSort/SubCategory.asp?SubCategory=12&name=Digital-Cameras shipping is only a few days and a few bucks. the reveiws are made buy us tech nerds that have bought the product so you can read tons of reviews of the pros and cons of what you are looking at.

Bil

[D.G.]

I don't even have a camera yet. I am still in the shopping mode but I must say I am seeing this is all getting really addictive for everyone. I suppose this just enhances our hobby.

[happysak]

Sadsak mushroom


canon rebel xti

[happysak]

plain zoom lens, no macro yet

[D.G.]

Great pics everyone. This is all making my decision much easier. I will just be shopping for a good camera (D80 or greater) with the plain zoom lens and upgrade as needed.

[captbunzo]

plain zoom + macro adaptor close-up filter set is a good combo

Inexpensive and VERY effective.

[D.G.]

What does something like that run? Sounds great. It is effective, but how does the close up filter compare to the true macro lens?

[poke75]

Your depth of field will be much narrower.

[happysak]

close up filters on canon xti

[captbunzo]

Congrats on your close-up filters. I think you will enjoy them....

[D.G.]

Great pics with the close up filters. I am amazed they are so sharp. I am impressed.