Best Value for Starting Out

What DSRL camera would you guys recommend for someone starting out, in terms of bang for the buck?

 

Well I started out with a Canon Rebel XT with the stock lens. It's very easy to use. Along with my XT I also use the following:

Canon battery grip
Canon 420EX External Flash
Canon 60mm 2.8F Macro lens
Canon 17mm-50mm wide angle lens
Canon 70mm-200mm 2.8F telephoto Lens (sold it)

 

Great thread Jordan! I'm definitely going to be keeping a close eye on this thread as I still have a lot to learn about DSLR's and photography.

 

my 40D so i can get the new 5D MKII

The new XS that just came out and the XSI are suppose to be pretty good.
I don't really know what kind of photography you are planning to do but a great site to buy used stuff is the canon forum.

photography-on-the.net/forum/

Go down to the sale section, and people are always i mean always selling stuff. I have bought and sold alot of stuff on there.

 

Thanks to everyone's replies, and wow was that quick! I looked through the threads and didnt really see like a "starter" camera that was reasonably priced in case i decide i dont like doing it haha....oh just a few car shots here and there and the balloon fiesta is coming up in my city and hot air balloons fill the air for miles and miles, thought that would be cool to snap some shots of

 

Hmm, well I was planning on shooting a lot of things... scenery, people, vacation trips, drifting events, car shows, etc.

With what I have in mind for photography, I'm assuming I'd have to purchase lenses with a large range. I guess I should be getting a lens with a range of 55mm-200mm or something of that sort?

 

Like others have said a Canon Digital Rebel would work great for you. You could also look at picking up a used 40D / 30D. If you have any doubts about what cameras can do in trained hands, check out photosig.com. You can do a search for photos by camera make and model. Just because it's an entry level DSLR doesn't mean you can do professional quality work with it.

I've been using a 10D since a week after they came out. It's a decent camera. I'm hoping to upgrade to the 50D soon. Or I'll get a 5D MKII if I win the lottery, heck I'll even buy Scott his too in that case.

 

If you can afford Canon 40D, then that would be the camera to have. Just keep your eyes open for sales. BestBuy (US & Canada) & Futureshop (Canada) seem to have it on sale every now & then.

 

I agree that a used 30D would be a good first body. I would not go with a used 20D just because the screen on the back really sucks.

As far as Canon vs. Nikon I would go down to a local camera shop and hold a couple of each series from both manufactures and see what feels best. I am a Canon guy but I agree with others in that the ergonomics of the Nikon is a plus for a lot of people.

 

My starter camera was a Canon Rebel XT and I love it. Bought my father a 40D which is much better, but quite a bit more advanced. And pricey!

 

i might be having a sale soon....ill post up if i do...i gotta get the 5D MkII

my price will be a great price 2

 

What body(ies) will you be selling Scott?

 

either of the Nikon or Cannon D40 camera's are great for starters.

i bought one for my mom for mothers day and it was the best $500 i ever spent.

 

I'm using a Rebel XSi with the 18-55 IS kit lens. I am really enjoying it! Still haven't scraped the surface of what a DSLR can do and I am already hooked. It has great value, but you might find yourself saying "should I have saved up a little more and bought a 40D?"

 

Bunch of Canon fanboys!!!

oke::catfight:icture:

I have a Pentax K10D which has served me very well over the past couple of years. The K200D that's out now is basically a re-packaged K10D with a few extra bells and whistles and is priced with the other entry level models. It also offers in-body shake reduction and weather and dust sealing. You get a lot of higher end features for your money. Canon and Nikon are great cameras, but there are others out there too from Pentax, Olympus, and Sony. Touch and feel as many as you can before buying. It should feel good in your hands as well.

 

Nikon makes the D40 not Canon. Are you saying the Canon 40D or Nikon D40 would be great for starters? Because those two bodies are in a different price/feature bracket.

 

Ouch, I guess I should save a lot of money because those Canon EOS 40D bodies are a pretty penny (for me anyways at this point in time).

I was actually looking at a Nikon D40x at one point in time...

 

ooo the battle between nikon and cannon...its on going lol...

i will be selling my 40D

 

how much for your 40d? Come with any glass? Im wanting to switch from nikon to canon.

 

I have a Nikon D80 and it's too much for starting out... I wish I had stepped down a little bit.