[Mattd76]

Anyone have one? or experience with one? I am looking to get into photography with a DSLR and this is my first choice. I used my cousins Rebel XTi once and I liked it so I was thinking of sticking with the canon. So what do some of you photography gurus think of the XS as a first DSLR. I am open to all opinions on starter cameras but I personally like the Canon and second choice would most likely be a comparable Nikon DSLR.

[JakeM]

Originally Posted by Mattd76 Anyone have one? or experience with one? I am looking to get into photography with a DSLR and this is my first choice. I used my cousins Rebel XTi once and I liked it so I was thinking of sticking with the canon. So what do some of you photography gurus think of the XS as a first DSLR. I am open to all opinions on starter cameras but I personally like the Canon and second choice would most likely be a comparable Nikon DSLR.

I have a D40 and I love it. Even when I decide to upgrade I think I'm going to keep this one for a back up. I have nothing against Canon though either, its all about preference. I enjoyed handling the Nikon more is all. I feel more at home with the contorls on the Nikon's.

[Triple A]

the XS is very similar to the XTI
they've both got 10mp
the only differences i remember are that the XS has live view and the continuous shooting doesnt stop until you run out of memory
the XTI doesnt have live view and you can only take so many continuous pictures, not sure the exact number. i think its 27, but dont quote me on that.
ive got the XTI and i really like it. both cameras a great.

[Mattd76]

I know the XTi and XS are similar but I have found that I can get the XS cheaper than the XTi which was surprising to me since the XS is newer. I'll wait and see what some others say

[Mattd76]

Towelly I know that the D40 is like the base level Nikon DSLR. How good are the photos it takes and how do the features on it compare to some of the higher end entry level cameras? (if that makes sense)

[JakeM]

Originally Posted by Mattd76 Towelly I know that the D40 is like the base level Nikon DSLR. How good are the photos it takes and how do the features on it compare to some of the higher end entry level cameras? (if that makes sense)

I think it takes great photos. The D40x is a decent price right now as well and it is right on par with the XTI but slightly behind on the features of the XS. The D40 a little bit less even than the XS. If you can afford the XS and you prefer Canon, it is quite a bit more camera than a D40.

Here is an example of something I have taken with the D40 though. Mind you this shot took about a month to line up the way I wanted it.



The only photoshoping done to this photo was a slight lightning and about +5 saturation IIRC. I can prove that with how clear the boat is still in the frame and being as far away as it is.

[JakeM]

This one is completly untouched. Although Photobucket compressed it quite a bit.

[Mattd76]

That first shot of the sunset is awesome. I still want to go and check out all the cameras at a store side by side this is just some preliminary research

[JakeM]

Originally Posted by Mattd76 That first shot of the sunset is awesome. I still want to go and check out all the cameras at a store side by side this is just some preliminary research

Yeah. I blew the second shot out of the water. Just wanted to give you another example. Although, its about 50% camera body and 50% lens. So don't cheap out on glass either. But yeah. Get some cameras in your hands. Which ever you are most compfortable with is the one you should pick.

[Mattd76]

I know the lense is important I have been thinking of buying a camera for about 4 months now and been doing research here and there and I think I'm ready to take the plunge and finally buy one.

[JakeM]

Whatever you go with, Nikon or Canon, you won't be dissapointed!

[Onemanzu]

one thing that you need to learn before you start asking about picture quality is realize that the lens has a HUGE part to do with DSLRs.

Also, don't count Pentax cameras out, the K100d super could be had at $350 or so new, the K200 at 600 or so.

AND, if i could make a suggestion, pick up a Nikon D80, they are bad fucking ass!

[JakeM]

I agree with OMZ has a point about Pentax. I forget about them, they are are probably one of the best entry level DSLR's for the money.

[03SonicBoom]

The difference between Cannon and Nikon as an entry level is simply feel. Get the one that feels better to you.

If you do some research, everyone will tell you that a quality lens is more important than a quality body. It's better to have a great lens and ok body than a great body and ok lens.

[JakeM]

Originally Posted by 03SonicBoom The difference between Cannon and Nikon as an entry level is simply feel. Get the one that feels better to you. If you do some research, everyone will tell you that a quality lens is more important than a quality body. It's better to have a great lens and ok body than a great body and ok lens.

True dat. I spent $500 on my first lens and thought that was a good deal. My next lens won't be that expensive, but only because its the "legendary" Nikon 50mm 1.4..... So many out there they go for ~$250.

[timberwolf]

Yo Matt...I'm thinking about the same camera...looks like a GOod one to me...IDK

It would be a big jump for me too, all I have is a canon a75

[Onemanzu]

the best thing i can say is go and pick em up at the camera store. thats the best thing for you.

and towelly, i'm getting myself a 50 f1.4 soon too, can't wait! then a 18-50/2.8 and a 70-200/2.8 then i'm robbing a bank to pay it all back.

[JakeM]

No shit... Those 2.8's are expensive. Super sharp though.

[Mattd76]

I never really thought about pentax. I guess just because everywhere you look the first camera you see is either a canon or nikon. Now it just looks like I have more research to do. lol

[Onemanzu]

look at Digital Camera Reviews and News: Digital Photography Review: Forums, Glossary, FAQ thats a bad ass sight that runs stats based just on the camera. Its a great starting point.

if you do have questions their are tons of people here that can help you... also, check user based forums such as

Welcome to PentaxForums.com- The internet's first full-scale Pentax community and forum!
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Nikonians :: The Nikon User Community

... anyway, if you don't like the XS, i would suggest that you go and look at the D80, i really really loved it when i went and held it at circuit city and they are getting dirt cheap.