SLRs

[MarissaNicole]

So for the most part I am happy with my digital cameral that I have had for the past five years. My main problem with it is when we are in a place with lower light and the subjects aren't close - like in a church for a wedding - the quality is just terrible.

I absolutely love taking pictures and I take a TON of them - therefore I am thinking of purchasing an SLR in the next year or so but I am trying to do some homework about the various types, features, costs and benefits.

Anyone own one? What model and brand?Any advice? Where did you purchase it?

[Phoebe]

We have a Nikon D40. We like it a lot so far. I am still learning about its features. It is a great starter SLR. We got it at Costco

[ladymoreta]

I got a Cannon Rebel just after Christmas, and I absolutely love it. It's a great starter SLR. It has several "automatic" settings that I mainly use (one fully automatic, one for close-ups, one for action shots, one for night time, etc.). I can really tell a difference in the picture quality between my camera and our previous digital camera. My favorite part about it is that there isn't the delay that you get with most digital cameras. As soon as you push the button, it takes the picture. I almost never get blurry pictures anymore.

For the camera, case (that came with a battery), and memory card, I paid about $700. I definitely think it's worth it, if you have the money. I kind of quit taking pictures when my good old 35 mm camera went out of style because I'd get so annoyed with digital cameras. Now I'm back to documenting my life, a little better anyway.

For developing the pictures, I use Snapfish. The pictures turn out great, and I usually get them within a few days.

I've been using a Canon Rebel for the past three years and love it, but recently jumped ship and upgraded to a Nikon D300.

My Rebel has been dropped, rained on, has beach sand in every crack and crevice, and has been used (gently and not so gently) by my three year old and I have never had a problem with it.

If you're looking at entry-level dSLRs, the Rebel and D40 have pretty similar image quality so I would test them out in the store and go with whatever feels good in your hands. If it's still a toss up, then I would go with the Canon. The Rebel is a little faster and more intuitive than the D40. The D40 doesn't have an internal focus drive motor which means the camera won't be able to auto-focus with lenses that do not have built-in motors. It also doesn't have auto-bracketing.

With a dSLR, it's a good idea to shoot in RAW format instead of JPG. With a RAW image, you can edit exposure, color, highlights/shadows, etc....it's basically a digital negative. With the D40, you have to pay an extra $150 to buy the software to edit RAW images, but Canon includes theirs for free....just another thing to think about before you buy.

[MrsC]

I worked in a photography studio for a while and everyone swore by Nikon. It's still the best make by far and the difference between the $500 camera and the $5000 is not that huge. Once it's over 8.5 MP it's professional quality.

I can't wait to get one myself one day!

[MarissaNicole]

So I had been leaning toward Canon, but when I found out that Nikon D40s were on clearance at Target (they are no longer making them, they are only going to make their D60s) I just couldn't resist the great deal.

I got the Nikon D40, 5-50mm lens; 50-200mm lense; case; and 2GB memory card for $499. I am particularly loving the 50-200 lens.

If you click on my blog and scroll to the bottom of today's post you can see the quality of the pictures I took last night... I'm so happy with my purchase! (I would have had to wait another year or two to afford the canon).

[SoonerTexan]

I guess I'm a little late...I have a Canon Rebel XTi and love it. I think you will be happy with your Nikon, though. Apparently they have better customer support.

[medpedspouse]

I have the Nikon D40x with the two lenses and I luuuv it!! Too bad that they are no longer making them - it was an awesome deal for the quality - the photographer on staff at the hospital recommended it. I bet the 60s are up there in $$.

It sounds like you got a great deal! I might check into getting one as a back-up.

5-50mm lens

Is that a 50mm 1.8? If so, that's a great lens. I didn't realize Target sold dx lenses....I'll have to check it out!

The new D3000 is the D40's replacement. It's more expensive than the D40, but less than the D60.

[civilspouse]

Wow, that is an awesome deal. We have had the D40X with the same two lenses for a year or two now and it is great. Have fun taking pictures!

[SoonerTexan]

Great pics by the way! Wherever you took them, I want to go. It looks gorgeous.

[MarissaNicole]

Great pics by the way! Wherever you took them, I want to go. It looks gorgeous.

Ha ha I took them like a block away from our apartment. Its actually a fairly residential area with cornfields around it... I just managed to get some shots without homes in them. And thank you!

[lirio]

I'm dying to get a SLR too. My point and shoot camera broke and I am going crazy not being able to take pictures! Have fun with your new camera!

[bokelley]

Great pics!! And I used Snapfish and really think they did a great job!

[SoonerTexan]

Any of you guys have a "nifty 50" 50mm fixed length lens. I got one for $50ish, and it really is wonderful for great close up shots and portraits--especially indoors. It's amazing how much a new lens can make a difference--I only use the kit lens as a last resort