Best SLR in the $500 - $750 range?

Lil4X · 02-03-07, 01:30 AM

OK, I'm taking the plunge after avoiding a good digital camera for the past ten years, I have a customer who wants some ad pics (exteriors) and is actually willing to pay for them. I ordinarily haul a still photographer with me on video shoots when I get these assignments, but he gets nearly the same day rate I do, and this assignment isn't THAT critical.

I'm usually hauling a 25# JVC Digital video rig on these shoots, but a TV camera is only going to produce a 720 X 480 picture - outstanding for professional video, but kinda sad if you want to capture a frame and print any larger than 6" X 3 3/4". While I can and do export individual frames to capture high-speed events (the video camera is effectively shooting 30 fps), for critical work, I need something a little better - this is about the best I can get from the video.

JVC DY-90U camera, Three 2/3" 768 x 493 pixel IT CCDs, 8 bit 4:2:2 compression, 18:1 Canon lens, 72mm objective.

I've been looking at some of the Canon and lower end Nikon digital SLRs. If the business warrants I'll probably add a longer lens and a couple of CF cards (although my laptop is always handy). Is there a particular standout in this field?

Woogie · 02-03-07, 03:09 AM

I'd go with a Rebel XT. If you can, try to get a hardly used 20D. I'm sure you can find used 20Ds in your price range. I'd go 20D>XT for the better build quality, magnesium body, and the rear jog dial. You'll be using your camera for job assignments, so you'll want something that can with stand a little beating.

Indoor performance on the 20D is superb compared to some of the 'comparable' nikon bodies. I'm not bashing on Nikon, I just think Canons will out perform Nikons in higher ISO performance.

pisaykotik · 02-03-07, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woogie

I'd go with a Rebel XT. If you can, try to get a hardly used 20D. I'm sure you can find used 20Ds in your price range. I'd go 20D>XT for the better build quality, magnesium body, and the rear jog dial. You'll be using your camera for job assignments, so you'll want something that can with stand a little beating.

Indoor performance on the 20D is superb compared to some of the 'comparable' nikon bodies. I'm not bashing on Nikon, I just think Canons will out perform Nikons in higher ISO performance.

I agree that 20D is better than the Rebel series.

AKY · 02-03-07, 09:11 PM

yes agree if you look canon you can find some 20d for a good price now. I'm a Nikon shooter myself and have both a D200 and D70 that I shoot with, i've found the D70 still is a great camera and is also getting quite affordable. So 20D or D70 is my vote, maybe even the D80

Lil4X · 02-04-07, 07:30 AM

Thanks for the advice guys. After reading up on the 20D, it looks like just what I need: rugged and flexible at a prosumer price. I'm finding some pretty decent deals on eBay, but you have to really read the fine print. There are quite a few 20D bodies for sale with lenses that are not fully described. Many I assume are not Canon lenses.

My wife is an experienced eBay trader and is watching several auctions for me. She's done the "due diligence" on several vendors and nixed a few that look pretty shady to her, based on their feedback. She's familiar with the usual scams and has a pretty finely tuned BS detector. It's worked on me for years.

There are a few new or reconditioned (with new warranty) cameras that seem to close slightly above my rather arbitrary price limit, so I just may go for it anyway. Don't need extra lenses, tripods, or bags - the former I'll get later, the latter I'm up to my neck in already.

Coco-bun · 02-05-07, 04:14 AM

Keep in mind its the LENS that matter, not the body.
but yeah, I'd say 20D as well.

word up · 02-06-07, 03:29 AM

im a nikon guy...so im biased. Id say find a used D70 or D50 or the new D40

benxd · 02-06-07, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coco-bun

Keep in mind its the LENS that matter, not the body.
but yeah, I'd say 20D as well.

Or if you want to go even further, it's the photographer's eye that matters, not the camera.

I'd say get a Rebel XT that you can learn on. After a while, or if business is really good, get a 5D as a present to yourself or maybe even a 1D.

I've had my Rebel with kit lens for almost 2 years and I've just touched the surface of what it can do. I can post some pics of what it's capable of if you want.

Woogie · 02-06-07, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by word up

im a nikon guy...so im biased. Id say find a used D70 or D50 or the new D40

D40 is total crap.

If you're going to go with Nikon, I'd say go with a D70 or even a D80.

is_wil · 02-06-07, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woogie

D40 is total crap.

If you're going to go with Nikon, I'd say go with a D70 or even a D80.

OP asked for suggestions for a specific price point, and the D80 is not one of them...

Now, educate yourself about the D40 as well, because if you suggest the D70, then you're unwittingly praising the D40 - here's a good read: http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d40...mendations.htm

D40 is the best bang for the buck - I debated on what to buy as my first entry level SLR camera - and the D80 is way too much camera for someone to learn on - I won't get in to a Canon vs. debate Nikon because I don't know enough about Canons (and it seems like an Apple vs. PC type thing)...

I got some good discounts through circuitcity.com by going through AAA (if you're a member) + CC had a $40 e-Gift card after your purchase - so my D40 price was $503 and change...with a 2GB memory card it was less than $600 OTD...nobody touched that, not Amazon.com, Ritz Camera, even with no tax + free shipping...with the $40 eGift card I then went back and got a 68" tripod...

That will leave you another $150 bucks on your $750 budget - you can get a nice set of filters + a 55-200mm zoom lens - if you keep working the deals

Coco-bun · 02-06-07, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by is_wil

OP asked for suggestions for a specific price point, and the D80 is not one of them...

read posts above. I think s/he was referring to a used one.
and benxd>
true, it is down to the photographer in the end.

Woogie · 02-06-07, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by is_wil

OP asked for suggestions for a specific price point, and the D80 is not one of them...

Now, educate yourself about the D40 as well, because if you suggest the D70, then you're unwittingly praising the D40 - here's a good read: http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d40...mendations.htm

D40 is the best bang for the buck - I debated on what to buy as my first entry level SLR camera - and the D80 is way too much camera for someone to learn on - I won't get in to a Canon vs. debate Nikon because I don't know enough about Canons (and it seems like an Apple vs. PC type thing)...

I have read many reviews on the D40 - much thanks for the link.

I suppose I should have explained myself when i said that the D40 is crap. It may be the best bang for the buck, I think it's missing some fairly useful features. D40 may be a sweet camera for you, but for a person who needs it to do some serious work for his/her job, I personally don't think it's up for the task.

*non-AF-s/AF-I lenses are manual focus only.
*No LCD panel on top of the camera to tell you what you're doing.
*No exposure or white balance bracketing
*No depth of field preview
*3 AF area TTL (that can be a bit of a hassle trying to compose while shooting on-the-go).
*1fps @ 3200 ISO
*Raw + jpeg Basic, not jpeg fine

With the new XTi out, the prices of the XTs have dropped. For the same price as the D40, you can get a Rebel XT.

All things aside, I'd still go for a used 20/30D.