illHelpuOu
Hey everyone,
Im looking into getting my first DSLR camera for christmas and Im looking to see if there are any in a certain price range. I can spend probably around 400$ for one and it would have to have everything that I would need to get started (body+lens+any other required hardware (i have memory cards and i can get a case separate)). Are there any DSLR's out there for this price range!!?? I have no problem buying a model that is a couple years old or even a used model.
Thanks!
Answer
Canon Rebel XS 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CBKJGG?tag=dcmb-20
Review:
I spent several weeks reviewing the REBEL XS vs it's many 10 MP adversaries, I even checked it against the ultra zooms as I wanted the convenience of video as well, but too many good things stood out with this camera and so I decided upon it. I bought the rebel XS and after days of dirt testing this camera I've found it a beautiful experience.
Now I'm a professional videographer attached to a tv station in Trinidad & Tobago, my purpose for this camera was the need for a quick sharp still shot camera that would be impressive under low light and still capture impressive portrait shots to be used for my website and for large prints. I didn't want to shell out over a $1000. US for a camera body.
What is tagged by Canon is true: The full auto mode is truly accurate and gives excellent shots always, it makes photography so easy for a beginner or intermediate. The portrait mode isn't blurry, images are clean, nicely toned, excellent in quality for large size prints. The P ( program mode) I like alot at first because this mode sets exposure so nicely I found it addictive. I shot alot of night pics of cars on a freeway, with bright, sharp, lively colours emerging. Night pics at 800 iso had very very very little noise, and I mean I was searching the pics on 15" monitors for reason to complain, but was really impressed.
The auto focus is really quick. Th XS comes with "only" a 7 point auto focus system compared to the XSi 9 point, forgive me when I say there may be no need for another 2 points when the camera focusses so quick and so accurately. I have not gotten a soft image when shot with the auto focus operating.
Now for those point and shoot cams that boast about "face detection"....5 faces...6,7, some even 15. I also have a 10 mp ultra zoom, this simply matters little if not at all, if the focussing ability of the camera is poor or average, and given the "average lens" quality they're made of.
I have learnt clearly that a 10 MP ultra zoom simply cannot compare to a 10 MP D SLR...chalk and cheese.
I also bought the Tamron 70mm - 300mm, F4-5.6 telephoto/ macro lens. No vignetting at either end of the lens.
Auto iso is simply magnificent, have not taken a shot where the camera over estimated or underestimated the iso levels.
The Manual mode of this camera is the most impressive for me. The rebel XS via various magazine testing has come up faster than it's other 10 MP rivals when it comes to fps shooting, and burst images. It really does shoot 3 fps consistently, it shoots 2.3 fps in low light, worst case is over 1 fps all at 10 MP quality.
I haven't used a lower quality since, given I bought a Transcend 8GB SDHC card storage is not an issue.
Most of my shooting has been at night, for the little done in daylight, it has been amazing. Colours are very bright, depth of field very very nice. Macros works well. Image optimizer simply shocked life out of me. I was in a shaded area and without flash it really improves the subject without over blowing the background, stuff that is almost impossible on point and shoot cams.
Stuff I disagree with from the "reviews" : 1- "The camera feels cheaply built"....simply wrong, nothing is shabby, buttons are actually easy to press, doesn't have cheap clicks to them, the lens mount has a secure feel to it, and a proper snap when it is set. Battery compartment is certainly secure. Your finger must intricately open the door for entry, won't be an accident issue. Rubber door at a.v. ports snap in well. Rubber grip is firm enough, smooth enough to not irritate your hands.
2- " XS is "overpriced" compared to the XSi.....Xsi shoots slower than the XS, XSi picture quality is equal to the XS even though the XSi is 12 MP. The XSi may be the 3" LCD and a few other upgrades, but these upgrades don't add up when the picture is taken and the quality of both cameras match alike. I may have chosen the XSI if I wanted to spend the extra $150. u.s but for the lesser price, I'm yet to regret.
3- "The XS "only has a 2.5" LCD compared to a couple of it's rivals having 3" LCD's". I can see every thing clearly with this screen, even with Histograms, and grids onscreen. If LCD's get much bigger then canon may need to install a tv tuner as well....the 2.5" is more than sufficient.
4- "The XS doesn't have SPOT METERING compared to the XSi, so this is a big issue"- haven't encountered a reason to complain yet, after 500 night shots and 200 day shots.
THE DOWN SIDE: the EOS software for uploading the photos to computer, and remote controlling the cam via computer is AWFUL. It's a task to upload, as it is beach balling when you hit "upload". Digital professional software is non responsive. I have not been able to use the software past the install point. Mac version here.
Better use i-photo and photoshop.
I highly rate this camera, and as
Canon Rebel XS 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CBKJGG?tag=dcmb-20
Review:
I spent several weeks reviewing the REBEL XS vs it's many 10 MP adversaries, I even checked it against the ultra zooms as I wanted the convenience of video as well, but too many good things stood out with this camera and so I decided upon it. I bought the rebel XS and after days of dirt testing this camera I've found it a beautiful experience.
Now I'm a professional videographer attached to a tv station in Trinidad & Tobago, my purpose for this camera was the need for a quick sharp still shot camera that would be impressive under low light and still capture impressive portrait shots to be used for my website and for large prints. I didn't want to shell out over a $1000. US for a camera body.
What is tagged by Canon is true: The full auto mode is truly accurate and gives excellent shots always, it makes photography so easy for a beginner or intermediate. The portrait mode isn't blurry, images are clean, nicely toned, excellent in quality for large size prints. The P ( program mode) I like alot at first because this mode sets exposure so nicely I found it addictive. I shot alot of night pics of cars on a freeway, with bright, sharp, lively colours emerging. Night pics at 800 iso had very very very little noise, and I mean I was searching the pics on 15" monitors for reason to complain, but was really impressed.
The auto focus is really quick. Th XS comes with "only" a 7 point auto focus system compared to the XSi 9 point, forgive me when I say there may be no need for another 2 points when the camera focusses so quick and so accurately. I have not gotten a soft image when shot with the auto focus operating.
Now for those point and shoot cams that boast about "face detection"....5 faces...6,7, some even 15. I also have a 10 mp ultra zoom, this simply matters little if not at all, if the focussing ability of the camera is poor or average, and given the "average lens" quality they're made of.
I have learnt clearly that a 10 MP ultra zoom simply cannot compare to a 10 MP D SLR...chalk and cheese.
I also bought the Tamron 70mm - 300mm, F4-5.6 telephoto/ macro lens. No vignetting at either end of the lens.
Auto iso is simply magnificent, have not taken a shot where the camera over estimated or underestimated the iso levels.
The Manual mode of this camera is the most impressive for me. The rebel XS via various magazine testing has come up faster than it's other 10 MP rivals when it comes to fps shooting, and burst images. It really does shoot 3 fps consistently, it shoots 2.3 fps in low light, worst case is over 1 fps all at 10 MP quality.
I haven't used a lower quality since, given I bought a Transcend 8GB SDHC card storage is not an issue.
Most of my shooting has been at night, for the little done in daylight, it has been amazing. Colours are very bright, depth of field very very nice. Macros works well. Image optimizer simply shocked life out of me. I was in a shaded area and without flash it really improves the subject without over blowing the background, stuff that is almost impossible on point and shoot cams.
Stuff I disagree with from the "reviews" : 1- "The camera feels cheaply built"....simply wrong, nothing is shabby, buttons are actually easy to press, doesn't have cheap clicks to them, the lens mount has a secure feel to it, and a proper snap when it is set. Battery compartment is certainly secure. Your finger must intricately open the door for entry, won't be an accident issue. Rubber door at a.v. ports snap in well. Rubber grip is firm enough, smooth enough to not irritate your hands.
2- " XS is "overpriced" compared to the XSi.....Xsi shoots slower than the XS, XSi picture quality is equal to the XS even though the XSi is 12 MP. The XSi may be the 3" LCD and a few other upgrades, but these upgrades don't add up when the picture is taken and the quality of both cameras match alike. I may have chosen the XSI if I wanted to spend the extra $150. u.s but for the lesser price, I'm yet to regret.
3- "The XS "only has a 2.5" LCD compared to a couple of it's rivals having 3" LCD's". I can see every thing clearly with this screen, even with Histograms, and grids onscreen. If LCD's get much bigger then canon may need to install a tv tuner as well....the 2.5" is more than sufficient.
4- "The XS doesn't have SPOT METERING compared to the XSi, so this is a big issue"- haven't encountered a reason to complain yet, after 500 night shots and 200 day shots.
THE DOWN SIDE: the EOS software for uploading the photos to computer, and remote controlling the cam via computer is AWFUL. It's a task to upload, as it is beach balling when you hit "upload". Digital professional software is non responsive. I have not been able to use the software past the install point. Mac version here.
Better use i-photo and photoshop.
I highly rate this camera, and as
How do I choose my first camera?
Orange
I want to upgrade from using my iphone4(youtube.com/user/justinsinthewoods), I'm a novice, and I film during cloudy days and dark evenings.
still cameras, dslr, slr, I don't know what any of that are.
Answer
All digital cameras come down to three types; DSLRs, Mirrorless, and Compact cameras.
DSLR means "digital single lens reflex", and is what most non-photographers call "professional cameras" (although there is a professional - advanced amateur - and beginner level for these cameras). Examples are a Nikon D7100, Canon T3i, etc. These are also the higher cost cameras. Costing anywhere from $500 to $20,000 or more, depending on lenses.
SLRs, which are similar to DSLRs, are the original 35mm film cameras. When digital came about, manufacturers took the existing SLR format (which means you can use the same lenses) and converted them by replacing the film mechanics with a digital sensor. the "D" in DSLR means it is a digital version of a SLR.
Mirrorless cameras are typically one step down from a DSLR, and are generally lighter and smaller - although some of these cameras can use the larger DSLR lenses with an adapter. For some, these cameras combine good performance and a smaller package (than DSLRs). Examples are Sony NEX, Micro Four Thirds, and Nikon 1. These are the mid-cost cameras, and range from $300 to $2,000, again depending on lenses.
Compact cameras are the smallest and cheapest of the digital cameras. They have non-interchangeable zoom lenses (although there are a few exceptions), and sometimes high power zooms, up to 50x and beyond. Compact cameras range from $50 all the way up to $1,000.
First and foremost, the main difference between these three types of cameras is the sensor size. This is not the number of megapixels, but rather, the physical size of the sensor. DSLR sensors are around 300~800 sq mm, Mirrorless range from 100~300 sq mm, and compact cameras range from 25~50 sq mm. Compare that to your iPhone which is around 4 sq mm.
Therefore, the best DSLRs will have a physical sensor size 200 times the surface area as your iPhone.
Generally speaking, a larger sensor lets in more light, as there is more surface area that can gather light. So the primary improvement as you move up in camera type is the low-light capability.
Next come lenses. DSLRs and Mirrorless cameras have interchangeable lenses, while compact cameras do not. These lenses can be quite large and expensive. But like the sensors, larger lenses can let in more light. "CAN" is the key here though as there are some lenses that let in more light than others. Also, the larger lenses tend to be optically better; sharper, better contrast, and other factors that produce a better photo.
DSLRs and to a degree, Mirrorless cameras give you the most flexible control over the camera. In some modes, you have total exposure control over the camera. However, this requires you to learn about the fundamentals of photography, as with these powerful cameras, some knowledge is needed. Some of the very best compact cameras have a limited subset of this control.
Finally, compact cameras. Due to the pressure from iPhones, this market - the lower-to-mid end of the market is shrinking, so manufacturers are all trying to one-up their competition to retain market share.
Unfortunately, this is leading to less than quality results in some cases as the manufacturers push the envelope with megapixel counts, high power zooms, and dubious features. Not all of these results produce good cameras. So at this point, compact cameras are like the wild west when it comes to marketing. Still, there are a lot of good cameras in this segment - there is just a lot of duds as well.
Compact cameras - most of them anyway, are totally automatic, so you do not need to know anything about photography to use. These are referred as point-and-shoot cameras, and are not unlike your iPhone when it comes to control over the camera. However, many people don't want to be bothered by having to know photography, so most compacts don't offer such flexibility.
If you go to a well established camera shop, you are likely to get better advice than the Best Buy salesman. Hopefully they will steer you around the lower quality cameras.
There are a few specific cameras that do not fit this generalization, but this is mostly accurate.
All digital cameras come down to three types; DSLRs, Mirrorless, and Compact cameras.
DSLR means "digital single lens reflex", and is what most non-photographers call "professional cameras" (although there is a professional - advanced amateur - and beginner level for these cameras). Examples are a Nikon D7100, Canon T3i, etc. These are also the higher cost cameras. Costing anywhere from $500 to $20,000 or more, depending on lenses.
SLRs, which are similar to DSLRs, are the original 35mm film cameras. When digital came about, manufacturers took the existing SLR format (which means you can use the same lenses) and converted them by replacing the film mechanics with a digital sensor. the "D" in DSLR means it is a digital version of a SLR.
Mirrorless cameras are typically one step down from a DSLR, and are generally lighter and smaller - although some of these cameras can use the larger DSLR lenses with an adapter. For some, these cameras combine good performance and a smaller package (than DSLRs). Examples are Sony NEX, Micro Four Thirds, and Nikon 1. These are the mid-cost cameras, and range from $300 to $2,000, again depending on lenses.
Compact cameras are the smallest and cheapest of the digital cameras. They have non-interchangeable zoom lenses (although there are a few exceptions), and sometimes high power zooms, up to 50x and beyond. Compact cameras range from $50 all the way up to $1,000.
First and foremost, the main difference between these three types of cameras is the sensor size. This is not the number of megapixels, but rather, the physical size of the sensor. DSLR sensors are around 300~800 sq mm, Mirrorless range from 100~300 sq mm, and compact cameras range from 25~50 sq mm. Compare that to your iPhone which is around 4 sq mm.
Therefore, the best DSLRs will have a physical sensor size 200 times the surface area as your iPhone.
Generally speaking, a larger sensor lets in more light, as there is more surface area that can gather light. So the primary improvement as you move up in camera type is the low-light capability.
Next come lenses. DSLRs and Mirrorless cameras have interchangeable lenses, while compact cameras do not. These lenses can be quite large and expensive. But like the sensors, larger lenses can let in more light. "CAN" is the key here though as there are some lenses that let in more light than others. Also, the larger lenses tend to be optically better; sharper, better contrast, and other factors that produce a better photo.
DSLRs and to a degree, Mirrorless cameras give you the most flexible control over the camera. In some modes, you have total exposure control over the camera. However, this requires you to learn about the fundamentals of photography, as with these powerful cameras, some knowledge is needed. Some of the very best compact cameras have a limited subset of this control.
Finally, compact cameras. Due to the pressure from iPhones, this market - the lower-to-mid end of the market is shrinking, so manufacturers are all trying to one-up their competition to retain market share.
Unfortunately, this is leading to less than quality results in some cases as the manufacturers push the envelope with megapixel counts, high power zooms, and dubious features. Not all of these results produce good cameras. So at this point, compact cameras are like the wild west when it comes to marketing. Still, there are a lot of good cameras in this segment - there is just a lot of duds as well.
Compact cameras - most of them anyway, are totally automatic, so you do not need to know anything about photography to use. These are referred as point-and-shoot cameras, and are not unlike your iPhone when it comes to control over the camera. However, many people don't want to be bothered by having to know photography, so most compacts don't offer such flexibility.
If you go to a well established camera shop, you are likely to get better advice than the Best Buy salesman. Hopefully they will steer you around the lower quality cameras.
There are a few specific cameras that do not fit this generalization, but this is mostly accurate.
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