Which DSLR do you recommend?

Hi all. I know there are some of you who are really clued in about DSLR cameras, and I need yur help! Can you please give me your opinions on what is the best model to get for around or less than $1000? I'm only looking at Canon & Nikon, but I'm confused with specific models. I saw right now the Canon 1100D's going at a decent price.

The last I bought was a Pentax one about 6 years ago, I found that the pictures were really flat. I feel like a bit of a splurge on a really good camera that'll last me for a good while as I have young kids and would like extra nice pictures of them for special occasions.

Any recommendation is much appreciated, thank you!

Comments

  • For a casual photography, I'd recommend the 60D or 600D ($1000ish). Simply because it has a flip screen and it records great HD movie. The flip screen is useful for many use. Otherwise, for lower cost I'd get a 550D ($600ish), but no flip screen.

    Also, the lens plays a big part on the photo quality. Spend a bit more on a good/cheap lens like Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 ($350ish), you will notice big difference.

    • So you think the twin lens that come with the cameras (eg canon 1100D) are pretty basic and far less inferior to the Tamron you mentioned?

      • the tarmon is alot better than the kit lens
        great lens to start with

        600d plus that would be a great combo
        forget the kit lens they are quite bad,
        try whirlpool they have a photography forum there

  • some of the lower end ones i have been looking at.
    http://tinyurl.com/6hmskln

  • The lens is more important than the camera. Buy the cheapest camera and a good lens, the camera will probably get upgraded in 3-4 years, and a good lens will last a long time.

    I would go with Canon as dpp is easy to use, and viewnx is impossible. I am sorry I bought a Nikon.

  • Thanks for all your replies! Will definitely check out the Tamron lens, and the suggested websites.

  • I would recomend the 550D over the 600D. the only difference with the 550D and 600D is a flip out LCD and a better body. Cuz of that you can get the 550D for a pretty good price. I have seen them go in the 700 range and thats with the 18-55 IS lens.

    Now for those who know more about lenses

    canon 18-55is vs Tamron 17-50mm

    Could you tell us the difference in image quality?

    Also how about this one?
    Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD for Canon

  • +1

    the 18-55
    http://www.dwidigitalcameras.com.au/store/product.asp?idProd…
    is a kit lens
    f3.5-5.6 IS
    cheap, avergae in low light

    Tamron 17-50mm
    is alot better
    more expensive
    f2.8
    better in low light
    think the version without image stabliser is cheaper
    but the image qauility is better

    tamron is alot better (should be around 400 bucks)

  • +1

    http://www.dwidigitalcameras.com.au/store/product.asp?idProd…
    Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f2.8 XR Di-II VC LD Aspherical (IF) Lenses

    with vibration control

    http://www.dwidigitalcameras.com.au/store/product.asp?idProd…
    without it

    super zooms liek this
    Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD for Canon

    aint bad
    but u give up a bit of image quaility and f stop (not as good in low light) for that extra reach

    depends on what type of photographer u are
    if you are going to city's, landscapes
    a 17-50 is fine

    if you go to things like sporting events, bird shooting, zoo, sarfari
    u need that extra reach, but for those u need better lens anyway (renting usually)

    i recommend the tamron 17-50
    not bad bang for ur buck

    i personally go the canon version
    http://www.dwidigitalcameras.com.au/store/product.asp?idProd…
    thats was 1k….

  • thanks for the info Djones. Is the lower light due to the longer tube length of the lens? also would it be better getting a 18-270 and using lighting to compensate of the low light at shorter distance thus having the best of both worlds? i know that this takes us into a whole other topic about lighting.

  • +1

    better light is due to the ability of the lens to capture more light in (lower f number)
    thats a really basic explanation
    go to whirlpool and read some of the forums (i cant say i'm an expert aswell)

    u could do that
    but i personally dont like photo's with flash
    the camera flash is very average
    u'll have to spend money to get a better flash

    at the start u prolly cant tell the difference between the two lens
    once ya get to learn the settings fo the camera (shot in modes besides auto) u'll understand the limitations and the quaility fast

    the 18-270 aint a bad lens
    but once ya get into such large ranges, quaility does get pushed aside a bit

    you prolly should think about what u want to shot
    i initially got the kit lens, 17-55 and 55-250
    i rarely used the 55-250 (went to europe with it, was to take a few shots)

    in 4 years i've only used that len at sporting events and zoo

    so you prolly have to think wat u wanna use the camera for

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