Digital Camera Lenses Guide
What type of camera would you suggest for me?
Right now, I’m looking at Nikon and Canon SLR Digital camera’s [like the Canon Rebel xti, for example]. I just want some outside opinions on the type of camera I should purchase.
I previously had a Minolta Maxxum5, but I want to “upgrade” to a digital.
I love to take photographs of landscape and scenery [my family travels to the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee very often], including old farm buildings, mountains, waterfalls, etc. I also take many pictures at live music shows, where the lighting can be very poor and there’s a lot of action. Basically, i’m looking for an all around great camera.
Now, I’m not the richest person in the world either. I’m looking for a camera [body only] costing $600 or less.
If you could also guide me in the right direction as far as camera lenses, that would be great.
thanks a bunch.
If you have a couple of Minolta A-type mount lenses, you should look at the Sony Alpha-100 (A100) digital SLR, as this is the type of lens that the camera takes. The body alone is available at B&H Photo for $599. I’m not a HUGE fan of this camera, but it is one of the top 10 digital SLR’s in the consumer market right now.
If you want to get away from your Minolta lenses or want to avoid Sony in the first place, the Nikon D40 and Canon Rebel XT are in your price range. They are the number 2 and 3 selling consumer SLR’s right now. http://www.popphoto.com/cameras/4341/top-selling-digital-slrs-for-may.html I have abias towards the Nikon way of doing things and I usualyl recommend the D40, but you mentioned the Rebel XTi, so I will mention the XT as it is in your price range.
Since you have some experience, you ought to go to a camera shop and play with both the D40 and the XT and see what you think. The way they feel in your hands will be the deciding factor. I have a stock comparison that I will include here, though…….
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Nikon D40 vs. Canon EOS 350D (Rebel XT)
This isn’t exactly what you asked for, but perhaps you will find it helpful in making your decision. I have never used a Canon EOS 350D, so I can’t actually compare the cameras, but I favor the D40 because it has a spotmeter and the 350D doesn’t. Although the D40 seems small, it is practically the exact same size as the 350D.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_eos350d%2Cnikon_d40&show=all
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond40/page17.asp
tells us that the Canon 350D meter calibration is off by about 1/3 of a stop. This would not really present any problems, except that it suggests “something” to me about the quality, since the Nikon and Pentax are dead on.
Scroll on down the page for image comparisons. The D40 is clearly sharper and shows less noise at all ISO settings.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond40/page18.asp shows us that both handle shadows equally, but the D40 clips the highlights by about 1/3 of a stop.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond40/page21.asp shows a side-by-side of studio images. The 8 MP of the Canon 350D at least put the camera on equal footing with the Nikon D40 for image quality, but you have to take note that the Rebel XT is shot at ISO 100 and the Nikon is shot at it lowest setting of ISO 200. I think the Canon images may look a little better, but we know from the prior page that under equal lighting levels, the Canon will start to break up before the Nikon.
The reviewer says, “While it is possible to pick areas of the image which lend some credence to the EOS 350D’s 34% pixel count advantage it’s clear that the average observer would not notice these differences and that you would need a very large output size for any of them to become visible.”
Check this out…
http://dpreview-img.fotki.com/gallery/canoneos350d_samples1/originals/img_4068-raw-dpp.jpg is taken by the Canon 350D with a 17 mm focal length at f/6.3, 1/80th of a second, ISO 400 using RAW.
http://dpreview-img.fotki.com/gallery/nikond40_samples/originals/dsc_1206.jpg is taken with the Nikon D40 with an 18 mm focal length at f/4.5, 1/80th of a second, ISO 400 using jpeg.
The point of focus for the Canon photo is a bit deeper than it is for the Nikon, but even having 8MP and using RAW and a smaller aperture, I think the Canon image breaks up a lot more than the Nikon. You can barely make out the features on the face of the gentleman in the background. Is this the camera or the superiority of the Nikon 17-55 lens, which so many of us here praise???
Okay, I’ve made my stance clear. I like the Nikon D40 better than the Canon EOS 350D, so here’s my general review of the D40.
The Nikon D40 is a great little camera, very easy to use and quite reasonably priced. It has a few “consumer friendly” totally automatic modes that make it very easy to use, but still offers total photographic control when you are ready to take charge. It will get you in the Nikon family which is a great place to be. If you buy accessories and lenses, you will be able to use everything on any Nikon that you might upgrade to later on.
Check out Nikon’s “Picturetown” promotion, where they handed out 200 D40′s in Georgetown, SC. http://www.stunningnikon.com/picturetown/
Here are a few reviews, in case you have not read them yet. Be sure to note that they are several pages long and some of the reviews also have some sample images that you can look at.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond40/
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2007_reviews/nikon_d40.html
http://www.popphoto.com/cameras/3756/camera-test-nikon-d40.html
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d40/d40-recommendations.htm
I hate to see people slam the camera because it can’t autofocus with older Nikon lenses. It is true that there is a “slight problem” with older Nikon lenses not autofocusing on the D40, but if you do not own a bag full of older lenses, it is not going to be a problem. It is barely a problem anyhow. If you check www.nikonusa.com for “AF-S” lenses, which are ALL 100% compatible with the D40, you will find 23 lenses, including 7 “VR” (vibration Reduction) lenses and one true macro lens with “VR”. There are another 25-plus lenses in the current catalog that provide all functions except autofocus as well as many (possibly dozens) “out of print” lenses that will work just as well. In addition, although these lens will not autofocus, most of them will still give focus confirmation. From the D40 manual: “If the lens has a maximum aperture of f/5.6 of faster, the viewfinder focus indicator can be used to confirm whether the portion of the subject in the selected focus area is in focus. After positioning the subject in the active focus area, press the shutter release button halfway and rotate the lens focusing ring until the in-focus indicator is displayed.” (See http://www.members.aol.com/swf08302/nikonafs.txt for a list of AF-S lenses.)
The D40 only has 3 autofocus zones arranged horizontally at the center, 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock positions. This might be considered a limitation, but realistically, most people will find this perfectly adequate, especially if you are moving up from a point and shoot with only a center zone.
You can get the D40 with the 18-55 kit lens at B&H Photo available through Yahoo! Shopping or at 1-800-622-4987) for $525 (June 2007). Add a Lexar Platinum (60X speed) card for $25 or 2 GB for $35. Or – get the D40 with 18-135 lens and 1 GB Lexar card for $750. They also have used D40′s from $475.
And yet… clearly these are both very good cameras. What it all comes down to is which one YOU feel better about. Go to a camera shop and pick them up and see.
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Japan Perfect Guide Book Digital single-lens Reflex Camera Interchangeable Lens $79.99 |
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Leica Digital Camera Lens Guide Book M9 50/1.4 ASPH 35/2 S2 X1 M8.2 with Poster $78.99 |
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Sony digital single lens reflex camera guide $5.95 |
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Canon EOS 50D w/ EF-S IS 28-135mm Lens, Filter, Bag, Memory Card, and User Guide $10.50 |
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Mace Security EWIP-DOM-WIFI Easy Watch IP HD Megapixel Wireless Network Pan/Tilt Surveillance Camera $389.00 EWIP-DOM-WIFI Mace Easy Watch IP PT Dome Wireless, 1.3MP with Audio Quick Overview Easy WatchTM IP – Experience the freedom of wireless IP video surveillance in HD quality with Pan & Tilt remote control. A perfect choice for IT savvy business and home owners seeking simple to install security with One-Touch WPS wireless network setup.Best-in-class feature & price performance. 12-month warranty & t… |
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Mace Security EWIP-CAM-WIFI Easy Watch IP HD Megapixel Wireless Network Surveillance Camera $295.00 EWIP-CAM-WIFI Mace Easy Watch IP Camera, Wireless 1.3MP With Audio Easy WatchTM IP – Experience the freedom of wireless IP video surveillance in HD quality. A perfect choice for IT savvy business and home owners seeking simple to install security with One-Touch WPS wireless network setup. Best-in-class feature & price performance.12-month warranty & technical support MACE EASY WATCHTM IP – HD MEGA… |
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Nikon Accessory Pack for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras $130.00 The Nikon accessory pack for digital SLR cameras gives you what you need to protect your digital camera and enhance your picture-taking abilities. The kit includes a deluxe ballistic nylon Nikon gadget bag, a Nikon EN-EL3A Li-ion rechargeable battery, a 52mm UV haze-protection filter, and a Nikon School Guide to SLR Photography. Gadget Bag The spacious gadget bag features rugged ballistic nyl… |
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Nikon D3100 14.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens $546.95 … |
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Canon PowerShot SX260 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 20x Image Stabilized Zoom 25mm Wide-Angle Lens and 1080p Full-HD Video (Black) $299.00 12.1 MEGAPIXEL CMOS1080P HIGH-DEFINITION VIDEO20X OPTICAL ZOOMDIGIC(R) 5 IMAGE PROCESSOR25MM WIDE-ANGLE LENSOPTICAL IMAGE STABILIZATIONHS SYSTEM FOR OUTSTANDING LOW-LIGHT PERFORMANCESTEREO SOUNDDEDICATED MOVIE BUTTONZOOM WHILE SHOOTINGSMART AUTO INTELLIGENTLY SELECTS THE PROPER CAMERA SETTINGS BASED ON 58 PREDEFINED SHOOTING SITUATIONSFACE ID FUNCTION ADJUSTS FOCUS & EXPOSURE PRIORITY BASED ON PRE… |
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Olympus PEN E-PL1 12.3MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens (Black) $499.00 Powerfully Simple:Introducing the Incredible Olympus PEN E-PL1 CameraThe new Olympus PEN E-PL1 is truly greater than the sum of its parts. This surprisingly small camera body is packed with technology normally found in bigger, bulkier cameras and High Definition (HD) camcorders. With features like interchangeable lenses, the new Live Guide and one-touch HD video the E-PL1 is an easy-to-use and po… |
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Meade ETX70AT Telescope w/882 Tripod and Software $419.98 The ETX70AT is my favorite of all the low-cost computerized telescopes, because of its compact body and also because it is so easy to use. The ETX70AT package includes everything a beginner needs to get started (except batteries). So what can you see, exactly, with this little telescope? It will show you craters on the Moon, the rings of Saturn and the moons of Jupiter. Take it with you to dark co… |
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Tele Vue NEW Up-Dated NP127is Imaging System 5 f/5.2, 4-Element APO Refractor Telescope Optical Tube Assembly, Ivory, New 10:1 focuser pinion assembly made for Tele Vue by Starlight Instruments. New lens prescription delivers smaller spots sizes over a broader wavelenght range. $6,999.99 Concept: CCD cameras have challenged telescope optics beyond anything ever placed at the focal plane. Tele Vue knew it’s APO objectives were up to the challenge, & with the proper tweaks would be extraordinary tools for the imager. With Tele Vue Imaging System (is) telescopes, they have refined their instruments & optional equipment beyond anything a CCD chip has seen.For 25 years, Tele Vue has pu… |
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OEM Canon Powershot SD630 Digital ELPH Camera FullManual & Set Up Kit Books $5.99 … |
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Mastering the Nikon D7000 $19.06 Mastering the Nikon D7000 by Darrell Young provides a wealth of experience-based information and insights for owners of the new D7000 camera. Darrell is determined to help the user navigate past the confusion factor that often comes with complex and powerful professional camera equipment. The book explores the features and capabilities of the camera in a way that far surpasses the userâs manu… |
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SLR Backpack backpack for digital photo camera with lenses $67.99 Case Logic SLR Backpack – Backpack for digital photo camera with lenses – nylon – black |
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2GO 25 – carrying bag for digital photo camera with lenses $45.99 Vanguard 2GO 25 – Carrying bag for digital photo camera with lenses – 600D polyester 1680D polyester 1000D polyester |
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Peking 17 – shoulder bag for digital photo camera with lenses $17.99 Vanguard Peking 17 – Shoulder bag for digital photo camera with lenses – 600D polyester |
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2GO 22 – carrying bag for digital photo camera with lenses $38 Vanguard 2GO 22 – Carrying bag for digital photo camera with lenses – 600D polyester 1680D polyester 1000D polyester |
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David Busch’s Quick Snap Guide to Using Digital SLR Lenses by Busch, David D. Edition ILL, 1 $25.49 Are you ready to go beyond the basics with your digital SLR camera but are unsure which interchangeable lens or two to buy and more importantly, how and when to use each lens? David Busch’s Quick Snap Guide to Using Digital SLR Lenses offers focused, concise information and techniques on how to use different lenses to take great photographs. You’ll begin with a quick overview of how lenses work and the types of lenses available, including normal, telephoto, wide-angle, prime, and zoom. Then you’ll explore typical lens controls and features such as focus rings, depth-of-field scales, and image stabilization, and how particular settings can help improve your photography. Once you have the basics down you’ll learn how to create cool effects using lens filters and accessories, and how to select the best lens aperture for particular types of photos. Finally, you’ll go in-depth with telephoto, wide-angle, and macro lenses. Each topic or concept is explained using a clear, two- or fourpage spread, and beautiful, full-color images illustrate the results of photographing with each setting, technique, or lens. A mini-glossary will help you define unfamiliar terms as you go. Get ready to enhance your photographs using the versatility of interchangeable lenses on your digital SLR! |
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David Busch`s Quick Snap Guide to Using Digital SLR Lenses (Paperback) $30.06 Are you ready to go beyond the basics with your digital SLR camera but are unsure which interchangeable lens or two to buy and more importantly, how and when to use each lens? "David Busch?s Quick Snap Guide to Using Digital SLR Lenses" offers focused, concise information and techniques on how to use different lenses to take great photographs. You?ll begin with a quick overview of how lenses work and the types of lenses available, including normal, telephoto, wide-angle, prime, and zoom. Then you?ll explore typical lens controls and features such as focus rings, depth-of-field scales, and image stabilization, and how particular settings can help improve your photography. Once you have the basics down you?ll learn how to create cool effects using lens filters and accessories, and how to select the best lens aperture for particular types of photos. Finally, you?ll go in-depth with telephoto, wide-angle, and macro lenses. Each topic or concept is explained using a clear, two- or fourpage spread, and beautiful, full-color images illustrate the results of photographing with each setting, technique, or lens. A mini-glossary will help you define unfamiliar terms as you go. Get ready to enhance your photographs using the versatility of interchangeable lenses on your digital SLR! |
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A Beginner’s Guide to Digital Photography $29 New – For over 150 years, the photographic process remained virtually unchanged-but now, the digital revolution has come. Are you up to date?or behind the times? Magnificent examples from digital photographers will help you understand how the new electronic media work and how to grasp all their creative possibilities. The key: the cycle of shoot, enhance, and share. Shooting involves everything about how the image is captured, from camera, lenses, and equipment to scanning and composition. Enhan |
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A Complete Guide to Digital Photography $19.28 Used – Comprehensive, up-to date, practical and easy to use, A Complete Guide to Digital Photography is the definitive reference for anyone who wants to get the most out of their digital camera. CHAPTER 1 Cameras, lenses and accessories: The digital camera: features, types, pixels, memory, getting started, care, maintenance and cleaning. Lenses: zoom, fixed, legacy, reverse lens macro, improvised lenses, tilt lens. Accessories: software, plug ins, beanbags, stringpods, tripods, lightstands, cook |
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A Complete Guide to Digital Photography $19.28 New – Comprehensive, up-to date, practical and easy to use, A Complete Guide to Digital Photography is the definitive reference for anyone who wants to get the most out of their digital camera. CHAPTER 1 Cameras, lenses and accessories: The digital camera: features, types, pixels, memory, getting started, care, maintenance and cleaning. Lenses: zoom, fixed, legacy, reverse lens macro, improvised lenses, tilt lens. Accessories: software, plug ins, beanbags, stringpods, tripods, lightstands, cooki |
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A Guide to Photography Equipment: An Overview of Photography, Lenses, Monopod, Tripod, Filter, Flash, Camera, Etc. $17.01 Used – This book contains photographic equipment such as: color chart, film scanner, camera, dry box, filter, zone plate, lenses, rangefinder, view camera, slide projector, digital camera, and much more.Project Webster represents a new publishing paradigm, allowing disparate content sources to be curated into cohesive, relevant, and informative books. To date, this content has been curated from Wikipedia articles and images under Creative Commons licensing, although as Project Webster continues |
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A Guide to Photography Equipment: An Overview of Photography, Lenses, Monopod, Tripod, Filter, Flash, Camera, Etc. $16.97 Used – This book contains photographic equipment such as: color chart, film scanner, camera, dry box, filter, zone plate, lenses, rangefinder, view camera, slide projector, digital camera, and much more.Project Webster represents a new publishing paradigm, allowing disparate content sources to be curated into cohesive, relevant, and informative books. To date, this content has been curated from Wikipedia articles and images under Creative Commons licensing, although as Project Webster continues |
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A Guide to Photography Equipment: An Overview of Photography, Lenses, Monopod, Tripod, Filter, Flash, Camera, Etc. $16.97 New – This book contains photographic equipment such as: color chart, film scanner, camera, dry box, filter, zone plate, lenses, rangefinder, view camera, slide projector, digital camera, and much more.Project Webster represents a new publishing paradigm, allowing disparate content sources to be curated into cohesive, relevant, and informative books. To date, this content has been curated from Wikipedia articles and images under Creative Commons licensing, although as Project Webster continues t |
