My first DSLR, and I have a $1000 budget...

[lan]

I'd get an Canon XSi for a more modern camera or a Nikon D80.

[meat01]

I think the D40 is the best bang for the buck and you can spend the rest on lenses. The D60 and D40X are more money for a few extra megapixels.

[M0T0XGUY]

In my experience, prime lenses (lenses with a fixed focal length) offer the best value and performance and generally trump zoom lenses of similar cost. Unfortunately, Nikon's entry level camera's can't AF with over 90% of Nikon's prime lenses as you probably know - so I'd suggest sticking with an entry level Canon and dumping the rest into, say, a 50mm f/1.4, and an 85mm f/1.8.

[TSi]

i dont know what you mean by... canon isnt a "dedicated" photography company... but the last time I checked, MOST people were choosing 50/50 between canon and nikon.

IMO, id never get a d40, if i was go to into photography, id get at least a "step up". Many people say the D40 is the best "bang for bucks"... but then a lot of people say D60 is too.. (its like the arguement between best bang for SR60 vs SR80)

[M0T0XGUY]

Originally Posted by TSi

i dont know what you mean by... canon isnt a "dedicated" photography company... but the last time I checked, MOST people were choosing 50/50 between canon and nikon.

IMO, id never get a d40, if i was go to into photography, id get at least a "step up". Many people say the D40 is the best "bang for bucks"... but then a lot of people say D60 is too.. (its like the arguement between best bang for SR60 vs SR80)

If the D40 had an autofocus motor, I'd recommend it everytime to over 90% of people. Unless you're really looking for a pro-quality build and a few extra features, there's nothing "inhibiting" about even the most entry-level SLR; they take great pictures, have a nice form factor, and, with the exception of continuous shooting speed, compare competiitvely performance wise with many more expensive models.

The only real difference in quality I've noticed moving from a D40 to a D200, for instance, stems from the pro-grade lenses I've used with it - in terms of megapixels, the jump from 6 to 10 really isn't as pronounced as many people imagine.

So, again, I'm standing by my recommendation for the Canon XTi or even XT, because they can all use high end lenses while leaving you the budget to accommodate them.

[TheMarchingMule]

Thanks for all the help, guys. I was going for a D40 at first, but now...aiming for a Canon Rebel XTi now.

(Of course, I want a XSi, but my budget would probably allow only the purchase of the body )

What lenses for the XTi do you think I should get with my remaining $200-$300?

[Sh0eBoX]

Xti body - New w/all new materials - Canon Digital Photography Forums

buy that and then you'll have ~$500 for lenses

ETA: Just found this for sale! rebel xti black + nifty fifty+ xti field guide book - Canon Digital Photography Forums --- this way you would have ~$500 to spend on lenses but already have the nifty fifty out of the way


then I would recommend something like the Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC Macro (~$350 used i think... fantastic walkaround lens) and a nifty fifty (EF 50mm f/1.8... ~$65 used)


or you could probably spend a little less money on the walkaround and get something that's still pretty decent and save some cash for a telephoto lens as well... like getting a 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM (~$300 used) and a Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro (~$160 used)


that would be a good option if you need/want a telephoto right away. if i were you i would go straight away for the 17-70 and nifty fifty though, and save up for a telephoto... because that sigma is seriously a great lens.


check out Canon Digital Photography Forums - Powered by vBulletin for a lot of info on canon gear

[Samgotit]

Originally Posted by TheMarchingMule

What lenses for the XTi do you think I should get with my remaining $200-$300?

Hard choice. Really need to know what you'd like to shoot most?

Are you set on getting this camera at Circuit City? B&H has XTI's for $569 + $13 shipping:
Canon | EOS Digital Rebel XTi Digital Camera Body | 1236B002

Now, don't try these calculations without Mathematica handy, but that would leave you with $431 for optics. That gets you a very nice prime or a more-than-decent zoom lens like the Tamron 17-50mm 2.8 that many like so much.

[Samgotit]

Hold the phone and call me Martha! I had no idea the XSI kit was below 1K:
Amazon.com: Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black): Electronics

You can get the XSI plus lens kit for $836, and that's the new IS kit lens . Maybe put the extra cash toward the 50mm 1.4 or a nice tripod and away you go. You can alway sell lenses when you feel the upgrade pangs.

[M0T0XGUY]

Originally Posted by Samgotit

Hold the phone and call me Martha! I had no idea the XSI kit was below 1K:
Amazon.com: Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black): Electronics

You can get the XSI plus lens kit for $836, and that's the new IS kit lens . Maybe put the extra cash toward the 50mm 1.4 or a nice tripod and away you go. You can alway sell lenses when you feel the upgrade pangs.

The XSi really isn't that much better than the XTi, though - and the OP can probably do better than the 18-55 (which isn't bad, I should mention) with the difference in price.