DSLR for Outdoor Photography

[Holg3107]

I just upgraded my Rebel XTi to a 50D with a new lens. I was able to pick up the body and lens (28-135mm) for $350. I would start with something along those lines and build out a solid lens collection after. Pope did a great lens write up regarding canon lenses: As said stick to one of the big 2 (canon or nikon) once you pick one you are kind of committed but really can't go wrong with either.

http://www.huntfishnw.com/index.php?topic=908.0

[KFhunter]

 

Thanks for that link, I bookmarked it 

[MLHSN]

What do you guys think of "mirrorless" cameras like the Canon EOS M?

[timberghost72]

Bean Counter mentioned some great sites to visit on the web, POTN and DPreview. Some other ones I like also are fredmiranda.com and bobatkins.com. These should give you lots of info in your decision along with all the great advise from the guys here. I shoot 99.9% of the time using the view finder and not the LCD screen but one thing to consider depending on what you like to photograph or future interests is an articulating LCD screen. I have a 60D which is a decent body but when I was shopping around I saw that it had an articulating screen and thought to myself I'd never use it. But since photographing more I found a few times to where I could not get into a postion to use the viewfinder or straight on the LCD view and that articulating LCD screen came in real handy. Just something to think about. It also protects the screen when turned in and hanging around your neck. I like my 60D alot and it takes great photos but one aspect I'm finding is action shots are not very good and I can't seem to get very good shots. It could just be the user (me) but I feel the autofocus speed is lacking a little. The only time I shoot action really is just of my daughter playing or in dance and gymnastics. Good luck with the ton of info to research. 

[huntnphool]

Bean Counter mentioned some great sites to visit on the web, POTN and DPreview. Some other ones I like also are fredmiranda.com and bobatkins.com. These should give you lots of info in your decision along with all the great advise from the guys here. I shoot 99.9% of the time using the view finder and not the LCD screen but one thing to consider depending on what you like to photograph or future interests is an articulating LCD screen. I have a 60D which is a decent body but when I was shopping around I saw that it had an articulating screen and thought to myself I'd never use it. But since photographing more I found a few times to where I could not get into a postion to use the viewfinder or straight on the LCD view and that articulating LCD screen came in real handy. Just something to think about. It also protects the screen when turned in and hanging around your neck. I like my 60D alot and it takes great photos but one aspect I'm finding is action shots are not very good and I can't seem to get very good shots. It could just be the user (me) but I feel the autofocus speed is lacking a little. The only time I shoot action really is just of my daughter playing or in dance and gymnastics. Good luck with the ton of info to research. 

What lens are you using for those action shots?

[biggfish]

I would look for something used and save money for glass.  I shoot a Nikon d40x its 10mp CMOS sensor.  It shoots beautifully and weight very little. Nikon has a great line of compact DSLR cameras. Check craigslist if you can find an older one like mine maybe 200 for the body. Then invest the rest into a lens with a very low aperture: 1.4-2.8 are great avoid variable f-stop ratings. Biggest draw back to a DSLR system is a good telephoto or zoom is gonna cost a couple grand.

[timberghost72]

Bean Counter mentioned some great sites to visit on the web, POTN and DPreview. Some other ones I like also are fredmiranda.com and bobatkins.com. These should give you lots of info in your decision along with all the great advise from the guys here. I shoot 99.9% of the time using the view finder and not the LCD screen but one thing to consider depending on what you like to photograph or future interests is an articulating LCD screen. I have a 60D which is a decent body but when I was shopping around I saw that it had an articulating screen and thought to myself I'd never use it. But since photographing more I found a few times to where I could not get into a postion to use the viewfinder or straight on the LCD view and that articulating LCD screen came in real handy. Just something to think about. It also protects the screen when turned in and hanging around your neck. I like my 60D alot and it takes great photos but one aspect I'm finding is action shots are not very good and I can't seem to get very good shots. It could just be the user (me) but I feel the autofocus speed is lacking a little. The only time I shoot action really is just of my daughter playing or in dance and gymnastics. Good luck with the ton of info to research. 

What lens are you using for those action shots?

I only have 2 lenses right now. 17-55 f2.8 IS and 70-200L f4 IS.  For the most part I use the 70-200 but thinking back it's probably 50/50 on which one I use. It seems like I have the most problems with action shots of people. Cars, bikes, and various other action type shots are pretty good but people I just can't seem to get right. I don't shoot too much of these so more practice is definitly needed.

[huntnphool]

Bean Counter mentioned some great sites to visit on the web, POTN and DPreview. Some other ones I like also are fredmiranda.com and bobatkins.com. These should give you lots of info in your decision along with all the great advise from the guys here. I shoot 99.9% of the time using the view finder and not the LCD screen but one thing to consider depending on what you like to photograph or future interests is an articulating LCD screen. I have a 60D which is a decent body but when I was shopping around I saw that it had an articulating screen and thought to myself I'd never use it. But since photographing more I found a few times to where I could not get into a postion to use the viewfinder or straight on the LCD view and that articulating LCD screen came in real handy. Just something to think about. It also protects the screen when turned in and hanging around your neck. I like my 60D alot and it takes great photos but one aspect I'm finding is action shots are not very good and I can't seem to get very good shots. It could just be the user (me) but I feel the autofocus speed is lacking a little. The only time I shoot action really is just of my daughter playing or in dance and gymnastics. Good luck with the ton of info to research. 

What lens are you using for those action shots?

I only have 2 lenses right now. 17-55 f2.8 IS and 70-200L f4 IS.  For the most part I use the 70-200 but thinking back it's probably 50/50 on which one I use. It seems like I have the most problems with action shots of people. Cars, bikes, and various other action type shots are pretty good but people I just can't seem to get right. I don't shoot too much of these so more practice is definitly needed.

Are you shooting manual or auto modes?

Not trying to derail the thread, I'm sure the OP is taking notes on all the info.

[Bean Counter]

What do you guys think of "mirrorless" cameras like the Canon EOS M?

Mirrorless cameras are nice and compact, but can't match a DSLR for speed and versatility. I also happen to like how a DSLR feels in my hand. When a camera is too small it's tough to navigate the controls quickly.

[timberghost72]

Bean Counter mentioned some great sites to visit on the web, POTN and DPreview. Some other ones I like also are fredmiranda.com and bobatkins.com. These should give you lots of info in your decision along with all the great advise from the guys here. I shoot 99.9% of the time using the view finder and not the LCD screen but one thing to consider depending on what you like to photograph or future interests is an articulating LCD screen. I have a 60D which is a decent body but when I was shopping around I saw that it had an articulating screen and thought to myself I'd never use it. But since photographing more I found a few times to where I could not get into a postion to use the viewfinder or straight on the LCD view and that articulating LCD screen came in real handy. Just something to think about. It also protects the screen when turned in and hanging around your neck. I like my 60D alot and it takes great photos but one aspect I'm finding is action shots are not very good and I can't seem to get very good shots. It could just be the user (me) but I feel the autofocus speed is lacking a little. The only time I shoot action really is just of my daughter playing or in dance and gymnastics. Good luck with the ton of info to research. 

What lens are you using for those action shots?

I only have 2 lenses right now. 17-55 f2.8 IS and 70-200L f4 IS.  For the most part I use the 70-200 but thinking back it's probably 50/50 on which one I use. It seems like I have the most problems with action shots of people. Cars, bikes, and various other action type shots are pretty good but people I just can't seem to get right. I don't shoot too much of these so more practice is definitly needed.

Are you shooting manual or auto modes?

Not trying to derail the thread, I'm sure the OP is taking notes on all the info.

I shoot 80% Av, 20% full manual and with sports Tv or Av and I adjust for shutter speed. I shoot 100 ISO almost exclusively (sometimes 200) and us tripod unless there is lots of light to hand hold. but for sports at least 800 ISO. I never use auto unless I want a test shot.

[Don Fischer]

Amazing Pentax has been around as long as they have. I believe that a person that can take good photo's with a Nikon D4 or a Canon 1DX can also take good photo's with a Pentax. There certainly are Canon's and Nikon's around that are used and inexpensive, used and re-furbished. I'd have to have a used camera in my hand before considering buying it and even then I doubt I would. I'm not a camera mechanic, it would pretty much look like a camera to me. I've bought several re-furbished lens and I have no trouble with them. They are cameras and lens that went back for one reason of another, were gone through by the manufacturer and sent out as re-furbished. I know B&H and Adorama sell them in their used dept. I have Nikon because my first camera, film, was a Nikon, I got used to it and I had a number of lens from film left over when I went digital. I fool with my Nikon and then with a nephew's Canon and with the Canon I have no idea hot to work it. Stands to reason, I've never used one before. You learn to use what you have.

I don't care for the lens that it come's with, the Pentax. The 55-200 just a bit short for me. I'd rather an after market 70-300 in place of the 55-200.

[Don Fischer]

I just noticed on the Cosco ad you posted. Upper right corner is a Canon EOS Rebel T5 that has what I would call better lens and with the $150 rebate, same price as the Pentax. Starting out, the lens that come with them would tilt me to the Canon.

[Netminder01]

tag

[Wazukie]

For Nikon I would look at the D7000, it's a great camera and does very well in high ISO.  The nice thing about the D7000 is that it has a built in focus motor and can be used with any F/mount lens.  That means that you can use some of the older glass and save a little money in that department.  Nikon and Canon are pretty much a toss up.  I chose Nikon for the sole reason that I can use any f/mount lens with it.

[MLHSN]

THanks for the tip Wazukie,  everyone has been talking quite a bit about the glass that one can get with each brand.  There appears to be a plethora of lenses available. 

What are some of the reasonably priced, decent quality brands I should look at for lenses of different mounts?  Someone mentioned Sigma and Tamron being ok brands.  Any other suggestions?