DSLR or point and shoot?

[Colin Southern]

If you have decided on a dslr, I would advise having a look at a secondhand 'semi pro' model as an alternative to an 'entry level' camera.

I'm thinking about a Canon 30D or, if you are lucky, 40D. These are only slightly more expensive and secondhand could even work out cheaper than a new 500D. For the extra, you get a really solid piece of kit with easier to use controls and display screens.

On the downside; although I prefer a chunky heavy camera some people find them too big and cumbersome to carry around all day; but do consider that option before making a final decision.

I have a canon 40D and would never consider anything smaller as my main camera. A 500D will still take just as good photos, it's merely a matter of personal preference.

Sara,

For what it's worth, if you don't mind 2nd hand (or can stretch the budget) then I would back Geoff 100% on this. The biggest differences with a model like the 40D or 50D are that they have what's called a QCD (Quick Control Dial) which makes adjustments a LOT easier (the alternative with the rebel series is to press buttons a lot), and build quality. Sorry - I should have mentioned this earlier (I ruled it out when I read of your budget, but I didn't think laterally enough for the "2nd hand" bit to pop into my brain).

[smarma]

Thanks for the suggestions, I will look into getting a used camera but I am wondering why I should get an older model with fewer megapixels than the newer versions. I am kind of looking at a Canon rebel with 12 megapixels. Are megapixels that big of a deal? Also, if anyone knows of a great place for used camera equipment other than ebay I would love to know. Not that ebay is that bad, I'm just curious to know if there is a better place.

[Colin Southern]

Hi Sara,

Once you get over about 8 megapixels it really doesn't make a lot of difference. Case in point - I have images 22" x 33" hanging side by side in my gallery - some taken with an 8MP camera - some with a 10MP camera - and some with a 21MP camera ... and you really can't see the difference.

The thing to keep in mind is that - because images are 2 dimensional - if you want camera "B" to have twice the resolution of camera "A" then it needs to have FOUR times the number of pixels. So in other words the difference between an 8MP camera and a 12MP camera is approximatly nothing (MP wars are driven more by the marketing departments than the engineering departments).

[smarma]

This is really a helpful bit of information.

[PopsPhotos]

Adorama.com has a pretty good supply of used cameras. Once in awhile you can get one through their ebay sales, also. I picked up a Nikon N70 for $10(US) recently to drop into the backup bag. (DSLRs are going missing since the wife got bit by "the bug" again. )

B&H often has some for sale, also.

I have used ebay, and will again. If you are careful to watch their ratings, and buy from shops or professionals who are retiring of moving older equipment, you can find some fine deals.

Pops

[smarma]

Does anyone have any advice about buying refurbished cameras and equipment? I was looking into this and I am wondering if they are good quality. Some say they can be better than a new one.

[Amberglass]

Does anyone have any advice about buying refurbished cameras and equipment? I was looking into this and I am wondering if they are good quality. Some say they can be better than a new one.

I've purchased refurbished gear in the past and never had an issue with them. Just keep in mind that camera bodies only have a 1 year warranty on them. Agrees with Geoff about going with a "semi-pro" or mid range body that offers two commands dials for controlling aperture and shutter speeds over the entry level bodies. (Quicker access of the most commonly used features as well on the mid-range bodies too).

Make sure you go to a reputable camera shops like BH, Adorama, or Calumet. For second hand, KEH is one of the oldest and best places to look.

[rick55]

Incidentally, if you do decide to go with the entry-level (I'm not recommending that, just pointing this out), the latest offering is now the 550D, not the 500D. The difference between the two seems to be 18MP versus 15MP, which is certainly meaningless, as Colin noted above; improved video; and some metering improvements. Just something to be aware of.

Cheers,
Rick

[smarma]

O.k Ya'll. I know I really want a Canon 40 or 50 D but yeah, a little out of my budget. So I think I have decided to go with some kind of entry level canon rebel like a xsi or something. I don' t think I have been bitten by 'the bug' enough to plunge into a semi pro kind of camera. If I do get bitten I can always upgrade right? Plus I have been looking at some of the pics on here taken by entry level cameras and they still look fantabulous. Way more wonderful then the pics my 3.2 mp canon powershot gets anyway. It's pretty ancient. Thanks all for the great advice. And can someone tell me how to vote in these contests. Maybe its right in front of me and I am not seeing it. Some of these pics are gorgeous and I cannot wait so someday contribute to these contests and get advice from the wonderful photographers I have seen on here!!

[Shadowman]

Sara,

Go to the forum photo challenges and competitions and look for the following:
Sticky: Poll: Mini Competition #74

You will have a voting selection appear on the page. Looking forward to seeing your photos.

[Geoff F]

ps regarding voting for competitions. The mini competitions require 10 entries before voting begins, and even then it can take a day before the auto voting display appears, so just keep going back to them until you see the voting screen. The voting period has, obviously, a limited time span.

[Dave Humphries]

~ And can someone tell me how to vote in these contests? ~

Hi Sara,

As Geoff's PS, voting on Mini-Competitions is open for 3 days (it should say when it closes), for example Mini-Competition #74. There is generally always one of these in the 'voting phase' as they fill up in 2-3 days for each round.
Anyways, if voting is active, you'll see a list of checkboxes at the top pf the thread, mark "X" against each that you like and click "Vote Now" (or whatever it's called).

There are usually three other challenges going on during the month and thes have a two day window to vote and that is done by PM (Personal Message) to the appropriate Moderator. For example, if you read this before tomorrow (Thursday) evening, you can hop over to:
https://www.cambridgeincolour.com/forums/thread3256.htm, review the 18 images and send me a PM with your 1st, 2nd and 3rd placings. More on that here.

Cheers,

[Amberglass]

O.k Ya'll. I know I really want a Canon 40 or 50 D but yeah, a little out of my budget. I don' t think I have been bitten by 'the bug' enough to plunge into a semi pro kind of camera. If I do get bitten I can always upgrade right? Plus I have been looking at some of the pics on here taken by entry level cameras and they still look fantabulous. Way more wonderful then the pics my 3.2 mp canon powershot gets anyway. It's pretty ancient. Thanks all for the great advice.

In truth, the camera doesn't matter but you do need to understand and master the basics/fundamentals of photography. I recently picked up a Canon PowerShot S90 and have been having a lot of fun with it. For a review: http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-came...-33765880.html. It shoots in RAW and is geared towards advance amateurs but a great little camera for a beginner without the bulk of a full size dslr. Just buy a little gorilla tripod (http://joby.com/gorillapod/original) and off you go. Now keep in mind that this camera will not be as fast as dslr, but mastering the basics doesn't requires speed.