What DSLR to buy

[ncbill]

I am upgrading my s2is digital to a DSLR, there are a few I am looking at---anyhelp is appreciated----here are my choices

Olympus evolt 500 8mp with 2 lense kit
Canon rebel XT or XTI
Nikon D70

the olympus seems like a great deal, but I havent heard a lot about it----The camera will be used for Birding, family shots, etc.....any advice???

[gmax]

I am upgrading my s2is digital to a DSLR, there are a few I am looking at---anyhelp is appreciated----here are my choices

Olympus evolt 500 8mp with 2 lense kit
Canon rebel XT or XTI
Nikon D70

the olympus seems like a great deal, but I havent heard a lot about it----The camera will be used for Birding, family shots, etc.....any advice???

Hello ncbill,
great questions suppose great answers, but I'm not so experienced to satisfy your requirements ... You'd better move your info request to the Cameras and Photography section of this forum, where I'm sure you will receive many wise and expert answers ... your choices are good ones, but it's useful if you specify better what your photographic interests are and what will be you main usage.
When entering the dslr world and making you choice, don't base it only on the cost of the camera, there are lenses too to be bought, and they can be quite expensive (a 300mm lens is really the starting point)
Hope to hear from you soon
Cheers,
Max

[Osprey_watcher]

I've had a Nikon D70 with Nikkor 70-300mm zoom for about 3 years now and I can't fault it.

[postcardcv]

When entering the dslr world and making you choice, don't base it only on the cost of the camera, there are lenses too to be bought, and they can be quite expensive (a 300mm lens is really the starting point)


Max is quite right - when going for a dslr the camera is just one of the things to consider. You'll be buying into a system that you'll probably use for many years to come - any lenses you buy will last a lot longer than the camera body.

[ncbill]

Max is quite right - when going for a dslr the camera is just one of the things to consider. You'll be buying into a system that you'll probably use for many years to come - any lenses you buy will last a lot longer than the camera body.

I ended up buying a Nikon D80, with the 18-55 and 55-200 lenses, I hope to buy some more glass once I save a few more bucks.....I have a lot of playing and learning to do :bounce:

[JimMorris]

I am upgrading my s2is digital to a DSLR, there are a few I am looking at---anyhelp is appreciated----here are my choices

Olympus evolt 500 8mp with 2 lense kit
Canon rebel XT or XTI
Nikon D70

the olympus seems like a great deal, but I havent heard a lot about it----The camera will be used for Birding, family shots, etc.....any advice???

I'm only a novice at birdie photos, for what it's worth I'vr got a nicon D70 with 50x500 nicor lens. I think it's great.

[impotentspider]

As a long standing Pentax user and soon to be owner of the new K10D (cant wait for Santa) I suppose I should be promoting Pentax, However I did own an Olympus OM30 several years ago and the camera was a joy to use, from what I have read the Olympus DSLR is an outstanding bit of kit and its design is reminiscent of the OM series, however it is a bit on the small size so if you have large hands so it may not sit comfortably in your hands. Had I been considering entering the DSLR market and not had an abundace of Pentax kit then the Olympus would heve been a strong contender for me.

I agree with previous posts, you need to do a lot of homework and read as many reviews as you can, then see what each system offers in relation to your type of photography, although you may find the cost of "branded" lenses a bit out of your price range and may well end up with third party lenses anyway which really makes choosing a camera brand that little bit easier.

[Duke Leto]

these questions are like opening Pandora's box.......
Look at the latest press for test reports, but most importantly play with them all in a photographic shop 1st, strange things can happen when you feel a camera. I was all set to buy a Canon 350 as my 1st DSLR until I found out how small it was, the only real option for the price was a D70s so my path was laid out by the ergonomics of my 1st DSLR purchase, since then bought a D200 and a few lenses with no regrets.
One thing to consider is the after market lens manufactures. Tokina, Sigma, Tamron etc. If your on a budget and can't justify an OEM lens you really want a body that takes the 3rd party lenses and are readily available both new and 2nd hand.

Go and play and see what you think

Happy hunting and Christmas

Steve

[Ragna]

As others have said you are buying into a system so the choice is either Canon or Nikon they both have vast range of lenses and accessories they will hold the resale value much better there is also lot of good used stocknot only from the camera makers but as Steve says from other lens manufactures.The camera body maywell be the cheapest part.of the system.

[impotentspider]

As others have said you are buying into a system so the choice is either Canon or Nikon they both have vast range of lenses and accessories they will hold the resale value much better there is also lot of good used stocknot only from the camera makers but as Steve says from other lens manufactures.The camera body maywell be the cheapest part.of the system.

I would beg to differ, stating the choice is either Canon or Nikon when buying into a system is completely wrong and misguiding, Sigma make an excelent DSLR (albiet only one model at a time) Olympus have had heaps of praise on theirs, and Pentax (though a little late in keeping up) have got a winner with the new K10D, Sony are also a viable option with what was once Minolta,
As previously mentioned I am a long standing Pentax user, I chose Pentax for their superb optics, and for thier backward lens compatability, A camera system is often for life and should be chosen after considering ALL contenders, not just those who have the lions share of the market. I certainly considerd several brands before deciding on mine, even Canon and Nikon.
As for holding thier value........
Question) how much does a 30 year old standard lens sell for in either Canon or Nikon brands?
Answer) A lot less than a Pentax KA mount.

[JTF]

Nikon D40 or D50.

[SteveHip]

I am upgrading my s2is digital to a DSLR, there are a few I am looking at---anyhelp is appreciated----here are my choices

Olympus evolt 500 8mp with 2 lense kit
Canon rebel XT or XTI
Nikon D70

the olympus seems like a great deal, but I havent heard a lot about it----The camera will be used for Birding, family shots, etc.....any advice???

My advice to you would be to consider the GLASS you want to use first. Which supplier or suppliers offer the best glass for your purpose, and then bolt the camera on the back of it. Today cameras are simply film backs, in three or four years time they will be out dated/ out moded (just wait to see the clamour here when the next canon/nikon/etc/etc body comes out).

IF you are on a really tight budget, maybe look at one of the fixed lens bodies - not the best at anything but can cover off tele/portrait/macro (of sorts) in a single entity - you need to source one with a realistic shutter lag though. - no dust worries, light, partner/child proof - not a huge investment to sit in the cupboard waiting to be used.

[Words]

I am upgrading my s2is digital to a DSLR, there are a few I am looking at---anyhelp is appreciated----here are my choices

Olympus evolt 500 8mp with 2 lense kit
Canon rebel XT or XTI
Nikon D70

the olympus seems like a great deal, but I havent heard a lot about it----The camera will be used for Birding, family shots, etc.....any advice???

I'm on exactly the same mission.... upgrading the S2IS.

I'm going for the 400D body (XTi) for the self-cleaning, and decent low light/high ISO performance from what I can see in reviews. I shoot a lot at night.

Completely in a maze so far as lenses go though. And may opt for a mid-price lens and upgrade later, possibly something like the 70-300 IS.

Good luck with it anyway.