calling all enablers: need camera suggestions

[Bambi]

So ... two men huh Bambi?

[Wicked Dark]

Well, if you haven't made a decision yet, Bambi, I'm going to throw my 2 cents in.

Handling the camera is very important. Ergonomics, access to controls, weight, balance...all are important. If you can't physically manage the thing with ease, it really won't matter what it is on the inside. B&H is an IDEAL place to do so because they carry everything.

Second...a word on ISO and noise. A lot of it has to do with sensor size because large sensor are typically more forgiving of underexposure. Underexposure is a killer when it comes to noise. We all know about blown highlights and a digital camera's tendancy to overexpose, but most people who complain about noise (in the 4/3rds world anyway) are victims of underexposure. That's not to say it doesn't exist, but sensors have come a long way and unfortunately the Canikon crowd still persists in the idea that there is a VAST difference in modern cameras when proper exposures are made. Just not true. Yeah, I'm an Olympus user and so have to bang the drum a bit, but I really get cheesed off when people say you can't do "professional" work with anything but a Canikon. I'm not saying larger sensors aren't better at high ISO, but when viewing images at less than 100% it is far less promient or problematic than made out to be.

Olympus makes some of the finest glass in the world period. They also put superior components and features into cameras and lenses right down to the entry level models. They are innovators and engineers first, not marketers unfortunately, and so get lost in the hype.

Olympus has the only proven effective dust removal system for digital sensors.
They were the first to employ Live View in an SLR and new SLR innovations keep coming.
They have weathersealed components for way less money than others.
In body image stabilization works with system and manual legacy glass from several manufacturers depending on the adapter you get.
Bang for the buck you can't beat their system kits. The new E-600 and E-620 kits are amazing values and you'll LOVE that flip and swivel screen.

ok ok ok...I'll quit it. Sorry if I got a bit emotional.

[Marko]

This is Excellent info WD, and it will be appreciated by future visitors

I believe Bambi did indeed buy a new DSLR...Canikon...

Thx - Marko

[Bambi]

This is Excellent info WD, and it will be appreciated by future visitors

I believe Bambi did indeed buy a new DSLR...Canikon...

Thx - Marko

lol, yes I bought a nikon (the ta-dah thread has it listed). No offense was intended in the choice though

[Kawarthabob]

all are good comments as stated above. The advise I can give is Go to the store and try them all out. Get one that is comfortable to carry. Look at what is available in upgrades in your area. I choose canon due to a few main reasons. Price, available items that I can add (i.e. lenses etc) from where I live as i don't but stuff over the net. I like to buy locally to support my neighborhood. And features offered like autobracketing ( as mentioned above). I bought my gear brand new for about $700.00. And stores like Henry's offer endless add ons both new and used.

[david74656]

I have a Pentax k10d with 4 autofocus lenses and have had Pentax for 20+ years. I also have 3 Sony point and shoots and my camera phone.

Most of my "keeper" pictures have been ones of oppertunity.
Sigh the most liked picture was of an Olymic tourch hand off done on my phone

So I think you need to start at the beginning and decide your motivations and audience maybe you don't want the bulk and the lens / accessory addiction that comes with SLR film or digital

So the camera you're going to have ready is the camera you'll be most happy with

[snazzytoes]

I have to say, I am another newbie about to buy and I am reading this thread with interest, because I already know which body I plan to buy. I have used the Canon Rebel, 40D and also my man's newer even better one (I don't even know which one, but it is Canon).

I got to use a 40D in a Canon workshop for 2 hours at Grand Canyon and really liked it because the settings were easy to navigate and I learned about bracketing. Because we have a Canon in the house, we are thinking lens-swapping will work better for us if I also get Canon. Although, if he was smart he's discourage me so I would leave his stuff alone!

The rebel has a smaller LCD screen and the 40D is more weatherproof, according to my resident expert. He is pushing me to get the 40D and I have to agree that I like the screen size better on it. I know Henry's sells used equipment with a 30-day lemon policy and you can get 3 years warranty where they will replace or repair your camera body anywhere in the world for just $75 extra.

Since I have body figured out, my question before I buy is which lens will be the best for a first buyer? I plan to shoot landscapes, in the woods with wildlife and waterfalls, and family shots. I need a good all purpose lens, but one that isn't too heavy. I found lugging a camera with grip and large lenses makes my arm hurt after a couple hours. I found the posts about ISO interesting.

[Mad Aussie]

Having one lens to cover everything is a very difficult ask. Landscape requires wider focal lengths in most cases and wildlife often requires longer focal lengths.

There are lenses out there that cover a very wide range of focal lengths but usually you will pay more because of the range they cover. Some say quality is compromised too much on these lenses as well although I haven't used one myself to see.

Canons top lens in the range you are asking for is the EF 28 - 300 f3.5-5.6L IS USM ... an amazing range but at a big price. Last I looked it was about AU$3500. This is a very heavy lens though. The 40D is heavy enough but add this to it and you are carrying some serious weight around.

There the EF-S 55-250 f4-5.6 IS lens which is much lighter but the 55mm will be restricting for the landscape, and the 250mm only just getting long enough for wildlife shooting.

There is also an EFS 18-200 f3.5-5.6 IS which might be a good choice. It doesn't have the USM (smooth, quick focusing via an UltraSonic Motor) but it'll do the job fine. No idea of the price of this though.

I have 40D's and apart from wishing they had the better ISO qualities of the latest cameras these days I love them. I bought my wife a EF 28-135 f3.5-5.6 IS USM because she had the same requirements you have ... a do all lens that was light to carry.
She does well with landscape but does struggle with wildlife. A Teleconverter (Extender) could help here if you can find one 2nd hand as well but it will make the 128mm end of the lens a bit slow (will need good light) as the teleC adds a stop or two. So the lowest you may be able to go at 128mm will be around f8.

You may need to consider 2 lenses to cover what you want here.
I'd be looking at something in the 18mm - 55-ish range (even wider if you can afford it) and also something that goes out to 300mm.

Not sure what other brands like Tamron or Sigma offer as I tend to stick with Canon myself.

[Fortytwo]

Big zoom lenses (like a 18-200mm) are always a trade-off. You're trading in image quality and max aperture for a large zoom range. I've found that not many people who want to get serious with photography are satified with this in the long run. You're spending a lot of money on a very good body, but you'll never see it's true quality due to the lens.

It's safe to say I'm not a big fan of 'superzooms' on a DSLR. Changing lenses isn't hard to do, it's just a bit getting used to. With a little practice it's just a matter of seconds to do. But if you don't practice...

But you don't need tons of lenses though. Considering what you want (landscapes etc), a combination of a standard lens with a wide angle sounds best I think.
If you've got the cash to spare, I'd go for a Sigma 10-20mm (wide angle) and a Canon 24-105mm L (standard). This gives you a nice zoom range with a nice wide angle and superb image quality. If the Canon is out of your price range (it is expensive), you might consider a Tamron 17-50mm f2.8. Less zoom range, but still loads of quality. You can add a telezoom to it later if you want, but this is a very nice basis to start with...

Good luck making you pick...

[Mad Aussie]

The 105mm isn't going to be anywhere near long enough for wildlife shots.