 Erin Dawson |
Upgrading from P&S to DSLR, any suggestions? Hello, I currently own a P&S camera and would like to get into photography as more that just a hobby. I would Like to upgrade to a DSLR and am looking for suggestions. I want a camera that won't be too over the head of this newbie, but one that I can grow into and be satisfied with for some time. I am also planning on using it at rock-crawling competitions. Which are outdoor day and night comps so I am looking for a camera that can handle dusty environments. The cameras I have been looking at the closest are Canon 20D, Canon digital rebel, Nikon d50, and Nikon D60. I rally like the 20D, but am worried it might be a little too much for someone just getting into using the manual settings. Any advise or input would be greatly appreciated!!
|
|
|
|
||
|
Kelley May |
Hi Erin! I just recently upgraded from a high-end P&S to a Nikon D50 and have been overjoyed with my purchase. It is very easy to use and fairly easy on the pocketbook. I bought the 2 lens kit ($839) and SB-800 speedlight ($314) from B&H about 2 weeks ago! I also shoot a lot in outdoor arenas and it seems to handle it pretty well. Good luck!
|
|
|
|
||
|
Stuart U |
I have the XT and love it. I was a newbie, upgrading from canon A70 P&S. It took me several months to get to where I was taking better pictures, as the SLR is a different world. If you are looking at rock climbing events, I think many will tell you to go with the D20. It was out of my price range, as I got a decent deal on the XT. The build quality of the D20 is quite a bit more solid. That is, it is supposed to be more resistant to a bit of "abuse", but I have no experience with it. If you have the money to spend on a bit more camera, the D20 is a great camera. As for being concerned a bout being over your head with manual settings...I think all of these cameras are close to the same with regard to difficulty.
|
|
|
|
||
|
Glenn E. Urquhart |
Hi Erin - In December, I just upgraded from a Fuji S7000 to a 20D (w/ 3 lens) and I am very happy with it. All the cameras you have listed are great. If you decide on Canon, I would suggest that you try holding each camera (20D and XT) to see what "fits" the best. The XT was way to0 small in my hands. Another consideration is that the body of XT is all plastic where as the 20D is made of metal. This is important, as Stuart points out, "more resistant to a bit of 'abuse'". What ever you decide will be fine. Have fun. Cheers Glenn
|
|
|
|
||
|
Danielle E. Rutter |
Another vote for the d50! I also just got it and I LOVE it. Good luck with your decision! :)
|
|
|
|
||
|
George Anderson |
"I am also planning on using it at rock-crawling competitions. Which are outdoor day and night comps so I am looking for a camera that can handle dusty environments." Ouch! I've seen those. Pretty hard use for any digital camera. They don't tend to take as much of a hit as older 35mm SLR film cameras before something goes wrong. Dusty environment when rock crawling - you ain't kidding. If you read the warranty exclusions, most D-SLRs specifically exclude damage from dust and sand. That means that if they find dirt or sand inside the body - no warranty. Most Nikon D-SLRs have better sealing against dust and moisture than some other brands, but I still wouldn't take a D-SLR to a rock-crawling competition, even as a spectator.
|
|
|
|
||
|
Erin Dawson |
Thanks for all the insightful responses! I am pretty stuck on a D-SLR, so maybe I will go with a more affordable one, like the D50, in case it can't hold up at the comps. Any suggestions on a good starter lens?
|
|
|
|
||
|
Richard C. DeYoung |
I recently upgraded from a Nikon coolpix 5700 to a Canon Rebel XT. A week later my son bought a Nikon D50. We constantly compare cameras and photos. Photo quality is the same. Camera ease of use the same. Nikon D50 feels better and is a little larger and heavier. I have owned a number of Nikons and they all have been great. I would go for a Nikon D 50.
|
|
|
|
||
|
This old forum is now archived. Use improved Forum here
Report this Thread |
||