Buying advice - First digital camera - D40, D50, Digital Rebel?

Alex DePew

Alex DePew

Señor Schmarty Pants
I am doing my initial research into purchasing my first dslr, actually my first digital camera! Which camera would you guys suggest for a first camera which is not extremely expensive but has manual control to allow for experimentation. I am on a budget and am looking for something around $600. I am looking into the Nikon D40, the D50, the Cannon Digital Rebel. I am also looking at the Sony DCS-H5 and the Cannon S3. Also, when buying used, what should I look out for? How do shutter uses figure into a used camera's effectiveness?

Any advice for a photo newbie?

Thank you kindly,
Alex
 
1) I have a D70 but I would suggest the D50. From what I've seen it takes better jpegs. With lesser noise too.

2) For used camera the overall condition of course and the number of the picture which is in the filename. If it's something like DSC_10500... well it has fired 10500 times.
 
I really like my Rebel XT... and they're a good bit cheaper now since Canon came out with the XTi. If I was just starting out and knew what I know now... I would buy the body plus a 50mm 1.8 ($560 total). I paid a lot more for the kit and ended up with a lens I rarely ever use.

That said, if everything available now was available when I bought my XT... I would seriously consider the D40, too.

Chad
 
CR_OPSO said:
That said, if everything available now was available when I bought my XT... I would seriously consider the D40, too.

Chad
Click to expand...


If you're thinking Nikon then go for D50 (used), D70, D70s, D100, D80... D40 won't have full functionality with some lenses
 
I've had my XT for a year now, and I would suggest getting an XT (since they are so cheap, but fully featured) and then spending money on good lenses. The cheaper lenses tend to be soft, and as you shoot more, you will also see the need for faster lenses (eg. F2.0 through the whole zoom) which are pricey.
 
You can't go wrong with either. SERIOUSLY! They both absolutely rock. Nikon D50 and/or Rebel XT. If this is your absolute first digital camera, some of the more intricate features are not going to matter to you.

Right now, you should be considering image. Period. The images both brands produce are beautiful. But they are different. To my eye the Nikon produces some gorgeous film like images. Check out the thread with the images.

The Rebel XT on the otherhand, produces some amazingly sharp and crystal clear images. So, its up to you which you prefer. You cannot go wrong with either.

Just please, steer clear of Fuji, Kodak and Olympus.
 
For what it's worth, the guys I talked to when getting my Rebel XT seemed to indicate that they preferred it to the D40 but didn't like it as much as the D50.
 
Just to confuse things more, I just read that there is a new D40x being released in April. It seems to have more, but costs a bit more. I just read about it at the B and H website. I don't own any of these and was researching for the same reason. Let me know what you go with.
 
I also obsessed about this decision for a very long time. After buying a D50, I don't regret it at all. Have you held the D50 and the XT? For me, this was the main factor as I felt the XT was too small for my hands and the D50 was just right. I also recommend that whatever you go for, you get the body only and then purchase the 50mm f/1.8.
 
I found this to be true .I was then told something I can not confirm -which is the d50 has as much information acceptance as the rebel.
Sammys sold the d 50 with and extra zoom lens all for 980.00 and I have been very happy.Now tht I am getting job offers for weddings -I feel more comfortable using the d50 as back up and getting a d200 .Any comments or advice is appreciated .
Cheers
Bruce
 
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