SLR for newbie

[newphotoguy1]

First time SLR buyer, looking for a camera that can go from off to continuous mode as fast as possible, subject is mostly our two little dogs, both inside and outside photos. Also want lots of zoom, easy to use without too much customizing, but willing to learn and want to be able to grow into the camera. Budget is 1200 or so. Want to be able to get the sharpest best pictures for the money. Have looked at the D40 and Rebel Xti, seemed like the D40 took better shots in continuous mode and had more accurate white balance out of the box when taking photos inside. But willing to consider others.

 

[ARShutterbug]

Which camera is more comfortable for you to use? In what lighting conditions do you expect to be shooting? Do you need to stop action with a fast shutter speed?

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http://www.pbase.com/arshutterbug/

 

[ScottyNV]

any dSLR will handle the chore..
more important is the lens.. the larger the aperture (fast) the better..
S.
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My XT IS Full Frame -- APS-C/FF of course!
So is my 5D -- 35mm/FF

 

[neil holmes]

First time SLR buyer, looking for a camera that can go from off to
continuous mode as fast as possible, subject is mostly our two little
dogs, both inside and outside photos. Also want lots of zoom, easy
to use without too much customizing, but willing to learn and want to
be able to grow into the camera. Budget is 1200 or so. Want to be
able to get the sharpest best pictures for the money. Have looked at
the D40 and Rebel Xti, seemed like the D40 took better shots in
continuous mode and had more accurate white balance out of the box
when taking photos inside. But willing to consider others.

Hi

Given the budget restraint and wanting the sharpest best pictures, you will need the best possible lense(s)...meaning you would probably be best served by the cheapest dslr you can find and get the best lense to match. "LOTS of zoom" will be a compromise....as will be everything on your budget.

Try all dslrs you can find..consider second hand.

One suggestion would be a K100d a Sigma 17-70 and a Pentax limited prime..several to choose from depends on your preferences.
neil

 

[newphotoguy1]

We will be taking photos both inside and out. We want to be able to stop action with a very fast shutter. We need to be able to take photos of fast moving objects (our dogs) inside and outside right out of the box (ie in auto mode).

 

[ARShutterbug]

It costs more money to have "lots of zoom" and fast apertures. You should not expect to use a dSLR as a point-and-shoot camera.

Canon 17-55 f/2.8 EF-S:

http://the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-S-17-55mm-f-2.8-IS-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

Canon 50 f/1.4:
http://the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-50mm-f-1.4-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

Sigma 70-200 f/2.8:
http://photozone.de/8Reviews/lenses/sigma_70200_28/index.htm

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http://www.pbase.com/arshutterbug/

 

[R Valentino]

You "might" have some luck in "sports" mode.

But unless you have good light using the kit lenses may not give you the greatest results.

Outdoor in bright sunny to moderate overcast you should be allright.

Indoors, unless your home is lit like the sun is shining from the ceiling, you will struggle.

The only options are fast lenses wit hmax apertures of 2.0 or more and even then it may not be fast enough or use flash.

Really need more info, but don't expect miracles using the camera on auto modes with the kit lenses.

Gene