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Best digital SLR camera under $1000?

post #1 of 48
8/29/08 at 2:17pm
Thread Starter 
I'm going to add photography to my hobby list. I don't know much about SLR cameras, but I can afford anything under $1000. A friend of mine recommends the Casio Exilim Pro EX-F1. New or used is fine as long as it's under 1 grand. Any other recommendations?
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post #2 of 48
8/29/08 at 2:21pm
Here's a great and timely article that appeared in today's NY Times which offered a flattering review of Nikon's D90, which comes in just under a $1,000. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/28/te...ewanted=1&_r=1
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post #3 of 48
8/29/08 at 2:54pm
I'd honestly say stick with Canon or Nikon if not for the bodies then for their vast collection of lenses. Both Canon and Nikon have new cameras coming out, Nikon the D90 which is the first to do video and the Canon 50D which replaces the 40D. They also have cameras a bit cheaper such as the Canon XSI which actually has a lot of the features of the more expensive 40D minus the solid weatherproofed body and some other features.
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post #4 of 48
8/29/08 at 3:43pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jakejake View Post
I'm going to add photography to my hobby list. I don't know much about SLR cameras, but I can afford anything under $1000. A friend of mine recommends the Casio Exilim Pro EX-F1. New or used is fine as long as it's under 1 grand. Any other recommendations?

let me just say that if you get serious about photography, you will want to use top-of-the-line lenses. your best bet is to buy a canon or nikon. other companies make good lenses as well, but it's often better to rent the very expensive ones rather then buy them, and you can only rent canon or nikon.
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post #5 of 48
8/29/08 at 4:59pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by lauderdale75 View Post
Here's a great and timely article that appeared in today's NY Times which offered a flattering review of Nikon's D90, which comes in just under a $1,000.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/28/te...ewanted=1&_r=1

+1 on the D90. Another route would be to look here for a lightly used D80 or a Canon 40D and then get a good lense. Check out photozone.de for lens reviews.

Good luck.
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post #6 of 48
8/29/08 at 5:04pm
Buy an XTi and spend the rest on glass.
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post #7 of 48
8/29/08 at 6:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by nyf View Post
Buy an XTi and spend the rest on glass.
He could probably get a XS with an IS lense for close to the same price of the XT. That would still leave him with $300 he could use towards glass.

The XSI is also a great choice and would likely keep you under $800.00. However used 40D's are presently teetering right around $1000.00 on B&H.

If looking at Nikon, I would consider the upcoming D90, and the Sony A350 is also another camera to check out.
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post #8 of 48
8/29/08 at 7:38pm
Make sure you hold the cameras in your hand, too, and play with the controls. For example, the XTi is much smaller than the 40D. People prefer one or the other depending on the size of their hands.

--Andre
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post #9 of 48
8/29/08 at 9:22pm
The D90 is $999 for the body alone. With the 18-105mm kit lens, it's $1,299. I'm actually drooling a little over this combo. I'll probably get it before the end of the year. If the OP is strictly trying to stay under a grand, a used D80 with good glass can still be had. Or, alternatively, I've heard really good things about the Canon XSi.
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post #10 of 48
8/29/08 at 10:30pm
Get at D200 on eBay for $750-800 or so....
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post #11 of 48
8/30/08 at 12:29am
D90. Stretch for a decent kit lens.
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post #12 of 48
8/30/08 at 1:58am
As others have said, the choice should be between Canon and Nikon. These two brands are widely considered the best for both digital and film SLRs.
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post #13 of 48
8/30/08 at 2:10am
^ I beg to differ. There are some great Four Third options available at the moment, from Olympus and Sony in particular.
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post #14 of 48
8/30/08 at 5:40am
Sony is not 4/3. I have a D80 with the 16-85 VR lens and it will be a while until it becomes a limiting factor in my photography.
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post #15 of 48
8/30/08 at 6:12am
Olympus makes some brilliant SLRs. I wouldn't limit yourself to Canon and Nikon, though the D90 is sounding delicious:
Quote:
Originally Posted by DPReview
First and foremost there's a new CMOS sensor, which Nikon claim produces D300 quality output at up to ISO 6400 and - one of several features to 'trickle down' from higher models - the same highly acclaimed 3.0-inch VGA screen as the D3/D300.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DPReview
More surprising is the inclusion of the world's first DSLR movie mode (720p HDTV quality, no less) and HDMI output
Quote:
Originally Posted by DPReview
And it's not just the high end models that have lent features and technology to the D90; the user interface has been given the same user-friendly treatment as the D60, as have the retouching options. As it was explained to use the D90 is intended to appeal to the broadest audience of any Nikon SLR, from first-time 'step up' customers moving from a compact to serious amateurs wanting comprehensive photographic control without the cost and weight of a D300.
Damn, they almost have ME convinced, and I wasn't planning on dropping my D80 until I step up to a full-frame model.
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