Wife wants a DSLR

[gotmud]

My wife keeps telling me she wants a DSLR. She's made mention of the Canon Rebel, more or less because of its entry level price. I'd like to get her a camera for her b-day, but not sure what to get her.

For the most part, this will be a new hobby for her. Her previous cameras have been a point and shoot Canon and an older Fuji FinePix.

My biggest concern here is durability, since two of our four kids are still little enough to want to touch everything.

Any suggestions?

 

[ywen]

My wife keeps telling me she wants a DSLR. She's made mention of the Canon Rebel, more or less because of its entry level price. I'd like to get her a camera for her b-day, but not sure what to get her.

For the most part, this will be a new hobby for her. Her previous cameras have been a point and shoot Canon and an older Fuji FinePix.

My biggest concern here is durability, since two of our four kids are still little enough to want to touch everything.

Any suggestions?

Look into a M4/3 type camera. Such as the Olympus E-P1, E-P2, EL-P1, Panasonic GF1. Huge upgrade from P&S image quality wise, much more usable than a DSLR.

The GF1 has been field tested.. I'm pretty sure the Olympus models are similarly rugged. I own both the E-P1 and the GF1. (selling the E-P1 kit right now)

http://craigmod.com/journal/gf1-fieldtest/

 

[YourMileageMayVary]

My wife keeps telling me she wants a DSLR. She's made mention of the Canon Rebel, more or less because of its entry level price. I'd like to get her a camera for her b-day, but not sure what to get her.

For the most part, this will be a new hobby for her. Her previous cameras have been a point and shoot Canon and an older Fuji FinePix.

My biggest concern here is durability, since two of our four kids are still little enough to want to touch everything.

Any suggestions?

If you are looking at a DSLR, you can't go wrong with either a Canon or Nikon. They both manufacture 'entry level' cameras. However, entry level DSLRs are generally not as durable as high end professional cameras. Pro level cameras are built tougher and meant to be banged around somewhat.

Take for example the Canon T2i vs the more solid and expensive 'prosumer' level Canon 7D. On the surface, the specs appear to be similar, however the 7D has a magnesium body and build to withstand more abuse. It's also twice the price.

There's a huge difference (and jump) between P&S and DSLRs. The only real advantage to choosing a DSLR is if she plans to use different lenses. And there are some disadvantages (they are bulky, for example). There exists cameras that fit between these two categories that might suit her better, offer excellent images quality and would be more durable than a low end DSLR.

 

[gotmud]

Thanks for the comments!

She's mentioned that she wants to get more lenses and do more than a standard P&S will do. The Fuji has the ability to add some filters and lenses to the fixed lense, but I'm quite sure it's a serious comprimise in quality compared to even an entry level DSLR.

 

[AYIAPhoto]

She's mentioned that she wants to get more lenses and do more than a standard P&S will do. The Fuji has the ability to add some filters and lenses to the fixed lens, but I'm quite sure it's a serious compromise in quality compared to even an entry level DSLR.

Correct on the add-on lenses. They tend to cut a few stops of light from reaching the sensor. Less light means longer shutter speeds leading to blurry pictures if the subject is moving.
If she is is just starting out, I'd recommend a Sony Alpha. While not revered like Canon or Nikon, they are perfectly fine hobbyist cameras. They also have the added bonus of much less expensive lenses. Sony uses in body (sensor shift) image stabilization where the big two require more expensive lenses with VR built in.
Also don't be fooled by the megapixel war. Any modern DSLR over 8MP will provide perfectly suitable prints.
A simple starter kit might consist of:
$540 Sony A500 w/18-55 kit lens
$150 Sony 50-1.8(the nifty fifty is a great walk around lens)
$200 Sony DT35-1.8(great for group shots)
Using the 50 and 30mm lenses will help her learn to zoom the old fashion way(walking) and open up chances for better composition rather than Just sitting around zooming in to something and snapping a picture. The large aperture will allow for better shots of the kids(blowing the background out while the kids are in focus makes them stand out more).

 

[esh]

Rebel + Camera Armor. If she is serious about starting to build a lens collection then my snobby opinion is stick with the big two.

A friend of mine has shot the original Rebel and kit lens(18-55 EF-S) for years. He has recently upgraded to a 40D but with what he got out of a 300D, what more could someone starting need? http://photo.genevainformation.ch/-...ntes-et-Nature/11346068_cgkv3#189966491_ZJypf

Kit lens and a 50mm f/1.8 will go a long ways economically.

 

[AYIAPhoto]

Look into a M4/3 type camera. Such as the Olympus E-P1, E-P2, EL-P1, Panasonic GF1. Huge upgrade from P&S image quality wise, much more usable than a DSLR.

Sorry for bringing this back up, but I should have addressed this in my previous post.

I LOVE the "concept" of the E.V.I.L.(electronic viewfinder interchangeable lens) cameras. I am however not a fan of the execution. The Panasonic G1 and up is the closest to a usable interchangeable lens camera of the options. The Olympus PEN or Sony NEX while having lens options are very unwieldy(in my opinion) with anything more than a pancake lens. At close to or over the price of a budget end consumer DSLR and less lens options, they are not quite there yet. I want EVIL cameras to prosper, but the current prices of lenses is very off-putting for someone starting out. I had mentioned the Sony Alpha for price consideration, but either of the big two will provide more support(not necessarily from the makers, but the internet and users) due to wider use.
Even an upgraded point and shoot(such as a Canon G11) would provide for a large learning curve. Photography is not about the camera, cameras do not take pictures, people do. Subject, composition and lighting make for far better photos than a Hasselblad and crate full of lenses.
Pick a manufacturer(as bodies are constantly made obsolete while lenses maintain usefulness) and go from there. Anyone who has made cameras for a while will still be around to upgrade later. Sony(in bed with Minolta), Pentax, Panasonic(in bed with Olympus) or the big two aren't going any where. Focus on learning to use the camera to its fullest by understanding how images are created.
A few links that provide info that transcends brand(although they all have their favorites):
http://www.youtube.com/user/dombower
http://froknowsphoto.com/
http://lightenupandshoot.net/
The last one(lightenupandshoot) are pro photographers who go out of their way to explain the method behind photography in a manner very easily understood. None of the above are pixel peeping*, DPreview posting, techno geeks who will try to wow you with numbers while never taking pictures of more than lens alignment grids.

*For those unfamiliar with the term: [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0toBw68L5Y4"]YouTube- lightenupandshoot.blogspot.com - pixel peepers episode 2[/ame]

 

[ywen]

Sorry for bringing this back up, but I should have addressed this in my previous post.

I LOVE the "concept" of the E.V.I.L.(electronic viewfinder interchangeable lens) cameras. I am however not a fan of the execution. The Panasonic G1 and up is the closest to a usable interchangeable lens camera of the options. The Olympus PEN or Sony NEX while having lens options are very unwieldy(in my opinion) with anything more than a pancake lens.

Well, a Canon T2i + kit lens is $800-900. Olympus E-P1 + kit lens can be had for $400-$500. I've taken my E-P1 + kit lens on week long vacation and the experience was tremendous. I also own a large collection of Canon DSLR + lenses for my professional photography gig and have used them in a vacation context as well. My assessment is that the m4/3 is more than good enough for most people, including the ones looking to be more hands-on than what their current P&S allows.

Besides the lower entry price for m4/3, you can not discount their lighter weight and bulk. From our week-long vacation, I can recall more than a handful of scenarios, where if not for the m4/3, I would have been camera-less and would have missed out on photo ops. The pictures I captured was significantly higher in quality and creativity than what a P&S would allow.

 

[AYIAPhoto]

My assessment is that the m4/3 is more than good enough for most people, including the ones looking to be more hands-on than what their current P&S allows.
Besides the lower entry price for m4/3, you can not discount their lighter weight and bulk. From our week-long vacation, I can recall more than a handful of scenarios, where if not for the m4/3, I would have been camera-less and would have missed out on photo ops. The pictures I captured was significantly higher in quality and creativity than what a P&S would allow.

I in no way discount the improvement in image quality or control with the M4/3 nor do I discount the size advantage. Those are the parts I love about the system. As I stated in the E.V.I.L. camera thread, it is lack of a viewfinder and shape of the PEN/NEX that disappoints me(although the NEX has a more substantial grip). The Panasonic G1 and derivatives is on my wish list, but will not be fulfilled until more lenses are available. I would also like to see sensor shift stabilization to lower the cost of lenses but it may cause an increase in body size.
As to your experience with the Olympus, I believe that was the intent of the design. A pocketable camera with choices of quality glass(within a reasonable size). I do however think a G11 would serve the same purpose with only the loss of lens choices.

 

[ducktapeguy]

As a recent inductee to the M4/3 format, I agree with you. I had been waiting to buy a new camera for a long time, but I just couldnt' wait anymore and decided to splurge on a Panasoinc GF1

I've been using the GF1 almost daily for a couple months now, and while I love the camera, it's not for everyone. I don't know if I would recommend it to someone who's looking for a DSLR, but it really depends on what they're comfortable with. It's a compromise, in this case you get a smaller and lighter camera, but at the expense of other features and image quality. Still, I don't regret buying it (much), although they are overpriced compared to other cameras, but the prices are dropping rapidly as the new factor wears off. If I could have, I would have waited another year or when Nikon releases their mirrorless format, or when Canon comes out with their mini-dslr that's in the works. I may still have gone with Panasonic for other reasons, but at least with more competition the price should drop to below SLR levels.

I know the viewfinder (or lack of) has people split. Some people find it essential, I've never really missed it. Some people consider a camera equpped with anything less than an optical viewfinder merely a toy, but I think with the improvements on digital cameras nowadays they're close to becoming obsolete except in some very specific situations

In any case, I don't think you could go wrong with a Canon or Nikon DSLR, functionally they're almost equivilent. I borrowed one of each to test out, and both performed way above my ability. I was leaning torward Nikon solely because I have quite a few old Nikon lenses, but if I was starting out from scratch I probably would have gotten a Canon because I find their user interface more intuitive. As far as durability, I would consider buying a used DSLR, because the cheaper the camera, the less it hurts when you bang it around. The one good thing about electronics is the prices drop like a rock once new models come out, so you could get perfectly functional cameras for nearly half the price of an identical new one.

 

[photoman]

Not sure where you are located but I have some Olympus gear that I am looking to sell off.


Bodies, lenses, flash, etc.

Could put a kit together for as low as $450

 

[ywen]

I in no way discount the improvement in image quality or control with the M4/3 nor do I discount the size advantage. Those are the parts I love about the system. As I stated in the E.V.I.L. camera thread, it is lack of a viewfinder and shape of the PEN/NEX that disappoints me(although the NEX has a more substantial grip). The Panasonic G1 and derivatives is on my wish list, but will not be fulfilled until more lenses are available. I would also like to see sensor shift stabilization to lower the cost of lenses but it may cause an increase in body size.
As to your experience with the Olympus, I believe that was the intent of the design. A pocketable camera with choices of quality glass(within a reasonable size). I do however think a G11 would serve the same purpose with only the loss of lens choices.

The Olympus line all have in camera stabilization at the cost of a few extra grams of body weight.. IMO, the range of native m4/3 lens available is adequate, in the context of someone who is upgrading from P&S as well as seasoned DSLR shooters who are looking for a compact format for travel purpose without resorting down to the P&S level.

Oh and BTW, here is my shameless plug of my Olympus E-P1 kit for sale.. http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=48437

 

[goodtimes]

A friend of mine has shot the original Rebel and kit lens(18-55 EF-S) for years. He has recently upgraded to a 40D but with what he got out of a 300D, what more could someone starting need? http://photo.genevainformation.ch/-...ntes-et-Nature/11346068_cgkv3#189966491_ZJypf

Kit lens and a 50mm f/1.8 will go a long ways economically.

I still use an original dRebel (though the 18-55 kit lens has long since been retired). At 6.3mp, it will produce images worthy of a full page at 300dpi -- but it won't cut it for a two page spread. A good tripod, remote shutter release, and low ISO are your friends . . .

gotmud -- One advantage of this body is that it's cheap, cheap, cheap! Buy used, learn a bit with it, see if your wife decides to step up to a higher quality body. The lenses (for the most part) will move to the newer bodies, so you only have to upgrade the body when the time comes (lenses are the most expensive part). The same deal applies to the Nikons -- the older entry level bodies are cheap, and the lenses will move with you to a newer body when/if the time comes.

 

[gotmud]

Thanks for all the input. The more I asked about opinions, the more I realized its kinda like asking people about what religion is best.

Turns out I bought my wife a Rebel from BestBuy. I think it is "enough" camera to get her started, and as her skills evolve and/or the body becomes obsolete, she can buy a new body and keep using her lenses.

I'll have to get her to post up some of her pics on here.

 

[ducktapeguy]

Good choice, I think she'll be very happy with it. What kind of lens did you get with it? Since you mentioned you had kids, I'd suggest getting a 50mm 1.8 to go with it. They're extremely cheap (<$100) for the quality, and you'll want a faster lens for indoor shots of the kids.