Greetings folks,

Have been looking and looking, but am still confused. I am hoping to pull the trigger on one in the very near future. Here is what I have so far:


I have used a simple Kodak point and shoot with some success for some years now, but looking to upgrade. I have read the threads regarding what information to list so that the experts here can better answer my question, so I will do my best. So, here goes....

I have no current camera that would have lenses that would work with any DSLR.

My budget would be in the $1,000 - $1,500 range

I do not have nor plan on purchasing/using any professional photoshop type programs to enhance digital pictures.

The camera would be used to shoot a variety of subjects. Anything from family portraits, outdoor landscapes, architecture, wildlife, etc.. the camera would need to be diverse to take good action shots, but also to be sued on a tripod as well.

Exposure to the elements and ruggedness is a concern (hiking/camping)

I would prefer purchasing a "package deal", where one could get pretty much everything one would need to start taking pictures.

I have no problem with buying things online from a reputable dealer.

Thats about all I can think of right now. I have had some recommendations from a friend whom told me of this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Canon-EOS-30D-Di...QQcmdZViewItem

or this:
http://www.digicombos.com/camera-sho...EOS-30D/1.html

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Please ask any questions and I will be happy to answer them.

Thanks in advance!

 

I just bought a Nikon D40 last year and I use it almost every weekend taking pics at the paintball field that my sister in-law owns. I get some pretty awesome action shots with it. I have also taken pics at my steps sons soccer games and taken stills of my truck. I spent about $800 between the camera, bad, and telephoto lense. I would defenitley rethink not spending money on a photo shop type program they are money well spent in my book. I took the following with the D40 its a pretty easy camera to use and get great pics from. My dads has a Cannon the he spent about 5k on and mine takes just as nice a picture as his.

 

I picked up a D40 last month. Its more than enough camera for everything I want to do and only cost $469 at Circuit City. That leaves quite a big chunk of your budget left for other things.

 

I'd look into a D40X. I love mine.

 

I use a 400D, can't really go wrong with a canon.

 

So far I am most impressed with the Canon. I was thinking the 30D or 40D. My confusion comes into play with what lenses to get. If there was some sort of "starter kit" for lack of a better word that had different lenses and what-not, that would be most helpful. I really don't want to go to a camera store and shafted into buying a bunch of unnecessary equipment.

 

head over to dpreview.com and read their canon forums, really helpful bunch of folks over there. For me I have a 18-50mm starter kit lens, and a long zoom IS lens 50-300mm. I use the 18-50mm a lot more for wider photos but the zoom is great for long range shots. Lenses aren't cheap by any means. I paid around $600 for the zoom lens. I plan on buying a faster lens in the 10-20mm range before long. Oh you might look into renting a couple lenses online, for about $40 a week you can get about any normal lens.

 

This should be a mandatory read for anyone wanting to purchase a DSLR camera...

http://photonotes.org/articles/begin...q/cameras.html