I'm a Canon fan myself, but if you already have a couple Nikon lenses there's no reason not to go with a Nikon again. Keep in mind though, the D40 has been out quite a while, so you might want to look at a newer model. The XS is a couple of generations newer than the D40.

If you do go Canon, you might want to consider the XSi instead - it's about $100 more, but WAY more featured. Or looking at it the other way, the XS is a pretty stripped-down camera by comparison, and you're only saving $100 on it :)

Any of the Canon EOS-series cameras will work just fine with any Canon EF-mount lenses, and the crop-sensor DSLRs (like the XS, XSi, etc.) also work with the Canon EF-S mount lenses.

All that aside, the most important thing you can do is to go to the store and actually USE both cameras. Hold them, play with them, navigate their menus, get a feel for their controls... and go with the one that feels the most comfortable for you.

Seriously, at this level you really won't know or care about the minute differences in quality, some of which are barely measurable let alone noticeable. The BEST camera is always the one that gets used, and if a camera isn't comfortable for you to hold, or is confusing to operate, then it's a lot more likely to sit on a shelf collecting dust, where all those little nitpicky differences don't count for squat :) Go with the one that you'll ENJOY using!

Best advice ever Soundy.

For people considering a D40/60, I always tell them to go try it out first. A lot of them just see the cheap price tag. However, after holding it and realizing how small it is, and how it feels with a longer, heavier lens, and external flash, they don't like it afterwards. You're not going to use a camera that's uncomfortable to use, regardless of how cheap it is.

Thanks for the advice guys!

Went to look at the Canon XS and XSi, but I like the XS more for my needs
I guess I'll sell my Nikon 85 1.8d to get some money to pay for the XS kit
Then pick up a 50mm 1.8 as well

crap, I was going to buy a PS3 for $399 this Christmas but then recently I missed using a DSLR, and I just want to choose one. So hard to choose.

What do you guys think about the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 compared to the Canon Sx10 IS?

Hey everyone, I'm looking to buy my first DSLR and I pretty much have my heart set on the nikon d60 because of the feel and price range (d80 is still too pricey for me, and I want something better than the d40). Anyways, the lowest price I've seen around town so far is $550 "on sale" for the body and kit lens.

Here is the dilemma, broadway camera has it for $540 for their boxing week promotions, and kerrisdale cameras has it for $580 "on sale" but they also throw in like 25 free prints and a 2hr lesson.

Is the extra $40 worth it at kerrisdale?
and do you guys think the price will drop after the new year to mayB $500?

thanx for your input

Do you think the "lessons" will be useful to you? Do you print your own pictures, or take them somewhere to be printed, or do you print them at all? In short, are any of the extras worth $40 TO YOU??

BTW, you could also ask Kerrisdale if they'll price-match. They did for me when I got my 40D, matched a package deal Broadway Cameras had on...

I've been dealing almost exclusively with Kerrisdale the last few years, both the main store and the Coquitlam Center store - they've been excellent and I'm happy to give them my business and recommend them to others.

is this is a good camera? http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...0116845&catid=

its my first slr camera. i bought it on boxing day, its 899 regular, on sale for 499 with a kit, extra battery.

i have not touched it yet, it was the last one they had so i bought it.

or should i got back and buy this camera?

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...ages&langid=EN

or get this kit

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...gon=&langid=EN

There is no such thing as a shitty camera now. It all depends on what fits you. Are you set on canon, or willing to look at other brands?

The XS is a decent starter camera for that price, but I think for the extra $370, the XSi kit with the additional lens would serve you better - it's a more powerful camera overall, and the additional lens will be a lot more useful for you at this stage than the grip and extra battery.

i really dont know anything about these slr camera. i just want to get into for fun. i am not set on a brand at all. i just bought the camera because it was the last one.

id like to get a good camera. not the best, not the worst, and i dont wanna break the bank.

so you think the Canon EOS Rebel XSi 12.1MP DSLR With 18-55mm lens & 75-300mm Zoom Lens Package for 870$ is my best bet?

the guys at the store didnt really have much time to help. there were like 4 guys working with 20 people standing around asking questions.

i am definatly sticking to buying it at futureshop since i got a gift card for xmas. but i dont wanna go over 1k on a camera, taxes in.

i ended up paying $700 in the end with a memory card and i got the 3 year warranty on it.

It's a good starter, for sure... I think if you're really wanting to learn photography, you'll be better off having the second lens, to give you more flexibility. The XSi is definitely a more fully-featured camera, too, so if you're planning to learn to use it beyond full-auto mode, you'll have more room to grow with that camera.

The vertical grip and extra battery are actually a good deal - they're worth probably $250 together - but I doubt that you'll find them that useful if you're just starting out - it'll probably take you weeks to discharge one battery as it is. That's why I think a second lens would be a more useful option for you.

thanks for the info. i'll have to think about it now :)

is there any site you can recommend for starters like me? so i can learn the basics of these cameras and what they can do.

thanks again

www.dpreview.com
try that site because you can view the specs of all the cameras and compare them side by side. They also break down all of its features in a review and have sample pictures.

Canon used to have a great section on their site with examples of the different functions and aspects and how they affect the shots... just gotta find the link again. The tutorials are designed around Canon cameras but the photography basic they show applies to any camera.

Ahh, found it: http://www.usa.canon.com/content/reb...lxtlessons.htm

i am going to take my camera back tomorrow (have not even opened the box yet).

i am thinking about getting the 40d or 50d. i've read the reviews, but i am not sure which one to get. i do plan on taking fast motion shots, but i will be doing alot of non moving aswell.

i am leaning towards the 40d. any suggestions from those who have used both?

edit...

i went out to some local stores checking things out, now i am considering a nikon d90 or 300.

now i am really confused. i really like the looks and feel of all 4 cameras. just not sure which one to get! the one guy said nikon accessories/lenses are cheaper and have better warranties with them.

i ended up going for the nikon d300. now i got to figure out what lens to get. any suggestions?

i want to start with basic still shots of cars, bikes, objects etc

The Nikon 18-200mm if a great all 'round lens. Tamron has just introduced a 18-270mm that has been getting good reviews.

hi, im looking to buy my very first camera... but i have no clue on what to look for so please recommend me a sleek, digital camera thats simple to use and affordable, brand doesnt matter nor does color

thank you

there you go. Go try out all the entry level DSLRs like the D40, D40x, XS, XSi, a300, a350, etc. They're all good cameras to learn off of.

^ well...the reason i ask this is cos ive seen cameras becoming alot more expensive going over 500+ and i they just look like any other camera. so i just needed a lil insight on whats a good camera that will be worth its money and does what other cameras do but without the pricey tag :S

the only camera i would possibly think of getting is the sony cybershot just cos i heard of it, and i dont think just getting that particular camera would be wise just cos thats the only one i know of?

if no suggestions. can someone tell me a good electronic shop that sells variety of cameras? ie future shop, best buy etc.

I'm so sorry. I totally misread your question. i thought you were looking for a DSLR.

If you're looking for a P&S, you can't go wrong w/ either Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, some Sony's.

How much are you looking to spend?

Look at any canon, Sony or Panasonic P&S cameras. Sony has a few new models like the T-77 or T700. Panasonic's LX-3 & TZ-5 are great too.

Stay away from Nikon Coolpix models.

From my experience, avoid Kodak as well.

My wife has a Casio, it's pretty nice.

well a couple hundreds should be adequate enough for a simple modern camera? i dont need anything that too fancy that will make the camera be worth more than 500...

please guys help me and agree on a single camera for me :)

ty

if you're only looking to spend ~$200, i'd recommend the new canon SD1100 IS. Broadway has it on sale right now for $179.99. Pretty simple, modern camera. 8mp w/ optical stabilization. Extremely compact, easy to use, high iso, face detection, etc etc.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/spec...n_sd1100is.asp