Darn... it's already available in the states!

Hi y'all! Just droppin by to get some helpful advice and feedback on picking up one of today's several popular DSLR cameras.

Finally looking to take a step up from my Canon point and shoot to a DSLR.
Been reading and watching some video reviews on a few cameras that are within my limited budget and narrowed down the choices.

Since I am a beginner in shooting with DSLR cameras I was looking at purchasing a camera that I can learn off of and that I can hold onto and wouldn't need to upgrade from for a few years. I plan to possibly take a few photography classes and shoot everything and find out what suits me and what I really enjoy shooting. Influenced by online reviews and a few friends, choices came down to the following:

1.) Canon 60D

Though the reviews consider this camera not a true successor to the 50D and not much of a difference from the 550D, I really like some of the features it has over its predecessors. It might not be a big plus but I do like that it has the articulating screen which will be useful for video recording or awkward angle shots. Overall it seems like a decent camera to start learning with thats why its one of my picks.

2.) Canon 7D

and

3.) Nikon D7000

I really like the specs on the 7D and D7000 and can see myself learning off these cameras and shooting with them for quite a long time before having to upgrade. No articulating screen but I can live with that :)

I've had the chance to hold each in hand and can say they all feel pretty comfortable. If I were to choose outta the 3 the most comfortable in hand I would have to say the 7D. Ergonomics were very nice and seemed to naturally fit well in hand. Didn't have much time to compare shooting with each but was able to hold them and get a feel for them at least.

So now's the part I ask the photography gurus of RS what you all think of my choices. Any feedback or advice would be great! Even if its about other cameras I might haven't reviewed and should take into consideration please feel free to recommend them to me.

Thanks guys for your help! :thumbsup:

since this is going to be your first SLR and you have no commitment to lenses, you can't go wrong with 2 or 3. The new D7000 looks killer, but I'm still partial to the 7D.

If you like the ergonomics of the 7D more, get the 7D. You're going to be using this for a while (hopefully), so get something you'll enjoy using for long periods of time. Lens options from both camps are excellent at every price scale (including 3rd party), so you really can't go wrong choosing either.

I just got a D7000, but the AF module seems to be fucked. :( ...and Lightroom3 won't open the RAW files yet!

Also got to play with the new Pentax medium format camera today. Amazing camera, a real bargain (relatively speaking) at $10,500.

awww that must've been a letdown considering some of the expectations with the d7000 spec sheet.

do you have access to another? :D I'd like to know how it performs compared to the t2i/60d and even the 7d. :drool

Osaka: be sure to also see which programming/software u like better. i recall when i bought my first dslr, i was picking between both nikon and canon, and i just liked canon's user interface more, as well as placement of the buttons, more than the nikon equivalent at the time. ease of use is also a factor you can consider.

if you are looking or are open to other brands, try giving sony a shot. i just picked up an entry level sony a330 for my brother as a gift, and i must say the d-range optimizer feature is a rally good bonus. i attached samples shots taken with the sony a330 and the kit lens, straight out of camera. btw, my mom took these shots.

http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSC00068.jpg

http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSC00046.jpg

http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSC00019.jpg

* but, like m3thods said, u cant go wrong with either choice of the 7d or nikon d7000 :)

The D7000 has focus tracking while shooting video, which no current DSLR has, although it is a little slow but it's ok for shooting family stuff...and it has dual SD card slots, one of which can be designated for just video files. Very cool feature. It's also very quiet for an SLR.

Yeah, the Nikon rep is giving us another one.

The noise characteristics seem to be slightly better than the 7D - the noise in the shadow areas seem a little better when you lift the shadows.

I will endorse Sony too. The IQ is really nice, and the Dynamic Range Optimizer can be a really useful feature sometimes, but it will only affect the JPEGs.

Panasonic GH2, I have no experience with the Panasonic micro 4/3 but the quality on my lx5 is pretty amazing, Just not a fan of its user interface, I'm just so used to the canon point & shoots. Anyways would it be practical to switch from my 7D to the GH2? I don't do anything professional, just a hobby of mine. I think the video might be better on the gh2?

I am guessing lens selection won't be as good but my 7D is still worth a lot of money to sell used and I wouldn't be losing much on it since I bought in HK tax free

I should think the larger sensor of the 7D will be much better in IQ than any m4/3

You guys know of any places that have the D7000 in stock?
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I'm not sure, but when I was at Dunne & Rundle at lunch yesterday a guy bought a D7000. The salesperson said they just got it in, but I'm not sure how many they got.

I'm reading the above comments and still can't make up my mind, I'm really tempted to jump on the broadway camera sale and sell the 18-200IS and then sell my 7D. I like the screen and it seems like the 60D is better for recording. I wouldn't be losing much money on the 7D since I got it tax free in HK a couple months ago. Maybe I'll have money left over for that 70-200 2.8 IS lol!

I'm very happy with the AF on my 7D and wondering if it's the same on the 60D. My hands aren't small but sometimes the 7D is a little overwhelming haha

I want an answer soon >.< I want it I want it!!! :haha:

If you're used to the overall speed of the 7D, you will be a bit disappointed by the 60D. There's nothing wrong with the video quality of the 7D either.
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Beau Photo does.

Looking for a simple yet feature packed point and shoot camera. Preferably with Manual mode for some tweaking, and HD video capabilities. But also not looking to break the bank, maybe around $200 give or take? Thanks!

$200 new? None that I know of - you'll have to spend at least $400 for something like the Canon S95 or Panasonic LX5. If you don't mind not having manual control, than the Canon SD980 for about $280 my be what you're looking for.

yep try london drugs near you.

best price if u buy with no lens:thumbsup:

+1 for budget issue

You might be able to find a used g7 for that price. I still use mine to this day

mmmm. the camera actually isnt for me, its for someone that doesnt need all the bells and whistles, but would be nice if it was in their price range. they were originally looking at either a canon sd1300is or a sd1400is, one is $130+tax and one is $199+tax atm.

also, I am looking to buy a polaroid camera as a gift to someone. I have no idea what to look for when buying one or where to buy one. I heard something to do with film expiring and not making them anymore, so make sure you pick a camera that has support for the one they are making?

Thanks again, senna and tofu.

i actually just bought the 1300is for my mom. debating between the two i didn't think my mom would ever use HD video, so i opted for the lower end one.

btw, last day of the ncix sale today has the 1400is for 165.

however none of them have much manual control iirc. if you need hd video, then the 1400 is your only choice between the two you mentioned

Depending on your budget I like the Pogo. It's not the best camera out there but it's certainly innovative. Doesn't have the novelty of a traditional instant camera though and the prints are a little small. At least the prints are somewhat affordable and a big plus is that you can print 2 of the same pics since it's digital. So say taking a pic of GF/BF they don't need to fight over who gets to keep it. it's about 200 USD but maybe see if there are any black friday deals

Looking at:
Canon Rebel XS - $399
Canon Rebel XSi - $459
Olympus EPL1 - $400 - $459
Sony A230 - $350 (cheapest one)

Going traveling for 4 months and want something that has great IQ, but is portable. Undecided if I want to get a entry DSLR/Micro 4/3s

I was interested in the Canon S90 but it lacked the IQ I was looking for.

I will not be buying additional lenses.

Panasonic LX5?

It would be more compact than the ones you listed, and is generally lauded for its IQ.

The image quality of the lx5 won't compare to those that he listed. Sensor size just can't compare.
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