New 15.1-megapixel CMOS sensor with DIGIC 4 Image Processor
Includes Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens
Full HD video capture at 1920 x 1080 resolution; HDMI output
3.0-inch Clear View LCD; Live View Function for stills (Quick, Live and Face Detection AF modes) and video
Bundle Contains: Canon EOS Rebel T1i 15.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera w/ EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens + Transcend 8GB SDHC Secure Digital Memory Card + Samsonite Digital SLR Gadget Bag + Micro Fiber Cleaning Cloth + One (1) Pack of Screen Protector Kit + 5PC Cleaning Kit w/ Air Blower
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Canons new EOS Rebel T1i is packed with features, both refined and new. In addition to its admirable performance with an all-new 15.1 Megapixel Canon CMOS sensor, DIGIC 4 Image Processor, a 3.0-inch Clear View LCD with anti-reflective and scratch resistant coating, and compatibility with the EOS System of lenses and Speedlites, the EOS Rebel T1i adds remarkable Full HD video capture at resolutions up to 1920 x 1080. An HDMI port allows for quick connections to high definition TVs and monitors for easy viewing of your stills and video. The entire operation is simple and easy even if you are a beginner. Youll have uncompromised EOS Digital performance with power and flexibility right in the palm of your hand.
Full HD video capture at 1920 x 1080 resolutionThe EOS Rebel T1i shoots brilliant video, even in full high definition. By simply selecting Movie mode on the EOS Rebel T1is mode dial, the cameras 3.0-inch LCD lights up, and it's ready to go. Shooting is at a frame rate of 30 fps when shooting SD or HD quality video (640 x 480 and 1280 x 720 pixels, respectively) and at a frame rate of 20 fps in Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) recording. Sound is recorded through the cameras built-in microphone. Playback modes are simple to access, and all Live View AF features can be used in shooting video.
KIT INCLUDES 8 PRODUCTS -- All Brand New Items with all Manufacturer-supplied Accessories + Full USA Warranties:
<#1> Nikon D5000 Digital SLR Camera Body PLUS + <#2> Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens +
<#3> Spare EN-EL9 High Capacity Lithium-Ion Battery Pack + <#4> Additional Spare EN-EL9 High Capacity Lithium-Ion Battery Pack +
<#5> Nikon SLR System Case + <#6> LCD Monitor Screen Protection Kit + <#7> Precision Design Deluxe 6 Piece Lens & Digital SLR Cleaning Kit +
<#8> Nikon School Instructional DVD: "Fast, Fun & Easy III"
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Kit includes: ♦ 1) Nikon D5000 Digital SLR Camera Body ♦ 2) Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens ♦ 3) Spare EN-EL9 High Capacity Lithium-Ion Battery Pack ♦ 4) Additional Spare EN-EL9 High Capacity Lithium-Ion Battery Pack ♦ 5) Nikon SLR System Case ♦ 6) LCD Monitor Screen Protection Kit ♦ 7) Precision Design Deluxe 6 Piece Lens & Digital SLR Cleaning Kit ♦ 8) Nikon School DVD: Fast, Fun & Easy III
The 12.3-megapixel Nikon D5000 Digital SLR Camera enables users to capture stunning images and High Definition video with ease. Features include a 2.7-inch Vari-angle LCD monitor, Nikon's revolutionary D-Movie Mode, 19 Scene Modes, One-button Live View, continuous shooting as fast as 4 FPS, ISO sensitivity from 200 to 3200, built-in image sensor cleaning, 11-point Autofocus System, and much more.
The Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR AF-S DX Lens is an ultra compact, lightweight standard zoom lens with a 3x focal zoom range and Vibration Reduction (VR).
Increase your shooting capacity with these two (2) powerful EN-EL9 Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries.
This multi-compartment, Nikon-brand case will easily hold your camera, lenses, flash, and accessories.
Reduce glare, enhance your view, and prevent scratching with this set of LCD screen protectors.
This 6-piece cleaning kit contains a Hurricane Air Blower, Lens Cleaning Tissues, Lens Cloth, Lens Cleaning Liquid, Brush and Cotton Swabs.
Learn more about photography principles and go beyond the basics of your camera with this easy-to-understand training DVD featuring Nikon DSLRs.
High resolution 12.4 megapixel CMOS image sensor features sensor-shift Shake Reduction for stabilized image and video capture up to 4 stops max.
Large 2.7 inch LCD features Live View with contrast, phase difference, and Face Detection autofocus (up to 16 faces).
Capture widescreen HD video in full 720p resolution (1280x720) at 24 FPS cinematic framerate, using any PENTAX 35mm lens.
Highly compact DSLR body design allows for 1 handed operation and comfort when travelling.
Powerful automatic modes, including PENTAX Auto Picture and scene modes, ensure the perfect shot in any situation, while helping new photographers learn DSLR photography.
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The extremely compact and lightweight PENTAX K-x is perfect for users stepping up from a point and shoot digital camera to their first digital SLR. 12.4 effective megapixels The K-x incorporates a newly developed CMOS image sensor to assure high-speed image data readout and more flexibility with varying ISO sensitivity levels. Widescreen HD movie recording at 1280x720 pixels at a cinematic 24 frames per second (720p24) The PENTAX K-x movie recording function captures true-to-life movie clips in 16:9 high-definition TV proportions (1280 x 720 pixels) at a frame rate of 24 frames per second. PENTAX-original SR mechanism for sharp, blur-free images The K-x features the PENTAX-developed Shake Reduction mechanism that effectively compensates for the adverse effects of camera shakeby as much as four shutter steps. This innovative mechanism extends its benefits to all PENTAX interchangeable lenses - even those designed for film-format cameras. High-speed continuous shooting at approximately 4.7 images per second The K-x's high-speed continuous shooting mode records as many as 17 images (in JPEG recording format) at a maximum speed of approximately 4.7 images per second. This is the fastest of all entry-class models. The K-x also features a more reliable shutter unit, which passed a demanding action test of more than 100,000 shutter releases. The top shutter speed of 1/6000 second allows the photographer to preserve sharp, crisp
Powered by lithium-ion battery; stores images on CF I/II and Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo cards
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Editorial Review :
The Sony a (alpha) DSLR-A700 is the perfect DSLR for serious amateurs -- with 12.24 MP resolution to capture the full imaging precision of Sony zoom lenses, precision Carl Zeiss® lenses and legacy Minolta a-mount lenses. Quick response, creative style modes and high-speed shooting helps you capture your creative vision, Super SteadyShot® image stabilization works with every lens, and the Eye-Start® Autofocus system uses an 11-point center twin-cross AF sensor to improve precision. All this, plus Sony Anti-Dust Technology and a rugged magnesium alloy body.
Customer Review :
a700 Camera Review
This is one of the best cameras on the market. It is THE easiest to learn camera I have ever used. You can figure out the menus without reading the manual. It's that easy. Image quality is excellent. It has all the features you need for taking beautiful still pictures. It is easy for a beginner but has all the features a pro needs. I highly recommend it. You can use all of your older Minolta mount lenses. This camera is going to be hard to beat with an upgrade. The only negative thing is I wish it had an adjustment for backfocusing lenses. That is something I think all cameras need. Other than that, it is perfect!
Rating :
Felt Like Second Nature
I purchased this camera as an upgrade to my sony A100, because I was building my photography business, and WOW was I impressed. I hit limits with the A100 and was looking for a great upgrade. I spent days, DAYS looking around, reading, researching cameras in the sony lineup and this one hit everything on the mark (I had a collection of old minolta lens and sony lens already). It's definitely something I can grow with for the next two years.
Pros: + being a sony user - it felt so intuitive, I knew what I was doing after 5 minutes of use + ISO handling is awesome + the 16-105 Sony lens is amazing for the price + its size is impressive and the body is built wonderfully with the magnesium alloy body + comes with a wireless remote + the 3" LCD screen spoiled me rotten :) + the AF/MF back button - I can quickly go between the two - it's simple awesome
Cons: + the joystick is annoying for quick navigation through photos but you can scroll thru it all (also its the "enter" button pretty annoying there too) + weight - its pretty heavy around your neck, you might want to get the hand grip + the eye start focus was annoying now its really helpful once you get use to it. (you can turn this off) + the RAW files are Bigger than I'm use too (18mb<), be sure to have enough RAM to handle your editing software (I use CS3)
Overall I am SUPER happy I got this camera. It has been my happy companion and I take it everywhere.
Rating :
Good dslr packed with features for semi pros.
I bought this cam from J&R through amazon and it came on time and intact.This camera is just what you would expect from a Sony product the best,feels like a mini tank but the lens kit is it not all that, still does the job though for simple shots. I had been thinking about getting a Nikon or Canon, but i thought that their getting old and since this is my first dslr i would go with the NEW! sony has about a 14 percent share in the dslr market now and you bet their gonna grow fast. Sony is always very innovative, making their mark on any platform they get into. on top of that its just an overall cheaper system to be married to at the moment.
Rating :
Sony A700
I picked up this camera used and even though it is 2+ years old, it still surpasses many cameras out there. I've tested and compared several cameras in both IQ and built quality and my final decision was the A700. This camera is solid, produces beautiful pictures and is not your entry level camera. If you have a chance to pick up a used one, DO IT NOW before they become extinct and live on to be one of those "legendary" cameras out there.
Rating :
A Camera for Photographers
I came to the a700 from the Sony a100. I never did shoot with the Minolta 5D or 7D. Prior to my a100 purchase, I had owned several Sony and Minolta digital p&s cameras, so moving to the a100 made sense to me. Given that all my film SLR cameras were fully manual, I started my journey into the DSLR world without being tied to any current lens system.
I've been shooting with the a700 for about 2 years now. Somewhere between 30,000 and 40,000 shutter actuation's later, it's still going strong. I live in the Midwest of the United States and this camera has gotten use in four real seasons. It has been used in the 100 degree heat of our summers and in the negative temps of our worse winter weather. It's a semi-pro body with all the durability you'd expect in this class. The body feels very solid in your hands and well constructed.
Picking up the a700 for the first time, you'll immediately notice the 3" 640x480 display that dominates the back. It's the same Sony made display you'll see on Nikon's D300. This screen makes reviewing images and checking focus a breeze. It is usable in direct sunlight, however it does get somewhat washed out like all LCD displays.
Grip the camera in your hand and you'll find two scroll wheels and numerous dedicated buttons at your finger tips. Dedicated buttons for Drive settings, ISO, WB, EV compensation, Metering, AEL and Instant MF are all within a thumbs reach. Don't like menu diving to change common settings? Hit the Fn button button on the back to change many settings without ever leaving the main display. Want to alter your JPEG settings? Hit the "C" button on the back of the camera for instant fine tuning of JPEG processing.
On the grip of the camera you'll find the memory card slot door. Slide this back and you're presented with one MS PRO DUO card slot and one CF card slot. You can have a memory card in each slot all of the time. Unfortunately, you have to switch between cards manually from the menu system. It would have been preferrable if the camera automatically switched between cards when one filled up. It is nice to be able to have a backup card in the camera though.
Menus can be navigated either using the dual scroll wheels or the dedicated joystick on the back of the camera. Depressing the joystick or the shutter button will confirm a setting change. Pressing the shutter button while in any menu will cause the camera to a ready to shoot state.
Ergonomics were obviously of great importance to the designers of this camera. The majority of shooting related settings can be changed without taking your eye off of the viewfinder. The design is very logical and you'll be able to quickly memorize the button layout. The display within the viewfinder will allow you to see what settings you're changing. It's s design intended for speedy and easy settings changes, so you can get busy taking photos rather than hunting through an endless assortment of redundant menus.
Since were talking about speed, it should be noted that this is a very speedy and responsive camera. If you're coming from an a100, prepare to be blown away. It's not just a matter of 5fps vs. 3fps or the much faster AF module, it's just a far more responsive camera overall. It is immediately noticeable when changing settings or reviewing photos even. There is no lag when doing anything. The camera will never slow you down.
One of the single biggest improvements the a700 carries over its predecessors is AF speed and accuracy. It's finally equal or better than the competition in this class. Whereas the a100 had difficulty tracking fast moving objects, the a700 keeps up with ease. I often resorted to manual focus when shooting hummingbirds with my a100. The AF of the a700 is good enough that I don't bother with MF for quick moving subjects like hummingbirds anymore. You get the typical AF settings that are offered with bodies in this class, but I wouldn't have minded if Sony had tossed in a bit more control. My body did intitially suffer from back focus issues when used with wide angle lenses. Sony fixed this under warranty and it has been fine since. Back focus issues are the single biggest complaint I have heard about a700 bodies, so it's something to be weary of. Sony service can take care of it, but it would have been better if the problem never existed. Sony is far from the only manfucaturer to prodeuce a camera with BF or FF issues.
I think that takes us to image quality! The a700 will not dissapoint. Images are vibrant and sharp. Minolta colors are still there a bit, but there is also a bit of Sony colors there as well. Metering is consistent and startingly accurate at times. I don't find myself ever second guessing this cameras metering system. Image noise is well controlled up to ISO 1600. Image quality is virtually identical to Nikons pricier and highly regarded D300. This is not a huge surprise considering they share the same Sony made 12MP image sensor. Using Sony's Dynamic Range Optimization abilities, you can create some amazing images that would be very hard to impossible to duplicate in a RAW developer. I have tried and failed numerous times to duplicate what DRO does. Dynamic range is good for this class of camera. APS-C sized sensors still leave something to be desired when it comes to dynamic range, but that's life(for now).
Pair this body with a good lens and I am sure you'll be extremely pleased with the results. It's nice that every lens you attach to this body will be stabilized.
Battery life has been very good. The original battery is still going strong after lots of use. You can use 3rd party batteries in this body.
If you buy one, make sure to upgrade the firmware to v1.04 asap. This firmware revsion improved JPEG image quality and added new features to the camera.
All in all I have been very pleased with his camera and would definitely buy one again.
Kit includes: ♦ 1) Nikon D5000 Digital SLR Camera Body ♦ 2) Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens ♦ 3) Transcend 16GB Ultra Speed SecureDigital SDHC Class 6 Card ♦ 4) Vivitar 52mm UV Glass Filter ♦ 5) Spare EN-EL9 High Capacity Lithium-Ion Battery Pack ♦ 6) Additional Spare EN-EL9 High Capacity Lithium-Ion Battery Pack ♦ 7) Precision Design Deluxe 6 Piece Lens & Digital SLR Cleaning Kit
The 12.3-megapixel Nikon D5000 Digital SLR Camera enables users to capture stunning images and High Definition video. Features include a 2.7-inch Vari-angle LCD monitor, D-Movie Mode, 19 Scene Modes, One-button Live View, shooting as fast as 4 FPS, ISO sensitivity from 200 to 3200, built-in sensor cleaning, 11-point AF System and much more.
The Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR AF-S DX Lens is a compact, lightweight standard zoom lens with Vibration Reduction (VR).
Take more high-resolution pictures faster with this Transcend 16GB Ultra Speed SecureDigital SDHC Class 6 Card.
This Vivitar UV Filter is a multi-purpose, fine-weather filter that is designed to optimize your photography experience. UV filters block out unwanted ultraviolet light and prevents the UV "fogging/haze" effect, which can result in inaccurate color and lower the apparent sharpness. This filter is also ideal for protecting your valuable lens from scratches and dust, and it can be kept on the lens at all times.
Increase your shooting capacity with these EN-EL9 rechargeable batteries.
This 6-piece cleaning kit contains everything you'll ever need to properly clean your lenses, including a Hurricane Air Blower, Lens Cleaning Tissues, Lens Cloth, Lens Cleaning Liquid, Brush and Cotton Swabs.
Customer Review :
D-5000 versitility
I have been using my D-5000 for nearly 3 months, and don't have anything bad to say about it. The 18-55mm lens is kind of limiting and will eventually upgrade to a better lens for more detailed shots. Definitely a great buy and I would recommand it for first time D-SLR buyers like myself!
Question : What digital SLR camera is a good buy? inexpensive and good quality?
I want to get a digital SLR camera to play with photography. My point and shoot digital camera doesn't give me depth of field, pictures look flat. What digital SLR camera is not that expensive but gives you good quality of photos?
Answer:
Any Digital SLR will run you 700+.I suggest starting with a film SLR.Find one on ebay for under $100.Shoots great and you learn a lot more than the automatic digital help that many digital SLRs have.Then once you feel that photography is actually something worth investing in, then research and find one right for you!
Question : What Digital SLR camera do you recommend that is around the £300 mark?
That's around $500 (US Dollars)I've had a Ricoh GX200 over the past year, which I absolutely love. I've got used to all the Manual features on that, so think I'm ready to step up to a DIGITAL SLR.
Answer:
Hey,Digital SLRs for around 500$ or less, that I recommend, are:- Canon EOS XTi/400D- Canon EOS XS/1000D- Canon EOS XSi/450D- Nikon D40/D40x- Nikon D60- Nikon D3000- Pentax K-xI have an article on my blog called 'Which DSLR to buy', what's important, what's not, megapixels, brand, features, models etc. Here is the link - http://the-digital-photographer.blogspot.com/2009/11/what-dslr-should-i-buy.html
Question : What kind of digital SLR camera is best for beginners?
I've taken a recent interest in photography - I've always taken pictures with a normal digital point and shoot camera, but I really really want a beginner SLR camera, which can take really nice pictures but is reasonably priced. I don't know ANYTHING about SLR cameras, but the ones I've looked at so far are the Nikon D40, and the Canon Rebel, and the Pentax K110.... any advice?
Answer:
The Nikon D40 is probably the best beginner SLR, especially for the price.Stepping up from there, consider the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT, the Nikon D40x, and the Canon EOS Rebel XTi.The Pentax K100D super is also a good choice, but I think the Nikon is better built.
Question : What is the best digital SLR camera for a beginner ?
I don't know anything about professional photography, and I need a reasonable priced digital SLR to practice with. What do you suggest?
Answer:
Pick a well known brand (Nikon or Canon) as the additional equipment and lenses will transfer when you upgrade the camera as you become more experienced.Choose an entry level model that is in your price range. Don't think by spending more now, you will have a head start. Camera models and features expand at a greater rate than your pocket book. What you want is to learn the basics and familiarize yourself with the fundamentals of imaging. Remember the greatest photographers in the world took pictures with basic equipment and did not rely on sophisticated features. By remembering that, you won't get sold into economic disaster and become overwhelmed by advancements that apply in limited circumstances.
Question : Which is the best digital SLR camera and lens combination available within 500$?
I have used point and shoot cameras for 2 years and would love to graduate to digital SLR cameras.I would prefer a camera which is not too new in the market.
Answer:
I happen to like the E series digital SLR's from Olympus. At ten megapixel's, the camera's lens is astoundingly sharp and the whole enchilada will cost you well within your budget. Check some of the sites like B&H Photo. Be wary of kits that offer you a bunch of stuff you don't need. There's also a package deal with two zooms for the E-510. Great feeling camera in the hand as well.
Question : What Digital SLR camera should I buy to get started with photography?
Hi, I'm 15 years old and have recently been saving up a lot of money. I have been looking in to buying a Digital SLR camera and taking a course in photography. I was just wondering what camera you would recommend I should buy with my £500 budget bearing in mind I need to purchase lenses and extra storage devices...
Answer:
Depending on whether you feel comfortable chasing down used equipment or not, it is possible to get a pretty comprehensive selection of kit.Used prices for a Canon 30D are around £250-300, which is a decent bargain for what you get. It's not going to take your hand and lead your through how to take photographs like the most modern entry level SLRs, but it's purposeful, fast, and dependable. This camera is quite well suited with the Canon EF-S 17-85mm lens for most normal purposes, this should bring your cost up to around £400. The next thing to get is probably the Canon 50mm f1.8 'Nifty Fifty', and a reasonably strong tripod.I would imagine that 4GB of storage is enough, but you do need a fast card, probably 30 MB/s or faster would be needed. I would also go for 2x 2GB, formatted in the FAT16 file system to squeeze some more speed out of it, and also allows you some flexibility if one fails or gets confiscated for some reason.
Question : what would be a good digital slr camera for a beginner?
I am interested in photography as a hobby and I am just a beginner. What would be a good digital slr camera to start out with? I don't want something too cheap but it doesn't have to be fancy either.
Answer:
OK here is my short answer. for digital I have a Nikon D40 and I love it. The D40 has a full manual mode, Flexible progam, aperature priority, shutter priority modes. These are the same modes on all DSLR. It also has several other programed modes for things like portrait, night, children etc. As a photographer improves and learnds to use metering better these additional modes seldom get used so they are usually found on the more amature cameras and seen as not needed on the professional cameras. I feel I have a fair amount of experience as a photographer and it performs well for me but I can give it to my 12 y/o grandson if set on program and he can get good usable pictures as well. His photography is improving as he is already learning to use many of the functions himself ( yes I'm a proud granpa) . I also would not get caught up in the megapixel hype and instead look at the entire sensor issue. Look at the article I linked below The D40 will do everything a beginner to intermediate photographer needs at a great price. It comes with an 18-55 lens. It will let you use any other money to buy more accessories. And by the time you outgrow it cameras will have advanced to the point that most of what is on the market now would be obsolete. I bought a D300 last year and only had a it a few months when the D700 came out. The canon would also serve you well but I am a Nikon person so I suggest them. I have friends that are very happy with thier canon's and take great photos. You will have others that like Pentax and Olympus and they are not bad cameras but if they were in the same ballpark you would see many more professional photographers use them
Question : What digital slr camera is best for amateur photographers?
I really want a digital slr camera, but I don't want to spend a fortune, I've been looking at used ones, and refurbished but they're all so expensive! I've been manly looking at getting a canon EOS rebel xs. Is that a decent camera? I currently have a canon regular digital camera and I love it.
Answer:
With DSLR's your buying into a system and Canon is far and away the most expensive, closely followed by Nikon.Pentax, Olympus and Sony have many more features. They may be more expensive initially, but a soon as you start adding lenses, flashguns etc. they work out much cheaper for the same or Higher quality. You finish with a much more useful system for less money.Things to look for are a bright viewfinder, good build quality, adjustments of everyday things such as EV value, focus point, metering mode etc. without having to go into a menu. These are basic to using your camera for anything other than 'point and shoot'.Pentax and Sony offer image stabilisation in camera, so every lens you fit is image stabilised without a price premium. Pentax in particular have a massive range of older high quality lenses available for very little, all will be image stabilised.A second hand Pentax DS, which is now 5 years old, would be available at a lower price than a Nikon D40 or Canon Rebel, and is much more of a camera than either of them, it has a genuine pentaprism in the viewfinder which means a brighter image, much better build quality, the same Sony sensor that was used on the Nikon D80. The only downside is the lack of image stabilisation. Like all Pentax DSLR's it can operate as a 'focus trap' which no other make of DSLR can do.Chris
Question : digital slr?
I'm somewhat of a newbie to cameras, but not as much as some. I have several point and shoot cameras, no digital slr's.what brand,make or model do you suggest to purchase,and why? I'm looking in the maximum of $700 before tax range.I was somewhat interested in the nikon d40x and the canon rebel xti (or something like that).What are your thoughts?
Answer:
Let me help you sort out the monotony that comes with buying a DSLR.Someone suggested the Sony Alpha or the Pentax K100D, citing the in-camera shake reduction. This would be a plus, but is really only a selling point. In truth, this shake reduction only provides around 2 stops difference. Also, on the Pentax K100D, this sucks away the battery life on a camera that runs on AA batteries. Yes, this is the only DSLR that runs on AA's, and hopefully will remain so. You see, the battery life is severely cut, giving you only around 400 pictures before they give out. My thing with the Sony Alpha are its less than good image quality at higher ISO's, and its tendency to over saturate.The Nikon D40x is an excellent camera for the money, and the best bang for your buck in its class; a title once held by Canon and the Digital Rebel series. The Nikon D40x has great image quality, excellent build and layout, and a supurb selection of lenses. Granted, non AF-S lenses will not auto focus. The reason being, Nikon took out the in camera motor. This seems like a major flaw, but when you think about it, it really was not. The Nikon D40 and D40x are designed for people who are moving up from point and shoots, who do not have any previous Nikkors, and who do not plan to buy any besides the 18-55mm kit or the 55-200mm extended kit. This is also why these cameras cannot be found with out the kit 18-55mm. This does not mean you cannot use the older screw driven Nikkors. You can still get that great quality, only you'll have to manual focus the lens. This sucks, I know, but it's easy to get use to. Besides, photographers have been manual focusing their lenses for well over a hundred years, and they continue to do this today; look at the $1000 Canon 65mm 1x-5 macro: http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=155&modelid=7325 Yes, it's a manual focus, and a great lens, both optically and its all uses. Just look at it...!The Nikon D40x, like all Nikon cameras is very well built. This goes from the $550 D40 to the $5,000 D3. This has held true all the way back in the days of film. Canon on the other hand always feels "Cheap", that is plasticy and fragile. I don't care what anyone says, but the Digital Rebel series, the Rebel, the XT and the XTi all feel terrible. The 40D is much better, but still feels like a Canon-light and cheap. It really only really goes away with the supurb EOS 5D and the Mark series.One other thing that bring down Canon are its lenses. Unlike Nikon, whose lenses are stunning, Canon suffers from some optical flaws. Now, I love the way Canon USM lenses look and feel, but this is about it. Really, the optical quality does not get good until you lay out around $500. But the L series is where the optical quality become flawless. Overall, I would suggest the Nikon D40x. For so cheap and such great quality, why would you want to miss it? For Canon, you'll have to spend a lot more money to get the same quality. If you go with Canon, at least get the 40D and a good lens. Otherwise, you'll be disapointed.From what you've read, I might sound one sided with Nikon. Let me just say, this is how I feel, and from my own experiences with both Canon, Nikon, and Sony, Pentax, Mamiya, and others. If I use a Nikon, I know I get quality. If I use a Canon 5D and an L lens, I know I get quality as well. I would be crazy to say Canon is a bad company, as I would to say Nikon is. In truth, both make excellent products.Hope this helps.
Question : What is the best digital SLR camera on the market at the moment in this price range?
I'm planning to spend between £450-£600 on a digital SLR camera sometime soon and I was wondering what the best one out there is at the moment.Preferably I'd like opinions from people who have actually had experience with cameras in general...I'd be interested to hear about noise handling in particular.
Answer:
There is no camera that is better than another in the price range. If you stick with brand names that you are familiar with, they will all be equally good. I would suggest that you look at Pentax, Olympus, Sony, Canon and Nikon and then look for the best "kit" of package deal on the unit you choose. I think you can find an excellent camera for that price and walk off with enough cash to do something else with it.