camera for anthropology fieldwork?

[earlgreyt]

Hi everyone - I'm an anthropology grad student, studying contemporary food movements (ie Slow Food, local food, farmers' markets, etc.). I need a new camera that will carry me for a while. I'll be shooting people and outdoor shots primarily, but will also need to be able to shoot good pics in low light, especially of food (ie things served in restaurants, someone's home). My concern is either not getting "enough" camera or getting too much. I'll also need to be able to use my photos in print journals, for large poster presentations, and other visual presentations (like a photo collage, photo documentary series, that kind of thing).

I'm wavering between the Nikon D80 and the Canon Rebel XTi. I like the ruggedness of the Nikon, seems like it might take a bit more of a "beating" out in the field. I'm new to digital SLRs, so I know I have quite a learning curve. I'm wondering if I'm biting off more than I can chew with either of these two. I've looked at a D40 but I don't like the fact that you can only use Nikkor lenses specifically for that body. Although I'd probably start out with the 18-135 (I need more range than the 18-70 and can't afford the D80 body + the AF-S 70-300 at the moment) it would be nice to have the flexibility of multiple lenses vs just one family.

Any advice would be so appreciated. On a grad student budget it's quite an expense but one I know I need to make. I want to make the right choice and buy a camera that I can grow with. Thanks very much for any help.

T

[Frog]

I have the D80 with the 18-135. I love them both but not suitable for low light without flash.
I don't know if the on camera flash would fill your needs or if you'd need to get an external.
What range do you need? The 50mm f1.8 is a great lens and good for low light. It has as much range as your feet do. Oh.....its pretty cheap too.

[mikeh]

go d70 and 50 f1.8 the lens is were to spend the money
for low light no flash nothing less tha 2.8 or you need a tripod
d70 very tough mine is used outdoor for extreme sports and still going strong
my lens 70-200 f2.8 20 years old
so look for the old lens that pepole think are no good these were built with glass and not plastic lens
most nikon lens will fit the d70 , d40 odd one