FAQ: What is the best digital SLR?

[Ronnoco]

By the way there is a Leica-to-Canon EOS convertor for using Leica lenses on Canon cameras.

Ronnoco

[greghalliday]

Where do you get Leica lenses for Canon SLRs? Sounds strange.

Besides, Leica does not make zooms (M-mount anyway). I love zooms for better or for worse and nothing is more annoying than comparing zooms to primes. They serve completely different functions and it's comparing apples/oranges. Yet people will keep doing it.

[Ronnoco]

Where do you get Leica lenses for Canon SLRs? Sounds strange.

Besides, Leica does not make zooms (M-mount anyway). .

Leica makes R series zoom lenses, so there is no apple/orange comparison here at all.

Ronnoco

[drg]

The Photo Techniques article is certainly interesting in light of the impending introduction of Leica lenses in other mounts (Nikon and who knows what else may appear).

As an article focusing on the Quality of the image produced, it makes some interesting if not altogether supported conclusions. For a technically thorough article, including detailed testing protocols, it was amazing that nowhere in the article does the author describe ANY of the lenses used except to say that for the Canon he was using an 'L' type.
There is a disclaimer regarding this, but I wonder if they were limited to one or two lenses per camera? If both Canon and Leica were tested with a 50mm/1.4 and the author said so, I'd be a little more confident in some of his assertions. From the photo at the beginning of the article, it looks as if zooms of one type or another are mounted on both the Leica and the Canon. We know all too well that not all 'L' units are created equal nor are they necessarily the same in image quality from one zoom combo to another or in fixed focal lengths.

In the April 2006, "Black and White Photography", a U.K. publication, there is an article about the 'glow' of Leica. It's primarily a contrast issue for the Leica lens. I mention this as it appears that the improvements he describes, [the printed samples in Photo Technique are all but worthless for meaningful evaluation] seem to be as a result of the different or better contrast of the Leica glass. Sometimes different is better, but contrast can bite you hard in the digital world under many lighting conditions. Also, if you should happen to read the B/W article, note how different films can affect the image quality. Again, it may be a matter of desired end result.

The cross mounting of the Leica Lens to the Canon body almost seems to be counter intuitive to his premise in this article regarding testing of 'systems'. Early digital cameras be they DSLR type or MF backs all suffered undue criticisms as people tried to mate their favorite lens to the new camera. I am not a fan of mix and match without extensive testing, not the least reason being the loss of one or more functions such as AF or Ap control.

Regardless, I'm glad to see my favorite DSLR listed as the current 'best'.

[boomtap]

I weighed all the options and then balanced them with price. I new I needed something entry level to get my feet wet, and I wanted a reputable company. That left me with few choices, Nikon, Canon, and a couple others. I was looking at the entry in all cases, and I found that I could get a Canon for about $659.00 with the packaged lense from Beach Camera, or I could get a refurbed Nikon for $370.00 body only from Beach Camera and then buy the lenses seperate. I read every single thing I could on the web and it seemed to be a tossup, with the Canon taking a slight edge. (I am sure everybody will argue this for days). Bottom line is I read where somebody said it is not the camera that makes the photographer, and I figured either option would probably be suitable for my entry camera. I opted the Nikon route because I could find some great deals on lenses on ebay, and it brought my total for the camera and 2 lenses to under $600.00. It might not be the best system in the world, but it has allowed me to have fun at a low expense. I think it is clear that the best DSLR would be one of the two main brands's flagship model, and we all could probably argue which one is better, but I would wager that the one that is weilded by the better photographer would win hands down.

Nikon rules.

[Ronnoco]

I totally agree. I previously posted that there is no such thing as a professional camera. It is the guy or girl behind it that may or may not be professional.

Ronnoco

[gilliamhome]

:thumbsup: Appeal - what do you like? What do you want to feel in your hands when using this camera? What features do you regard as important to help make your images what you desire them to be? What is your price ceiling? How much are additional lens' and accessories? What is your cost or desire for post production, (are you going to be happy with 4x6" prints?). A camera should be an extension of your soul. It should convey to anyone you share with, a moment. This moment is captured, hopefully in a pleasing way to share your idea, or thought excercised at the exact moment of exposure. So the BEST? Your best bet is a value based judgement, getting the most bang and satisfaction for your buck. My first camera was a plastic .79 cent Diana, bought from Green's Drug Store on Western Ave., in Gardena California in 1955. I have had many cameras since - I have been totally content with each camera at each level of my growth. I have much growing to do - and am certain, that my heart and pocket book will experience more cameras in the future. Go for it - don't hesitate the joy and satisfaction of sharing your soul with the fortunate folks that get to share in your imaging moments.

[gubak]

I totally agree. I previously posted that there is no such thing as a professional camera. It is the guy or girl behind it that may or may not be professional.

You are right! This is exactly my oppinion about professional cameras!

[AgmLauncher]

Is there any consideration for cameras that have wide dynamic ranges? It would seem to me that strictly talking senor quality, the one that most closely mimics what the eye sees would be the best.

[Ronnoco]

Is there any consideration for cameras that have wide dynamic ranges? It would seem to me that strictly talking senor quality, the one that most closely mimics what the eye sees would be the best.

Great idea, but the problem is that all cameras are shooting 12 bit colour and most editing is in 8 bit lesser range colour. The technical reason is that more colours and greater dynamic range in the image create bigger files, slower processing, longer time between taking pictures, greater capacity flash cards, and more sophisticated technology to edit and print.

From a tech standpoint, we are simply not there yet and all cameras are at a less than ideal, limited level of quality, but progress is being made and the trend is toward better quality and a more reasonable price.

Ronnoco

[bramfoto]

I am a professional Photographer in SF; I have a Nikon System, including D70; I am thinking of purchasing a Nikon D80 or D200 or a Fuji S5; I realize the price points range from $1,000 to almost $2,000;

Which one to choose?



bram

[Bec]

Hey..

Right. Well..I've read virtually all the comments here and I'm royally confused.

I'm extremly new to photography but don't get me wrong..I am totally passionate about getting into it.

I really want a DSLR but like I said before - completly and utterly confused on which one to get. I've been looking at the latest models 400D/D80 and also the older models 300D/350D, the D40/D50. I've read the consumer reviews on Which? and also your comments as well as comparing them all.

But I'm on a budget, I'm willing to wait until I have the money saved to get one and to get all the experience in as I can using my parents Fuji S9500 (which is on permanant loan at the moment!)

So..can you help me?

Thanks!

Bec

[rongarrett]

I can remember a long, loooooonnnggg time ago when my mother used to buy my pants two sizes too big. She said, "you'll grow into em"!

Do the same with a camera system. Buy the best you can afford, best camera, best lenses, best tiipod, etc. You will grow into it. Biggest problem is knowing which is real quality. Find yourself a mentor if possible. Someone that is already where you're headed. I bet they will be glad to help.

[havana_joe]

Bec- personally, I love my D40, and the money I saved by getting this lower priced model allowed me to get a flash and a really nice 35mm 1.8 lens. The body is really not the most important thing, good glass is much more important in the long run. If I had spent more, I'd only have a kit lens and no flash, and my pictures would not come out as good. I say go D40, learn to use it and some basic photography habits, then buy a flash and a good lens. You can always buy a bigger/better/newer body in the future, but you'll start out with a nice camera to learn on and a good start in building your set of gear!

[yad99in]

I think the Nikon D800 is the best DSLR with amazing sensor. I always wish to have but little costly $2300

[zanejc]

I prefer...... Nikon.. because I using it

[lizaray]

I prefer...... Nikon.. because I using it

I lone Nikon and have d5300 and completely satisfy with

[Frog]

There does come a point, or so I think, that when a body can make even good lenses perform much better, then it IS time to think body instead of lenses.
I am thinking specifically about the several camera that have so much better noise reduction at high iso which makes a lot of photo opportunities more realistic even with fast lenses.

[PremOutshine]

In my opinion NIKON D600 is good. I found very good specifications and i kinda liked it. The photograps are really amzing. The D600 weighs about 26.8 ounces, but that’s just the camera body.
If you’re really serious about photography, it’s an investment worth considering.

Thank you.

[Adrian64]

For me the best dslr is the one that does all the jobs you want it to and as few of the ones you don't as possible and fits your your financal pocket. When I first went digital I quickly narrowed it down to two manufacturers. The final decider was how it comfortable the camera was in my hands and how easily accesable the buttons were.

[Mmarie]

[COLOR="purple"][FONT="Georgia"]I need help! I'm going to be purchasing my very first DSLR camera and just when I thought I had narrowed my search down to 2 cameras, I was just given info. today that is now making me look in a whole other direction.

I originally was wanting to purchase either the Nikon D5000 or Canon EOS Rebel T1i.
However, when talking with some salesmen earlier today they all completely tried to steer me away from Nikon due to their plastic lenses that they say aren't comparable to Canon's lenses??? That was news to me..what are your thoughts?

I was also enlightened with the new Canon T2i model today as well as the Canon 50D.
So now instead of 2 models, I now have 4 I'm trying to decipher between. I'm really wanting to stay under $1500 and preferably around $900, but I'm willing to spend an extra few hundred dollars if that means much better quality and a camera that will be sufficient for years and years to come.

My main purpose for getting a DSLR is my daughter who is now 18 months old. I literally take pics of her daily, my husband is always giving me a hard time!
However, with the point and shoot sony cybershot camera I have now, I always miss so many "moments" with the delay of the camera. I really want something that's quick but also that says professional quality when it's printed.
I like the idea of having a video camera/DSLR all in one which is what drew me to the first two options in the first place and I know the Canon 50D doesn't have the video option like the other 3. BUT if the 50D is a much better Picture taker, then I'd give up the video...if not, which camera would be best for me?
As my daughter gets older I'm sure there will be sports/games to take pics of so I just want something that will keep up. I love shooting pics of wildlife/animals as well.

HELP ME PLEASE!!!!

And even if you want to shoot down all 4 cameras I have now narrowed my list down to and suggest a completely different option, I'm all ears!!

Thank you everyone, I look forward to hearing back from you!

[Franglais]

I think that you should talk to some other salesmen. They are trying to steer you towards some higher-priced models that you don't need

>> I originally was wanting to purchase either the Nikon D5000 or Canon EOS Rebel T1i.
However, when talking with some salesmen earlier today they all completely tried to steer me away from Nikon due to their plastic lenses that they say aren't comparable to Canon's lenses??? That was news to me..what are your thoughts?

All manufacturers entry-level/kit lenses are made of plastic. For a long time the Canon ones (the 18-55) were pretty poor while the Nikon ones were and still are pretty good but with the latest version (with IS) Canon have come up to Nikon's level. Avoid the mostly-metal Canon 17-85 IS lens - it isn't sharp enough to match the sensor of the latest bodies (T2i).

>>I was also enlightened with the new Canon T2i model today as well as the Canon 50D.
So now instead of 2 models, I now have 4 I'm trying to decipher between. I'm really wanting to stay under $1500 and preferably around $900, but I'm willing to spend an extra few hundred dollars if that means much better quality and a camera that will be sufficient for years and years to come.

The 50D is the same sensor as the Rebel T1i in a better body. It's intended for professionals who need to shoot fast-moving action (sports). Don't spend a lot of money thinking you'll keep the camera for a long time - you won't. Buy something you can easily afford and change every 3-4 years.

>> My main purpose for getting a DSLR is my daughter who is now 18 months old. I literally take pics of her daily, my husband is always giving me a hard time!
However, with the point and shoot sony cybershot camera I have now, I always miss so many "moments" with the delay of the camera. I really want something that's quick but also that says professional quality when it's printed.

Same needs as most people who buy a consumer DSLR. Just about any entry-level model should satisfy you.

>>I like the idea of having a video camera/DSLR all in one which is what drew me to the first two options in the first place and I know the Canon 50D doesn't have the video option like the other 3. BUT if the 50D is a much better Picture taker, then I'd give up the video...if not, which camera would be best for me?

Current DSLR's are not very good at doing video (no autofocus while filming). The 50D is a more sophisticated tool than the T1i if you learn how to use it. If you just use it as a point and shoot then I don't think you would see any difference in the results.

>>As my daughter gets older I'm sure there will be sports/games to take pics of so I just want something that will keep up. I love shooting pics of wildlife/animals as well.

If you are in good light (outdoors) then a consumer camera and lenses should be enough. If you're shooting sports indoors or at night then this needs some more serious equipment. But your daughter is only 18 months old. Get a Rebel or a D5000 for the next 4 years then see where you go.

[NRGCREATOR]

Hello, i have the same questions, but different options lined up. This site will not let me create a new Thread, so hope its okay to post my question here.

Im looking for my first dslr camera. I had a slr a decade ago but have not used it in some time. I will mostly be shooting sunsets, sunrises, clouds, mountains, waterfalls, my kids, old barns, architecture and so on. will never shoot sports or things moving very fast. I am interested in weather proofing housing, but its not required. I like using effects so the more the better. I want great image quality with great auto functions, including focus. Low light shooting is a nice perk as well. Thinking about getting into video, but that would be completely new to me and would mostly be silly stuff. Im wondering if all the cameras below would give me what i need, if some are overkill, or would my untrained eye really see the difference? I would like to stay under $1000 (the less the better obviously). will mostly be printing of smaller pics with the occasional larger ones here and there. the bulk would be used digitally.

cameras in consideration in order:

sony a65 - great video, nice elctro viewfinder, amazing focus or A77 - for weather proof body.

pentax K-5 II - good focus, weatherproof

Pentax K-50 - not exactly sure how this differs from above model

Nikkon D5200 - heard it has amazing pic quality and low lighting capabilities. but also heard the build quality is poor

LUMIX DMC-GX1 - i know, its not a dslr. but would this give me all i need and are the others overkill?

I am very much a beginner and will prob not use any manual settings, at least for a while until i relearn some of this. just looking to take great quality pics that are in focus with the ability to get the shot when i need it without need a tripod of having blurry pics like my crappy pentax WG-1 gives me. im tired of hitting the shutter button on my point and shoot and watching it take up to 2 seconds to take the pic, resulting in a photo worse than my android phone takes..

There are no local stores that stock the sony or pentax models above so no way to get my hands on one to get a feel and test before buying. Wondering if one of the above would suite my needs more than the other or if they are overkill and too advanced for lil ol me?

any insight would be appreciated.

[Franglais]

Did you check the buying guide here : Digital SLR Guide - PhotographyREVIEW.com

Having bought lots of SLR's then DSLR's I have adopted a very pragmatic approach. I know that in buying a DSLR I'm getting into a system and that I will be making investments in it for decades to come. The first thing I choose is the manufacturer. Then I start looking at what's available.
There are two major manufacturers going head-to-head - Canon and Nikon. There is a turbulent number three - Sony. I don't follow the others.

[jworm49]

Not sure if this would fit here or not But I am looking to upgrade from my Rebel SL1 to either a T6S or 7D mark I. I do not like the small size of the SL1 as much as I thought I would and now that the mark ii is out the mark I is nearly the same price as the T6S. I understand many of the differences between the two but I'm not sure what way to go. It would seem the 7D would be the obvious choice but the T6S is a lot newer so I am unsure. Any thoughts?