Need some input

[schullybabe]

Hello,

I am looking to purchase my first dslr in the next couple months and I need input on what will be best for me. I love photography and right now I feel so limited with my p&s. I find myself missing so many moments with my 2 year old especially. My shutter speed is too slow, he turns his head to fast, he doesn't hold his smile long enough, it is just barely too slow. Plus, when I do get a good shot, the quality looks not great. I really feel so limited and it is really frustrating to miss these shots that I see and want to capture but don't have the capability to do so. I am working with a budget of max $1300. Here is what I will primarily use the camera for:

-#1 taking portraits and candids of my son and our family. I really want to be able to do professional quality portraits and photos.
-Some scenery pics
-Just capturing what our family is up to, trips, site seeing, playing in the backyard, etc.
-Video if I get the d90
-I use photoshop elements for my editing, and will not be able to upgrade my software anytime soon.

I am looking at the xsi and the nikon d90. I have used the canon xti and enjoyed it. Found it very user friendly and liked it okay. Photo quality is important to me. I am not sure which camera will fit my needs the best, while allowing me to grow as a photographer. I won't be able to upgrade for many years so I really want a good investment for my needs. The only thing that keeps drawing me to the d90 over the xsi is the hd video. I bought a camcorder about a year ago and hardly ever pull it out, I do however take video using my p&s a lot because it is handy and I am always taking pictures. So it is not a deal maker or breaker, it is just a perk that I know I would use...and yet I have a practically new camcorder sitting there collecting dust. I don't know what to do. Plus, I would love to buy a zoom lens as well, but the d90 will be breaking the budget and I don't think I will be able to buy an additional lens. With the xsi I would be able to buy an additional lens. So I know that is a lot to chew on...but any suggestions as to what which may work best for me? Also, I have tried the xsi at the store and liked it, I haven't had a chance to try the d90. I have tried out the d80 and d60 and I liked them okay even though they were a little more heavy. So I am just confused. Like I said #1 on my list is to be able to take nice portraits and candids. Thanks in advance from a confused newbie who just wants to get started!

[Sushigaijin]

Welcome to the site!

given your criteria, I'd suggest the xsi. You won't miss most of the advantages that the d90 has, perhaps just the video. If video is a deal-breaker then sell the camcorder and use the proceeds to fund the d90

For your candids I'd suggest the 50mm f/1.8. It's dirt cheap and a great lens for indoors, candids, low light, and general photography.

50mm shots here, among other places

I would also upgrade the kit zoom to whatever the canon middle-tier zoom is. You won't need a pro level lens, but I think you will appreciate the added quality and speed of a mid-tier standard zoom (probably in the 18-70 range, would be my guess). Since I don't know a lot about the canon line, I can't narrow that down further. You should still be around the $1300 mark though, most of the upgrade zooms run about $400-600 depending on system.

[schullybabe]

Thanks for the input. The video is definitely not a deal breaker, it was just a nice perk! However, like I mentioned, I just want some nice clear quality photos that help me achieve my photography goals. It is so fun to me and I love to try and capture those pure moments, but my p&s just isn't cutting it. Also, the biggest I would ever print would be like 11x17 so hopefully that wouldn't be a problem. Thanks again.