Silkroad Online Forums

So I'm planning to get a new DSLR cam for my vacation in the Summer. I'm looking at the Canon EOS Rebel T3 cause it's somewhat in my budget range. Worst case scenario, I'm gonna have to settle for the Canon EOS Rebel XS which seems like a completely watered down version of the Rebel series

I do plan on delving into photography as a small hobby/interest. I haven't considered getting any of the Nikon DSLR's yet cause my friend keeps suggesting one of the EOS cams because the shutter speed is far superior than Nikon's, or his camera (Nikon 3100D..i think).

Do you guys have any suggestions or alternative cameras?
I'm probably going to get it from Best Buy because I have a $65 certificate for it.
My budget is $600, and I'm willing to flex an extra $50 for the T3.

Rebel T3i isn't a bad choice although shutter speed in most (if not all) the current dSLRs in the market is usually sufficient for most things anyway - unless you're planning to shoot fast moving objects or athletes moving at close range.

I rarely ever use a continuous mode on mine tbh - even when I'm doing image bracketing for HDR landscape photos. Most of the shots you're gonna take are probably going to be at least at least 1 or 2 seconds apart anyway. Besides, shooting continuously at high speed, especially with lens without a USM, the quality of the image tends to be pretty crappy compared to single shots (out of focus due to camera shake or simply not enough time for lens to adjust).

Not that I'm against researching about the product you want to invest on (I actually encourage it), I just think in this case, it's more about what's more convenient for you. The Rebel T3i is a lightweight camera (at least compared to some other SLRs) and it's not *that* bulky. As for whether you should get Nikon or Canon, it all depends on which lens you own. Although I would definitely wouldn't mind paying an extra $100 for the T3i.

In the end, it's not just the camera that makes an image great but the person holding it.

If you want some suggestions on lenses to get, you should definitely start with a wide aperture and a wide angle (although the 18mm default package lens will do the job).
As for wide aperture:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1 ... f_1_8.html (I use one)
OR
http://www.google.com/products/catalog? ... 3&bih=666#

Oh I actually don't know much about shooting with DSLR's or anything to do with the cams, but I don't think I would be shooting any fast moving objects unless it's a car; so shutter speed shouldn't be a factor, right? I'm also planning to just stick with the 18mm lens that comes with the camera. The only reason I'm considering the T3 instead of just sticking with the XS is because it can take videos and has just a bit more features/customization.

Alright

Hmm...one thing at a time then. Although I would still suggest having at least one of these for future use:
-Tripod *must have*
-Camera bag (Lowerpro sells some cheap ones) *definitely must have*
-UV filter lens (good protective filter and very useful for sunny days)
-Good prime lens with at least 1.8 aperture (or 1.2 / 1.8 if you have the money for it)

Oh, and I wrote a small beginner tutorial (link in sig) in case you need a little reading. Good luck and looking forward to seeing some work from you

A good website for buying used camera materials: http://www.keh.com/

ISO and image quality that is associated with a higher ISO is of more concern than anything else when buying a camera these days. You won't need to work about megapixel count since 10+ is sufficient for anything you want to do, especially at the "hobby" level. Number and price of additional lenses is the only other concern. Canon wins there, but only by price, they tend to be neck and neck in quality.

I believe, a Nikon D3100 is comparable to the Canon you are looking at.

Addressing one of your questions: shutter speed is a variable ranging from 30+ seconds to 1/xxxx of a second at varying aperture (lens dependent). You never need to worry about shutter speed on modern cameras as they all have the ability to work between and beyond these extremes. IIRC, ink's tutorial should cover this.

I don't think you can go wrong with this as your first DSLR. I would, personally, go with the D3100 because of the higher ISO capability and the performance at those higher ISO settings. Plus, I'm a Nikon guy.

I think the most I shoot is around 1000 ISO but I try to keep it below 800. The lower the ISO setting (not range), the more detail is preserved.

Future Shop has the Nikon D3000 on sale with a 16GB memory card for $400
And a correction on my OP: my friend has the D5000, not the D3100
http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/product/ ... 95d0d5en02

What's the difference between VR and non-VR?

That non-vr issues is really a sale breaker; so I'm not gonna bother with that. Right now, it's ultimately down to the T3 or D3100, i'll just get whichever one is on a bigger sale in a couple of weeks time. If that fails, I'll get the EOS XS; which is 150$ cheaper.

Vibration Reduction is synonymous with Canon's Image Stabilization. There's an on/off switch in the lens for that :p

Yeah, I read that while looking up VR
Are you saying only Canon's IS is capable of being turned on or off?

All my Canon EF lenses have an on/off switch, so yes. Not sure if Nikon's VR offers that though.

Im working as a camera man so im not blurting out crap. Keep in mind that the lenses you get with the cam are really (and I mean REALLY) shitty. You prolly should buy one when you also got the funds to buy a proper lens. If you dont you'll be disappointed in the cam for sure.

Yeah a variable maximum of f/3.5-5.6 wouldn't do the job in the long run. I doubt he would mind it in the beginning but later on, I think everyone who does photography (even as a hobby) seeks out prime lenses. Even if you were to get a zooming lens (f/2.8 telephoto lens) with a constant maximum aperture, you would probably still favor getting a prime simply because of the price ($1,500-$3,000) unless you are gonna be doing weddings or wildlife (and have a lot of extra $$$$).

I wanted to get a f/1.2 prime but holy shit...it's even more expensive than my camera body. Unless one of you would be nice enough to give me one for whatever holiday available.

Btw Crim, you might find this to be a useful read: http://www.digital-slr-guide.com/canon-vs-nikon.html

Thanks, I was hoping to find something like that.

As for getting better lenses than the ones given with the camera. I think I'd have to hold off on that for a long while