entry level dSLR

By Draconian Guppy
in Digital Camera Lab

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Grand Master

Draconian Guppy

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Posted

Well lately i've been interested in getting a dSLR as i'm getting quite tired of point n shoot red eyes, bad performance in low lighting situations etc...

So basically i've narrowed it down to these 2

Nikon D50

Pentax *ist DL

Usually I find reviews on dpreview.com dcresource, photography blog, etc...

But I'm having trouble finding a decent review on the *ist DL ( by decent I mean like the ones on DP review or dcresource)

So if anyone has had any experience with either of those. Any pointer in any direction would be greatly appreciated.

Also by basic spec. comparison, i've read the *ist has some and is missing some, Like more AF points, larger burst mode and I've read the *IST under-exposes. Most of these won't affect the quality of a photo that much IMO. In other words, in any case, would the picture quality be that much different ?

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icdover

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You should include the Canon Rebel XT (350D). It is the camera I ended up selecting and I love it. The Kit lens is of pretty good quality, but I would recommend picking up the Canon 50mm lens (the cheeper one) as it gives awsome shots.

If you watch some of the deal sites you can find the camera with kit lens for a quite a discount. Dell was offering it for 584 this week with a 100 dollar rebate.

Grand Master

Draconian Guppy

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@ Pink Floyd: Sad thing is where I live they only have the d70 :( Care to elaborate why you would go with the d50?

icdover: Sadly, the Rebel is out of my budget. As I plan to spend maybe $700 (not including S/H) on ebay. (including memory and lens kit )

I Know the Digital Rebel is "OMGoneone1!eleven!! pwnz0rs" of entry level dSLR, simply can't go that high :no:

So it HAS to between those two, so please stop saying "CANON 350D"

Grand Master

Monkeh

Posted
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The Rebel XT's kit lens is crap. Absolute crap. It's probably one of the worst lenses you can buy.

You should buy the 50mm f/1.8 and then save up for a decent third-party zoom if you choose to go with the DReb.

^(get the body only though ;))

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller...oughType=search

Grand Master

Draconian Guppy

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The Rebel XT's kit lens is crap. Absolute crap. It's probably one of the worst lenses you can buy.

You should buy the 50mm f/1.8 and then save up for a decent third-party zoom if you choose to go with the DReb.

^(get the body only though ;))

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller...oughType=search

Too expensive, I really don't want to spend more than $750 including, memory and kit, this is why that link you suggested is out of the question. jiggling_john wrote that he's seen body + kit for $700, still waiting for his reply as to where-.

Grand Master

Pink Floyd Veteran

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  • Veteran
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@ Pink Floyd: Sad thing is where I live they only have the d70 :( Care to elaborate why you would go with the d50?

icdover: Sadly, the Rebel is out of my budget. As I plan to spend maybe $700 (not including S/H) on ebay. (including memory and lens kit )

I Know the Digital Rebel is "OMGoneone1!eleven!! pwnz0rs" of entry level dSLR, simply can't go that high :no:

So it HAS to between those two, so please stop saying "CANON 350D"

the only difference between D70 and D70s is the LCD screen size which is larger with the D70s

I hightly suggest to buy the D70 is you can have a hot deal with. You can then just upgrade the firmware to 2.0 and you'll get the D70s w/o the larger LCD screen :)

also, personally, I own both 18-55 and 18-70 and I dont find the 18-70 to have better picture quality. And im not alone in that situation, you just have to read some boards about it. I even find the 18-55 more sharp unless you are @ 18mm. The only advantage on the 18-70 is the metal hook compared to the plastic one on the 18-55mm.

Also, there are not many difference between thge D50 and the D70(s). You have to know them and for the extra money, many many ppl don't find the extra money to be enough for the plus that the D70 will give you.

Also, D50 is better then the D70 at higher ISO.

your pick buddy

Grand Master

Draconian Guppy

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:no:

Doh sorry!!! :cry:

Missed that !!!

That wouldn't leave me enough moneh for 1gd SD/CF :(

Sorry I missed it, my bad truly

@Pink Floyd thanks for the input, Yeah I guess All I have to do is find a decent online review for the *ist DL and decide based on photo comparison. Usually dpreview.com has very good review, but for some reason, they don't review Pentax that much :no:

Grand Master

Monkeh

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FYI, The *ist DL is being replaced by the *ist DL2.

Check out pbase.com for samples from each camera (make sure you factor in the lenses used for each shot, it can make a big difference).

From what I've seen, the Pentax is no match for Nikon or Canon in terms of image quality. Unless you already have lenses that will fit the Pentax mount, the D70s or D50 is a better choice for most people.

Grand Master

lawtai

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heh, I'm also looking for a dSLR. I'm pretty much a beginner with all of this photography stuff, but wanted to get into taking better looking pictures. I think I'm basically going to be deciding between the d50 and the canon 350D. More people suggest the 350D from all the things I've read, but say it comes with a crappy lens. Though the d50 comes with the better stock lens. Which of these 2 would be better for a beginner?

Grand Master

Draconian Guppy

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Posted (edited)

no lie i have seen CF and SD cards with rebates on newegg for like $3

Thing is, mail in rebates don't work for me as I don't live in the states :(

FYI, The *ist DL is being replaced by the *ist DL2.

Check out pbase.com for samples from each camera (make sure you factor in the lenses used for each shot, it can make a big difference).

From what I've seen, the Pentax is no match for Nikon or Canon in terms of image quality. Unless you already have lenses that will fit the Pentax mount, the D70s or D50 is a better choice for most people.

:pinch: I was hoping "pentax" was the way to go ( says the scrooge in me...) Since I didn't want to spende that much... Oh well, i'll look at some more reviews and then I'll post what I decided, in the meantime, any suggestions/pointer are welcomed !

Edit:

Oh and i'm aware at the moment of these entry level dSLR, so if i'm missing out on any brand/model please let me know

Nikon D50

Canon DR XT

Pentax *ist DL

Olympus E-VOLT 500

( This would've been my choice hands down, since it has so many good reviews all over the net, but it's damned expensive and on ebay the only ones available for $700 are factory demos )

Edited by maudit
Grand Master

Pink Floyd Veteran

Posted
  • Veteran
Posted

heh, I'm also looking for a dSLR. I'm pretty much a beginner with all of this photography stuff, but wanted to get into taking better looking pictures. I think I'm basically going to be deciding between the d50 and the canon 350D. More people suggest the 350D from all the things I've read, but say it comes with a crappy lens. Though the d50 comes with the better stock lens. Which of these 2 would be better for a beginner?

nothing is better. D50 and Rebel XT are the same quality DSLR. Try them in store and pick from there
Grand Master

Draconian Guppy

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  • Author
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nothing is better. D50 and Rebel XT are the same quality DSLR. Try them in store and pick from there

Yeah I think i'm going the nikon way.

So anyway, on ebay, they have these bundles with kits, which lens would you recommend for a starter/amateur?

28-80mm ?

18-70mm DX ?

18-55mm ?

Also if i'm missing out on one please do mention, consider that the ones that I mention are the most "popular" around ebay bundles for the nikon d50.

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