Feedback on camera systems

[Cougra]

As mentioned in another thread, I'm looking around for a new DSLR camera and was wondering what you think about this set up for a starter package.

First of all I love taking photos of landscapes, flowers/leaves and fish/aquariums so I would like a starter package for these and will add to the lens collection as finances allow but I would love to have some feedback on any lens you think I should have and WHY I should have that particular lens.

I'm still torn between the Canon and Nikon entry level systems as I have no experience with SLR cameras and want something simple to learn on for now. I know that each have their good points and bad points. I've heard great reviews on both companies. Enough of that here is what I'm looking into getting:

System 1 - Canon
CANON D-REBEL XTI BLACK W/18-55 EF-S
CANON EF-S 60MM F2.8 MACRO USM LENS
CANON SPEEDLITE 580EX II FLASH
2GB COMPACT FLASH W/RECOVERY

System 2 - Nikon
NIKON D40X DSLR W/ NIKON 18-55 II LENS
NIKON SB-800 SPEEDLIGHT IRAF FLASH
NIKON 60MM/F2.8 MACRO DAF
2GB SECURE DIGITAL W/RECOVERY MEMORY CARD

There is a fairly large price difference between the two camera systems here but I don't want that to interfere with the advice given.

Now I can save about $150 by downgrading the flash to the previous models (420EX for Canon or SB-600 for the Nikon) but I'll be losing a bit of functionality and power by doing so. I've been told that the previous models will be fine for the types of photography I want to do and that it'll be easier to learn if I don't have manual settings for the flash as well as learning everything with camera itself. However I'm a good learner and am thinking about the future as well.

One thing I like about the Nikon is that all their lenses can be used on all their cameras whereas Canon has two different types of lens some of which can't be used on their higher end cameras. However it's going to be a long time if ever before I switch to those higher end models.

I know that the kit lens isn't reputed to be a great lens but I'm not sure what other lens would be good for landscapes without breaking the bank since I'll be spending a lot of money all at once for this camera system and it may be a while before I can afford the next lens.

Eventually I'll also want to get a good telephoto lens for wildlife photography however I don't know much about them.

[tbittner]

I can't WAIT to read the responses to this thread. I'm in the market for a new camera too.

[BigAl07]

I would be a hypocrite if I suggested anything other than the Canon. I have a Rebel SLR and my next one will be the Rebel DSLR. I have a good friend who invested in it and as of this morning he said he would go back and make the same decision again hands down.

I don't have any experience with the Nikon so I can't help you there.

[Witfull]

i love my Canon G3. its not an SLR, but its a Canon~

[boozeman]

Cougra, you will see that the cannon vs nikon debate is sort of like the glass vs acrylic or the sand vs bare bottom reefing debates

what it all boils down to is personal choice as they are both top flight cameras

If you get a nikon (I have the D80) I suggest this macro lense ( I absolutely love it! ) JR.com: Nikon AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF Lens in Lenses and Adapters:

[Gina]

Last year for Christmas Mark got me the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi/EOS 400D Digital. He did upgrade the lens though to a EF-s 17-55 f/2.8 15 US M.
The lens ended up being more than the camera but, it's worth it. This is a very nice camera and takes great pictures. I'm still learning about all the bells and whistles of it but, it was very easy to start using right away.

[Cougra]

I realise that the Canon/Nikon thing is a matter of personal preferance in a lot of cases so I wasn't too hopeful that a lot of people could give a difinitive answer to that. The price difference may be the deciding factor in the end for me.

However I was hoping I would get more feedback on the lens part and if I would need anything more for the starter packages. I don't know anything about filters available or which would be good ones to have. The only one I know much about is the circular polarizer.

[BigAl07]

I wouldn't fret too much over filters. Those are easily gotten later on in "kits" but the main camera and lens is your meat & potatoes here. I am SURE you know that already but putting it out there just in case.

I vote Canon (again)

Allen

[olivert00]

Hey Cougra,
Wasn't sure if this interested you at all.

I have a Canon 20D with small canon lens 18-55, a canon macro lens 100m 2.8, not even 2yrs old, everything for $1100.00. I will also throw in canon case, 3 batteries and 1 gig memory card. Camera alone is going for 1100 new in stores... the macro lens I paid 600.00.

Thanks Debbie

[BigAl07]

SWEET deal!! Wow!!

Allen

[boozeman]

regardless of which brand you get, I suggest getting an acrylic 'top down shot box' from Scott @ aquarium specialty... hands down the best $20 piece of acrylic you will ever own

[olivert00]

The camera is in excellent condition, always put in the case when not in use, all lenses have caps on both ends when put away.
All the pics in my thread 225g starphire are from this camera if you would like to see some pics.

Only selling to upgrade.

Debbie

[Cougra]

Alright Bozeman, since you like the Nikno sytem would you be able to explain all those letters in the name of the lens for me:

Nikon AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF Lens
AF I assume means auto focus but what does the -S part mean?
What does the VR represent?
How about ED-IF? I'm assuming that the IF is for internal focus which means that the outer lens doesn't turn or move in/out like more traditional lens making it a lot easier to use with something like a polarizer filter but I don't know what an ED-IF is good for.

Then we get to F2.8G. I recognise the first part F2.8 means that it'll have a fast shutter speed but don't know how the G fits in that.

Why does Nikon refer to their macro features as micro features?

[olivert00]

Originally Posted by boozeman

regardless of which brand you get, I suggest getting an acrylic 'top down shot box' from Scott @ aquarium specialty... hands down the best $20 piece of acrylic you will ever own

I agree...just purchased one in July and love it. Pictures and just viewing.
Debbie

[boozeman]

Nikonians :: The Nikon User Community