# Looking to get my first DSLR.. **URL:** \ **Category:** NYSpeed Off Topic\ **Created:** [November 14, 2009, 4:56pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/looking-to-get-my-first-dslr/76139 "2009-11-14T16:56:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Bsp\_TC](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/bsp_tc/32/4998_2.png) [@Bsp\_TC](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Bsp_TC)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2009, 3:17pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/looking-to-get-my-first-dslr/76139/21 "2009-11-25T15:17:26Z")
was looking at this [http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Canon+EOS+Rebel+XSi+12.2MP+Digital+SLR+Camera+with+Bag+and+Extra+Lens/9999120500050028.p?id=pcmprd120600050028&skuId=9999120500050028](http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Canon+EOS+Rebel+XSi+12.2MP+Digital+SLR+Camera+with+Bag+and+Extra+Lens/9999120500050028.p?id=pcmprd120600050028&skuId=9999120500050028) Good deal or not? ---
**Author:** ![mike125k](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/mike125k/32/7282_2.png) [@mike125k](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/mike125k)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2009, 3:59pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/looking-to-get-my-first-dslr/76139/22 "2009-11-25T15:59:21Z")
> [@Bsp TC](#): > > was looking at this > > [http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Canon+EOS+Rebel+XSi+12.2MP+Digital+SLR+Camera+with+Bag+and+Extra+Lens/9999120500050028.p?id=pcmprd120600050028&skuId=9999120500050028](http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Canon+EOS+Rebel+XSi+12.2MP+Digital+SLR+Camera+with+Bag+and+Extra+Lens/9999120500050028.p?id=pcmprd120600050028&skuId=9999120500050028) > > Good deal or not? The 75-300mm lens that kit comes with blows! If you’re looking for a lower priced telephoto kit this one is much better and gives you a much better lens and more useful things for the same price (no tax if you buy from Beach Camera unlike Best Buy). [http://www.beachcamera.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=E3CNDRXSIK1855](http://www.beachcamera.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=E3CNDRXSIK1855) ---
**Author:** ![Bsp\_TC](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/bsp_tc/32/4998_2.png) [@Bsp\_TC](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Bsp_TC)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2009, 4:58pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/looking-to-get-my-first-dslr/76139/23 "2009-11-25T16:58:33Z")
hows this kit? [http://www.beachcamera.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=E2CNDRT1IK1855](http://www.beachcamera.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=E2CNDRT1IK1855) im a total noob school me on some kits ---
**Author:** ![mike125k](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/mike125k/32/7282_2.png) [@mike125k](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/mike125k)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2009, 5:14pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/looking-to-get-my-first-dslr/76139/24 "2009-11-25T17:14:15Z")
T1i is new and can shoot 1080p video, basically its the XSi that they just added video to. The XSi doesn’t shoot video. For taking pictures though you’re really not going to see very much of a difference between the T1i and XSi. I guess it really comes down to if shooting video is worth a few extra dollars to you. Go here and read up. [http://www.dpreview.com/](http://www.dpreview.com/) [http://www.fredmiranda.com/](http://www.fredmiranda.com/) ---
**Author:** ![Bsp\_TC](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/bsp_tc/32/4998_2.png) [@Bsp\_TC](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Bsp_TC)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2009, 5:17pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/looking-to-get-my-first-dslr/76139/25 "2009-11-25T17:17:49Z")
having video would be cool if im at the track but i doubt i would be using that much. ---
**Author:** ![IanK](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/iank/32/5016_2.png) [@IanK](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/IanK)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2009, 8:47pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/looking-to-get-my-first-dslr/76139/26 "2009-11-25T20:47:12Z")
Listen to ILC. He and I have both been through this before. I Would get a D40, Im really not a fan of basic cannon SLR’s, They have never impressed my in any way, not to mention for what it is the D40 is pretty awesome. Yes other SLR’s in the nikon range like the D60, 3000, 5000 Ext may be slightly better, but at your level you’d be wasting your money, even if may only be slightly more, there is no need for it. What you need to focus on is what ILC explained below. Also as basic as it is the D40 will yield rather good overall performance. Oh and I bought my sisters D40 last year on cyber monday and it was stupid cheap. > [@ILC](#): > > Get a base model SLR right now or a Used nicer one. > > Use the standard lens. 18-55mm lens that comes with it. > > Learn the following: > > 1. Mechanics of the camera. (Shutter speed, Aperture, ISO…) - and really understand them, and experiment with them. then critique what they do. Longer shudder speed of someone running motion blur, short shudder = freezing time. shit like that > 2. Composition > 3. Lighting > > And seriously don’t just sit there and blast away and take 9000 pictures and pick out the ones you think are the best and post them here. You aren’t helping yourself at all. > > Everytime you take a picture, imagine it as its your last and the only thing anyone else will remember you by. So when you sit there and want to take a picture of something. At the very least think. What am I taking a picture of (focus of the picture or SUBJECT), how can I capture this picture (using sunlight, do you need to fill with the flash, do i need to crank up the ISO or hold the shudder open forever…), how can I capture the proper emotion (white balance, timing, …) > > If you can figure all that out, then its time to move up. > > Walter: Yes camera’s tend to have a life, i think its about 100,000 photos? 300,000 for pro grade cams. I’m uncertain about the camera counter… ---
**Author:** ![ZOMGVTEK](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/zomgvtek/32/5063_2.png) [@ZOMGVTEK](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ZOMGVTEK)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2009, 12:34am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/looking-to-get-my-first-dslr/76139/27 "2009-11-26T00:34:24Z")
Get a new D40 kit. The kit lens is fantastic for getting used to the camera, and you can takes quite amazing pics with a stock D40 right out of the box, even in full auto… ---
**Author:** ![mike125k](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/mike125k/32/7282_2.png) [@mike125k](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/mike125k)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2009, 6:41am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/looking-to-get-my-first-dslr/76139/28 "2009-11-26T06:41:55Z")
I forgot that the almighty Nikon D40 with kit lens is sacred on NYSpeed. I’ll just leave this thread. My only suggestion Bsp TC is you read some real reviews on actual camera sites, like Fred Miranda and DP Review. ---
**Author:** ![IanK](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/iank/32/5016_2.png) [@IanK](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/IanK)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2009, 8:28am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/looking-to-get-my-first-dslr/76139/29 "2009-11-26T08:28:05Z")
> [@ZOMGVTEK](#): > > Get a new D40 kit. > > The kit lens is fantastic for getting used to the camera, and you can takes quite amazing pics with a stock D40 right out of the box, even in full auto… In all honesty the 18-55 is fucking garbage, But for the price, and simplicity of the 40 body, it yields pretty decent results, and is a well rounded SLR kit. ---
**Author:** ![pirite](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/pirite/32/5308_2.png) [@pirite](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/pirite)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2009, 10:23am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/looking-to-get-my-first-dslr/76139/30 "2009-11-26T10:23:15Z")
> [@IanK](#): > > In all honesty the 18-55 is fucking garbage QFT ---
**Author:** ![Bsp\_TC](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/bsp_tc/32/4998_2.png) [@Bsp\_TC](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Bsp_TC)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2009, 3:52pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/looking-to-get-my-first-dslr/76139/31 "2009-11-26T15:52:56Z")
was looking on bhphotovideo at deals they dont have any d40 deals, how is this deal d3000 [http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/654408-REG/Nikon\_\_D3000\_Digital\_SLR\_Camera.html](http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/654408-REG/Nikon__D3000_Digital_SLR_Camera.html) ---
**Author:** ![ZOMGVTEK](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/zomgvtek/32/5063_2.png) [@ZOMGVTEK](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ZOMGVTEK)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2009, 6:36pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/looking-to-get-my-first-dslr/76139/32 "2009-11-26T18:36:38Z")
Well I only used the 18-55 once or twice, I normally use a 18-55 VR. But its a great focal length for the average user if you ask me. I think it might distort a bit and have some other issues the average user dosent notice or care about. I dont see how you can beat the D40 in its price range, especially since you can normally get them for about $400 if youre frugal and use the BB coupons etc… ---
**Author:** ![IanK](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/iank/32/5016_2.png) [@IanK](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/IanK)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2009, 7:51pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/looking-to-get-my-first-dslr/76139/33 "2009-11-26T19:51:27Z")
> [@Bsp TC](#): > > was looking on bhphotovideo at deals > > they dont have any d40 deals, how is this deal > > d3000 > [http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/654408-REG/Nikon\_\_D3000\_Digital\_SLR\_Camera.html](http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/654408-REG/Nikon__D3000_Digital_SLR_Camera.html) First. I still think that D3000 is anything special and i dont see it being worth the money. Second, the 55-200Vr is about as good as the 18-55, so now not only do you have one shitty lens, you have two. Its best not to invest too much in shitty glass, once you learn more you’ll see the benefit of nice lens’s. I still maintain that for a beginner your wasting you money on anything other than a basic body and one basic lens. This monday after black friday, you can usually get like 40% off things using Microsoft (bing) cashback, and D40 kits are only like 400 bucks anyway. ---
**Author:** ![PsngrSeatsR4Boys](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/psngrseatsr4boys/32/3078_2.png) [@PsngrSeatsR4Boys](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/PsngrSeatsR4Boys)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2009, 10:27pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/looking-to-get-my-first-dslr/76139/34 "2009-11-26T22:27:30Z")
I’m also looking to get into my first DSLR. My photog friends all referred me to Canon, mostly the Rebel T1i or the XSi. I’m just starting to look around and do some research on packages now. I’m probably going to go with canon only because I have heard great things about them. ---
**Author:** ![ILC](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/ilc/32/5337_2.png) [@ILC](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ILC)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2009, 10:39pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/looking-to-get-my-first-dslr/76139/35 "2009-11-26T22:39:59Z")
> [@Bsp TC](#): > > having video would be cool if im at the track but i doubt i would be using that much. Video is tough with SLRs, you don’t have a live LCD when you are taking video, and autofocus doesn’t continually work with it. Video on an SLR is literally set it up. get the focus that you want with it, and let things walk by or what ever. like I mentioned before… > [@ILC](#): > > Get a base model SLR right now or a Used nicer one. > > Use the standard lens. 18-55mm lens that comes with it. > > Learn the following: > > 1. Mechanics of the camera. (Shutter speed, Aperture, ISO…) - and really understand them, and experiment with them. then critique what they do. Longer shudder speed of someone running motion blur, short shudder = freezing time. shit like that > 2. Composition > 3. Lighting > > And seriously don’t just sit there and blast away and take 9000 pictures and pick out the ones you think are the best and post them here. You aren’t helping yourself at all. > > Everytime you take a picture, imagine it as its your last and the only thing anyone else will remember you by. So when you sit there and want to take a picture of something. At the very least think. What am I taking a picture of (focus of the picture or SUBJECT), how can I capture this picture (using sunlight, do you need to fill with the flash, do i need to crank up the ISO or hold the shudder open forever…), how can I capture the proper emotion (white balance, timing, …) > > If you can figure all that out, then its time to move up. > > Walter: Yes camera’s tend to have a life, i think its about 100,000 photos? 300,000 for pro grade cams. I’m uncertain about the camera counter… ---
**Author:** ![IanK](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/iank/32/5016_2.png) [@IanK](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/IanK)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2009, 8:35pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/looking-to-get-my-first-dslr/76139/36 "2009-11-27T20:35:04Z")
> [@PsngrSeatsR4Boys](#): > > I’m also looking to get into my first DSLR. My photog friends all referred me to Canon, mostly the Rebel T1i or the XSi. I’m just starting to look around and do some research on packages now. I’m probably going to go with canon only because I have heard great things about them. Canon is nice if you have the coin to spend on something nice. Like i said I think all those low line rebel’s and such are garbage. > [@ILC](#): > > Video is tough with SLRs, you don’t have a live LCD when you are taking video, and autofocus doesn’t continually work with it. > > Video on an SLR is literally set it up. get the focus that you want with it, and let things walk by or what ever. ^ WRD. However you do have the LCD for viewing on both the D90 and 5DMKII. But again, both relatively high dollar bodies. ---
**Author:** ![mike125k](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/mike125k/32/7282_2.png) [@mike125k](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/mike125k)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2009, 10:27am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/looking-to-get-my-first-dslr/76139/37 "2009-11-28T10:27:52Z")
> [@IanK](#): > > Canon is nice if you have the coin to spend on something nice. Like i said I think all those low line rebel’s and such are garbage. Are you basing this on any sort of tangible facts, or just a random statement based only on your opinion? Aside from high ISO Canon’s Rebel line can take great pics in the right hands. One of these pictures I shot with my Canon 1D, the other was shot with my Canon XTi. Both were shot with the same Canon 50mm f/1.8 lens. Without looking at the EXIF info guess which was done with which camera… ![http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2464/4003095530_4e7217c0b8_o.jpg](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/3X/b/8/b8aec7d3bf169b287c4d96c4dfc03621f0b469f8.jpeg) ![http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2694/4103914102_3d6b0d892d_b.jpg](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/3X/b/8/b8e25a14d609c901fa52d2b0a795f7c2f2215d10.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Saxon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@Saxon](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Saxon)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2009, 9:49pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/looking-to-get-my-first-dslr/76139/38 "2009-12-04T21:49:23Z")
looking at a 350d tomorrow hope im not wasting my time with it, then again anything is better than cell phone pics lol ---
**Author:** ![Bsp\_TC](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/bsp_tc/32/4998_2.png) [@Bsp\_TC](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Bsp_TC)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2009, 2:43pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/looking-to-get-my-first-dslr/76139/39 "2009-12-22T14:43:52Z")
Alright got my camera and now im looking to pick up another lens. Looking at- Nikon 50mm f/1.8d Nikkor AF Lens or Nikon 55-200 VR What would you choose, i know the 50mm doesn’t auto focus with the d40. Im looking at picking both of these up in the future but what would you suggest now. ---
**Author:** ![Bsp\_TC](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/bsp_tc/32/4998_2.png) [@Bsp\_TC](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Bsp_TC)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2010, 3:34pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/looking-to-get-my-first-dslr/76139/40 "2010-03-25T15:34:40Z")
alright so instead of starting a new thread about this ill just post in this one. Im looking to get a zoom lense now, what would you suggest. I was looking at either a 55-200 or a 70-300 [Previous page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/looking-to-get-my-first-dslr/76139.md?page=1) [Next page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/looking-to-get-my-first-dslr/76139.md?page=3)