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Originally Posted by deep_bang Hi all,
I am reading this thread closely. I think i am going to take the plunge some time soon. My head is still not convinced of it, but i am at a point where i can only find out if i really want a SLR by actually buying it. Well, thats a different point altogether, but right now i am just reading up on SLR's so, when i am ready to buy one, i am all set with the info. Also, i am looking for an entry level SLR only here. Why not a high end point and shoot? I don't know - please don't ask me that question right now - i don't have an answer. |
I am in the same boat as you. Only that the head is convinced, pocket is not.  I think it makes sense to buy a DSLR, even if entry level, rather than a point and shoot, if you are seriously interested in photography. If you are only interested in good looking pics which the PS can deliver, then they are the way to go. Quote:
Firstly, everyone here suggests that lenses are more important. So what do i have to look for in a lens.
1. Should i look for the brand?
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Canon, Nikon, Olympus etc make the best lenses and cameras. Tokina, Tamron, Sigma etc have third party lenses, while cheaper, whose performance may be comparable to the camera brand lenses. it all depends on which particular lens you choose. Quote:
2. It appears that not all lens may work with digital and analog cameras. But this is not a concern as i am never going to use a film camera.
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Some features may not be available if you use old lenses(mainly autofocus) with new cameras, but almost all Nikon lenses are compatible. The compatibility guide tells you which feature is available/unavailable. Quote:
3. VR lens: Read that this the Image stabilization equivalent for SLR's. Somehow VR's seem to be associated with Nikon usually - so it is a Nikon branded product? If so, what should i look for in a Canon lens for Image stabilization.
Also, how important is image stabilization? On my point and shoot, it helps quite a bit, but people who have used SLR's may please comment more on this.
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VR is a term used by Nikon, Canon uses IS. It allows you to take images without a tripod, if you chose to. It really helps if you have unsteady hands. I would always choose a VR lens. Quote:
4. I saw a deal for: Canon EOS Rebel XS (a.k.a. 1000D) SLR Digital Camera Kit (Silver) with 18-55mm IS Lens & 75-300mm III Lens for about $500 in the US.
Is this a good deal? It seemed to be so, since i had never come across anything sub $500 with both lenses. However, there has to be a catch somewhere. What does the 75 - 300mm III lens signify. The photo showed it to be a canon lens and also from a reputed online site.
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You get what you pay for. Pro quality lenses are 1000+(from what I have seen). They say that the lens is more important than the camera, so I would be looking at getting a good lens, rather than two kit lenses that are so-so. Quote:
5. Any other thoughts or suggestions?
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I am sure you will get lots, from the experts here. |