DSLRs: So many models & features, so much confusion

14 years ago

I've started researching the purchase of a DSLR. I'm not buying immediately, but I enjoy the reading and the anticipation. At least I used to. This time I'm overwhelmed by the number of good cameras out there, the many models that don't seem all that different (even when they're made by the same manufacturer), and features so sophisticated that I haven't a clue what the descriptions mean.

Because I used to use a Nikon SLR and could transfer those lenses to a Nikon DSLR, I started out looking at the D90. Lots of good reviews and state-of-the-art features. Then someone mentioned the D5000. Lots of good reviews and state-of-the-art features.

I looked at my Nikon lenses this afternoon and decided they're not all that exciting. This opens up the field. I'm always hearing good things about Canon. I looked at the 50D. Lots of good reviews and state-of-the-art features.

Eeek!

Has anyone else done this kind of research lately and can help me sort it all out?

Thanks!

Susan

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Comments (15)

Chemocurl zn5b/6a Indiana
14 years ago
I've seen that a lot of cameras no longer have a viewfinder one can look through, but a screen instead. I don't know if the screens have made a lot of advances, but the ones I have looked at are hard to see due to the sunlight. I hope they don't all do away with the viewfinders. I'm not all that steady anymore holding something out like that and looking at it.

Do the ones you are looking have the conventional viewfinders as well as the screens to see what one is taking a pic of?

Sue
alisande
Original Author
14 years ago
Sue, SLRs and DSLRs use mirrors to enable you to look directly through the lens so you can see exactly what you're photographing. I don't yet own a DSLR, but I'm certain it has a viewfinder. I would never buy a camera that doesn't. I agree--holding the camera out leads to a lot of shake. And DSLRs tend to be heavy, which would increase the shake. I like to smush the camera against my face. :-)
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bigfoot_liz
14 years ago
sue you can buy a little piece of film to put on the screen to filter light and see the image. my DH has 1 on his DSLR LCD screen and loves it. there are some DSLR models w/ a tilt screen, Nikon has one i know. i am in the same predicament on researching. the prices are sooo cheap now that i want a new camera & my own DSLR, most likely a Nikon, i'm partial to them for their optics over Cannon. but knowing that they will be even cheaper at christmas is making me wait and probably get the D5000 Nikon.

my DH is getting me to think about what i buy lately, usually lol. we are going on a holiday cruise again and he convinced me to think about changing cruise dates to save $1500 and then i can get the cost of the camera included in what i would have spent anyways lol so now i'm thinking well i was buying that camera anyways so now i have that $$ to buy something else! he won't win...~ liz
alisande
Original Author
14 years ago
I just took a look at Davein_la's website to see what he's using. He mentions the Canon 50D. Of course, he also has a mega-humungous lens that probably cost as much as the camera.

Liz, tell me more about Nikon vs. Canon optics. I've never owned a Canon, but I can't imagine better images than some of the ones Dave has posted. OTOH, I'm lusting after a low-light B&W photo I saw on the DPReview's Nikon D90 forum......
caflowerluver
14 years ago
You should go over to Digital Photography Review website. You can do a comparison of several cameras in a grid pattern and see what each has in features. They also have reviews and forums to ask questions. I wish I would have waited when I got my Nikon Coolpix 8800 and got a DSLR instead. This has all the features of a DSLR except for changing lenses plus Image Stabilization. That was one of the reasons I got it and also it had a viewfinder. Can't take pictures without it.
Clare

Here is a link that might be useful: Buying guide
okwriter
14 years ago
Susan,
I know you are a meticulous researcher who likes to get the best bang for your buck...so I'll wait until YOU decide what to buy and then piggyback on your decision.
:-)
alisande
Original Author
14 years ago
LOL Oh, no--I've been found out! That's just what I was hoping to do, Rita.

Thanks for the link, Clare. Now all I have to do (on this lazy rainy day) is find someone who already did the comparison. :-)
caflowerluver
14 years ago
I did a comparison of the features I want and the Pentax K-7 looks the best for me - except for the price!
Clare
alisande
Original Author
14 years ago
Clare, I was browsing the Nikon D90 forum at DPReview this morning and I came across a discussion about a problem that has surfaced with the K-7. I forget what it was, but I'll bet they're talking about it on the Pentax DSLR forum, too.

My favorite 35mm cameras were my Pentax K-1000s. Great results every time.

I just did the comparison chart. The first thing I did was eliminate all the $8,000, $6,000, $3,000 and $2,000 cameras. :-)

I learned that the four I compared (two Nikons and two Canons) do not have Image Stabilization. Is this not something the DSLRs offer? Must be a good reason why not.
iowagirl2006
14 years ago
Fun to hear you are going from SLR to DSLR. I know SO many who have bought a Rebel - they are very popular around here - and don't know the first thing about using a SLR...and they won't even consider moving off of Auto. WHY did they buy a DSLR? LOL!

My friend found that her old lens didn't work that great. She went for the new ones that had stablization and was much happier.

OH! DAVE'S PICS ARE THE BOMB! I just wish I had a pinky full of that talent!
alisande
Original Author
14 years ago
Iowagirl, that answers my question: The image stabilization is in the lenses, not the camera body. I should have known that.

The D90 comes with the auto focus motor inside the camera so you can use it with manual lenses. But the only manual lenses I have are for my old Pentax.

Joan, if you're reading this, what are you shooting with these days? And all the regulars on "I'll Show You Mine......"??
alisande
Original Author
14 years ago
I found a very informative long review in Amazon's listing of the Canon 50D, and it turns out that the reviewer has a website that teaches people about using a DSLR:

DSLR Course

Then I browsed through customer photos for both the Canon 50D and the Nikon D90. I like the Nikon pics much better. Whether this is due to better image quality or a more skilled group of photographers, it's hard to say.

The plot thickens.

I'm laughing at myself because I'm thinking of this camera purchase as my "last camera." This makes me sound like my dad, who used to speak of buying his "last car." As it turned out, he had a series of "last cars." His real last car was the one he bought for his 89th birthday. At that rate, I could have quite a few "last cameras." :-)
casey_nfld
14 years ago
I have a Canon 40D and I'm very happy with it.

I don't think there is much difference between Nikon and Canon although I think Canon has more lens options if that matters to you down the road (buying lenses can be an addiction, I have 4 and just sold 1).

I think Nikon shooters will say buy Nikon and Canon shooters will say buy Canon. It's like Coke or Pepsi....it's all a matter of preference.
joan_mn
14 years ago
I use mainly a Canon Digital Rebel XTi (400D). I would LOVE the 50D, but I don't know if that will happen. Canon's image stabilization is in their lenses, you look for lenses with IS in the name.
I have a Canon 70-200mm F4.0L IS USM lens, it is VERY sharp!
I really do love my Rebel, the quality is great, and there are tons of lenses to pick from with Canon (and Nikon, too, I'm sure).
jemdandy
14 years ago
The older optics of both Canon and Nikon are excellent. What you need to look for is do these older lensses have features that will interface with the lens controls in the new camera. Can it auto-focus? Or will it be a 'manual only' lense? What about anti-shake? Automatic aperature setting? Face recognition and a host of other features found in Digital camera. Will the lens and speed settings appear in the view finder?

The most important feature is does the focus field completely cover the sensor. The camera maufacture can guide you on this. They should supply a list of lenses that are comaptible with the new camera.

What you could do is purchase the body only and use your existing lens. It may be a "manual only" for speed and arperature settings. However, that may be a good thing.

One of the things that I miss in the lower cost class of digital cameras is easy manual control. There are many times when I wish to grab the lens barrel and control the focus and adjust the exposure too. There are many instances where complete automation misses the mark for me.

Use the camera for awhile, and then decide on which lens to buy.

DSLRs: So many models & features, so much confusion

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Chemocurl zn5b/6a Indiana

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