babybundy asked: Hi there! I'm starting school in the fall for digital photography, but I have yet to get myself a D-SLR, and right now I'm stuck with a point-and-shoot (kill me please D:!) What I was wondering is, what would suggest for someone who is on a budget (under $1,000) and wants a good digital camera? I've done some research, but I figured I'd ask you (:

Not sure I’m the right person for this one.  I’ve only ever owned 1 digital camera, and it’s not exactly cheap.  

I’m a Canon man, come from a Canon family, so I’d suggest one of their newer mid-range DSLRs. Maybe the T2i? I think that one’s just under $1k, I’ve heard good things about it.  Actually, maybe the T1i, it’ll be a bit cheaper because the T2i exists, and it’s still a solid camera.  

I think of it like I think of Apple computers: never get the newest thing. Get the one just below it.  You’ll save some cash, and the tech difference isn’t all that significant.  

Which could be totally wrong, but I’d be very surprised if 100% of my life philosophies are right on the money.  VERY SURPRISED. 

So factor that in, too.  The T1i does video, though, the 30 & 40D do not, so that’s also worth considering.

ADDENDUM: 

Twitter follower josh_ross states:

  @louobedlam The rebels line sucks because it takes 2 buttons to change aperture. A used 30D or 40D is cheaper and a better camera. You can pick up a 30D for like $400 and a 40D will run you in the $8-900 range I think.

So factor that in, too.  The T1i does video, though, the 30 & 40D do not, so that’s also worth considering.

Notes

  1. photolodico said: i love my rebel. just saying. although now I for real want to check out the 30D and 40D… I have an XTi and I need to start thinking about my next digital. Also, it’s the eye behind the camera more then the camera itself. Preaching to the choir.
  2. taf said: Would definitely recommend the x0D line - I have a 20D and love it. They just feel more solid in a way that my boyfriend’s 300D doesn’t. It’s really more about the lenses though, so I reckon get whatever body looks decent to them.
  3. carlodj said: i vote for a new rebel like the t1i, esp because of video (worth the extra $). 2 button aperture shifting isn’t a dealbreaker to me esp since it’s only done in Manual mode. I started with a rebel, katie west used one a ton. it’s a great first camera.
  4. louobedlam posted this