Thinking About Making The Switch

Brett

Well I've been shooting digital for quite some time now, probably 3 years. I'm just under 18 and have been using my Sony F717 for about a year and a half. I've really had some thoughts of buying a digital SLR. I plan on getting a new camera before spring time and spending roughly $1000-1500 for it. The thing I'm torn about is if I should stick with the digital and buy the new Sony R1 or get and DSLR. If a DSLR what kind? What lenses for sports and portraits? Any input?

DanielB

Brett wrote:

Well I've been shooting digital for quite some time now, probably 3 years. I'm just under 18 and have been using my Sony F717 for about a year and a half. I've really had some thoughts of buying a digital SLR. I plan on getting a new camera before spring time and spending roughly $1000-1500 for it. The thing I'm torn about is if I should stick with the digital and buy the new Sony R1 or get and DSLR. If a DSLR what kind? What lenses for sports and portraits? Any input?

wait till spring/summer for the Canon 20D replacement to come out. buy a used 20D, a 28-105 3.5-4.5 II USM, a 70-200 f/4L and you'll be set for a long time to come. also get a 50 f/1.8

just my .02

rutt

DanielB wrote:

wait till spring/summer for the Canon 20D replacement to come out. buy a used 20D, a 28-105 3.5-4.5 II USM, a 70-200 f/4L and you'll be set for a long time to come. also get a 50 f/1.8

just my .02

That's a good 2 cents, but it doesn't get him shooting soon. Look at this:

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/325309

Offer the guy $1500 or less. Sounds like he'll take it.

ian408

You can find a couple of cameras in that price range. Both the Rebel XT and
20D fall into that range. If you shop for a used camera, you might find a
better deal.

DanielB's advice is good. If you can wait, the price might be better (or you
might get a great rebate).

Good luck with your decision!

Ian

DanielB

the reason i chose those lenses is because the 50mm is great for portraits, the 70-200 is what you want for sports. and the 28-105 us a fantastic walk-around lense with 'L' quality pictures.

what i said is what i've experienced. i too am a young photographer, at an age of 14, that advice was the best i can give. good luck shooting.

and keep up the work

daniel

howard

Well it goes without saying that you have to reach your own decision; we can't do it for you. You have enough experience with your existing camera to enable you to make the right one. If you haven’t done so yet I’d read the review on the R1 at dpreview.

Some questions you need to ask yourself. 1) Would you be happy with the maximum focal length of the R1? I’d guess not if you want to do sport. If your current 190mm equivalent isn’t enough then you can stop here. 2) What sports do you want to shoot? If you need a long fast lens that alone could blow your budget. 3) Do you have the patience to start with 1 or 2 lenses and add more later, or will it drive you crazy. 4) How will you output your images? If you want to do large prints or want to pixel peep at 100% you’ll need good lenses. If you only want to print small and not crop much the cheaper lenses may be enough.

If you decide to go the DSLR route, and I think you will, then look at systems not just cameras. Once you buy into lenses for one brand it is costly to change.

DavidTO

Brett,

My advice is: don't do it unless you or your family has deep pockets. It seems all well and good to get a DSLR, but it's a money pit, my friend. A black hole of greed, lust and avarice. You will always find something else you need...really, really need for that monkey on your back.

If you have the money to spare, however, go for it. It's great fun. And you will be much happier in the long run, I believe. As happy as one can be living in a cardboard box, since they've spent all of their money on camera equipment....