(Another) Which DSLR for indoor family photography

[canuckgirl]

I am sick of the crappy photos i'm getting from my P&S and am ready to take the plunge for a quality camera. What I want:

DSLR body
External flash (apparently necessary for great indoor shots)
Lens for shooting kids/portraits indoors in low light

I want to know the best prices on these items and whether buying used is a good option (no warrantee) What brands does everyone recommend? I am by no means an expert in photography, but am excited to learn and capture all these moments with my kids that are going too fast! Thanks so much!

[rayt-]

What's the budget you're going to be working with? That will limit what you can/cannot get.

[canuckgirl]

I would like to be around 1000-1200 is that possible if I buy some items used?
Also wanted to add that I am going to the states in Nov. for several days and could buy some new items there if they are much cheaper cross-border! Thanks again!

[v_tofu]

I would like to be around 1000-1200 is that possible if I buy some items used?
Also wanted to add that I am going to the states in Nov. for several days and could buy some new items there if they are much cheaper cross-border! Thanks again!

For that budget, I would suggest something like a D90 body with 18-105 vr lens, and the 35 1.8 prime. The kit lens will give you a good range, and the 35 1.8 will help you in low light situations. For external flash, you can get a used SB600 for about $200.

Those 4 items used should be around your budget. You might want to check out other brands (Canon, Sony, etc) in that range, I just mention Nikon b/c I'm familar with their products.



note: better photos are not guaranteed with a DSLR. If you use that thing in "auto" you'll be getting similar pics as your P+S.

cheers,

[Xeros]

For that budget, I would suggest something like a D90 body with 18-105 vr lens, and the 35 1.8 prime. The kit lens will give you a good range, and the 35 1.8 will help you in low light situations. For external flash, you can get a used SB600 for about $200.

Those 4 items used should be around your budget. You might want to check out other brands (Canon, Sony, etc) in that range, I just mention Nikon b/c I'm familar with their products.



note: better photos are not guaranteed with a DSLR. If you use that thing in "auto" you'll be getting similar pics as your P+S.

cheers,

Pretty decent package. Keep in mind some warranties when buying out of country only apply in that country. US warranty is done in the US only, etc..

Even if you shoot auto on DSLR, it'll be better than P&S for sure, but you start off with baby steps and learn the settings and you'll be better.

[gotak]

Pretty decent package. Keep in mind some warranties when buying out of country only apply in that country. US warranty is done in the US only, etc..

Even if you shoot auto on DSLR, it'll be better than P&S for sure, but you start off with baby steps and learn the settings and you'll be better.

Not true. Canon USA warranty are valid in Canada.

[kay188]

Canon XSi with the 18-55 IS + 55-250 IS lenses, package at futureshop, will run you less than $1000.

Add a 50mm F/1.8 for low light which is about $100, as well as a 430EX II flash for about $250 - $300.

Should that package should last you a long time.

Buying used off of the BST forums or craigslist would save you some money.
Many people are selling with low use in mint condition.

[gotak]

Used is a good way to go I think.

For the Canon option. XSi or a T1i would be a good starting point. They can be had within your budget.

For example: T1i with 18-55 and 55-250 lenses $1149

http://www.adencamera.com/prod-overv...945&Category=1

The nice thing about this set is you get two good kit lens that will get you started. Plus the T1i does pretty good HD video which I think you'll enjoy for those family events.

Add a 2nd hand 430ex flash for about 200 bucks and you are a bit over your budget but have a kit that will get you started. If 1400 is too much you can also start off with a T1i with only the 18-55 lens which should be more then enough for your indoor uses. Or you can go for the XSi and save more but lose the HD video feature.

Good luck and let us know what you decide on

[canuckgirl]

Thanks so much for the info so far guys! A couple of questions:

The canon 50d has a much higher fps rate than the T1i, almost double. If I got serious about photography would I really miss this feature for capturing restless kids? Would the 50d be a better choice but without the extra lens right away or get the T1i + extras now?

What should I look for or beware of when buying camera equipment used?

I will probably be using the auto feature for a little while as i'm sure photography has a learning curve, but I want to get fabulous shots that capture my family as I see them and i'm willing to put in the work to get that!

[Astin]

The canon 50d has a much higher fps rate than the T1i, almost double. If I got serious about photography would I really miss this feature for capturing restless kids? Would the 50d be a better choice but without the extra lens right away or get the T1i + extras now?

I will probably be using the auto feature for a little while as i'm sure photography has a learning curve, but I want to get fabulous shots that capture my family as I see them and i'm willing to put in the work to get that!

FPS - unlikely. That number also depends on things like scene conditions (ie.- low light = slower shots), memory card speed, etc.. Faster continuous shooting speeds are more useful for professional uses. Better lenses will outweigh this by far.

Note as well that the auto feature (or more accurately - the 'P' as opposed to full auto) will still be used a fair bit for your needs, even after you've learned all you want to about photography. When you want to capture something right away, or will be following the family around through different rooms/situations, then fiddling with shutter speed, aperture, etc., won't be a luxury you'll have most of the time. Getting the settings just right is for when your subject isn't going to get restless and leave - ie.- not kids.

If you go with Nikon, I'd suggest NOT getting the 50mm lens, but the 35mm 1.8 (as has been suggested already). In your price range, you're looking at a crop sensor, which means a 50mm won't cover enough of the scene (especially when chasing kids). The 35mm will give better coverage. Sadly, Canon doesn't have a 35mm that's equivalent in speed and price.

[pmc]

Are you sure you want a DSLR? I've seen people thinking they need one only to have it gather dust. There are better P&S, what P&S are you using right now? it's tough giving advice on, i have crummy indoor pics from my crappy P&S only to get buy X or Y without first knowing how and what and why you shoot. A $1 000 000 camera in the hands of a newb vs a $10 camera in the hands of a pro can be quite different, Cameras are tools, how you use them will determine quality of image.

[gotak]

Thanks so much for the info so far guys! A couple of questions:

The canon 50d has a much higher fps rate than the T1i, almost double. If I got serious about photography would I really miss this feature for capturing restless kids? Would the 50d be a better choice but without the extra lens right away or get the T1i + extras now?

What should I look for or beware of when buying camera equipment used?

I will probably be using the auto feature for a little while as i'm sure photography has a learning curve, but I want to get fabulous shots that capture my family as I see them and i'm willing to put in the work to get that!

I find the burst mode on the 50D is useful when you know there's going to be something interesting to take photos of. If it happens suddenly I am usually in single shot mode without servo AF mode anyhow so the rate is moot at that point.

The camera you don't have with you is useless. The 50D is a lot heavier and bigger then the t1i. For some people it's enough to make them not use the camera as much. So you have to take that into consideration.

The learning curve for basic photography is pretty easy. Try reading up on aperture, shutter speed and exposure. I think if you are used to using all the technology we have now a days you'll pick it up quickly. If you stay in auto you'll never get the practice to use the camera fully. And the two semi-auto modes are pretty easy to use as well. A week or two of practice and you'll be getting some decent photos.

I would suggest you get the T1i for now. If you get into it you can always sell it and get a better camera.

As to PMC's point. If that's a concern the panasonic GF1 is a great alternative but an expensive one to give better then P&S shoot results, without the bulk and weight of a full DSLR camera.

[v_tofu]

What should I look for or beware of when buying camera equipment used?

Shutter Actuations, (i.e shutter count)

where it was originally purchased (US, Canada, Grey market). Important for Nikon, as Nikon Canada won't service nikon products from US or elsewhere. Even if you want to pay for repairs.


You'll usually find alot of used stuff are not very used at all. Lots of ppl upgrading, or getting a DSLR only to find its too big to lug around.

cheers,

[v_tofu]

Even if you shoot auto on DSLR, it'll be better than P&S for sure, but you start off with baby steps and learn the settings and you'll be better.

I actually have to disagree with that for the most part. Outside where you have plenty of light, I don't think you'll see much difference between the images SOOC.

Inside where its dark and you don't use flash, you will see big difference in usable ISO. But, your image will still look similar if you use the onboard flash.

[canuckgirl]

Thanks again for so much help!

I used to have a G5 that I used a lot and really liked (I got some great shots with it) But I sold it and got the SD870is, because what I thought I wanted was a P&S that I could keep with me at all times. I am regretting that now because while I do have a small travel sized camera I don't use it as much as I would like because it gives me such crappy shots indoors. I should really stress that almost ALL my photos will be portraits and family indoor shots in low light. I just don't think there is a P&S that will give me the shots I want. I want that nice crisp face that captures my kids perfectly (with a nice blurry background and I'll keep going until I get it! I do plan on learning how to use it properly. I have no problem lugging around a big DSLR if I know i'll get the shots I want!

Since i've described exactly the shooting i'll be doing, which is more important to get first: lens 50mm F/1.8 or kit lens and buy an external flash?