I'm looking to purchase a DSLR Camera. I have little to no experience with good cameras, photography, etc. I'll likely shoot a little bit of everything (sports, cars, vacation, family, etc.). Mainly stills but some action / motion shots.

I was looking into the Canon EOS Rebel XSI package. Would this be a good starter camera for the price?

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...gon=&langid=EN

How about the Pentax? I seen that one guys thread and his pictures where truly amazing. I know there's a lot more to photography then a good camera but it would be nice to have some of the right tools.

http://www.sears.ca/gp/product/B001D...earsBrand=core

If anyone has any other brands / models they prefer please send me your favorites! I'm hoping to keep the price below $1000 CAN.

Thanks in advance!

 

Nikon D40 has great reviews...

 

Spirit

When going for a SLR, remember that it is both the camera body and the lenses that make up the SLR system.

Review your normal shooting requirements and analyze the available systems (Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax etc). Go to the nearest camera store and try out the camera and lens combinations that fit your shooting requirements.

For a starter package, try out the Canon Rebel package or the Nikon D40 package. Both of these systems are really good. Olympus and Pentax also have good cameras.

 

Thanks all! I have a lot of searching / shopping to do......

 

I recommend the following website:

www.dpreview.com

 

One nice feature of the Nikon D40 for new users, is the fact that it has a built in help system. If it thinks you need to adjust a setting, it has a question mark icon that blinks on the display. Pressing the help button then gives you a detailed explanation.

 

I agree, definitely look at the entire system, not just at what you're looking to buy right now.

 

That could be annoying, can you turn that off?

 

I don't know. I haven't noticed a setting that would turn it off. It's a very small icon and not very noticeable. I miss it all the time. The same help button also works on all the menu options so anytime you can get an explanation of what an option does.

 

The Nikon D80 has just been replace by the D90. You could pickup a D80 and an extra lens for about the same money as the Cannon

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...al_Camera.html

and

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...G_AF_S_VR.html

Most of he cameras are more dependant on the nut on the other side of the view finder. Pentex, Nikon, Cannon, Sony and the others can all take good pictures. Spend some good time in the shop trying the camera's out. Rent competing brands if you can. If you have a friend that shoots with one brand consider purchasing that brand. You can learn a lot from watching a friend (that goes for bad habits too but I'm sure you get the idea).
Nikon's tend to be a little more rugged and some like the user interfact more. Cannons tend to have more lenses, and be very sharp (at the level you are looking at).
What ever system you purchas figure on an extra battery and extra card. After you start shooting some start thinking about a GOOD tripod or mono pod (you said you want to shoot cars). Sooner or later you will want a flash.

I mention all the above because once you start with one camera you are kind locked in to that company's system. With in that system you can upgrade camera bodies (keeping old lenses) so when you think about a lens go for the good stuf. The lens will out last a body.

 

Thanks DaCrema! I'll have some time to shop and ask around since I'm looking to purchase around Christmas / New Years. Figured there'd be some good deals as 2008 comes to a close, and it gives me enough time to do some more shopping / research. I have been looking at the D80 kits, thanks! Keeping all my options open at this point.