Camera wonks, help please.

[Law Dawg]

I'm thinking about upgrading to a much better digital camera than my Cannon Elf. It would be used on my rides and for family photography. I have found an Olympus E-300 Evolt two lens kit that I am considering. Cost is $950. Time to move up in my camera skills...it's all yer fault. There are some right purdy pic done here.

What say ye camera wonks?

[chief]

Biased but I like the Canon Rebel. You can get a 6.3 meg for around $799 with an 18-55mm lens but will need to get a cf card as it is not included. I just got the XT for $200 more but I'm kinda nutty that way.

[Law Dawg]

Kenny, thanks for the tip. I did some research and the Rebel digital sounds like a fine camera. The deal breaker is that the Olympus comes with two lenses (sorry don't remember the size). To duplicate this with the Rebel ($800 for body only) would be expensive.

Anyone have any other suggestions?

[z_bassman]

Everything you could possibly want to know.

[FD929]

Make sure you post the elf in the classifieds!!!

[Law Dawg]

Originally Posted by FD929

Make sure you post the elf in the classifieds!!!

Oh no, this little camera is way cool and was a gift form my bride. It just will not do all I want a camera to do. The optical mag is too low and I find myself adjusting by getting closer to the subject. Outdoor shots don't always allow this. I will keep it for a throw down camera...hmmm, wonder if I can find an ankle holster?

[Law Dawg]

Sean, thank you very much, that was a great site. Our local Costco has a kit that includes a 265 meg card and both the 14-45 and 40-150 lens'. For $950, seems a pretty good deal to me.

A pro friend recommended a Nikon bottom end pro camera. The body alone cost $1000 and the lenses would double that and more. This guy just got a Haaslebaad (sp?) 22 meg camera (cost about what a compact car would) so the Nikon would be a small cost to him.

[kluts]

Just looked today at Frys' who has both a Canon Rebel with one lens 8 Megalo Pixies around $900. This is an SLR and Rebels have a good reputation for ease of use as well as picture qual.

Fry's also is offering the Olympus digital SLR, also a good camera, and TWO Zuiko lenses, 8 Meggy Piggies too, at around mid $800's. Olympus also doing a great job in the digi-market. Nikon is good but overpriced IMHO.

Don't overlook Sony's offerings with Carl Zeiss lenses, these are great quality cameras with good optical variable lenses, but they're tuff to find in the bargain catalogue......

Also Konica/Minolta still offering dimage type cameras with good optics too. Should have renamed the company Konimolta or Minonica!!!

[the mad otter]

A nice thing about the Canon Rebel is that it is compatible with most of the lenses made for the 35mm version. There are lots of lenses available both new and used for those systems. Down the road that could save you a bundle while creating great variety. Just a thought.
Alan
PS...I like my Sony

[motorrad]

Hi Mark,

I've found camera preference to be much like motorcycle loyalty. I've been a Pentax follower since my teenage years, where a K1000 SLR film taught me well. Great for black & white and color pics. I did slides for the longest time, and was into Ansel Adams scenery type photography. I upgraded to the Pentax ME Super, then the digital Optio S4 became my current rig. The Optio is very small, easy to carry, and takes a great 4 megapixel shot. I really like the lense and quality, plus it has many features to tune the pic. Only draw back is it is tiny and hard to use the nobbology with gloves on.

I'm thinking of buying the Pentax IST DS SLR digital 6 megapixal, only because Pentax puts out a quality product and I'm loyal to their brand after 20+ year of use. Lenses are a big consideration, and I believe Cannon probably has the best assortment for multi-use lenses. So this all boils down to what feels good in this price range of digital SLRs. All are good, high quality. Follow your karma and you can't go wrong.

And most important. Buy plenty of memory capacity and back up battery supply. As you get up in pixel resolution, you'll need plenty of memory chips. Batterys are getting better and last a while. Until that primo twisty appears and you have to go back and recharge or delete stuff.

Tom