CameraRec » Budget DSLR

Digital Camera Buying Guide

toby — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 01:16:57 +0000

Let’s keep this short and sweet – If I had $____ to spend on a camera what would I buy. . . (see below for lens ideas)

	If I had $200 to spend I would buy the Canon HS300 This little P&S is little! but offers excellent quality, 1080p with stereo audio and the neat feature of slow mo video. I would spend the extra $50 on an 8GB SD Card (it comes w/ a 4GB and HDMI cable) an Ultra Compact Camera Case and a Joby Flexible Tripod. NOTE: This Camera at $149 is already blackfriday discounted – Amazon’s price matches the expected door buster price being offered by BestBuy.
	If I had $400 I would buy the Canon PowerShot S100 & that would require me to scrounge a bit for an extra $30 but it wold be worth it. The new DIGIC 5 Image Processor means fast performance and excellent low light images. Additional features similar to the HS300 above but with a very cool control ring for manual control over a range of settings and GPS for automatic location tagging of your photos.
	If I had $600 I would buy the Panasonic LUMIX G3 Four-Thirds Camera with 14-42mm Lens And just like that we are now in the territory of cameras with removeable lenses – DSLR like – this is not a true DSLR because it doesn’t have a mirror that directs the image that comes through the lens to an optical viewfinder. What it does have and offers is an electronic viewfinder and a flip out LCD screen with touch to focus (and lots of other touch to do something options) Fast and silent autofocus, 360 motion panorama and loads of video options. Downside- battery life isn’t great and additional lenses aren’t cheap. There are other really close competitors for my heart at this price range.
	If I had $800 I would buy the Canon EOS Rebel T3i with EF-S 18-55m IS Lens You get a whole lot of DSLR for this price- a gorgeous flipity out LCD screen, 1080P recording – in fact the T3i shares same image/video quality with the much more expensive 7D and even offers a few features like video zoom that you don’t get in the 7D. And for those that dream of going big as a photographer wireless flash control is a cherry on the T3i pie.
	If I had $1000 I would buy the Canon EOS Rebel T3i with EF-S 18-55m IS Lens (yep same as above) and add an external flash like Speedlite 320EX Flash – This is going to do loads for your indoor & outdoor photos and has a video light AND has a remote for triggering the shutter on the camera.
	If I had $1200 I would buy the Fujifilm X100 – this is a DSLR sensor in a small range finder like body with a fixed lens. Sure you are giving up the versatility of a DSLR with removable lenses and no zoom but what you get is a fantastically peppy camera, superb quality and it is all packaged in a stylish body.

Holiday Shopping: Camera Guide – If I had. . .

toby — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 23:24:57 +0000

Cape Neddick ("Nubble") Light - Copyright Tobias Gelston

Let’s keep this short and sweet – If I had $____ to spend on a camera what would I buy. . . (see below for lens ideas)

Black Friday Updates 7am

HS300 at $149 -See description below, Excellent buy for a tiny but high quality camera

SX230 at $199 – Very similar in quality and features to HS300 (which is to say excellent) AND adds 3″ LCD screen, 14x zoom GPS for tagging photos – this is a stellar buy – View on Amazon Price includes a 4GB SD card and Mini HDMI Cable

Sony Cyber-ShotTX10 16.2 MP Waterproof Camera is Amazon’s Gold Box Deal of the day and at $169 for a waterproof rugged camera that shoots 16MP and 1080i video is very tempting. Be warned that this camera is sloooooow, slow to start up and slow to take photo/video. Also the touch screen that lets you control most of the operations is no fun to use especially once the screen gets wet. . like underwater!! Amazon’s return policy is good so if you are dying to try out a waterproof camera you could give it a shot. The next waterproof camera I feel comfortable recommending is $100 more, the excellent Panasonic LumixTS3 12.1 MP Rugged/Waterproof Camera Simple controls and truly feels like it can take some abuse and spend some time underwater.

More Amazon Black Friday Deals & BF Electronic Deals

	If I had $200 to spend I would buy the Canon HS300 This little P&S is little! but offers excellent quality, 1080p with stereo audio and the neat feature of slow mo video. I would spend the extra $50 on an 8GB SD Card (it comes w/ a 4GB and HDMI cable) an Ultra Compact Camera Case and a Joby Flexible Tripod. NOTE: This Camera at $149 is already blackfriday discounted – Amazon’s price matches the expected door buster price being offered by BestBuy.
	If I had $400 I would buy the Canon PowerShot S100 & that would require me to scrounge a bit for an extra $30 but it wold be worth it. The new DIGIC 5 Image Processor means fast performance and excellent low light images. Additional features similar to the HS300 above but with a very cool control ring for manual control over a range of settings and GPS for automatic location tagging of your photos.
	If I had $600 I would buy the Panasonic LUMIX G3 Four-Thirds Camera with 14-42mm Lens And just like that we are now in the territory of cameras with removeable lenses – DSLR like – this is not a true DSLR because it doesn’t have a mirror that directs the image that comes through the lens to an optical viewfinder. What it does have and offers is an electronic viewfinder and a flip out LCD screen with touch to focus (and lots of other touch to do something options) Fast and silent autofocus, 360 motion panorama and loads of video options. Downside- battery life isn’t great and additional lenses aren’t cheap. There are other really close competitors for my heart at this price range.
	If I had $800 I would buy the Canon EOS Rebel T3i with EF-S 18-55m IS Lens You get a whole lot of DSLR for this price- a gorgeous flipity out LCD screen, 1080P recording – in fact the T3i shares same image/video quality with the much more expensive 7D and even offers a few features like video zoom that you don’t get in the 7D. And for those that dream of going big as a photographer wireless flash control is a cherry on the T3i pie.
	If I had $1000 I would buy the Canon EOS Rebel T3i with EF-S 18-55m IS Lens (yep same as above) and add an external flash like Speedlite 320EX Flash – This is going to do loads for your indoor & outdoor photos and has a video light AND has a remote for triggering the shutter on the camera.
	If I had $1200 I would buy the Fujifilm X100 – this is a DSLR sensor in a small range finder like body with a fixed lens. Sure you are giving up the versatility of a DSLR with removable lenses and no zoom but what you get is a fantastically peppy camera, superb quality and it is all packaged in a stylish body.

Which DSLR should I buy [May 2011]

toby — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 19:56:40 +0000

Everytime I revisit this post I have a harder time recomending one model/brand over another – at this point all of the cameras on this list are excellent and will produce superb images under normal conditions. It is important that you read over the pros and cons of each and decide what is right for you. I encourage you to ask questions via twitter(@camerarec), leaving a comment or using the chat window to the right. I am here to help and guide you toward the best camera for YOU! Prices can and do fluctuate a good bit. If your budget is very tight check with me, I am happy to try and hunt down a deal or make alternate recommendations based on your needs. Keeping it short and sweet. . . The very short & sweet guide: My Recs [<$500 = Buy a used XSi, Budget($650) = Nikon D3100, $800-$1000 = Canon T3i, $1000-$1500 = Nikon D7000, Above $1500 = Canon 7D] Slightly longer guide:

Budget (~ $600)

Best of the bunch: Nikon D3100 Buy a Nikon D3100 14MP, 1080P video @ 24 FPS, very user friendly with guide mode, full time auto focus in video mode*, Good low light performance at this price point (~$650) Cheaper but without video functions- Buy a used Canon XSi 10 MP megapixels, Live View, 3″ LCD with 230K resolution (~$400) *The Autofocus used during video is slow and somewhat noisy, meaning the on camera mic will record the sound of the camera focusing. If you want to capture your child in a play or a predictable sporting event the AF is fine. If you are trying to capture someone or something moving in unpredictable patterns you may find yourself frustrated as the AF “hunts” for focus lock. If you are planning on doing more serious video you should consider the Canon T3i(below) and learn to manual focus. Another benefit of the T3i and D5100 is the addition of a mic port, letting you connect an external microphone and getting much better audio quality. $700 – $1000 Best of the bunch: Canon T3i (But . . .)


Canon T3i (600D)	Nikon D5100	Panasonic GH2
18MP – Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, (12800 with boost) ISO	16MP – Auto, 100- 6400 (plus 12800, 25600 with boost) ISO	16MP – Auto, Intelligent ISO, 160, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800 ISO
Video: 1920 x 1080 (30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 50 fps), 640 x 480 (60, 50 fps)	1920 x 1080 (30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (30, 25, 24 fps), 640 x 424 (30, 25 fps)	1920 x 1080 (24, 60fps) 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 848 x 480 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30fps), 320 x 240 (30fps)
LCD: Articulated 3″ 1,040,000 dots	Articulated 3″ 921,000 dots	Articulated 3″ 460,000 dots

The T3i builds on a very succesful and popular T2i that feels like it was released just yesterday. The obvious change is the articulaed LCD screen, a gorgeous 1 million dot articulating LCD appeals to both the photographer reviewing their shots, you can really tell if the focus is sharp and the videographer that wants to shoot at odd angles. Inside the camera is using the same sensor as the 7D, performance and quality is excellent though at low light the D5100 outperforms. An internal change from the T2i is the ability to wireleslsy control multiple flashes (or just one) giving the budding photographer a great way to get creative lighting shots without resorting to expensive radio triggers. Final note the ergonomics have been tweaked and getting excellent reviews from both a how it feels when you hold it and ease of adjustments. Bottom line – Lots of features are packed into this camera that provides the beginner photographer/videographer plenty of room to grow.	Shares a sensor with the excellent D7000 so you know you will get excellent still images and at this price point superb low light performance though the difference isn’t THAT great when compared against the T3i. Video performance is capable if you are serious about video the additional frame rates of the T3i provide greater flexibility in shooting. Some complaints about the redesign layout, not as friendly, especially when adjusting settings in manual mode as the T3i. Camera also lacks an inbody focus motor, this means some lenses will not AF on the camera, though as I write this Nikon is announcing a 50mm f/1.8 that makes this less of an issue. Bottom line – There is lots of camera to love here but if you are serious about photography the T3i gives you more room to grow, and if you’re not serious about photography you should consider the D3100 and save a few dollars.	The GH2 is not a true DSLR, no mirror that directs what the lens sees to the viewfinder. And the sensor is a smaller 4/3 sensor, smaller than the APS-C size of the T3i and the D5100. Smaller sensor usually means poor low light performance but the GH2 is really impressive and in a smaller body you get performance nearly on par with the two other cameras in this class especially up to ISO 3200. Where the GH2 really shines is in video control and performance. Bottom line – Fantastic controls, features and options make this an excellent video machine that also happens to take solid still photos and all in a slightly smaller package. You do pay for this performance in a smaller package.
Wireless flash control, Auto focus capabilities with cheap 50mm prime lens, 60,50 fps at 720, very good build and button placement, video clip mode (stiches multiple short video clips into one longer video), video zoom 3x-10x	Beginner friendly, full time autofocus during video*see note about D3100 above, better lowlight performance, built in HDR	Micro 4/3 camera (means smaller sensor and no mirror) uses an electronic viewfinder and touch screen LCD for controls. 60fps at 1080p and excellent autofocus with built in stereo mic.
Canon EOS Rebel T3i	Nikon D5100	Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2

$1000 – $1500

Best of the bunch: Nikon D7000 Buy a Nikon D7000 ($1499 w/ 18-105 lens) 16MP, Excellent low-light performance, HD video, 920k LCD , 100% viewfinder, built in wireless flash capabilities, dual SD card slots Buy a Canon 60D ($1399 w/ 18-135 lens) Same sensor as t2i and 7D = same image and video options/quality. What sets 60D apart is articulating LCD, manual audio controls for shooting video and a build that is still plastic and similar to the rebel line but w/ top LCD and a more solid(good) feel.

> $1500

Canon’s 7D 18MP, 100% viewfinder, Dual DIGIC 4 and new AutoFocus are great. Stellar HD video. Excellent build quality (weather sealed & ergonomics). More here (~$1499) Buy a D300s12MP w/ 18-200mm VR II Lens – Not full frame but excellent quality, low-light performance and video in a much more affordable package (~$2500 w/ very nice 18-200 lens) (~$1800 body only) > $2500 Buy a 5D Mark II 21.1MP Full Frame 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens – Gorgeous giant images and jaw dropping HD video (~$3000) If you buy a Canon take a moment to look at my recommended lens list. This list covers the basics, if you are considering any of these cameras find me on twitter(@camerarec) and let’s talk about which is best for you

Nikon D5100 First Look

toby — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 16:00:38 +0000

Nikon D5100 first look preview from Amateur Photographer magazine Take aways from this video -

Performance of the D7000 in a smaller body (this is very similar setup to the 600D, 60D and 7D on Canon)
10% smaller than the D5000
12,800 Extended ISO and a night vision mode that equals B&W using ISO 102,000
Video is recorded in H.264 w/ faster AF (I am interested to see how much this is tweaked. The D3100 constant AF is not seamless.
Screen looks great, the on screen tutorials have been tweaked and look very useful not only helping you get great shots but teaching as you use the camera.

Preorder on Amazon -Nikon D5100 16.2MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens

Nikon D5100 Specs compared to other Entry Level DSLRs

toby — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 19:36:22 +0000

The Nikon D5100 has been outed by Nikon Romania – oops. I have the knows specs listed along with the other Nikon and Canon models in this price range

Nikon D5100 (NEW)	Nikon D5000	Nikon D3100	Canon T3i/600D
16.2 MP	12.3	14.2	18.0
Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, (102400 w/ night vision mode)	Auto, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200 (6400 w/ boost)	Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200 (12800 w/ boost)	Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, (12800 w/ boost)
Side Articulated LCD 921,000 dots	2.7″ Bottom Articulated LCD 230,000 dots	3″ Fixed LCD 230,000 dots	3″ Articulated LCD 1,040,000 dots
4 fps	4	3	3.4
(1920 x 1080 (30, 25, 24fps), 1280 x 720 (30, 25, 24 fps), 640 x 424 (24 fps))	(1280 x 720 (24 fps), 640 x 424 (24 fps), 320 x 216 (24 fps))	(1920 x 1080 (24 fps), 1280 x 720 (30, 25, 24 fps), 640 x 424 (24 fps))	(1920 x 1080 (30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 50 fps), 640 x 480 (60, 50 fps))
HDR Feature
Quiet Shutter Feature
Special Effects during video			Picture styles useable during video
EN-EL14 battery (Same battery used by Nikon D3100)
$899 [Amazon]	$699	$599 [Amazon]	$899 [Amazon]

The D5100 will likely best the T3i in high ISO/low light performance, the D5000 did a better job over the T2i and these newer sensors that Nikon is using look to be quite excellent in lowlight. Despite this I still have trouble recommending the D5000 and now the D5100. They are excellent cameras, beginner friendly, and most folks find them pleasingly ergonomic. My Reasons for picking the entry level Canons over Nikon? The LCD screen, the wireless flash controls of the T3i and the ability to auto focus with a cheap lens like the nifty-fifty (canon 50mm). The LCD screen on the Canon T2i/T3i is gorgeous and you can really get a good sense of your shots just glancing at that screen. UPDATE: It looks like the Nikon is going to have a very similar LCD screen. If you are serious about photography but on a limited budget the ability to AF with cheap lenses and have the ability to wirelessly control a flash(es) gives the Canon T2i/T3i shooter loads of room to grow as a photographer. That all said, if you want a DSLR but don’t have plans or dreams of professional photography the D5100 may be perfect for you. One point worth mentioning – the Nikon does have full time autofocus during video, I have been fairly critical of the usefulness of this feature, it is still on the slow slide and serious videographers manually focus but for parents just trying to capture their child in a play or sporting event this can be a lifesaver. So parents, if you want one device that is going to give you excellent video and still quality I think you will be very happy with this camera. I have added the full press release below that includes information about a new external mic that will retail for $150 and give you nice stereo sound quality with any camera that has the 3.5mm mic jack. Looks like a slightly smaller version of the Rode. The nikon D3000, D5000 and now D5100 do not have an in-body focus motor, this limits the number of lenses that will allow autofocusing when attached to one of those three cameras. Sometimes I feel like I make a bigger deal out of this than necessary. You can still find a lens in just about every focal length you want, in a few cases you do have to pay a bit more than otherwise but it really is in just a few cases. As always find me on twitter @camerarec or use the chat link on the right to ask questions, advice or just share your thoughts. FULL Press release Ready for the Adventure of Life The D5100 allows photographers of all levels to confidently execute newand creative ways to tell stories with amazing colour and clarity.Whether shooting over crowds or down low from a toddlers point of view,the swing-out style, Vari-angle LCD screen makes it easy to compose andshare great images. Displaying even the most subtle details withclarity, the super sharp LCD has a 1000:1 contrast ratio and 921,000-dotresolution with the ability to pivot 180 degrees horizontally andvertically. To further test creative boundaries, photographers can take advantageof the D5100s in-camera Special Effects Mode. Applied to either stillsor D-Movies, these innovative effects are easy to implement and add ahigh level of creativity. By selecting the Effects position on the modedial located on top of the camera, photographers can easily applyeffects such as Selective Colour and choose up to three differentcolours while the remainder of the scene is converted to monochrome.Colour Sketch creates photos and a stop-motion movie in a colourfulsketched drawing style, while the Miniature effect records photos andhigh-speed movies to bestow a feeling of a mini-scale scene. To record photos in extreme lighting conditions or to produce movieswith a gritty appearance, the new Night Vision mode calls upon Nikonspro digital SLR low-light technology to offer extreme low-lightcapability by enabling the camera to shoot up to a super-high 102,400ISO. In addition to the Effects mode, users can create photos withamazing tonal range by selecting the high dynamic range (HDR) functionwithin the camera. With this selected, the D5100 will automaticallybracket up to three exposure stops with two images in rapid successionto produce a finished photo with an amazing range of midtones andhighlights that wouldnt otherwise be possible in a single shot.Additionally, Active D-Lighting can be selected and combined with HDRfor even more dramatic effects. The versatile Nikon D5100 digital SLR will motivate shooters to furtherexplore creativity with its advanced camera features including fullmanual controls (P,S,A,M on the mode dial) offering the ability tomanage the cameras aperture and shutter speeds. Once a photo iscaptured, photographers have the flexible retouch menu at their disposalto apply additional in-camera effects and editing options includingcolour and filter effects, red eye correction and NEF (RAW) processing. The remarkably wide ISO range of 100-6,400 (expandable to a staggering25,600 ISO) allows photographers to shoot confidently in outdoor andindoor low-light situations, even handheld with low noise. Inchallenging lighting conditions such as when a subject is backlit,Nikons Active D-Lighting feature keeps shadows and highlights consistentfor even exposures. To further unleash creativity, the Picture Control system allows thechoice of Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, or Landscapesettings to apply a personal look and feel to pictures, and theversatile Scene Modes let photographers choose from Portrait, Landscape,Child, Sports, Close-up or Night Portrait for stunning results in justabout all possible lighting conditions. Create Full HD Movies The Nikon D5100 captures full 1080p HD movies with full-time autofocus.Users can quickly switch focus modes to stay with the action through avariety of AF functions, including Face Priority which can track up to35 human faces, Subject Tracking and normal or wide-area autofocus. Toactivate movie mode and Live View, a new switch is positioned on the topof the camera near the shutter button for improved ergonomics and easieraccess. The D5100 digital SLR offers variable frame rates and resolutions, andcan record 1080p at a cinema-like 24 frames per second (fps).Alternatively, for playback on HD devices, it can record at 30 fps or aweb-friendly 720p at either 24 or 30 fps. All clips can record for up to20 minutes in the AVC-HD H.264 codec. Once recorded, movie clips can betrimmed in the camera to save time in post-production. Whether utilizinga wireless or hot shoe-mounted microphone such as the new ME-1, soundcan be recorded via the stereo microphone input for professional audioresults. Captured movies can be easily shared via HDMI output, andcontrolled remotely with HDMI CEC compatibility. Superior Image Quality The 16.2 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor is capable of capturing imagesthat erupt with colour, offering amazing sharpness and clarity to createimages and full HD movies even in low-light conditions. Coupled withNikons exclusive EXPEED 2 TM image-processing engine, images are broughtto life with vivid colours and amazing contrast, accurate exposure andlow noise levels resulting in brilliant image quality. The EXPEED 2 TMengine also drives the quick 11-point AF system on the D5100 to providefor rapid focus acquisition even on fast-moving subjects. When shootingaction, split-second shutter response and four frames per second burstrate make sure no moment is missed, forever putting to rest the story ofthe one that got away. Whether shooting lush wilderness landscapes or an urban skyline, theD5100 utilizes Nikons exclusive Scene Recognition System to analyzesubject information from a database containing more than 30,000 imagesto optimize focus, exposure, i-TTL flash exposure and white balance. Toassist in creating amazing imagery, the Scene Recognition System readsdata from the 420-pixel 3D Colour Matrix Meter RGB sensor that examinesthe scenes brightness and colour data then optimizes the camerasperformance prior to the actual exposure. An entirely greater world of creativity will open up to photographerswhen adding versatile AF-S NIKKOR lenses to the equation. With a widerange of focal lengths and versatile features, AF-S NIKKOR lenses helpto create a variety of photo perspectives to images and movies such asthe ability to isolate subjects with a shallow depth of field or zoomclose to the action from afar. Combining the D5100 digital SLR withNIKKOR lenses also delivers the sharpness essential for HD movies, andNikons innovative Vibration Reduction (VR) II technology helps toeliminate the effects of camera shake. New ME-1 microphone To address the needs of the ever growing community of shootersabandoning their video cameras for the versatility of a digital SLR,Nikon now offers the ME-1 stereo microphone. Engineered specifically fora digital SLR, the new ME-1 microphone attaches to the hot shoe and hasnoise dampening components designed to minimize noise resulting from AFoperation. The microphone also has a low-cut filter to reduce wind noisenot already blocked by the wind screen. Designed with digital SLR usersin mind, the ME-1 also features a cable stop to keep the cable out ofthe way when using the camera, and reduce instances of noise fromunintentional contact. Because it utilizes a standard 3.5mm stereo jack,the ME-1 is ideal for the D5100 and other Nikon HD movie capable digitalSLRs such as the D3s, D300s, D7000 and the COOLPIX P7000.

Olympus E-PL2

toby — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 23:53:19 +0000

The name doesn’t roll of my tongue but it certainly looks to be a wonderful camera and an excellent example of the micro 4/3 line maturing. Earlier model was the PEN E-P2 Key Features:

Redesigned 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 zoom lens (28mm-84mm equivalent) silent autofocus during still and video
3″ 460,000 dot LCD
In-body Image Stabilization
ISO 200-6400
720p HD recording
Live Guide II for previews and Art Filters/Enhancements
Face Detection with a focus on eye
Compatible with several accessories including the PENpal bluetooth module

For those that don’t know the micro 4/3 line sits between top of the line point and shoots and DSLRS. The sensors in 4/3 are much larger, 8x larger than you average P&S in the case of the PL2, which provides quality and low light performance virtually untouched by any P&S and nearing DSLR quality. The 4/3 line is really for someone that is willing to sacrifice a little bit of speed and low-light performance to have a much more portable camera. And someone looking for excellent video without the hassle of manual focus. I am intrigued by the PENpal bluetooth adapter ($80) that lets you store and send to bluetooth equiped devices(primarily your phone) images from the camera for sharing and uploading. It doesn’t seem to have quite the versatility that the wifi enabled samsung SH100 has but this isn’t just a point and shoot. I have a feeling that this may be the year where I feel comfortable recommending the 4/3 line to more than a handful of folks.

Canon T2i + Lens Deal

toby — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 21:38:03 +0000

T2i bundle is back(UPDATE 12-22-10), a few dollars less in saving but it is still an excellent deal. 1. Select a Canon Rebel T1i($650) or T2i($799-$100 using Coupon Code – MYBGIXJF ). 2. Select a qualifying Canon lens(See Below). 3. Add all qualifying products to your Shopping Cart. Find the Promotional Code for Your Lens $100 Savings (or up to the cost of the lens) on the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens($138): 7FU7NKSI $150 Savings (or up to the cost of the lens) on the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS Telephoto Zoom Lens($210): 4EXZTAMU Price also includes free tiffen UV Filter for each lens I Recommend you grab the t2i with the 55-250 lens for a total of $759 – The 55-250 is a very good lens with IS (Image stabilization) FREE 1- Day Shipping! If your budget is tight and video is not important to you the T1i offers a good value but you may want to look at the D3100 and the current instant rebates offered by Nikon As always if you have questions about this deal, this camera and or lenses feel free to ask @camerarec on twitter

Nikon D3100 Kit + Lens savings

toby — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 16:11:26 +0000

1. Select a qualifying Nikon digital SLR – D3100 2. Select your qualifying Nikkor lens(es) – I Suggest either the budget 55-200 ($100 off) or the excellent 70-300($200 off) 3. Add all qualifying products to your Shopping Cart. 4. Enter the corresponding claim code and the savings will be automatically applied at checkout. Note: There are a few other lens savings but these are the ones I recommend. Instant Savings Amount by Lens $200 off Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED IF AF-S VR Nikkor Zoom Lens. Enter code CZJH6H34 at checkout. Review: Excellent lens, fast to focus works well for sports and action shots. Price: $500 | Bundled Price: $939 $100 off Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX Nikkor Zoom Lens. Enter code OX53IO8R at checkout. Review: Solid lens, lighter than 70-300 with similar range, autofocus can be a bit slow. Price: $360 | Bundled Price: $900 $100 off Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens. Enter code CLEN9QAO at checkout. Review: very similar to lens above w/ less range- Good value at current price. Price: 198 | Bundle Price: $740 Bottom Line – If budget is your main concern hard to beat the $740 price that gets you the D3100, 18-55 VR and 55-200 VR but if you want a zoom for sports and more action orientated shots you need to spend the money and move up to the 70-300 bundle for $939. As always if you have questions about this deal, this camera and or lenses feel free to ask @camerarec on twitter

Which DSLR should I buy [October 2010]

toby — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 23:12:13 +0000

Short & sweet overview of the popular DSLRS and which might be best for you . Some of these recommendations are based on prices that fluctuate daily, check in with me @camerarec to get my absolute latest recommendations. All prices in US dollars. UPDATE (11/27)- T2i price has dropped plus a bundled lens deal makes the T2i VERY appealing – Link for bundle and extras The very short & sweet guide- My Recs [<$500 = Canon XS/1000D, Budget($600) = Nikon D3100, $800-$1000 = Canon T2i, $1000-$1500 = Nikon D7000, Above $1500 = 7D] Slightly longer guide-

Budget (< $600)

Best of the bunch: Nikon D3100 Buy a Nikon D3100 14MP, 1080P video @ 24 FPS, very user friendly with guide mode and full time auto focus in video mode, Very high ISO = good low light performance (~$700) Cheaper but without video functions Buy a Canon XS/1000D – 10 MP megapixels, Live View, 3″ LCD with 230K resolution (~$450) One benefit to buying the XS (or any of canon’s DSLRS)- you can autofocus with a cheap but good lens like the 50mm f/1.8 (~$90)which gives you nice lower light performance and depth of field control, an excellent lens to learn photography with. If you buy the D3100 the cheapest lens that will give you the same ability/control is several hundred dollars more. It might not ever matter to you, you may be happy using the lens that camera comes with, and there are plenty of other lenses that will work with the D3100, but you should be aware. Feel free to ask me follow up questions on this, it can be confusing and intimidating trying to figure out what lens will do what for you. Do you need to go cheaper than $450? Look for USED Canon XSi or Nikon D40 – These are still fine cameras and have all the features you need to learn photography. Prices are anywhere from $350 – $450. NOTE: More about which lenses will Autofocus with the entry level nikons – if you buy a D40/D60/D3000/D3100/D5000 you need to look at my list of compatible(will auto-focus) lenses Some of the cheaper lenses will not autofocus on this camera and for some that is a reason to buy the XS.

$700 – $1000

Best of the bunch: Canon’s T2i ($699 Deal until Jan 8th) Buy a Canon T2i, Offers excellent HD video (multiple FPS @ 1080p and less), 3″ 1,040k LCD(gorgeous resolution & perfect, 3:2 aspect ratio), 18MP with good low-light performance (~$899) Buy a Canon T1i – if video is less important to you and you are on a tight budget – 15MP camera with decent HD Video, 3″ 920k LCD, (~$720) Buy a Nikon D90 Gives you a bigger body, brighter viewfinder and excellent low-light performance, HD video(720p limited to 5 min clips), 3″ 920k LCD & viewfinder along w/ built in wireless flash capabilities at just about $1000 – The D90 body is now $856 and Nikon has stated that it will be discontinued at the end of the year so I expect this price to go up as it gets harder to find and 3rd party schmucks jack up the price. D90 compared to the T2i: T2i shoots significantly better video(less jello effect, full 1080p with variable frame rates), higher resolution LCD, 18MP vs 12MP. D90 advantages are size and build quality(magnesium body vs plastic build T2i), viewfinder is bigger/brighter, built-in wireless flash control and a kit lens with more range 18-105 vs 18-55 with T2i.

$1000 – $1500

Best of the bunch: Undecided- need hear more field reports from the use of the D7000 Buy a Nikon D7000 ($1499 w/ 18-105 lens) shipping mid-October 16MP, Excellent low-light performance, HD video, 920k LCD , 100% viewfinder, built in wireless flash capabilities, dual SD card slots Buy a Canon 60D ($1399 w/ 18-135 lens) Same sensor as t2i and 7D = same image and video options/quality. What sets 60D apart is articulating LCD, manual audio controls for shooting video and a build that is still plastic and similar to the rebel line but w/ top LCD and a more solid(good) feel.

> $1500

New Canon Cameras?

toby — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 01:21:20 +0000

Latest rumors regarding Canon’s newest P&S:

60D Specs

Articulating screen

Metal body, similar To 50D

Upgraded 15.1mp APS-C Sensor

720p/1080p Video at 30fps

Electronic Level

New battery & battery grip

Price about $1190

550D/600D Specs

Articulating screen

Body smaller than 500D

Upgraded 15.1mp APS-C Sensor

720p Video at 30fps

Price about $799

What do you all think of Articulating screens? Love em, hate em? Are these cameras worth waiting for? Rumored release date in late spring/early summer