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Best SLR for around 1000+?? (strictly for pics)

backinblack875

backinblack875

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Aug 23, 2010
614
46
USA
i have a canon xsi and i may upgrade soon. so best one for pictures strictly for around 1000... i don't mind if it comes with video, but if i could get a better one without it would be preferable.

also a good prime lens?? I've been told i should really invest in one of these, and less on a body?? suggestions??

thanks.
 
Well, are you looking to stick with Canon?

And for a prime lens, you can't go wrong with a 50mm f/1.8
 
backinblack875 said:
i have a canon xsi and i may upgrade soon. so best one for pictures strictly for around 1000... i don't mind if it comes with video, but if i could get a better one without it would be preferable.

also a good prime lens?? I've been told i should really invest in one of these, and less on a body?? suggestions??

thanks.
Click to expand...

What's wrong with your current camera? Why not look at lenses instead?

Paul
 
compuwar said:
What's wrong with your current camera? Why not look at lenses instead?

Paul
Click to expand...

Phrasikleia said:
Yes, what do you like the shoot, and what is the problem that you are trying to solve?
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well nothing is "Wrong" with it, it is an entry level camera. i always assumed a body would help me more than a lens. but you guys know more than me so lens suggestions?

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i have the stock 18-55mm... a 75-300mm zoom...and a 50mm

whats a really nice one? (link to amazon please)
 
backinblack875 said:
well nothing is "Wrong" with it, it is an entry level camera. i always assumed a body would help me more than a lens. but you guys know more than me so lens suggestions?

----------



i have the stock 18-55mm... a 75-300mm zoom...and a 50mm

whats a really nice one? (link to amazon please)
Click to expand...

Which lens will serve you best depends entirely upon what you intend to do with it. If you haven't yet settled down on a favorite genre in photography, then it's a good idea to get a zoom or two and a fast prime and see where your interests fall. You already have those lenses, however. So you're all set. If you want to move your photography forward, start sharing your photos online and find out what you might do to improve. It's likely that you would be better off investing in some travel, a good photography book, or a photography course. Don't sink your money into more gear unless you can identify a problem it will solve. But if you must buy something to satisfy that craving, consider support (i.e. a tripod) or lighting, since you already have a good range of focal lengths covered.
 
Phrasikleia said:
Which lens will serve you best depends entirely upon what you intend to do with it. If you haven't yet settled down on a favorite genre in photography, then it's a good idea to get a zoom or two and a fast prime and see where your interests fall. You already have those lenses, however. So you're all set. If you want to move your photography forward, start sharing your photos online and find out what you might do to improve. It's likely that you would be better off investing in some travel, a good photography book, or a photography course. Don't sink your money into more gear unless you can identify a problem it will solve. But if you must buy something to satisfy that craving, consider support (i.e. a tripod) or lighting, since you already have a good range of focal lengths covered.
Click to expand...

what is "prime" tho? cuz the 50mm was like 100$...so not sure exactly what you mean by that

and sports would probably have to be my favorite
 
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You say nothing is "wrong" with your camera; are you upgrading for a reason other than simply wanting to upgrade?
 
It’s possible to spend a lot of money on cameras and lenses, without the quality of the pictures improving consequentially (or not improving as much as expected). I’ve always gone the budget route (sometimes from choice, sometimes from necessity), which for me has meant sticking with a very simple set-up: trying to get the most out of it by becoming familiar with the equipment... seeing what it will do (and what it won’t).

Shoot, shoot, shoot with the gear you have already... until you are in no doubt about what you need next... whether that’s a new camera, lens or a photographic course...
 
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my suggestion for under $1000 would be the Canon EF 70-200mm F/4L USM this lens should server you well for outdoor sports, while also being a great all round lens
 
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Well, it's your money, so spend it however you see fit. However, unless you are horribly constricted by your current camera (such as wanting to shoot HD video and your XSi can't), then my advice is to put the money into better lenses, and upgrade the body later.

For instance, the 50mm f/1.8 is a great starter prime lens. The 50mm f/1.4 USM lens, however, although more expensive has much faster focusing, handles low-light situations well, and is dead-silent. The 1.8mm is, if nothing else, a bit noisy.

For portraiture, the 85mm f/1.8 is a great lens that won't break the bank. Do you have a good zoom lens, something in the 75-100mm or 100-300mm range? You could pick up two or three good, above-entry level lenses for the same cost as upgrading the camera body.
 
Keep current camera and lens and put money into a photography class. Far the best return on investment. Then buy the "hardware" that you find you you really need.
 
DSPalpatine said:
Well, it's your money, so spend it however you see fit. However, unless you are horribly constricted by your current camera (such as wanting to shoot HD video and your XSi can't), then my advice is to put the money into better lenses, and upgrade the body later.

For instance, the 50mm f/1.8 is a great starter prime lens. The 50mm f/1.4 USM lens, however, although more expensive has much faster focusing, handles low-light situations well, and is dead-silent. The 1.8mm is, if nothing else, a bit noisy.

For portraiture, the 85mm f/1.8 is a great lens that won't break the bank. Do you have a good zoom lens, something in the 75-100mm or 100-300mm range? You could pick up two or three good, above-entry level lenses for the same cost as upgrading the camera body.
Click to expand...

I have a 75-300mm
 
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