I'm going to be taking a trip soon, and I want to upgrade my photo hardware.
I've sort of settled on a Canon. I've handled two EOS-20Ds and am very impressed with their quality and settings layout, and have also owned a Canon PowerShot S2 IS for a while. This isn't completely ruling out other brands, but just stating my bias.
The EOS-30D is pretty nice, but a bit pricey and out of date. Upgrade soon?
The Digital Rebel Xti (EOS-400D outside of the US) is also pretty nice, but it doesn't have the features of the 30D.
I've also handled various other Canon dSLRs and have liked them.
The Nikon D40 is a bit too simple feature-wise.
I'm not sure where the D80 and the D200 fit in Nikon's camera lineup... although the D200 is a bit on the pricey side of things.
I'm going to need a camera that will last. I know the lenses will outlive the camera but still-- I'm doing some stuff that leans towards the "professional amateur" end of the spectrum rather than the "clueless beginner" end.
Whatever camera I end up purchasing, it needs to be durable. I take good care of my stuff, but solidly-built is a good plus.
Ideally, I'd like to spend $1300 max for camera + lens + card + case/bag. Only one lens for now... can't afford anything more. I know the kit lens isn't the best lens for an SLR, but they also tend to have a decent wide angle to telephoto range for a good price... but a lens depends on the camera. I would end up purchasing a flash later, once my cash reserves have been rebuilt.
Suggestions?
I've sort of settled on a Canon. I've handled two EOS-20Ds and am very impressed with their quality and settings layout, and have also owned a Canon PowerShot S2 IS for a while. This isn't completely ruling out other brands, but just stating my bias.
The EOS-30D is pretty nice, but a bit pricey and out of date. Upgrade soon?
The Digital Rebel Xti (EOS-400D outside of the US) is also pretty nice, but it doesn't have the features of the 30D.
I've also handled various other Canon dSLRs and have liked them.
The Nikon D40 is a bit too simple feature-wise.
I'm not sure where the D80 and the D200 fit in Nikon's camera lineup... although the D200 is a bit on the pricey side of things.
I'm going to need a camera that will last. I know the lenses will outlive the camera but still-- I'm doing some stuff that leans towards the "professional amateur" end of the spectrum rather than the "clueless beginner" end.
Whatever camera I end up purchasing, it needs to be durable. I take good care of my stuff, but solidly-built is a good plus.
Ideally, I'd like to spend $1300 max for camera + lens + card + case/bag. Only one lens for now... can't afford anything more. I know the kit lens isn't the best lens for an SLR, but they also tend to have a decent wide angle to telephoto range for a good price... but a lens depends on the camera. I would end up purchasing a flash later, once my cash reserves have been rebuilt.
Suggestions?