Time to advance...

[bigpapajoe]

Hey guys, Im a film school student at FSU and have been spending an excessive amount of time using all sorts of camera devices - from 16mm film video cameras, canon xl1s, xl2s, gl2s, sony HD's and my super durable but very noisy Panasonic FZ30 (has taken over 11,000 photos in over 8 countries for two years). The reason I say this is to give you an idea of my level of knowledge (high intermedate, ready for advanced). I think I can say that Im ready for a bigger and better camera than the FZ30. Im thinking....Digital SLR. :)

my max budget is around $1,200 (flexible) - I will be getting large prints (high mp), and I will be submitting photos to competitions. Low light effeciency is definitely something Id like to take advantage of if possible, so Id want something that is relatively noise free at higher ISO - but i wouldnt want to sacrifice Megapixel size as much as I would be willing to sacrifice high ISO clarity. Regular SD card preferred, as I have four of those already.

as far as lens goes: Id want one for close ups/macros with the potential for very shallow depth of field and one normal/regular zoom lens with variable DOF.

now tell me, is this do-able within my budget?

Many thanks!!!! :) :)

[fionndruinne]

Your budget might work, if you go for an entry-level camera. If you're sold on high MP count (not so necessary really), look at the Canon XTi and the Nikon D40x (normally I'd never recommend the D40x over the D40, but it is one instance where more megapixels don't hurt, other than the pocketbook). If you can make do with a 6MP or so DSLR (do some research on DSLR sensors and the superior image quality they provide - a 6MP image from a DSLR can be printed quite large without loss of quality), look at the Canon XT, Nikon D40 and Pentax K100D Super. Those are probably the best options out there image-quality-wise at your price range.

Lenses, well, when you say you want a standard zoom lens with variable DoF, realize that most zoom lenses have a variable maximum aperture opening (larger the opening, shallower the DoF), meaning that you won't have the same maximum opening at the telephoto end of the focal range as you will at the wide end. And these kit lens types aren't so good if you want the option of really shallow DoF. For that, look at the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8. The large, constant maximum aperture allows for shallow DoF and better low-light use.

There are a fair amount of options in the macro range, normally prime (non-zooming) lenses around 70mm to 150mm, with a maximum aperture of f/2.8. That will provide you with the shallow DoF you want.

[TheWengler]

If I were you I'd be considering the Nikon D40x, Nikon D80 and the Canon XTi. The Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 macro might be a good all in one solution. This really depends what focal range you're looking for in your zoom lens and what kind of magnification you'll require. If you require more than a 1:2 magnification then I don't think it's possible with your budget. The K10D is another option with in body IS but more limited lens options. How many MP are you going to need? What size prints are you thinking?

[bigpapajoe]

thanks for the input guys, I really appreciate your help.

I would like to make 20x30 prints to frame and sell around art shows in the area. I was thinking of the D40x, but was wondering - is it like my panasonic where the extra megapixels will cause all that terrible noise? I didnt actually get to the specs of the d40x, but if they made the sensor bigger then it shouldnt have that problem.

like I said, my budget is flexible. Ive got the money - - and if I need to, ill spend it. But of course like anyone else, I only want to spend what I have to spend to get where I want to be.

Regards,

Joe