DSLR Plunge

[rdub202]

Taking the plunge into the DSLR world and would like your help choosing the right kit to begin with.
Currently I shoot with a Fuji S8000fd, but I want to expand as I am going to be taking some photography classes at school in the fall and want to expand my skills and options.

Things I want to shoot primarily (in no order):

Portraits
Promotional pictures for Bands
Live concert photography
Radio control car racing (indoor [low light]/outdoor)*


I am looking to spend around $800 and I really don’t have a brand preference at all.

I have been looking at canon’s current ‘spring rebate specials’ which have an XS and Xsi package that both sound pretty nice.
( Xsi w/18-55, 55-250 for $849
XS w/18-55, 75-300 for $699)

Would a package like those (or comparable Nikon) be good to start with?

I really don’t know what else to tell ya. Looking for your thoughts, comments and input so I/we can narrow this down.

*Reference (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rdub202/sets/72157607083373338/)

[raven15]

The XSi seems like the better choice of the two, if the price is OK. If not, I'd try to get the XS with the 55-250mm IS lens, and not waste money on the 75-300mm. Many people would suggest also getting a 50mm f/1.8 lens for low light, but you may be better of with a flash. The comparable Nikons have fewer options for fast prime lenses, but the 35mm f/1.8 looks nice.

If possible, this is a capable setup:
XSI
18-55mm IS kit lens
55-250mm IS kit lens
50mm f/1.8 lens
flash

A Pentax or Sony DSLR would allow you to use a fast prime lens with image stabilization for a cheap price.

[DoctorJ]

Setup and rebates are great but also consider how you feel with the camera. See if you can get into the store and hold one or another camera. Look for ease of navigating b/n manus and dial rotations and finally see camera makes you feel.
I've worked with Canons: 20D, 50D, Mark II; Nikons: D50, d70, d200, d300 and d90. Personally I love the feel and flavor of Nikon. (I love chocolate icecream and canon is my vanilla flavor ice cream).

[rdub202]

Yeah Raven ideally i think i would go after a 50mm lens. a couple photographers i follow on Flickr use them for their portraits and promo shots. but i dont think i would be able to swing that package all at once.

Doctorj-i definitely plan on doing that. there are a couple of good camera stores as well as best buy that ive got to go in to a play around with all of these.

fast1-to be honest it would probably be pretty equal. possibly a slight edge to outdoor. but shooting the racing indoor requires good low light performance. couple guys that take pics there dont even use a flash when shooting, and i could never do that. and then obviously concert shooting isnt light, and some venues dont allow flash.

[tizeye]

While DoctorJ gave most of the canon and nikon lines, you are considering the Canon XS and XSi. The equicalent Nikons are the D40 and D60, plus the just released D5000. All are on the similar smalles form factor, where the next size up would be the D90 if those (and the Canons) were too small.

Canon and Nikon make great cameras. It really comes fown to which feels best to you.

[r3g]

While DoctorJ gave most of the canon and nikon lines, you are considering the Canon XS and XSi. The equicalent Nikons are the D40 and D60, plus the just released D5000. All are on the similar smalles form factor, where the next size up would be the D90 if those (and the Canons) were too small.

Canon and Nikon make great cameras. It really comes fown to which feels best to you.

+1


You can look at spec sheets and compare models all day long but the best way to make your mind up is to go to your local electronics or camera store and play with them. Your choice will be suprisingly easy after doing that.

[rdub202]

awesome. thanks everyone.

that's kind of what i thought already.