Which entry level DSLR?

[trifecta]

Hi guys,

I know you've probably seen tons of questions about this before, but even though I've scoured the internet for reviews and information, I'm still not entirely sure which DSLR I should go with. I'm hoping that you guys can offer that final, crucial piece of advice to me

I've been reading vigorously about the following cameras:
- Canon EOS 450D
- Canon EOS 500D
- Canon EOS 1000D
- Nikon D5000

Three things that I find important to note:

- I don't care about video - at all. I will only be using the camera for taking pictures. I've had various point and shoot cameras in the past 6-7 years, and in total I've shot 3-4 videos or so. And none of them were "serious" in any respect.

- I'll be doing a fair bit of night photography, since this is starting to become my main hobby Both long exposures, but also more "spontaneous" higher ISO shots. I'd like a camera that I can mount a 50mm 1.8 lens to, and shoot some good shots at a club for instance without the use of a flash. Therefore, level of noise is a key factor.

- I'd like to do some prints. Not poster size, but not standard size small ones either. I'm thinking 20" x 20" or 25" x 25" at most.

Now, the video-part makes me think that I don't have any reason to go for the 500D and should rather go for one of the others, and that I should rather use the money on higher quality lenses in the future.

However, the 500D has more megapixel. Will all of them be enough for the prints I want? Of couse I don't want more MP if the image doesn't look any better

I think the noise output of the 1000D is pretty good actually, and it's quite cheap as well, leaving more money for future lenses... However, I'm afraid that I won't be able to grow with this camera. I don't want to invest in a DSLR now (even though I realize that I'm on a stretched budget) and have to change it in a year or so. 1000D doesn't have spot metering, for instance, which seems to be an important feature.

The D5000 handles noise very well and has a nice rotating screen, but it has some other problems. There's no internal motor, meaning that the aforementioned 50mm 1.8 lens would have to be somewhat more expensive than if I went with one of the Canons. Also, D5000 doesn't have a DOF button, which is a feature I'm really interested in.

I've had all the cameras in my hand and shot a few pics with them, and in all fairness, I like the feel of all of them So it mainly comes down to the specs.

Thanks in advance guys, hope you can help

 

[Rashkae]

Why don't you compare the high ISO shots of these cameras on dpreview? That seems to be the only limiting factor for you now.

 

[tunge]

between the 3 canons i would pick the 500D simply because it is the latest release among the trio. plus points, more megapixel, slightly faster fps, video (u might not need it, but can be a handy option), bigger LCD, digi 4 processor, 9AF pts. but then the 450D is abt the same as the 500D minus video, less pixel, digi 3 processor. so once u can narrow of to 1 canon then the decision between 5000D n the canon is really up to u

 

[LBL2009]

You can consider D3000 too.

 

[trifecta]

Thanks for the replies guys

I've looked at the D3000 as well, but I think the noise levels are much higher than the competitors

 

[Akatsuki]

500d ftw

 

[daredevil123]

Hmmm.. gone are the days when we were using film and we have to stick to whichever ISO film we loaded...
:bsmilie:

 

[ZerocoolAstra]

Hi guys,

I know you've probably seen tons of questions about this before, but even though I've scoured the internet for reviews and information, I'm still not entirely sure which DSLR I should go with. I'm hoping that you guys can offer that final, crucial piece of advice to me

I've been reading vigorously about the following cameras:
- Canon EOS 450D
- Canon EOS 500D
- Canon EOS 1000D
- Nikon D5000

Three things that I find important to note:

- I don't care about video - at all. I will only be using the camera for taking pictures. I've had various point and shoot cameras in the past 6-7 years, and in total I've shot 3-4 videos or so. And none of them were "serious" in any respect.

- I'll be doing a fair bit of night photography, since this is starting to become my main hobby Both long exposures, but also more "spontaneous" higher ISO shots. I'd like a camera that I can mount a 50mm 1.8 lens to, and shoot some good shots at a club for instance without the use of a flash. Therefore, level of noise is a key factor.

- I'd like to do some prints. Not poster size, but not standard size small ones either. I'm thinking 20" x 20" or 25" x 25" at most.

Now, the video-part makes me think that I don't have any reason to go for the 500D and should rather go for one of the others, and that I should rather use the money on higher quality lenses in the future.

However, the 500D has more megapixel. Will all of them be enough for the prints I want? Of couse I don't want more MP if the image doesn't look any better

I think the noise output of the 1000D is pretty good actually, and it's quite cheap as well, leaving more money for future lenses... However, I'm afraid that I won't be able to grow with this camera. I don't want to invest in a DSLR now (even though I realize that I'm on a stretched budget) and have to change it in a year or so. 1000D doesn't have spot metering, for instance, which seems to be an important feature.

The D5000 handles noise very well and has a nice rotating screen, but it has some other problems. There's no internal motor, meaning that the aforementioned 50mm 1.8 lens would have to be somewhat more expensive than if I went with one of the Canons. Also, D5000 doesn't have a DOF button, which is a feature I'm really interested in.

I've had all the cameras in my hand and shot a few pics with them, and in all fairness, I like the feel of all of them So it mainly comes down to the specs.

Thanks in advance guys, hope you can help

If you want a Nikon that allows full functionality with the 50/1.8, you gotta go D50/D70/D80 and above.
I'd have recommended a used D80 w kit lens, but then you mentioned high-ISO capability, and I'm worried the D80 will disappoint in that regard. I daren't really go higher than ISO500 or 640.
The mid-range Nikons have the added capability of wireless flash commander, which might or might not be interesting to you...

But purely to satisfy your criteria:
1) high ISO
2) can use with 50/1.8

I think you gotta stick with the Canons unless your budget can stretch to $1.7K just for D90 + kit lens.

 

[daredevil123]

With your requirements, only the Canon 500D fits the bill. There you go, that's your answer.

And shooting in a club without flash will be hard even for a 50mm f/1.8. You might want to consider the f/1.2 or at least a f/1.4

 

[sinned79]

go for 450D (the price difference btw 500D and 450D is quite big!) cos 450D dun have HD video which suits you (same as you, i dun give a **** for HD video). You can use the savings from buying a 500D to buy a better lens.

And when you are ready, just upgrade to a better body and continue to use your existing lens.

 

[HiroHeng]

Canon is a cheaper option...
save $ for better like lens 50mm/1.4
Currently I'm still using Canon 400D just tweaks the ISO to 3200...yeah

 

[MettaLife]

Hi guys,

I know you've probably seen tons of questions about this before, but even though I've scoured the internet for reviews and information, I'm still not entirely sure which DSLR I should go with. I'm hoping that you guys can offer that final, crucial piece of advice to me

I've been reading vigorously about the following cameras:
- Canon EOS 450D
- Canon EOS 500D
- Canon EOS 1000D
- Nikon D5000


500D canon :thumbsup: