Which DSLR is the biggest bang for the buck?

SigmundsGirl

Sorry, I know this has been asked 1000 times, but I couldn't find anything using the fab search feature.

Well, I have used my FIL's Cannon 20D (back in 2008) and liked it. I'd love to have my own to be able to take better pictures of Evan and for upcoming family events. Obviously, I am an amature and this would only be for home use, but I need something that can capture my very active toddler.

 What do you recommend and why? Also, are there any courses or books I should get to teach me how to get the best pictures possible?

TIA

04JaxBride

With most of them, the price will dictate what you're getting.  If you can afford it, I like the Nikon d90.  There's enough automatic stuff, but you can manipulate a lot once you learn more.  If you go too low end you run the risk of outgrowing your camera pretty quickly.

Mrs.JulesH-S

If you are looking for a Canon I LOVE the 7D though the new rebels are nice as well and a lot cheaper.  And what Jax said is definitely true if you plan on learning to use it out of the automatic modes.

As far as books, Understanding Exposure is supposed to be wonderful.  Also, check out the photography board on the bump and google some photography blogs/boards. 

MdniteMustang00

Based on your experience with the 20D...i wouldnt jump down to the Rebel series. I'd probably try to find a used 40D or 50D. The latest in that lineup is the 60D...it does video and has the swivel screen..which i dont like. But if you want video, go for that one. If you don't....find a used 40 or 50. Your lens will likely dictate the better pictures over the body tho.

halfpintaggie

I have the Nikon D60 & I love it.  I primarily chose it because it has a lightweight body, and we travel a lot, so the light weight is nice.  My BIL bought a more expensive camera & he always lusts after ours because it is lighter & has all the capabilities he uses on his.  His camera could definitely do more than mine, if he were going to spend the time learning about it & learning about photography.  But he just wants to take pictures of my niece & the auto-settings are all he uses for that.  When they visit, we leave their big camera at home & throw my D60 in the camera bag.

As far as books go, I read the camera's manual extensively & learned a lot from there.  I've also read a bunch of stuff on-line.

Mrs.JulesH-S

The 40D and 50D (I have owned both) are really great and you can probably find them at a great price.  Check out www.bhphoto.com or www.adorama.com  You may even be able to find a refurbished or used camera.  And yes, the lenses you use are going to be really important.

04JaxBride

halfpintaggie:

As far as books go, I read the camera's manual extensively & learned a lot from there.  I've also read a bunch of stuff on-line.

yes yes yes.  i don't know about canon, but nikon's user manuals are fantastic.  if you can take the time to go through each section, push the buttons and experiment with what it's telling you in the book, you will teach yourself so much!!!

my dSLR intro classes are basically a quick jaunt through a manual.  granted, some people learn better with an instructor, but it's all there.

SigmundsGirl

Thanks, ladies! My problem is understanding the iso setting for light and speed. I do much better with landscapes. It is photographing people that is so darn hard. Especially little ones that move so much in the blink of an eye.

My old SLR is a Minolta and it was fun, but my lenses weren't great and when I went to get my pictures blown up for a photo wall the images were horribly grainy. It was disappointing because the pictures were from our honeymoon. Oh and I had so many rolls of film to develope it was crazy. I used my FIL's camera in Europe and the pictures were much better.

I need to really understand lighting. I'm not too shabby with composition, but who isn't with landscapes.

And I am amazed every time I look at the beautiful photography of our Nesties. It inspires me and makes me want to take better pictures. But I also need to save up for a family portrait by a professional. That and lose 15 lbs.  ;-)