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Home: Video University Forums: Digital Photography for Videographers:
Digital SLR Camera For Wife?

 
 


Brian Dorr
Enthusiast


Mar 16, 2006, 7:54 PM

Post #1 of 22 (2102 views)
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Digital SLR Camera For Wife? Can't Post
Wanting to purchase a digital SLR for my wife. She's been wanting one for a while so I thought it'd be a nice gift for helping me with wedding vids.

I'm leaning towards the Canon Digital Rebel XT EOS Digital SLR. Price is reasonable.

Good camera or something better for same price?

Thanks,

Smile
Save lives full time - film them part time.


Jeko
Enthusiast


Mar 16, 2006, 8:26 PM

Post #2 of 22 (2097 views)
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Re: [Brian Dorr] Digital SLR Camera For Wife? [In reply to] Can't Post
When I read your title, a dRebel came to mind as my brother enjoys his. I think it is a solid choice.

In case it saves you some headache, just make sure she'd prefer a dSLR and not a Point & Shoot model of some sort.

Jeko

Sony VX2100's, iRivers, M-audio 24/96, Canon 5Ds/20Ds (and too much glass), Vegas6, PhotoShop CS3, Lightroom, etc.


RustyB
Veteran


Mar 16, 2006, 9:01 PM

Post #3 of 22 (2096 views)
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Re: [Brian Dorr] Digital SLR Camera For Wife? [In reply to] Can't Post
I can't compare, as I just got my first digital SLR, but I am super happy with the Olympus E-500. It's a 4:3 system camera, so you can't swap lenses with a Canon if you already have invested money in them, but the e-500 two-lens kit is a heck of deal, currently with a $100 rebate. That makes it priced about like a point & shoot! I love the camera....haven't touched a roll of film since!





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Scott Brooks
Veteran

Mar 16, 2006, 11:44 PM

Post #4 of 22 (2082 views)
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Re: [Brian Dorr] Digital SLR Camera For Wife? [In reply to] Can't Post
Brian,

I think the rebel would be just fine. As a matter of fact I know of other professionals that are using the Rebel to shoot weddings.

My brother purchased one and recently told me he wished that he hadn't ... that it was really too much camera for what he does.

If your wife enjoys photography then it should work out fine for her. The selection of lenses is huge, so you can continue to reward her for helping you for a very long time. Wait till she asks for the Canon 70 - 200mm f/2.8 IS. It'll make you cry. Unsure

Scott Brooks


KevinShaw
Veteran

Mar 18, 2006, 3:03 AM

Post #5 of 22 (2029 views)
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Re: [Brian Dorr] Digital SLR Camera For Wife? [In reply to] Can't Post
I got my wife the Rebel XT (new version) because it's one of the smaller and lighter digital SLRs. She's doing well with it but doesn't like the fact that you can't preview images on the LCD display before taking them. I think Sony has a decent self-contained digital camera now with LCD preview and a large sensor, so I may get her one of those eventually.


Storm Crow
Veteran


Mar 18, 2006, 10:06 AM

Post #6 of 22 (2016 views)
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Re: [kwshaw1] Digital SLR Camera For Wife? [In reply to] Can't Post
In Reply To
I got my wife the Rebel XT (new version) because it's one of the smaller and lighter digital SLRs. She's doing well with it but doesn't like the fact that you can't preview images on the LCD display before taking them. I think Sony has a decent self-contained digital camera now with LCD preview and a large sensor, so I may get her one of those eventually.

But can't she see the picture through the viewfinder before she takes the picture? I don't get it, this seems WAY better than the LCD screen and it is so much easier to make sure things are focused correctly. I love my 20D for this reason and many others!Wink
_________________________________________________

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Mathew
Veteran

Mar 18, 2006, 1:43 PM

Post #7 of 22 (2010 views)
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Re: [Storm Crow] Digital SLR Camera For Wife? [In reply to] Can't Post
I can see women or should I say soccer moms not liking the viewfinder as it involves them sticking their eye and nose against the camera and smudging up their make-up. There is also a whole generation now that have grown accostomed to using a LCD for framing a shot. For this reason cameras like the new Olympus 330 sell well as they allow live preview.


GmElliott
Veteran


Mar 20, 2006, 11:32 AM

Post #8 of 22 (1947 views)
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Re: [Brian Dorr] Digital SLR Camera For Wife? [In reply to] Can't Post
Indeed make sure you know what her intent is. If she's looking to take off into photography a DSLR is the only way to go. The bodies are fairly inexpensive comparative to the glass so she can upgrade to a higher-end body in no time, keeping the invested glass.

If she just wants a camera to take some casual shots and you don't think she'll be graduating to higher-end more professional gear anytime soon then a digital point and shoot may be the answer. In fact in this class you can get better image quality and bang for your buck at the expense of no further upgrades to the glass, etc. The Sony R1 provides better image quality than any DSLR/glass combo in it's price range.








Glen Elliott
http://www.GmElliottVideo.com


KevinShaw
Veteran

Mar 23, 2006, 3:50 PM

Post #9 of 22 (1886 views)
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Re: [Mathew] Digital SLR Camera For Wife? [In reply to] Can't Post
In Reply To
There is also a whole generation now that have grown accostomed to using a LCD for framing a shot.
Not just accustomed to it: being able to use the LCD to frame a shot allows you a lot more flexibility of how to hold the camera while shooting, especially if you're short like my wife and frequently have to hold the camera over your head to get a clear view. Plus I've found that using an LCD for framing allows me to be less obtrusive, such that people are less likely to notice I'm taking their picture until I've already done so. My wife has learned to use our digital SLR and is turning out some decent photos with it, but one of her first complaints was the lack of LCD preview.


drsanchez
User


Mar 26, 2006, 9:00 PM

Post #10 of 22 (1805 views)
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Re: [kwshaw1] Digital SLR Camera For Wife? [In reply to] Can't Post
I always get so self-conscious when I have to raise my camera to my head. With my real-film SLR I sometimes just set the focus to where I think the action might be and stop down the lens a stop or two, then point the camera surreptitiously in one direction while looking in the other. No one knows I'm taking a shot so I get more natural photos (though they sometimes come out with some funky framing...).

I'd love to say I'm old-skool and will only use rangefinders, but there's definitely a time when the LCD is advantageous.

In Reply To

Plus I've found that using an LCD for framing allows me to be less obtrusive, such that people are less likely to notice I'm taking their picture until I've already done so.


--------------------------------------------------------------
son of a midwestern bureaucrat.


DarrenS
Veteran

Apr 8, 2006, 1:46 AM

Post #11 of 22 (1736 views)
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Re: [Brian Dorr] Digital SLR Camera For Wife? [In reply to] Can't Post
I think the biggest bang-for-the-buck SLR might be a Nikon D50 w/18-200mm, if you can find it. A bit of money however if she ever outgrew the d50 the lens will still work with any other nikon digital. Talk about an amazing lens. I don't even have one yet but my buddy does and it's a treat to use and perfect for new photographers. In fact it will spoil new photographers in a way, but that's ok.Smile

edit: a less-expensive substitute to the 18-200 would be the 18-70mm. It also has the VR (vibration reduction) and is considerably less pricey


(This post was edited by DarrenS on Apr 8, 2006, 1:50 AM)


Brian Dorr
Enthusiast


Apr 8, 2006, 2:33 PM

Post #12 of 22 (1724 views)
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Re: [DarrenS] Digital SLR Camera For Wife? [In reply to] Can't Post
Thanks all for the input!

I got her the Canon Digital Rebel XT. She alredy has a 35mm Rebel with lens so I just got the body. She loves it.

Smile
Save lives full time - film them part time.


JMCP
Novice

Apr 8, 2006, 2:41 PM

Post #13 of 22 (1723 views)
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Re: [DarrenS] Digital SLR Camera For Wife? [In reply to] Can't Post
Hi,

the Nikon 18-70 DX lens doesn't have the VR built-in, think you must be thinking of the 17 - 55D X which is spoken off very highly in a lot of photo forums, but it is pretty expensive.


cheers John


DarrenS
Veteran

Apr 8, 2006, 3:08 PM

Post #14 of 22 (1720 views)
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Re: [JMCP] Digital SLR Camera For Wife? [In reply to] Can't Post
Ya I stand corrected, I mixed the two together. Had 18 on the brain thinking of my pal's amazing unit.


DarrenS
Veteran

Apr 8, 2006, 3:10 PM

Post #15 of 22 (1717 views)
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Re: [DarrenS] Digital SLR Camera For Wife? [In reply to] Can't Post
k everyone just keep the jokes to yourself. I reread and already know what that last sentence sounds like, arrite?Unimpressed

Smile


Brian Dorr
Enthusiast


Apr 9, 2006, 4:00 AM

Post #16 of 22 (1693 views)
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Re: [DarrenS] Digital SLR Camera For Wife? [In reply to] Can't Post
In Reply To
Ya I stand corrected, I mixed the two together. Had 18 on the brain thinking of my pal's amazing unit.
LOL!!!

LaughLaugh
Save lives full time - film them part time.


RustyB
Veteran


Apr 9, 2006, 8:26 AM

Post #17 of 22 (1688 views)
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Re: [DarrenS] Digital SLR Camera For Wife? [In reply to] Can't Post
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Ya I stand corrected, I mixed the two together. Had 18 on the brain thinking of my pal's amazing unit.

That might be the funniest thing I've ever read on VU! LaughLaughLaugh



Faith Poison Wedding Films Blog
Intergalactic Award-Winning Epic-Cinematic Wedding New-Doc Style Indie Bridal Movies on Hi-Definition Blu-Ray Disc


WLR
User


Apr 18, 2006, 9:28 AM

Post #18 of 22 (1633 views)
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Re: [Brian Dorr] Digital SLR Camera For Wife? [In reply to] Can't Post
Yeah, just make sure she's really into this....Years ago I bought my wife a Minolta XGM, 35-135 lens & motor drive. Found out later she'd rather look at pictures than take them. Still have the camera but at this stage I'd probably have to pay someone to take it. Can't see deep sixing it but often thought about just leaving it on a park bench somewhere to make someones day.


Friends don't let friends shoot jpeg.


mcguyver
User


Apr 18, 2006, 9:39 PM

Post #19 of 22 (1593 views)
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Re: [WLR] Digital SLR Camera For Wife? [In reply to] Can't Post
You could donate it to a local organization like the Humane Society. Smile



Todd

____________________________________________________
Trapped on an island in the middle of the Pacific without a Swiss Army Knife
Armed with a Sony HVR-Z1, Glen's Canon EOS 1DMkII and Glen's G5 (Dual 2Ghz/8GB RAM/Dual 250GB HD/External 250 GBSATA RAID/ATI Radeon X800 XT).


WLR
User


Apr 18, 2006, 9:44 PM

Post #20 of 22 (1591 views)
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Re: [mcguyver] Digital SLR Camera For Wife? [In reply to] Can't Post
Not even sure it works.....But that IS a good idea. Thanks.


Friends don't let friends shoot jpeg.


RustyB
Veteran


Apr 18, 2006, 10:12 PM

Post #21 of 22 (1589 views)
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Re: [mcguyver] Digital SLR Camera For Wife? [In reply to] Can't Post
In Reply To
You could donate it to a local organization like the Humane Society. Smile



Todd


Or me. Tongue

Looks like a pretty nice camera, but they don't seem to fetch a lot of money on eBay. (Simply because it doesn't have Canon or Nikon stamped on it.Tongue)



Faith Poison Wedding Films Blog
Intergalactic Award-Winning Epic-Cinematic Wedding New-Doc Style Indie Bridal Movies on Hi-Definition Blu-Ray Disc


WLR
User


Apr 19, 2006, 7:37 AM

Post #22 of 22 (1572 views)
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Re: [RustyB] Digital SLR Camera For Wife? [In reply to] Can't Post
SOLD.......


Friends don't let friends shoot jpeg.