[Jaime Christine]

Hi All,
My name is Jaime and I am a photo addict.

Okay- my question, I've taken at least 10K photo's the past year with my Fuji Finepix E900. The quality is nice and it's a great camera for a beginner, but I am ready to move up.

I had been thinking about a Canon Rebel xti or xsi, but then I met a lady with a Nikon d80- and that camera was incredible.

I need a quicker shutter speed, image stabilization and would like to add an external flash when needed.

If you have a camera that you love- please share!

[GuatMommy2Be]

I just upgraded from a nikon d50 to a nikon d80. I also have a f1.8 50mm prime lens which is suuuuhhhhweet and inexpensive ($100).

I say go for it!

[Dmitry'smom]

I have a Canon Rebel EOS XT. It is really quick. From what I remember it was faster than a nikon. I have always used Canon. I also have a power shot A720 to take in my bag.

I am not the best photographer but this is what I have and they are both at least 8 mp and easy to use. However I will say I have started to notice that the photography work I notice and like usually use a Nikon.

[ez4me2remember]

You said you want image stabilization. The only SLR I know of that builds it into its camera is Sony. Otherwise you buy image stabilization in the lenses, which can be quite expensive. I have a Canon 30D. I think they sell for around 500. on ebay. Its easy to find used lenses for canon and Nikon, not sure about the other brands. You may want to price lenses of different brands before deciding, because once you have the camera body you are limited to the lenses designed for that body.

[Dmitry'smom]

My little canon came with image stabilization. I think I only paid 2-300 for it about 6 months ago. It is cheaper now. You can get a zoom with it for the bigger canon. I wish I had done that.

[guatgal]

so how much can I buy your old one for???? It's the bomb compared to my dinosaur of a digital camera!!!

[Waiting4Celeste]

I have the Canon Rebel xti and I really like it - BUT, you have to become a "student" of the camera to actually be able to utilize many of its features.
I even took a photography class this past Spring and am still clueless about using the external flash, etc.

I saw that the Rebel xti was down to about $699... but don't kid yourself that that's all you'll spend. You'll want to buy some other lenses - the kit lens isn't that great and doesn't have much of a zoom. Lenses can be as much as the camera itself.

Also - you might check out Digital Camera Batteries Chargers Memory Cards Readers - I can't remember if they have cameras on that site, but they have some great prices on batteries and memory cards. I HIGHLY suggest getting several memory cards and batteries - so you won't be out somewhere and run out of memory or battery. That's the WORST!
Oh - and the SLR's take the big ol' memory cards that are about twice as expensive as the point-and-shoot cameras.

Bottom line - if you truly are "ready" to upgrade to buy an SLR - budget at least $1000 to get everything you'll need to get started.

Have fun!! My SLR has taken some GREAT shots and I've been soooooo happy with the fast shutter speed!

One more thing.... be sure if you are looking online to purchase a camera that the price includes the lens. Sometimes they sell the "body" only. I'd suggest buying one from a reputable dealer so you can get a warranty. I had a "lemon" camera last year - that's how I was able to get my SLR. I turned in the "lemon" and got 100% back to apply to the Rebel.

[Amber76]

I love, love, LOVE my Canon Rebel xti. But, like others said, be sure to look into how much those image stabilization lenses are going to cost. My regular telephoto was about 300, the one with stabilization was about 4 or 5 times that much when I was looking. I also agree that you want to factor in the cost of the external flash, compact flash memory cards, batteries, etc because they do add up. I bought a camera that cost $850 at the time, but have spent at least $3000 on accesories and add-ons in the past year!

[kimy]

I just got the Canon 40 D and it's awesome. They have a kit so I got that and saved some $$.. I hope to upgrade to a 2.8 lense in the next year.
good luck,
Kim

[TenleysDaddy]

I've had many of both brands, but recently I have decided that Canon is winning the race by a nose.

I think if you look long and hard you will find Canon has the better layout, optics and functional programing for both the weekend warrior and the pro-sumer market.

Just my humble opinion.
Scott

[afl]

I have the Nikon D40. So far, I haven't got past using it on auto mode.

Can anyone suggest a good next lens for me to get for it? I just have the standard one that came with the camera. I would like one that has a better zoom.

[Jaime Christine]

Thank you to everyone for responding! I ended up getting the Nikon d80, it was a very close match- but I found one at a great price.

Best pictures I've EVER taken. I've updated our blog with some of the photos. Just incredible.

Thanks again!
Jaime
Bringing Melia's Sister Home!

[dilgra]

Great pics! I am SO jealous! I too am obsessed with the camera and mine drives me crazy! It is a canon powershot A720 and is a great size to carry around but the shutter lag is SO frustrating! I don't need anymore pics of the top or back of Tati's head!

Have fun!

[SisterBear]

We have a Canon 20D and love it. We switched from Nikon to Canon a few years ago. My have several lenses including a 28-135 with image stabilization but honestly, my favorite is the 1.8 50mm. Less than a hundred dollars and takes great pictures. If you want something better the 1.4 50mm is more money and even faster. No, you cannot zoom but your pictures will be so much better.