Justaddwata
Posts: 3528
Joined: 2/24/2005
From: RI-USA, RI, USA
Status: offline
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Yep - Matt works 
To be honest - I didnt really give olympus, pentax or Sony serious consideration when I was hunting for my DSLR (I went with the Canon 40D). I view the Nikon and Canon as the two serious players in the DSLR market. I was always planning on getting some different lenses and probably upgrading the camera body the next time the technology changes.
The Canon cameras do not have body image stabilization so it is always going to be a lens based feature. It can make a big difference to lens prices - Especially with the high end "L" series lenses.
My camera came with a 24-135mm lens that has optical stablization. I am not sure just how much it needs it or how much better it would be with or without it. I guess I am just not yet sold on the whole Stablization option. (My fujis did not have stablization - maybe I am a little steadier at taking my pics). I purchased two "L" series lenses (neither with stablization) within a week of getting my camera and have not used the original lense since (and have not taken a stablized pic since). Stablizers can have their down side - they add weight, slow down the shot (or can), and use more of your cameras power to function. The only time I have used a tripod is when taking photos of the full moon.
All of these pics were hand held with a 35-350mm lens - http://imageevent.com/justaddwata/2008/junewarwick
I am just not yet sold on image stablization. I today purchased a Sigma 80-400mm stablized lens that certainly takes a great shot but it is also a lot slower and louder lens than my Canon "L" 35-350. I purchased it with the intent of evaluating IS before I buy anything much larger (where IS will really get expensive).
Without trying to confuse you too much with info - One thing to consider with most all affordable (and even some $3000) DSLR's is that they will have a built in crop factor. Basically the sensor that captures the image is not a full 35mm in size and as such will reduce the area of the lens that it uses - this is realized as a magnification of the image. Most are a 1.6:1 crop. This would mean that a lens like my 24-135mm lens will actually take pictures like a 38-216mm lens on a full frame (or film) DSLR/SLR. All this means is that you have a bit more zoom than you would expect - good for taking boat shots but a little tight if your doing portrats. This too can be offset by using a wider lens though. Personally I like the fact that I get a 60% better magnification with any lens that I use. Dont view this crop factor so much a negative - just a consideration if you are use to taking pictures with certain sized lenses.
The Rebel XSI is available for under $800 online http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/canon-eos-rebel-xsi/4505-6501_7-32891057.html - Tigerdirect offer it for $850 with a 30 day return period (I have taken advantage of that once or twice with items from them that did not live up to expectation). Another place I have looked is Walmart who also have a no hassle 30 day return - while you pay sales tax - you dont pay shipping.
When I shopped I didnt look too hard at the rebel as they did not have the newer XSI (which has many desirable features). If they had I might have gone that way instead.
So I guess part of your consideration is if this camera will be a stepping stone as your skills improve or if you are thinking that you will not likely need anything more any time soon. Regardless - the DSLR's box lens choices will leave you a distance from your subject if your planning on taking many boat pics. I have had some luck finding lenses on e-bay (though again come the risks of buying anything on e-bay). I picked up the 80-400 sigma for around $650 in perfect shape. But lenses are quickly more $$ than the body when you start a collection.
But it is going to depend a LOT on what you are photographing, how much you will be photographing, and what you see yourself doing with it. I dont leave home without my Canon Powershot SD1100 - http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/canon-powershot-sd1100-is/4505-6501_7-32826179.html I would have to say it is the best camera I have owned so far (might not want to read that to the wife ). Image quality for many portrait shots is as good to the average eye - and it fits in my pocket. I have many pictures where I have a hard time figuring out which camera a shot came from. Color from both canons is amazing. But the compact would fail miserably at taking action shots. Even kids jumping in a pool last week was hit and miss. 1 second between shots compared to the enging sounding 6.5fps of the 40D - http://youtube.com/watch?v=HOnfmsu3Y7Q
I guess I have not really given you much of an answer. I personally am impressed with Canons quality, performance, and colors - I know there are just as many who will say the same for Nikon. But I am not sure how many Olympus and Pentax users will say the same. Give some thought to just what you want to do with the camera (and how big a camera you want to carry around - because it wont take good pictures if you leave it behind )
Lower resolution is not the end of the world but it is good to have. Think I would say Quality first - then quantity. Consider that many ultra compact cameras for $200 have higher resolutions than Full Format DSLR's costing $5000. But it is the quality of those megapixes that counts the most.
< Message edited by Justaddwata -- 7/19/2008 5:50:24 AM >
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One of the best gas boat picture sites - http://imageevent.com/justaddwata
I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me .....
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All Forums >> RC Boats >> Off Topic Forum - Boats >> Methods and advice for picture taking 
Methods and advice for picture taking - 
RE: Methods and advice for picture taking - 
. Get halfway decent resuts with my point and shoot 8.1 mp Sony Cybershot. It's the action shots I have a hard time capturing most of the time. Also using a basic drape backdrop for stills to keep the busy clutter away is something I've been experimenting on. Headed to Home Depot to find a white sheet that hopefully will suffice. 
Now they making a 8.0 version,thats my next camara.
