[Jase007]

Alright photography experts ... my wife wants a good digital SLR to pick up an expensive hobby she let go over these last several years [decades...? ]. Yes, racing is expensive too. No, this is not payback. FUCHERS

She likes all the $$$ crap and we were both pretty knowlegeable w/r/t 35mm SLR cameras ... back in the day. She works for an architectural firm and can expand the "scope" of her employment by shooting buildings / projects / interiors as the opportunities arise. [see where this is going ...$$$ ... more track goodies pour moi ].

Not going to be doing a lot [any] of speed / sport shooting as she doesn't go to the track, etc... [maybe kids sports in a few years]. I'm thinking of the package(s) below with body and basic lense and spring for tele-p / macro later ... if necessary. Articles, magazines I've read seem to suggest Canon bodies as have most lenses [reasonably priced] to select from. Also noted, if coming to digital SLR world without a boatload of lenses for a specific make ... already ... Canon suggested as a good "re-educator". Nikon is nice but $$$.

Here is what I am thinking so far:

1. Canon Digital Rebel XTi 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens (Black) $787.00

2. Olympus Evolt E500 8MP Digital SLR with 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 & 40-150mm f/3.5-4.5 Zuiko Lenses $650

3.Nikon D70S 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-70mm Nikkor Lens Body only $615 ... with lense $850.

Let me know your thoughts within the parameters mentioned above for something in the price range mentioned. I'd like to hear about ease of operation, interchangeability, product quality, image quality, features I haven't thought of?

I doubt she will spend the huge amounts of time necessary to learn new software and manipulate the large digi photos. Photoshop is where it is at [we have] for now besides the software bundled with the purchase.


Thanks for the help

*have been to and read about the www.four-thirds.org concept

[TD in DC]

Wayne might be able to help a little

[Jazzbass]

I have the D70s and love it, despite the fact that it doesn't have "live preview" - you know, the LCD doesn't show exactly what's in the lens. Paid $600 for it w/ lens back in Oct. You should be able to find something similar if you want to go Nikon - $850 for that camera sounds a bit steep.

I don't know much about photography, so hopefully someone who knows their shiat like Photoeditor will chime in. I like the camera, though, and am glad I got it. Have not missed the extra 4MP the D80 had.

[markwemple]

I'm far from an expert in digital SLRs and love my ol' OM1md but from the little research I've done so far, Cannon comes out on top.

[berettafan]

D70 for the simple reason that Nikon has the best glass bar none.

If you can try finding the original D70 as it came with a better kit lense.

[Jase007]

"Beretta"

If you can try finding the original D70 as it came with a better kit lense.

How / what do you mean?

[HoodPin]

If you're starting from scratch (no leftover lenses from film body you might use), I think any you mention are excellent. Canon/Nikon/Olympus are all excellent lens manufacturers, which is the most important aspect of good photography. I have been a Canon user for more than 30 years, so am prejudiced somewhat. As far as lenses and accessories, I believe Canon and Nikon will provide more variety.

[jsaindc]

I have the digital Rebel and like it very much. It was an easy choice for me because I have a Canon A2E and all of my lenses would work. I agree that you should probably spend less on the body and more on the lenses. A basic body now has 8 or 10megs so the more advanced features may not be worth spending the money (jmo). Hold them, they do have different feels to them. I do not know if I would agree that the Nikon lenses are better, especialy in the professional line, not that I have any; however, Nikon and Canon are both good picks.

[Vicegrip]

one more vote for the D70. i have one of the "Original ones" Shoots like a film cam. How much is the D80 with glass going for? (EDIT $930 on line for a US unit from a auth. seller.) Go for that one. We can price creep cool hobby stuff so can she. Pitch the bundled disk. Someday a cam will come with usable software.

[berettafan]

First version was plain ol' D70. The 'S' came after (IIRC) and offered a slightly bigger display screen and some minor programming changes. The lense, however, was a lesser quality. Not bad, just lesser.