Digital SLR cameras for the beginner

[Casper]

I'm looking to get pointed in the right direction to start a new hobby, which is photography. And I am looking to get away from the standard point and click cameras, and into the higher end SLR cameras.

My main uses for them will be travel + landscape type pictures, air shows, hydroplane racing pictures, and Radio Control pictures of Helicopters and airplanes (yes, my other nerd hobby .) And lots of other outdoor activities.

So, do any of the photographers here have any ideas for me? And since I am enrolled in college again, at some point I plan to take a few photography classes.

[nsidestrate]

I'm a huge fan of the Canon line. When I bought my most recent camera, it was easy to chose Canon since I already owned a lot of lenses and accessories. I have the EOS 30D, but that is already obsolete and the current model is the 40D, which is very, very nice. The Rebel XTi/XSi is a somewhat more affordable model (all high quality SLRs are fairly expensive). There are even better models, but I don't think they make sense for the non-professional.

www.dpreview.com is widely considered the most authoritative review source in the world.

Nikon makes good digital SLRs too, I've just always been a Canon guy myself. If budget is a key factor, you might also look at the Sony Alpha, which I have heard good things about too.

If you have more specific questions, I can try to tackle them. I'm sort of a serious-amateur level photographer.

[Stew21]

If that helicopter or airplane could drop a incendiary device it wouldn't be very nerdy, would it?

[toom]

I used to be a medium-serious amateur with a film SLR camera, but less so in the digital era. I've always intended to get a Rebel since I have so many Canon accessories for my AE1 (film), and no comparisons I've read since have changed my tune..

dpreview is the premier resource, as mentioned. I used that when I bought a slightly-above-average point-and-click there.

[Casper]

Cool thanks, I was leaning towards canon too as ive had them in the past and always have been reliable. Guess i have some reading to do tomorrow

[bigredchef]

I bought a Xti last July. I absolutely love the camera, and would recommend it. It's a great camera for beginners imo.

Canon and Nikon are by far the most popular brands, however, I was fairly impressed with the Sony Alpha. The built in image stabilization I think is a great feature for beginners and much cheaper then purchasing IS lenses. The main reason I went with the Canon was incase I ever upgraded the camera body. The lenses I have purchased will work with the new body, and Sony didn't have a higher end body.

(Hope that made sense. I just woke up)

BRC

[Casper]

So is it worth trying to find a deal on a used XTi on craigslist or ebay? Or should I just buy brand new? I dont have a problem buying brand new, but also dont mind saving money when I can

[niin]

I have an XTi too, and I love it. For the money, it's a great camera.

[Nutjob]

Here's what the photo guru at my paper says in regards to your intended use:

[Casper]

thanks

[Casper]

Well I went a head and purchased the Rebel XTi along with the Canon EF-S 55-250 IS lense to go along with it. Hopefully it gets here before I go to DC & overseas

[nsidestrate]

[Casper]

Well I'm deep in this hobby now and theres no backing out. For my next purchase im looking to get a telephoto lens 400-500mm. After a few months with this camera, and going out and shooting various things, I've found shooting wildlife (Birds in particular, since there are lots of good birds of prey here) is what I am most interested in. I currently only have a 250mm lens, and its just not enough.

Anyone have experience with any telephoto lenses? Im currently looking at the Sigma 170-500mm, as its in the price range im comfortable with for now ($700-$1500).