Best Digital SLR Camera and Lenses for a grand?

[Revalos]

I'm looking to spend about $1000 on a medium quality DSLR and lens (or lenses). I know the real nice ones are around $2500 and up, but I can't afford to go that high.

My only requirement is that the camera must use SD flash card memory (Micro, Mini, Pro Duo, or normal SD are all fine), not compact flash.

Anyone have any suggestions? I've been looking at a Nikon D60 with a 18-55 MM VR lens and a 55-200 VR lens at Costco, but there are so many different lenses and qualities, I don't want to get that if I can find a really nice telephoto set that covers that whole gambit in one lens.

I'd like it to be as versatile as possible and be able to take pictures in all conditions and light levels (low f/ value capabilities are always good).

[Itachi]

I got a D60 a few months back and picked up a 100-300mm for like a hundred bucks, im pretty happy with it.

[Bobmuhthol]

<<Pro Duo,>>

Pro Duo isn't SD. It's Pro Duo.

[fallenSaint]

<<Pro Duo,>>

Pro Duo isn't SD. It's Pro Duo.


Your correct but god bless microSD

http://www.semsons.com/mitomestprod.html

[Bobmuhthol]

As much as I love MicroSD that adapter would be the opposite of what he wants. Pro Duo can't be adapted to SD - it's bigger.

Edit: My bad, Duo is bigger, Pro Duo is actually smaller but I'm pretty sure only Pro Duo -> Duo adapters exist.

[Itachi]

pro duo is proprietary sony memory card type isnt it?

[Bobmuhthol]

Basically. SanDisk started making them about 1.5 years ago, but Sony made the format 10 years ago.

[Itachi]

Ya thats right, sandisk just swooped in and started making like every format. Whats OP beef with compact flash? You can get relatively large capacity cards for cheaper than most other formats. Off the top of my head based off of nothing, id say about 10-20 bucks every gig.

[Bobmuhthol]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16830120262

[Revalos]

The reason I want an SD camera is because I just bought an 8GB Micro SD card (with a Pro Duo, Mini, USB, and SD adapter) that works for my PSP and mobile phone. I'd rather have one memory system to work with all my stuff since 8GB is a pretty hefty amount anyway.

http://www.abacus24-7.com/productpics/2GBMSD-ADPT.jpg

That Canon does look interesting Bob, but it only comes with one lens. Is image stabilization really worth it?

What is the difference between VR and normal lenses...or AF-S and stuff...is there a guide to what each lens type gives you? Wikipedia seemed to be no help.

[Bobmuhthol]

<<That Canon does look interesting Bob, but it only comes with one lens. Is image stabilization really worth it?>>

Image stabilization is 100% worth it if you're not taking pictures on a tripod. Canon cameras are fucking awesome.

[Suppa Hobbit Mage]

Yeah, I have a Canon EOS 30D and I love it. I gave my Mom a Nikon something another (it was 10 megapixels versus the 8 my camera does) and I don't like it at all. I have 5 lens and since Canon is such a big name you can get loads of stuff for it.

I've taken pictures and then had them printed 8x10 and can't tell the difference from my SLR. I also bought a cheapo epson photo printer which works great for printing your own pictures... it was like 100 bucks at BestBuy.

I have a 4 gig card and I don't think I've ever even come close to half full. I'd check on Ebay (where I got mine) and you can get package deals with the body, lens, tripod, case, card, reader, etc.

[droit]

I'll readily admit that I don't know squat about high end photography equipment, but have you heard anything about the Casio Exilim EX-F1? I don't know what exactly you'll be shooting, but if you are into action photography, you should check this out. I read David Pogue's review of it on the New York Times website and it sounds pretty impressive. It shoots 60 frames per second, even constantly shooting while you're holding down the shutter button waiting for a shot so that even if you miss the exact instant of an event, you still captured it.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/03/technology/personaltech/03pogue.html?sq=pogue%20time%20machine&st=nyt&adxnnl=1&scp=1&adxnnlx=1211418187-TsoxlHeDKK7/dHfW97xrJg

Be sure to watch the corny movie.

[Suppa Hobbit Mage]

That'd be a cool second camera.

[Revalos]

Damn, that Casio F1 is hella cool. I may just have to get that once I get my hands on the right DSLR. If I could get that 60fps feature with a conventional DSLR with exchangable lenses I'd be all over it.