Thinking ahead
I've been thinking lately about upgrading my camera. I have a Canon Rebel XT, which I quite like, but I've started to come up against some of its limitations. This is actually a good thing: it's an entry-level camera, and I've outgrown it. I do some macro photography (which means basically big pictures of little things -- with my 8MP camera, a bug about an inch long would fill an 8"x10" print), which has some unique technical challenges. The area that's in focus is literally paper thin, for example, and you need a lot of light for a proper exposure. More advanced cameras have features that will help mitigate some of these challenges.
Brainstorming, here are some things I'd like in my next camera: Live preview and histogram. Tethering. Sensor cleaning. Better high ISO performance. Ideally around $600 tops. I'm thinking of the Canon 40D, the 50D, or the XSI.
The 40D and 50D have the advantage mechanically -- some weathersealing, a better chassis, and better ergonomics. My top choice, the 40D, is around $900 right now, but I'm hoping the price drops low enough for me to afford. At ~$1100 the 50D is about twice my budget, barring winning the lottery (unlikely, since I don't play the lottery). It has a few minor improvements over the 40D that I probably wouldn't miss. The XSI is around $600ish, but it's still in Canon's entry level line -- it has the features I'm looking for, and apparently its image quality even tops the 40D in some subtle ways, but honestly I'd prefer to spend more for a camera that's more physically reliable.
This is not a decision I'll be making any time soon, of course. I'm not even sure I'll be able to upgrade this year. It might make more sense to keep using the Rebel XT until it goes, and spend a smaller amount of money on another lens -- I've got a 50mm and 100mm macro, but no good walkaround options for wideangle or longer telephoto. Oh well. Still fun to obsess over.
2 comments:
I'm jealous that you have outgrown yours. I use an old Canon Rebel and have never really sat down and learned to use it. Anyhow, since you talked about price, I was wondering where you were looking. Sometimes you can find good deals on beachcamera.com or buydig.com (I think they are actually the same company so the prices will be the same). My dad also did really well on Amazon lately withe a lens, so I guess that's a good place to check out too. Good luck when you finally make the purchase.
I'm watching Amazon mostly, though I check out beachcamera/buydig (I've heard the same thing about them) occasionally. Everything's either in the same price range or a scam where they never send you the camera. I'm also watching Adorama, B&H, and Calumet for refurbs.
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