SLR Recommendations

Her!!!! I've forgotten her name, but I've seen her about, cute. Blonde. I dont have enough blonde figures...

maybe if you get a business deal with canon or some other camera company they might send you some cameras to help them test and advertise on your site

yikes thanks for the warning ^^; my XT (probably known as kiss?) is possibly in year 2 ^^;;; *gulp* Don't want it to corrupt my files ;_;

You should go for Kiss X2. They're very easy to use, and has nice features like LIVE VIEW!!.
Nice lens by the way (^^)

Depends on how much your willing to spend. My friend runs a photography studio and the Rebel XT models are good starter SLRs. If you can find one the Canon EOS 20D or the EOS 30D are great models. Right now they are a bit older but they are considered professional grade. Either way get something with good white balance as it will make the difference in the pictures.

I have a Nikon D40. Would only recommend for starters like myself. I wish I could look at the photos I take on the computer without having to import them XD I suppose that's what you mean by live view ^^' Otherwise, I love my camera ^_^ Its affordable and the quality is great. An extra bonus for me is that I can use my dad's ancient lenses (by that I mean they're older than I am).

looks like the girl with the giant scissors from princess resurrection - looks nice! ^^

If you like the KISS. The KISS 2 will serve you well if you are not into EOS 5 of higher. I always find your photos on this web site pretty good which I assume you use your KISS for them.

Well Danny that depends on how much you're willing to spend. Since you're with canon it wouldn't make much sense moving to another brand because of lenses and stuff. The 450D (Kiss X2) is pretty good actually it's the third in line of the 350D (Kiss Digital N). Above that you got the semi-pro cams like the new 50D is the new beast of their line but if you want to spend more and go pro then go for the EOS-1D Mark III (don't know the japanese name) the top of Canon right now, it has lesser MP than the other ones I mentioned the quality is of another world

ooo its that hime??
i didnt know abut this figure, ill search it.. X3

Danny, Nikon D90 has live view.

The Canon 450d would serve you well... Since you don't want to spend again for lenses, but I'm sure even when you switch brands, you'll find somewhere there to sell all those lenses.

I'm leaning towards Nikon D60 or the newer one, for this holiday season.

I've been loving my Nikon D40, it gives you full manual control if you want and has alot of good automatic features if you don't want to worry about the controls too much. The controls are also not over complicated like alot of DSLR's. Doesn't have live view and self cleaning. it does have a pretty good sized LCD though. Don't have any recommendations for Cannon though. I'm a Nikon guy.

The new Nikon D700 seems drool worthy from the review but maybe a tad expensive :D http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond700/ review here and some great reviews of the new canon's etc, maybe the Nikon is a little low on the MP side but who really needs 21MP anyway lol

Back in the pre-digital period (somewhere between Jurassic and Concords last flight) we could get converters, so that lenses could be used on different cameras. I know, cause I still have a couple - even screw thread to bayonet style adaptors were available. I would have thought a bit of digging around could turn up some if relly needed.

Stick with Canon due to your lens accessories.
You need to upgrade though, no point staying same level. Go for 40D at least.
If you can afford (i think so), go for full frame 5D.

Danny, even if you have some EF-S lenses, you could still upgrade to 5D MkII, you get 1080p HD video capability with that and the benefit of a full frame sensor. A much sturdier body and you certainly wouldn't need to upgrade for another 5 years. The video that camera produces is incredible (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zu3bQqCTAIw&fmt=18 - the Canon website hosting this went over its bandwidth limit due to the popularity of the video, so its on YT). Otherwise 50D is your best bet.

Recent entry level slr from Canon are not as good as Nikon product
As a Canon user from a long time now I must admit that fact
but you own lenses, so
You really should consider buy an end of life product like the 40D (very affordable for that kind of product)
I have made that choice 2 monthes ago to replace my 20D and i have no regrets
good luck for your choice ^_^

I admit that fact toot but if you want a good slr you have to test the 40D or the 50D if it's possible try the 5D Mark II is awsome and explode the Nikon D700.

I have a Nikon but I'd recommend going for Canon since you already have the lenses. Canon 50D perhaps?

now DSLR cameras should have recoding function.

Nikon D90: have recoding function but mono sound recoding, and 5 mins. time one-shot recoding before your camera burn out XD.

Canon 5D Mk.II : have recoding function too and higher resolution too, stereo sound, and NOT limited to 5 mins.(one-shot recoding)...of course price also VERY EXPENSIVE.

I am using a Rebel XSI, though I'm not sure what a Canon Kiss is since they dont seem to sell it outside of Asia? looks like it might be the same model
the LCD was enlarged on the XSI and it is a very good camera in the under 800$ price range

I like the Sony Alpha 700 we got for the office recently. We got the Zeiss 16-80mm (?) lens for it. There is some barrel distortion at the wide end. The control layout is very good IMO. Sony DSLRs will take the Konica-Minolta lenses. However, if you already have a Canon, it's probably best to buy another Canon body so you can eep using the same lenses.

I have always been a Nikon man myself but I still shoot film.

It is a good idea to stick with Cannon so you could keep using the same good old lens, but if you pland on trying new brand. I recommend Nikon, the new Nikon D90 has just about everything you want or need and some extra.

The new D90 comes with 12.3mp and HD-movie Capability, but the price is kinda double that of the Kiss x2. At 999 usd it is still alot cheaper about 1/4 the price i pay for my D2xs and it got HD-movie capability.

I say stick to Canon and just get a new body since you got the lenses. 450D w/ liveView perhaps?
*in before 40D or 5D MkII

If you only want to publish pictures on web sites, any DSLR having over 6 mega pixels will be fine -- which is basically all of them these days. What you get for more money is usually extra build quality and a few fancy points like faster shooting speed. For example, the Sony A700 can output direct to HDTVs using HDMI cable, and will record RAW and JPG files simultaneously. Very useful for presentations, but pointless for web site pictures.

The most important thing about any camera is the quality of the lens.

go 4 the eos 5d mkII. full frame sensor and full 1080p HD video....sweet

Since you're already using a canon, might as well get something from them. Take away the hassle of purchasing new lenses not to mention re-orienting yourself with the interface can be a bit of a bitch.

Geez, it looks like everyone's getting new cameras. It's pretty much rubbing in how badly I need a new one! >.<;

Whoa, the Japanese layout for Canon's website's totally different from the US version. And, quite frankly, I think both are kind of ugly. ^^; Anyway, no idea what the US equivalent of a Kiss is. Still, Canon's quite reputable from all I've heard, and since you've got the compatible lenses already, sticking with them's probably a good choice. Let us know what you get so us camera-less people can know what to look for!

nice! I love that Camera! it's far superior to mine. I don't know much about camera's in the first place though...

I thought you wanted to get the Canon 5D? It looks damn awesome.

I intend to get a Nikon D90 when my year end bonuses comes it.

With full frame becoming cheaper now, it appears that getting the new canon 5D MKII would be a good idea. Although you need to get new lenses for it as canon's non full frame lens do not work on it. A better idea would be to get the Canon 50D as you can reuse all your current lenses for it.

I would say the 40D or 50D Danny. I still have a lot to learn as well however, neither of us are novice. You should move away from the lower end models. ^^ I sure you will see better and longer life from it compared to the Kiss. My 20D is still going strong and has outlasted 400D and Rebel/Kiss bodies own by others. Having said that, i wouldn't buy a used 20D. Chances are you would get one that belonged to a pro. Pros are hard on their camera bodies.

either the 50D or the 450D, although like Edward said the 50D would probably last longer. the 5D seems nice to have unfortunately almost all your lenses are EF-S so I'd recommend staying with the two previously mentioned model.

Yea I'd say spend the money on a 40D or 50D. It's a better camera then the consumer versions. 40D if you're on a budget, 50D if you have the money. I just got a 40D a before they announced the 50D, and I kind of regret it, but the 40D does everything I need it to do, but the 50D has some nice features that would be nice to have.

I shoot on a canon 20D...yeah I know its old but it still kicks major butt. I was thinking about upgrading to a 40D. After doing some thinking my 20D is still awesome and no need for another body, rather spend the money on a lense.

Either pick 40D or 50D. But I would have choose 40D since there is no significant change between 40D and 50D. And it's more affordable so you can save money to buy more lenses.

Upgrading to either a 40D or 50D is a good choice. It's far more durable than the 450D/Kiss because of it's magnesium body. If you shop around in Holland, you can get a 40D for around 650 euro's or a 50D for 1000 euro's.

Even though I've small hands, I find the Kiss series too small for comfort. My generic lens weights about a kilogram so I rather have a more substancial body in my hands.

I second what Kilkrazy said. The lens is far more important for the quality of the photos. IMO, the pixelcount is TOTALLY IRRELEVANT for the average amateur photographer these days. For instance, my Eos 10D is 'only' 6 Mpix, but with some Photoshop hocus pocus...poster-sized images are CERTAINLY doable. This is because you take viewing distance into account so the pixel density doesn't need to be that high. I mean who can see the difference between 300dpi and 200dpi from 2 meters distance?

Here's a shortlist of things I find important for the choice of SLR's:

- comfort
- durability
- viewfinder (not the LCD screen) clarity and size
- ISO noise
- autofocus performance (this is probably the most important feature)

I would trade 90% of the camera's features to have a focussing system found on the Eos 1D mk3. No matter how good your camera, or how good the lens...out of focus = rubbish

When you're taking pictures of people, timing is everything so you can't afford to fiddle with your camera. Hence the pros use those insanely expensive monsters.

the 450D (kiss 2) is a good bet. it has big LCD screen, live view, self cleaning just as you needed and it uses SD card. i actually prefer SD card as i worry improper insertion of CF card might cause damage to the device.

Thanks all for the advice and recommendations so far.

I don't know much about SLR cameras but I read on www.gizmodo.com that you can now capture video with them. http://gizmodo.com/5050899/canon-5d-mark-ii-officially-awesome-21mp-dslr-first-to-shoot-full-hd-video

Not sure if u're interested in getting a Pro-sumer, but you gotta check out the Panasonic Lumix LX-3!!!!!! Check out dpreview's forum for the overwhelming positive feedbacks from users!

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1033

F2.0 24mm + stayed at 10M Pixel + super sensitive CCD sensor comparable to the legendary Fuji F31.... Currently THE BEST pro-sumer camera out there!!!!

BTW, dpreview has been bought by Amazon.com, u know right? Phil must've made loads from the deal! >:)

Danny, I have learned that it is best to remove the battery if your camera will sit longer than a week unused. It was true for older SLRs and I was told it's best for DSLRs as well. Something to do with the camera's electronics...

The Canon 50D is coming out.

3 years for a DSLR is a short life...

Sadly, I'm not able to give any recommendations but, I can wish you good luck in finding one! ^-^

I've been a Canon user ever since I bought my first DSLR which was a 400D. At some point, I was keen towards moving to Nikon because the somehow I prefer the saturation of the images from Nikon. But then Canon is better in low light conditions and shooting with RAW helps make up for the less saturated shots from Canon with the help of post processing and since Danny doesn't really shoot in large bulks like most studios do, Canon would be a viable choice for him, especially given the fact that it would be a pain in the ass to convert to Nikno and sell off all his lenses.

450D is a good choice if Danny wants to stick to the XXXD category. 40D or 50D is a nice choice for a bulkier rig with a bigger LCD. Of course, 450D or 1000D has a newer CMOS but the downside with the 1000D is that it tends to be too small for most hands.

450D, 40D or the upcoming 50D, whichever fits your fancy.

40D with a new lens or the 50D.

If at all possible, see if you can actually test out these cameras. Seeing how the camera performs first hand as well as your comfort level is key.

I got myself a 50D it roxs

am using a Sony Alpha 200 DSLR now. am quite happy with it so far. heard the newer Alphas r better.

I'm currently using a 40D and 50D just came out. You can look into it. And a canon 100mm macro lens would be nice for figures. lol

i have the sony alpha 300. its my first dslr camera and i very happy whit him. he is very easy to use, have a adjustable lcd screen and a live view mode and take great quality photos.

if you are thinking to change.. if you don not care much what coming out from the 40d then i suggest you go for it instead of going to 50d which have not much different in terms of the quality.. live view with face detection or HDMI port or ISO 6400 and above.. its a crap.. since most of the photo are from figure or gunpla.. i don't think you need what i mention.. as for the outdoor shot at daylight condition.. i guess most camera can do a better job.. as for the low light condition.. i will suggest to save the money instead of buying a very high end camera but use the money to get the speed light.. since you have a lot of EF-S lens.. stick with APS body is a better choice.. unless you really want to have some extraordinary picture.. then.. change the whole system to the full frame body and have the L lens.. btw.. just my opinion.. no offend..

Get the new Canon 50D. I think it will more than suffice in your line of work. Comes with live view/sensor cleaning among all the nifty features. Else, if budget is tight, go for the older model Canon 40D. I'm using 40D and loving it!