5 comments about Canon EOS Rebel T2i 18 MP CMOS APS-C Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD and EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens.

1. For the past 8 years I've been using a point-and-shoot Sony DSC-F717, which has served me quite well for what I was doing and actually had really good image quality.
   I've been following closely, over the past few years, the developments and price cuts of entry level DSLRs and am glad I waited this long! Once I noticed that manufacturers were adding video capabilities, I knew waiting a little while longer, until they got it just right, would pay off.
   
   I'm thrilled with this purchase and as an amateur, of course, there is much to learn. Here are a few observations from using the camera for the past 2 days:
   
   * RAW files from this camera not supported in OS X yet
   * MOV files created will test your computers speed
   * MOV files in 1080p will eat up ~330MB/min and use ~15mbit/s bitrate
   * Good starter lens, but I can already tell I'll want something to supplement it
   * Great fit and finish
   * Very light



2. Received my Canon T2i today (from Adorama Camera) and made a few observations and test shots. This camera is much like my Xsi with some very nice improvements. First, is the 3 inch LCD. With over one million dots, it's a thing of beauty. The first few images I made were clean and very sharp on the monitor. To my knowledge, it's the ONLY camera with over 920,000 dots. I did some test shots under dim room lighting indoors at ISO 6400 and found the noise unoticeable. I'm not a video fanatic and did not try out this aspect of the camera, but the engage button is in a prominent and convenient place. Just push it and it goes. The menu is clear and unconfusing, easy to navigate and unnesesary for most shooting. Like the Xsi, the camera is smallish in your hands and I found that the vertical battery grip gives you a firmer hold and is a handsome addition. It does add some weight but you get more shots per charge with the extra battery. I looked at the Nikon D3000 and D5000 cameras and felt they looked very amateur and cheap compared to the T2i. I think it's superior even to the more expensive 12.3 M.P. D90 too. With 18 Mp this camera should be great at very big enlargements or even severe cropping. All in all, I'm very glad I bought it and plan on taking it on a few trips this summer. I had been looking at bags for some time and finally settled on a Tamrac 5608. It will house my T2i and my Xsi as well and flash and lenses and all of the other stuff that you collect. It's a terrific camera and I can see why it sells out as quickly as it has. The T2i, like the Xsi is manufactured in Japan, not China or some straw hut in Indonesia. This might say something of the quality.



3. Bought my camera from Adorama.com, shipped to FPO/AP. Had to wait for it to hit market, but shipping was very fast.
   
   Some reviews I read say it feels plasticky like a toy. I did not like the feel of it that much UNTIL I put the accessory grip on it...and that sold it for me. I love this camera, and great value for what you get. Its like a miniature version of the 7D minus some of the more "professional" (traslation: complicated) features. I just paid 500 dollars for a professional photographer to take pictures at my wedding, and this camera takes far better pictures than than his camera (a Canon 20D). The kit lens is suprisingly good. However, I recommend getting a 100mm 2.8 or 1.4 EF lens...or even a wide 10mm or 18mm fixed lens. This camera would be a great choice for semi-professional photographers who already had some good lenses, or just beginners with the kit lens. I wish it had a more rugged body, but you can buy camera armor soon at camerarmor.com for less than 50 bucks. Again, I love this camera and would recommend it to anyone.



4. Whether you're new to the world of DSLRs, or are a seasoned photographer who wants to try your luck at video, the Canon Rebel T2i is perfect. I've had nothing but great experiences with it so far, and highly recommend to everyone.
   
   Other than the T2i, I own (and primarily shoot with) the Rebel XS (1000D), and also have extensive experience with the Canon 50D. While my XS still serves me very well, I wanted to get an SLR with video capabilities since the release of the T1i. After finally saving up enough for the T1i, I really lucked out that Canon announced the T2i, which has even better features! I am lucky enough to finally have it, and want to share my experiences, and how they compare to my expectations
   ==================
   OVERALL IMPRESSIONS
   The camera is very small and light. It is not weather-sealed or as durable as some of the more expensive SLRs, but it doesn't "feel cheap" in my opinion. It features a 3-inch LCD (compared to the Rebel XS's 2.5 inch screen), which also has a very high resolution. It looks lovely! Auto-focus is fast, and I've been very pleased with the quality of the pictures and videos I've taken so far.
   ==================
   PROS
   IMAGE QUALITY: I feared that cramming so many megapixels onto this sensor, there would be a lot of image 'noise' (the megapixel myth). This thankfully hasn't been an issue, and I've been very pleased with the pictures taken with this camera! Aside from White Balance issues (see below, Cons), image quality is pretty good!
   
   VIDEO: Some people have disparagingly said that Video on DSLRs is just a gimmick. I disagree. Based on sample clips I'd seen on YouTube, I was excited about getting an HDSLR, and while videos are sometimes shaky if you don't have very steady hands, a tripod eliminates those concerns. Audio quality on the T1i was criticized by many, but the T2i has a microphone input jack, which allows you to connect a mic. I don't yet own one so can't comment on that feature, but will update this review if and when I save enough to try this feature out. Additionally, this offers improved recording options, including higher fps (frames per second) than the T1i, which technically offered "true HD" recording of 1080, but only at a choppy 20 fps.
   
   LOW-LIGHT PERFORMANCE: I am much more impressed than I expected. My Rebel XS could go up to ISO 1600, but would perform pretty poorly there. This not only can go up to a significantly higher ISO level, but performs much better. Less image noise means you have to waste less time editing your pics, and many more keepers!
   
   SDXC SUPPORT: Only own SDHC cards up until now, but it's great to know that this supports the next generation of flash storage, which means you'll in the future be able to hold many more pictures than currently available.
   
   CONS
   NOT A FULL-FRAME SLR: This is not a full-frame SLR like the Canon 5D Mark II, and the APS-C sized sensor results in a crop factor (1.6x), and doesn't necessarily provide the same image quality as the larger, full-frame sensor does. Still, at less than half the cost of the Mark II, I think this is a trade-off that's well worth it for most users.
   
   Crop factor means that this camera, like other Canon DSLRs that have the APS-C size image sensor, will not be true to the lens's designation. A 50mm lens will produce an image more in line with 50mm x 1.6, or 80mm on a full-frame. This not only makes a difference for those who want to do landscape photography (which usually benefits from wide-angle views), but for those with unsteady hands. The general logic is that to ensure a steady shot, you need to shoot at the reciprocal of your focal length. So for a 50mm focal length, you should be shooting at a speed faster than 1/50 second for a steady shot. Keeping the crop factor in mind, you really should be shooting at a speed faster than 1/80 a second.
   
   Crop factors are common for most digital SLRs, as full-frame sensors jack up the cost of production, which are then passed on to the consumer in the form of very expensive cameras. So it's not so much a shortcoming of the Rebel T2i, but just a note to keep in the back of your mind.
   
   DIFFERENT BATTERY: This is more of a hassle for those who owned spare batteries than for those whose first SLR would be the T2i, but Canon changed the battery. Again, not such a big deal, but might be a hassle for some who find out that their old batteries can't be used on this model.
   
   WHITE BALANCE: I found that the 'Auto' White-Balance setting was wildly inaccurate on my Rebel XS (often giving indoor shots a yellow tint unless I changed the WB to the 'Incandescent Light' mode), and I feel that the WB settings on this model still aren't as accurate as they should be. If you want truly accurate WB, you can use a gray card, or an alternative would be to simply try digitally editing the photos on your computer after shooting.
   
   NO ARTICULATING SCREEN: No articulating screen, but this is a rare feature in DSLR's in general, so it's not a shortcoming of the T2i. Since most of your shots will probably be composed using the viewfinder, not a big deal, although it would have been convenient! If you absolutely must have an articulating screen on an HDSLR, look into the Nikon D5000.
   
   ===================
   A NOTE ABOUT THE KIT LENS
   The lens that comes with this is the standard 18-55 f/3.5-5.6 that comes with the other Rebels. It's a very good all-around lens, but you more likely than not will want to at some point upgrade your lens for either (a) better image quality, or (b) better performance in low-light conditions.
   
   This lens is very good, but for pros or those who pay incredibly close attention to detail, the optical quality of Canon's higher-end lenses is superior than to the kit lens. For most users, I don't think image quality will be a huge issue.
   
   More likely, the aperture size will be the reason people want to upgrade their lens over time. A lens with a wider aperture allows more light to reach the sensor in less time than a lens with a narrower aperture. That means you can employ a faster shutter speed, which allows you to snap the shot faster, reducing the likelihood of a blurry picture. Outdoors on a sunny day, this aperture range of this lens won't be a limiting factor; inside a poorly-lit gym, however, you'll notice some blurry shots (see below for a recommended alternative for low-light shooting).
   
   Still, this is a pretty good all-around lens that can result in some great shots!
   ===================
   RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES
   
   1. An external flash: This will come in very handy. With the built-in flash, your photos often come out harshly lit. Bouncing an external flash off the wall makes a huge difference in image quality. I personally use the Speedlite 580EX II, but there are cheaper alternatives that are very good. Some higher-end cameras (i.e. Canon 5D Mark II) don't even have a built-in flash, which goes to show something about how high-level photographers view the lighting provided by internal flashes.
   
   2. 50mm f/1.8 II lens - At around one hundred dollars, this lens is relatively cheap when compared to others on the market. Despite its low price, it offers great image quality. While it lacks IS (image stabilization) like some other Canon lenses (including the kit lens), with a wide aperture of f/1.8, enough light usually comes in to ensure a fast shutter speed, which in turn minimizes camera shake. Keep in mind that as a 'prime' lens, your feet will have to do the zooming in and out. This is not as convenient as an everyday walk-around lens like the 18-55 kit lens which gives a good zoom range, but is a great lens for portraits. Also would ideally be a good option for poorly-lit places where the aperture of the kit-lens isn't wide enough to ensure a steady shot.
   
   
   CONCLUSIONS
   From my list of 4 pros and 4 cons, you might wonder why I'm giving this product 5 stars?... It's because considering the great performance - and low price - of the T2i, the 'cons' I list really aren't that big of a deal. Just because some cameras offer the aforementioned features the T2i lacks, it doesn't mean the T2i isn't a solid performer. On the contrary, I have been completely satisfied with this camera's image and video quality, performance, features, AND PRICE, and would recommend the T2i to anyone looking for an affordable way to capture memories!



5. Many good things have been said about this camera. It is superlative in most ways that count for most users. See the other reviews for details of just how excellent a camera this is. I'll instead offer a few summary opinions and observations:
   
   1) Upgrading from an XTi or higher will be very easy for you -- same lenses, many similar controls
   
   2) Don't expect wonders from the kit lens. It is noisy, cheap-feeling, has a primitive and slow USM, uses a plastic (not metal) bayonet, and hunts hopelessly when autofocusing in anything but ideal light. It is altogether not worth the $100. Getting the camera now, is.
   
   3) ISO response really is amazing. ISO 800 with my XTi is like ISO 3200 with the T2i. ISO 12800 is entirely usable in a pinch. It is not the horror story you might expect. You can also push it two stops further to the equivalent of 51,200, though I can say the results are ugly. They are the same kind of ugly that an XTi pushed two stops results in, with its ISO6400 equivalent push. These comparisons are based on visual comparison between non-noise reduced images. When you apply even mild NR using the DPP software, ISO12,800 quickly becomes a viable tool, rather than the butt of jokes.
   
   4) Auto-ISO is finally here! Canon implemented it right, where you the user can limit the auto-selectable range.
   
   5) Adobe has not caught up to the latest .CR2 RAW file format as of this writing (3/17). The latest ACR is 5.6, and we really really need a 5.7 patch for CS4. Until that is released, you'll need to scrape by with other plugins or programs.
   
   6) Video capabilities meet high expectations. Do however follow the booklet instructions and use at least a SD class 6 card (class 10 preferable). I'm using a class 6 and get some jerkiness at 720p. It just can't keep up. So don't blame the camera until you give it a big pipe to write to.
   
   7) Remote control? Impressively, yes. If you have a long USB cable, you can make some use of the EOS Utility software's remote control functionality, which includes controlling not only the normal features of the camera, but as well, you can schedule photos to be taken periodically (think time-lapse). You also use this software to register your name and copyright statement, if you wish, as imprints on every photo's EXIF.
   
   Overall a great purchase, well worth its price for ISO response and 18 megapixels, but it offers quite a bit more. I'm very pleased.

No comments about Canon Digital Rebel XTi Black 18-55mm Kit.

No comments about Canon EOS Rebel T2i 18 MP CMOS APS-C Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD (Body Only).

5 comments about Canon EOS 7D 18 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-inch LCD (Body Only).

1. If you are intending on buying the 7D because of its video capabilities then be forewarned: The camera overheats far too easily.
   
   I purchased the Canon 7D in December 2009, using it to successfully capture some soccer games. During the games the camera was stopped -- not shutdown -- quite frequently whenever there was a pause in the action, which was quite often due to the age of the players. At half-time the camera was turned off. For the first couple of months I experienced no problems. But that is no longer the case. Spring has sprung and with it comes warmer temperatures. This past weekend the camera's overheating icon came on after being on for about fifteen minutes of stopping and starting. Temperature: 60 degrees outside. I stopped the camera. I shut the camera down for a couple of minutes. I turned the camera back on and it worked for a minute or two before flashing the overheating icon again. I put my jacket on top to keep the sun off the camera body. No luck. I was unable to capture the last fifteen minutes of the game.
   
   Page 159 of the English EOS 7D manual indicates that the camera will experience overheating issues when used for a prolonged time or under direct sunlight. What it doesn't tell you is how long "prolonged" is and under what external temperature conditions this applies too. Based on my results you will have approximately twenty minutes or so when shooting in 60 degrees before the overheating icon flashes. Had I known this I would not have purchased this camera. Given that I'm a long-time Canon customer I can only say that I'm extremely disappointed that the camera overheats so quickly in fair conditions. I'm quite certain Canon is aware of this issue but has chosen to bury it in the operators manual in a loosely-worded description meant to cover their butts. You won't find anything on the Canon 7D product that warns you about "prolonged" use. Try searching the 7D's support section. Nothing with the words "heat, heating, overheat, overheating." A search of the internet tells a completely different story.
   
   It's a camera trying to be a video camera and under certain conditions it works great. Know your intended shooting conditions before deciding to buy the 7D for its video capabilities. Get real, in the field reviews from people who tell it like it is without wrapping it in sugar-coated wording designed to keep their revenue streams flowing.
   
   Despite years of buying Canon products my next video camera purchase will be from another manufacturer.



2. I upgraded to this from a Canon XTi. This camera is much heavier, but the burst rate is almost scary fast!
   
   Downsides:
   This is much heavier than the XTi
   
   Upsides:
   18 MP
   Super fast shooting rate
   Quiet (doesn't sound mechanical like the lower end EOS cameras do)
   Feature rich!



3. I had the 40d,its a great entry dlsr. The 7d is way better in every way-better iso value-better color balance,sharp pics with 70-200L is.I dont care about the movie option,but it works great too-buy this camera now.



4. First, some background.
   
   I'm currently 23, and I've been shooting with film SLRs since the age of 6. My dad has always been a camera nut, and thus, I became one too. While I would never say any of my old models were "pro" (mostly old Minolta models), they were still an SLR, and as a result, they were a great lesson on photography growing up. As I got older, I became interested in filmmaking and purchased a Panasonic DVX100 video camera, which was a fantastic piece of equipment. I held on to it for about 4 years, and did many projects with it.
   
   NOW, when I first heard all the business about DSLRs and video modes, I scoffed. I instantly thought about the video mode on my crummy old point and shoot, which is, in so many words, awful. Then I saw footage. Incredible! It took me a while to be completely sold, but eventually I was ready to sell my beloved DVX to purchase a DSLR. I finally, after much debate (mostly between the 7d and the GH1), I settled on the Canon 7d.
   
   This camera is great. I've been wanting to get back into still photography again, and this is my first DSLR, so I'm excited for that, on top of the video mode. Both have performed to my expectations, sometimes beyond. The body feels extremely rugged, and the weight makes you realize it's not some cheapy plastic. I guess the easiest way to not make this review 10 pages would be a pro and con list, so here we go:
   
   PROS:
   -Feels very rugged, yet comfortable. I'm not so paranoid about having it out in scenarios that would have made me nervous with my DVX
   -Still quality is great
   -Auto-focus seems good, but I've really never taken much to auto-focus, so I'm probably not the best authority to talk on this. It's very fast, but I prefer manual control in most situations.
   -Live view is great in still and video mode. The zoom function is something that I've found invaluable for focusing.
   -HD video is amazing. Moving from SD to HD was a huge bump from the DVX, and I love the quality, sharpness, and detail. Dynamic range is much nicer than the DVX as well.
   -Battery life is better than expected
   -Didn't buy the kit lens, but the Canon 50mm 1.4 works great on this body and delivers wonderful results.
   
   CONS
   -As I mentioned, I've used SLRs before, and tinkered with some other DSLRs before, so the learning curve for me was mostly finding what settings are where, but I can see the learning curve being fairly steep for a complete new comer.
   -Anyone interested in the video mode who has done even a small bit of research knows of some of the limitaons of the camera (rolling shutter, "jello" effect, etc). These are annoyances, but something I'm willing to put up with considering the overall quality and price point
   -Photography, as I tend to forget from time to time, is an EXPENSIVE hobby. Lenses, battery grips, stabilization systems (for video), tripods, etc. The costs DO add up, so make sure you're committed to the craft before you get started, otherwise you'll be disappointed how quickly you can pour money into this stuff (I assume most people realize this, but always good to mention, even though it's not at all specific to the 7d).
   
   Well, I think that's more or less it. I love the camera so far and have no regrets about my purchase. Look forward to using it on some upcoming projects!



5. I bought this camera as a complete newbie to photography. My sum total of knowledge about photography was: keep extraneous junk out of the shot, fill the frame with your subject, and... that's it. I took pictures with my Olympus C740 UZ in full auto mode, and could not tell you the difference between an f-stop and a flame thrower. However, my plan was to become an accomplished amateur photographer ASAP. Once the camera was on order I got Bryan Peterson's book, "Understanding Exposure" and read it cover to cover. Wow! If you consider yourself a beginner, get this book today. Read its' reviews here on Amazon, this is what you need to understand a tremendous amount about photography in, literally, the first half an hour of reading. So, because of that book, I was not the least bit intimidated by the EOS 7D, and was up and running taking pictures immediately. And, by the way, the mode dial has been in aperture priority, shutter priority, or manual since day one. As far as I'm concerned, "auto" and "creative auto" don't exist. I went from knowing absolutely nothing about photography to having a firm grasp of the essentials in a week, with this camera and Bryan Peterson's book. As a complement to the camera I also got at the same time Doug Sahlin's book, "Canon EOS 7D for Dummies". It is an excellent accompaniment to the camera manual, and, like Peterson's book, full of good general photography basics. If you have anything on the ball at all, you can become a photographer with this camera and those two books. From this base, you can then continue to hone your skills and learn forever. So my point is not to talk about the camera, but to tell any beginner they can use THIS camera starting from a base of no knowledge and with diligent study learn very quickly. If it is in your budget, you don't need to go from a point and shoot to a "bridge" camera to a DSLR. If you are serious, want to learn, and have the scratch, you can start right here.
   I have had this camera for eight days and learned and practiced the following things I never knew in that time: What f-stop is and how it affects depth of field; how to use shutter speed to stop or imply motion; what ISO is and how it can affect picture quality; how white balance works and when and how to modify it; using exposure compensation and exposure bracketing, and how to combine those with filters in unusual lighting situations; when and why to use a tripod with slow shutter speeds; how to take great macros without a macro lens using a 50 mm prime lens and an extension tube; how to use direct flash, bounce flash, fill flash, ring flash, and off camera flash for macros, portraits etc. to eliminate shadows and balance exposures. Why you don't use a wide angle lens for portraits! The list goes on but the point is you can do it too. So don't be afraid to buy a "scary" camera, just roll up your sleeves and learn. Also, get a Cotton Carrier to carry the camera around, you don't want this thing hanging on your neck! Cotton Carrier is a vest that securely clips the camera to your chest, it is a necessity in my opinion, put Cotton Carrier in a search engine and peruse his website. I took a "Macro Walk" yesterday with it and it is the best! No sore neck.
   Anyway if you want to know more about the camera itself there is plenty of info here, but I just want beginners to know you can succeed with this awesome machine.

5 comments about Canon EOS Rebel T1i 15.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-Inch LCD and EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens.

1. My experience with canon's t1i has been simply outstanding, the camera is light, portable and shoots great quality photographs. It doesn't perform as well in low light settings, but with the right lenses and technique it can be improved, battery life is normal, so I suggest purchasing a battery grip for those photographers who do spend lots of time on the field. Overall, I recommend this camera completely, its an incredible camera at an amazing price.



2. We bought the camera kit off of eBay with Squaretrade warranty for less then (...) using Bing Cashback so I got an outstanding price right off the bat.
   
   As far as the camera goes; it takes great pictures as far as I can tell. I'm not professional; I just wanted a camera that would get the shots of my 3 year old daughter and this does it pretty well. We put the pictures on my 55in lcd tv and blew them up to 200% and still didn't notice any pixelazation on the focus point. The camera controls are very easy (except for autofocus on the video); the speed of the camera is awesome (highly recommend the Sandisk Extreme 30mb/s SD card); overall very satisfied with the camera. My only complaint is that it does not accept Compact Flash which are cheaper and capabale of higher write speeds.
   
   One other thing that I'm not really happy with is the video; but I bought this as a camera not a HD video camera. I turned off the auto focus because you could here the motors in the video; but I couldn't manually focus quick enough to keep up with the video. Again keep in mind; this is a camera; if you want an HD video camera look at the Sony HCX.



3. I had my camera for a month now, and I love it! I am still learning everything! If you are new, don't get overwhelmed. It's great! IF you are a professonial or advanced, you properly have something more exspensive, but I love it!



4. I had wanted a dslr for several years. After months of researching, I decided on the T1i and am glad I did. I'd suggest adding a battery grip which gives you extra battery time and makes the T1i feel nicer in the hands. (the hand grip on the camera itself is small and can be uncomfortable) A class 6 memory card is a good idea if you'll be shooting video.



5. The camera has a great grip and weight, nice battery duration, and make terrific pictures.. You get good colors and quality using the correct settings.
   Menu is not so easy to use (if u are not familiar with canon), but after few days, u get it!
   It's simply amazing to do HD videos with it. Great stuff for short movies. Only things to worry about this: not to cover the mic on the left, in the front face; and setting the focus - thats painful to get used. And unfortunately, its not possible to do 24fps videos or to change ISO or speed.

5 comments about Nikon D5000 12.3 MP DX Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens and 2.7-inch Vari-angle LCD.

1. What a joy it has been using this Nikon D5000 for the past 9 months. I specialize in street and beach photography and was suffering from neck and shoulder pains after toting my old D2x around all day. My D5000 generally wears an 18-200VR
   making this a very light combo indeed. Although it is in no way a normal choice for a professional I can buy 5 of these before I get into D3 territory pricewise. It doesn't have the weather sealing that the pro models have, but where I live it doesn't rain!. The shutter is consumer grade but has now clicked 81,000 times and shows no signs of giving up. I ratchet up the color tone to vivid and shoot mainly JPEG's in Normal file size. I do some occasional studio work, both nude and portraiture
   and I would defy anyone to tell the difference between my D2x results and those of my D5000, all shot in NEF and put through Nikon Capture. With the 17-55mm attached it does feel out of balance with such a weighty lens, but again I have tended to use this combo only in the studio. Battery life has been extraordinary and I have often passed the 700 exposure mark before putting in a freshly charged one. The somewhat flimsy build quality - compared with metal cased pro bodies - is a problem that is easily overcome. For just [...] bucks Camera Armor make a tough silicone skin for the D5000 and it works a treat for me. if you are on a budget, or just downright mean, like me, this camera offers great picture quality and ease of use.
   A steal at the price.



2. This is my first digital SLR camera so I don't have many other points of reference. However, coming form a point and shoot world, the Nikon D5000 has proven itself to be an excellent entry point for me.
   
   Used to being able to slide a camera into my pocket, I was concerned about the size of the camera. However, the Nikon D5000 is very light compared to some of my friends' SLRs, and this makes the camera very portable. My first trip out was to the zoo, and I quick adjusted to the form factor and found it very easy to carry and use. My only complaint in this department is the strap that comes with the camera. The standard Nikon strap was uncomfortable for me, and a bit cumbersome but that is certainly a matter of personal opinion so your mileage may vary.
   
   The Auto, and Scene settings will be familiar to anyone who has used a digital camera in recent years and result in great shots with very little effort. The real power of course is in manual mode, and even my experiments there have yielded some really nice results.
   
   All the various features can be a bit overwhelming. The manuals are just "ok" I'm afraid, so you woudl be well served to grab a book or one of Nikon's Camera School videos to help you along. In fact the Nikon website has all the basic "getting to know your camera" videos for the D500 for free.
   
   If you are hoping to use some of your old Nikon lenses with this camera, be aware that there is no focus motor in the body. The D5000 makes use of motorized autofocus lenses, so keep that in mind.
   
   All in all, a fantastic entry-level camera, with great features at a great price.



3. I used to be a semi-pro 35mm photographer and loved choosing aperture (for selecting depth of field) or shutter speed (for stop action or capturing motion), but when the digital cameras came out, I put away the 35mm and started purchasing point-and-shoot digital cameras. They were great under existing light conditions, but other than that, they sucked. Didn't have good flash capability, and settings were chosen for you. Sometimes photos came out blurry, too dark, too light, or just plain ol' crappy.
   
   Finally, a DSLR came out with a reasonable price tag (under $700) and it was a name I trusted..... NIKON. I was going to purchase the D-3000, but finally put up the extra hundred bucks or so, and purchased the upgrade D5000. Man is it a nice camera.
   
   Negatives first: The camera seems to be made of plastic and I'm afraid after a while, it will become damaged. The lens' flanges are plastic and I am extremely careful when removing or putting on lenses. If you drop it, I think you can kiss it good-bye. WEAR THE STRAP AT ALL TIMES.
   
   Positives: READ, READ, READ the manual over and over again. I've had this camera since early December 2009 (its now November 11, 2010) and I started reading the manual before the camera was delivered. I still pick up the manual every now and then and read up on features that I don't use very often. Its a complex little unit, but that's half the fun. You can do so much with this camera. Set it for Aperture priority and adjust F-stops. Set it for shutter priority and adjust the speed. Set it on Program and point and shoot, or set it on Auto and pick a dozen pre-set settings for specific types of photos. It is fantastic.
   
   I also like the tilt out view screen. Very handy. And reviewing images and deleting them is a snap.
   
   It takes fantastic pictures with rich color and clear definition. I really like it.



4. I've been into serious photography since the early 1970s when photography was about film speed, shutter speed, and f-stop. I've owned three Nikon prosumer and professional-grade film cameras and three Nikon digital cameras and their associated lenses. This includes almost complete sets of AIS and AF-D primes and a smattering of professional zooms (I've never been short of equipment). However, I noticed that my D200 and professional zooms tended to sit on the shelf because they were too heavy to comfortably take on photo expeditions. There was also the issue of complexity in the D200. Of late, what I always seemed to have with me were the lighter and simpler to use D60 and the Nikon AF-S 16-85mm VR zoom. After losing the D60 to an accident, I replaced it with the D5000. I love it! It's with me every day as I take walks in the woods. (Contrary to what you might read, I have also successfully used the D5000 with AIS manual focus lenses and a hand-held light meter with excellent results.) As features, I especially like the D5000's swivel monitor and the ability to see and change setting on the monitor rather than delve into layers of menus. Using the D5000, I recently did a comparison between the venerable AIS 20mm prime lens and the AF-S 16-85mm VR zoom at 20mm. It was a revelation! The 16-85mm zoom beat the AIS prime hands down for clarify, sharpness, and chromatic aberration. In short, when simplicity and easy of use matter, the D5000 + 16-85mm VR zoom is an impressive kit.



5. Love the depth of feld with video on this camera. If you are going for the movie look, this is for you. You will need to watch out for panning as DSLR cameras don't handle that well. However, if you plan your shots, it's great.

5 comments about Nikon D90 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only).

1. This is a fantastic camera as a primary or a backup. It takes great pictures with speed and consistency. It looks good and works good. What more can you ask for. I have blown up images from my d90 and nikon 18-200 lense combo to over 3 feet wide for some canvas wraps and they look fantastic. It is a great buy. I saw a lot of people bad mouthing the video but I think it works great. My only issue is that it limits yo to 5 minutes at a time. I have used several lenses in manual mode and it works great! if you can use manual focus at all you can use the video.



2. I have been shooting with the Nikon D40 for about three years, and now that it is time to upgrade chose the D90, largely based on all the great reviews. I must have gotten a bad sample, however, since the picture quality was not as clear or sharply focused as what I was getting already. The problem wasn't the lens, since I compared both cameras using a new 16-85 Nikon lens, which by-the-way, is a really nice lens. Have to say though that the color fidelity was excellent and the images could be made to be very nice with image processing. But I expected more from a camera costing this much and ended up returning it.



3. I have just purchased this NIkon D90 with 18-105 mm lens. I had an SLR many years ago and loved it. I decided to buy this one after much research and being unhappy with the digital point and shoot camera I now own. I have not had an opportunity to go out and really put it to the test, but the photos I have taken from my kitchen window are phenomenal, so I know it will not disappoint. A little heavy,but worth it for the quality of the pics! Have not yet tried the video.



4. This camera gives me even sharper pictures than my D60. I see details in the pictures that I couldn't even see when I was taking the pictures. I love this camera!!!



5. I bought a Nikon 300s at BestBuy, but returned it because it was so darn heavy. However, it had stunning, image quality! When I learned that the D90 has the same processor, I picked it up at Amazon (cheapest body only price). It is amazing. The image quality is every bit as good as the 300s, which is a pro caliber camera. The D90 is not magnesium alloy like the 300s, but who cares. According to my research, polycarbonate is very tough (plus, metal cameras can get dented, polycarbonate cameras will not). I don't even need or use the video feature of this camera, so video is unimportant to me. If you want a semi-pro camera that is zero compromise in terms of image quality--get the D90. It makes even mundane photos look 'artsy'. I use the sweet 18-200mm vrII lens. Killer camera--get one!

5 comments about Nikon D3000 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens.

1. I really liked my camera. I ain't an expert but I just loved!
   I can take really nice pictures with amazing quality. Really impressed!
   That's all.



2. I love the camera. However, the lens can broken. When I contacted the seller, I was told that I needed to return the entire camare instead of just the lens. I didn't have time due to trip so I purchased a new lens locally and not it works just fine.



3. This is just what I wanted. It's not complicated, but very capable. Still far beyond my current capabilities, but between the camera and the Dummies book by Julie Adair King, I am taking noticeably better photos already. I am going to get a lot of use out of this camera, and the more I learn, the more impressed I am with it. Not having video is not a negative for me. It's a great camera for still images and that's what I want it to do. I bought a $150 HD flip camera for video. If you are deciding between brands, the others are probably really good too. But I am thoroughly happy with what I chose, and I did not spend way too much. If you are coming from a point and shoot like I was, this is a great choice.



4. This camera has been my wife's favorite camera ever. The capabilities that it has along with how easy it is to use and navigate through is unbelievable. If photography is your hobby you got to give this camera a try.



5. Excellent camera for the price and features. I'm not going to tell and compare all those technical details. I need a DSLR camera to take a good picture of my 6 months old kid. She moves a lot. Almost every picture has fuzz/blur in it. As far as DLSR cameras goes, it's pretty much between Cannon or Nikon. Those reviews say quite some users complained mid-range focus issue with Cannon cameras. The fact that Nikon has more AF points is the winning point for me. Then, it came down between D90 and D3000. D90 has rave reviews. It has lots of nice features. But by the time I figure all of them out and use them to my advantage, I can probably buy a twice jem-packed DLSR for the same price. So D3000 is all I need for next couple of years. I don't need those video features on D90 and D5000. I like to keep it simple. When a manufacture jams too much functions into one small device, some performance will have to compromise. D3000 has pretty much everything you need for a DLSR. With current memory and battery capability, you just shoot and shoot, and later you sit down to go through them and pick the best one. Great pictures come from the person who holds the camera, not the camera. A more advanced camera make you to achieve that a little bit easier, but not that much. Invest your money on a couple of good Nikon lens, then you're set when it's time to upgrade the camera body.

5 comments about Nikon D90 DX 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S VR DX Nikkor Zoom Lens.

1. I've been a Canon owner for years and this is my first Nikon. The D90's look and feel is super. The kit lens is a very versatile lens producing good photos. I purchased the Nikkor 70-300mm with the camera to give me a wide margin of focal lengths for closeup and nature shots. I like them all. I think I'll even use the HD video feature which I've never done before. Very high quality.



2. I have owned Minolta cameras most of my life, transitioning to Sony when the bought the brand. The switch to Nikon was not made lightly, but the overwhelming number of lenses available along with the reputation won me over.
   
   I have to say it is a terrific product. Built very well, works flawlessly. I now have more camera than I can handle - well, I guess that is to say a camera I look forward to growing into.
   
   I have no technical info for you - no doubt there is plenty of that information available.
   
   This is a wonderful purchase and one that will provide years of enjoyment.



3. I have owned this camera for 4 months now and am very happy with it so far. I am a first time DSLR owner and decided to buy this camera based on the customer review and consumer reports top rating. I haven't talked to anyone that says this is not a great camera. There is a lot to learn about this camera for first time SLR owners but after reading a few books on the features and options it's pretty easy to get the hang of. The LCD is nice and big on the back for image review, camera has a very nice feel to it in your had. Isn't very heavy until you put on a big lens (the lens it comes with is great.) However don't buy this camera because you think the HD video will be great to have. There is no auto focus and if you are shooting anything that is moving you will be disappointed. I have found that the only way to get good video with this camera is with the use of a tripod and to shoot relatively stationary subjects. Also I would recommend getting the 50mm 1.8d lens for shooting indoor portrait photography. Cheap lens (around $100) that produces great for indoor low light situations. I haven't found any downfall to buying this camera so far and don't expect to in the future. Photography is just a hobby however and wouldn't consider myself anywhere near an experienced photographer.



4. Bought with the kit lens as an early Christmas gift to myself - and started taking some great pictures right away just on the automatic mode. Have been learning the M/A/P modes now, with pretty nice results. Wanting better low light performance to capture moving toddlers preferably without flash, I was trying to decide between the Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras and the Nikon 50mm f/1.4G SIC SW Prime Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras (not the Nikon 50mm f/1.4D AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras with noiser motor), and to justify the extra hundreds to go from f/1.8 to f/1.4. Instead, because the 50 mm is really 75 mm given the 1.5 Dx crop factor, which is way too telephoto for indoor shots in my house, I got the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras and have been very happy because it acts like a 50 mm prime and is an unbeatable combination of speed and price at f/1.8 and about two hundred dollars. I still think the kit lens is useful for the range, especially for outdoor shots when low light is not a problem. Back to the camera itself, it is like all DSLRs bulky and mildly obtrusive at events as compared to a compact or subcompact that fits in a shirt pocket, but that is the price for better pictures. A 16GB card will hold tons of RAW and up to 4300 jpgs. Video sucks because of the lack of auto focus, so it's okay for very short clips with little motion, not longer or larger scenes. Still, I think it's worth the price to have video for those moments when just a few seconds of video will capture the essence of what is happening, which would have otherwise been missed trying to switch to a camcorder (not that I would carry both at the same time). My only regret would be not willing to splurge for a full frame camera - yet.



5. I was so tired of junky point & shoot cameras! The batteries were always dead, and when they did work, they take too long to startup and the pictures were terrible to boot. I purchased the D90 because I wanted to best. Price is an indicator of quality, and you truly get what you pay for.
   
   The D90 is my first DSLR camera. I am a complete newbie and have no idea what it takes to make a good picture. I have been using it in auto-mode, and the pictures coming from it are stunning. I'm starting to learn the menus and other features, so far so good. Some of the high points of this camera are:
   
   *Excellent quality kit lens
   *Awesome 3" LCD screen
   *Excellent battery life
   *In-Camera picture editing
   *Quick button access to many functions without going through menus
   *Startup is *instant*
   *Shooting is incredibly fast - ready for another shot almost instantly
   *Easy enough for a newbie, enough features for a pro.
   
   There are only a few negatives I can think of which are:
   
   *Big, heavy camera
   *Requires a commitment to learn the DSLR system
   *Auto focus in LiveView mode is too slow
   *No auto focus in movie mode
   *Makes you want to buy other stuff like tri-pods camera bags, and extra lenses :-)
   
   I spent a lot of time researching before deciding on the D90. The D90 is a bit spendy, but I think it's worth it. Buy the best the first time, and you won't have to upgrade later.

5 comments about Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black).

1. I have had this for almost a year now and it is quite a bit of fun. i have added another zoom lens and a flash to my kit and will likely add a wide angle lens next. After that, the next step is upgrading the body. this is a very good camera for learning how to take pictures in the digital realm. I highly recommend taking a class or two on how to use the features of the camera as there are many, even on this entry level camera. I also recommend buying a flash as the flash on the camera is really not very powerful and can cause a lot of harsh shadows. Final note. Look long and hard at various software editing suites for the images you capture as they can really help create the mood and enhance the scene you want to impart in the image. Lastly, I say sit back and enjoy the ride.



2. You dont have to spend any more than this to get a top knoch camera. It is very flexible with exposures and apertures and the memory card holds plenty. This camera has taken the best pictures I have every taken. It is user friendly also. What more can I say?



3. The kit lens is a little bit slow, and while it produces decent pictures, the canon ef 50mm f/1.8 lens that I bought blows it away. If I had to do it all over again, I would've bought just the body and a couple 24mm f/2.8 and 50mm f/1.8. If you don't have a lot of extra money to spend on lenses though, the kit lens will produce good quality pictures. You may need a faster lens to shoot in low light. Overall, this is a great starter setup for someone looking to upgrade to a dslr package.



4. The XSi is my first DSLR camera. I have, for many years, been shooting with point-and-shoot (also called "compact") cameras, so I have a lot of experience with point-and-shoot cameras. But the images quality of the XSi simply blew me away! The images captured on the XSi is much, much, much sharper than the ones from a point-and-shoot camera!
   
   If you're looking at the XSi, you're probably a budding photographer like myself. The XSi is, debatably, the best entry-level DSLR camera, next to the Canon EOS Rebel T1i/500D.
   
   Highlights
   ----------
   - 18mm - 55mm "Kit" Lens Included
   The Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS SLR Lens alone sells for [...]. You have everything you need to get started right away with taking great-looking pictures!
   
   - Phenomenal Images
   Alas, I'm unable to show you the images I've captured with the XSi here. But there's alway sample images uploaded by customers of the pictures on the product page. Alternatively, you can go to the Canon site and see for yourself the official sample images.
   
   - Auto Mode
   Okay, so you're not quite prepared to tinker with the bells and whistles on the XSi. No matter, there's always a fully "auto" mode (green rectangle on the selection dial) you can fall back on. In this mode, you would be using the XSi just as you would a point-and-shoot camera. The auto mode will stifle your creativity, but it will help you take great pictures nonetheless.
   
   - Incredible Battery Life
   I must have taken hundreds of pictures of pictures and the battery indicator bar still shows a full battery capacity (that's with image preview disabled- which is, if I'm not mistaken, the default/factory setting).
   
   In sum, the XSi does every your point-and-shoot does, only BETTER.
   
   If, like lot of people, you are in a quandary deciding between the T1i and the Xsi/450D. Here are the major improvements of the T1i, at least on paper, over the XSi :
   
   - 15.1 MP Resolution
   - Full HD video at 20 Frames Per Second
   - ISO range of 100 to 3200
   - 920,000 dots VGA monitor
   
   vs. the XSi:
   
   - 12.2 MP Resolution
   - No video capability
   - ISO range of 100 to 1600
   - 230,000 dots VGA monitor
   
   
   * XTi vs XSi *
   
   - Resolution: 15.1 MP vs. 12.2 MP
   When it comes to megapixels (MP), I would have to subscribe to the mantra that megapixels isn't everything. Since the XTi has the same sensor size as the XSi (APS-C size: 22.2 x 14.8mm), a higher number of megapixels would mean more pixels packed into same sensor area.
   
   Keep in mind that as a general rule, the higher number of megapixels that are packed into a given sensor area, the worse the more "noise" (or graniness) in low light conditions. (I want to be fair, however, and say that I have not noticed perceptible differences in image quality between the two cameras, even in moderately lit or low light conditions.)
   
   - HD Video
   The T1i frame rate is 20 frames per second (fps) compared to even the low-end camcorders, most of which are capable of 30 fps in Full HD. The XSi has no video mode.
   
   - ISO: 3200 vs. 1600
   Like they say, there's no free lunch. A higher ISO *will* result in more noise in a captured image. As a rule of thumb, set your ISO to the lowest practicable ISO setting. The lower upper range for the XSi isn't, in my opinion, a big restriction.
   
   - LCD Resolution: 920,000 vs 230,000 dots
   There is absolutely no refuting that the LCD on the T1i *is* better than the one on the XSi. The images displayed on the T1i is unquestionably sharper than the images on the XSi.
   
   Based on the above factors, you will have to be the one who ultimately decides what works better for you.
   
   There are, of course, other considerations, the most glaringly obviously of which is - you guessed it - the price. The price of the XSi is has dropped like a rock since I purchased it a couple of months back. If you're on a tight budget, the XSi is definitely the way to go.
   
   ---
   The image quality from the XSi is simply phenomenal. It is very affordably priced (it has gotten much cheaper than what it sold for originally when it debuted in 2008). If you're on a budget, the XSi is, in my opinion, the best DSLR camera to get.



5. Since I was a child I always had a camera and loved taking pictures. My first camera was a Kodak 35mm rectangle job. You know the one with the square one time use flash on top? I then had Vivitars and Ritchshot In May of 2000 I bought the Canon Rebel EOS for trips to China and Australia. I never fully got proper use of the camera because film does not show the errors of your settings. I then went on to buy several Nikon Cool Pix and a Canon Powershot S2. In December of 2009 my wife and I bought each other as a gift to ourselves this camera. Words do not describe the feeling of "arriving" as an artisitc photographer. Ous lives will never be the same.
   
   I must say I am biast against Nikon SLR's because my friends have them, and with the graduation to lenses and accessories I will be Canon 4 life.
   
   The functions of this camera are amazing. Eveything I struggled with for years in film, and inept point and shoot and powershot cameras came to an abrupt end by purchasing this one. The functions people struggle with, tones, lighting, sharpness are answered in a matter of a few test shots going through normal photography education (a quick reference guide in the owners manaual gives a brief overview that you can learn what you need to know). The book was a guide that in the 1st week and several hundred shots later were answered by photographs that made friends and family think they were fake or not done by this camera. I will be posting photos here on 3/19/10 of what I am trying to convey. The use of the picture style defines the photos that you take. Monochrome, Sepia, landscape with the right filters brings out the inner photographer you never knew you had. You will never, ever go back to the automatic settings after two weeks of using P, TV, AV, M, and A-Dep setting. The 12.1 Megapixles is great for framing the highest quality photos in 11x14 frames. I do not belive in the near future our walls we be able to hold our photos, we will have to keep switching them out.
   
   The only warning I have for buyers of this camera, or any SLR is that these are the cameras that take you to a new comfortable level and that comes with a price!!! you start off with the 18-55mm lense. That is not good enough. You must then get filters to bring out the landscapes and protraits you are taking. Then you move on to buying the 70-200mm or 70-300mm lenses, because you need the advance lenses to take action photos, or landscape photos. Then you need a wide angle lense, because taking pictures in the mountains or indoors, or of landscapes you get tired of backing up and not getting what you want in the shot. Then comes the hood for the wide angle, and the UV filter, and it goes on and on. Think of the camera as a foundation to advanced photography, however the lenses, the flash, and the filters, which will run you $700-$2000 it is what defines the pictures themselves. This camera is an awesome tool to capture your view of the world, the events in your life, and convey them in a professional manner. The price is fair and it will be a camera for years and years of professional photography.