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First DSLR

(3 posts)
  • Started 2 months ago by Owen Gailar
  • Latest reply from Owen Gailar

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  1. Owen Gailar
    Member

    I'm about to go from Film to Digital. (My CANON A1 is showing its age) I currently scan my negs to a disk and PHOTOSHOP them. I make (at most) 18 x 24 enlargements from semi-cropped images. I want a camera that will reproduce scenes in deep forests with deep shadows and brightly lit aeas. Video is not wanted, but good, sharp images are. Live view, high dynamic range, a viewable histogram and RAW storage are needed. And price is very important.

    Posted 2 months ago #

  2. Philber
    Member

    Your requirements are not such that there is a straightforward "perfect" answer IMHO, Owen. You insist on high dynamic range, which is generally best in high-end DSLRs. Which contradicts your sensitivity to price. My suggestion: get a used camera, such as a Canon 5D. It is renowned for the quality of its RAW files, for its DR, for the ability one has to push the files in post processing. As you are already a Canon user, that might let you use some of your existing lenses, thus contributing to contain price. With the 5D you get absolutely top-notch IQ, even if the bells and whistles of the camera itself are obsolete. And no LiveView.
    If you are reluctant to go with a used cam, or if LiveView is a must, try to get one of the last Canon 40D. A perfectly good prosumer body, which many rate as having better DR as its successor 50D. And it being discontinued means that the street price offers great VFM.
    If you want a current model, Canon 450D is the way I would go. A very good sensor in a lightweight body. Of course you don't get pro-grade everything in this inexpensive camera. But IQ for the money is very, very good.
    Again, only Canon cameras in the hope that this saves you money on the lens side.
    Hope this helps.

    Posted 2 months ago #

  3. Owen Gailar
    Member

    Philber:
    Thanks! I'll look into both the 5D and 450D. I'm already considering the 40D.
    I don't think my CANON lenses will fit...

    Posted 2 months ago #

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