Thinkin of purchasing SLR camera

[Swamper]

I am hoping to get some imput about these two cameras for mainly outdoor pics. Lots of orchids, fishing, nature, wildlife, weather. Although my camera, a Canon G7 takes great outdoor pics, I would like something that I can get the best macro shots and if I get other benefits from it that's great too.
1. Canon Rebel XS EF-S 18.55IS Kit $599.00
2. Nikon D40 SLR 18.55mm & 55-200 $599.00
These are the 2 cameras I'm considering The Nikon comes with that second lens or minus the extra lens for $499. Any experience with either of these 2 would be appreciated since you guys take a lot of the same type pics. Thanks.

[mayres]

I own the canon xsi and find it to be an excellent relatively inexpensive beginners SLR camera. Also the canon 200mm macro lens is unbeatable for macro photographs of orchid blooms. Another great plus you will find when you get your SLR camera is finding that you can now get great bokeh - a feature not available on point and shoot cameras. Good luck!

[Swamper]

Thank you Mayres. I will look into that 200 macro lens too.

[mayres]

The lens is a little pricey but if you are patient you can find one in excellent condition for 1/2 to 2/3 the price of a new one. Another excellent alternative is the Sigma 200mm lens with Canon mount - a friend of mine uses it and actually prefers it because of its smaller weight/size.

[Ross]

I use the Nikon D200 and D100. I have at least 15 lenses ranging from 14mm up to 300mm and a 1.4x extender. All are Nikkor lenses. I also own the 60mm micro, the 85mm tilt/shift micro, the 105 VR micro and the 200mm micro. So I am partial to Nikon. I have heard great things about the D40 body, but the kit lens is pretty disappointing (as is Canon's kit lens.) I'd recommend the D40 body or the Canon one, but with a standard 50mm "normal" lens in a wide F rating like f1.4 or f1.8. I think you'll use this lens for 90% of your shots, especially at first. Then decide on whether you want/need wider or more telephoto. Remember the 50mm pictures will look like you used a 70-75mm lens. Probably the 35mm lens would be an even better first lens since, they are cheaper, easier to handhold, more versitile, and will translate to approx 50mm with your digital body. Hope this makes sense. Canon makes some great glass as well.

[Swamper]

Thanks guys, still doing a lot of research before I buy, thanks for your input.

[Tindomul]

Hi,

I got the Nikon D40 for Birthmas (Christmas x Birthday).
It came with the kit lens and the 55-200 mm "telephoto" lens. This is my first slr, trying to learn it. So far so good. Trying to get the blur down to min. Using tripod and timer and all.
I still want a macro lens, just really don't know where to start.

[ronaldhanko]

With either camera I agree with what's been said. The lenses that come with the cameras as a package are not that great. You are better off anyway putting your money into lenses - they are the most important part of taking good pictures. For general photography Canon has a 17-85 IS USM lens that is very good. The 200 macro lens is also good if you want closeup shots of small flowers.

[Swamper]

you can put a cannon lens on a nikon camera? Hey Tin I gave myself a Nikon D60 for my Birthmas as well, and Im tryin to learn it too. I went to Best Buy to get the D40 but they were out and gave me a great price on the D60 so I took it. Its basically the same camera. I'm looking at macro lenses as well I'd like to get the 105mm but geez its way more than I can afford right now. Like Ronalsd said tho, I think its a good idea to save and invest in quality lenses.

[Tindomul]

I think so to. But them orchids keep taking my money, lol.
Why the 105mm? I'm really a novice with lenses.