Digital SLR Cameras

I have a lot of friends asking me about which digital SLR camera to get, so here's a quick summary of my responses.

First off, if you decide not to get a digital SLR, I would highly recommend the Canon PowerShot 800IS. It's a 7.1mega pixel, image-stabilized pocket sized camera that I don't go anywhere without. I've taking it biking, hiking, and even backcountry skiing in Austria, and in all conditions it has taken fabulous photos. You can find the latest prices on MySimon.com

If you do want to go with a digital SLR so that you can take action photos with an instant shutter release, there are lots of great options. I only shoot with Canon cameras, so I don't have much to say about other brands.

If you want to spend as little as possible I'd suggested the latest Canon EOS Rebel digital SLR. I have several friends who have the most recent Canon 30D, and I love mine. But it seems that from looking at the reviews, there aren't many differences between the Rebel and the 30D, which makes me think the Rebel might be the right call if you want to save money & weight. But if you have the option, the 30D sure is nice. Then there's the 5D, which is just amazing and I believe is closer to $2200 or so. Hopefully that will be my next camera!

As for lenses, you can get Canon lenses, or a bunch of other brand lenses that will work on Canon cameras. For example, Tamron or Sigma lenses. Tamron makes a 17-200 zoom lens that my brother uses with his Rebel. The lens costs something like $300+/- and works well. But the photo quality is not nearly as good as it is from the Canon f/2.8 70-200mm IS zoom lens. That said, the Canon f/2.8 70-200mm IS zoom lens costs $1500. Fortunately, it's almost impossible to take a bad photo with it.

If you do buy a digital camera, buy the memory card(s) at Fry's Electronics or BestBuy, not at a camera story. You can get 2x the memory for half the price if you buy it at Fry's or from Amazon.com. And if you get a second battery, which I'd highly recommend, definitely get a Canon battery, not a generic brand one. There is a significant difference in performance.

I'd suggest walking into your local high end camera store and talking with them. In Palo Alto I'd suggests Keeble & Schuchat on California Ave. They're very helpful and really know what they're talking about. There are also some great on-line forums and review sites like