I don't know of any dSLRs that use AA batteries. Most use rechargeable lithium ion batteries, but there may by one or two that can take an AA battery pack as an alternative. dSLRs don't go through batteries as quickly as P&S type cameras my Canon 5D for example, shoots over 1000 shots per charge. AA are also heavy and bulky by comparison..

I wouldn't let battery type determine your camera choice, but instead look at the DPReview estimate of the number of shots per charge..

Brian A...

It's the amount of the investment when it comes to exchanging batteries that worries me. Ok, leaving that aside, do you (or any of the other guys and girls here) have any suggestions for a good camera and a lens for it...

HexImaL wrote:.

It's the amount of the investment when it comes to exchangingbatteries that worries me..

I have the same two batteries for my Canon 300D for more than 4 years. I now use one of them as the second battery for my Canon 5D..

Ok, leaving that aside, do you (or any ofthe other guys and girls here) have any suggestions for a good cameraand a lens for it..

Both the cameras you mention are excellent, with the Canon offering more in terms of functionality. As for a lens, you won't really know until you start using the camera, what your needs are. Get a camera with a kit lens and after a few months you will start to see where you are missing focal length (at the wide or tele ends)..

Lens needs really depend on what you shoot: family, wildlife, sports, architecture, macro, etc, etc. Unless you have some specific requirements, starting with an inexpensive kit lens is probably the way to go. The 18-55 mm kit lens for the Xti only adds $80 to the price of the body..

Both Canon and Nikon offer a huge range of lenses, and both mounts are well served by third party lens manufactures..

Brian A...

As I said in my first post, I usually end up taking portrait photos of people and animals. I like to shoot animals in nature as well, so I really appreciate the 12x optical zoom on my KM Z3..

For what my humble photography knowledge is worth, I think I need a telephoto lens for both portrait and wildlife shooting, isn't that correct? So any suggestions here?.

Thanks for the useful comments!..

Pentax K100D uses AAs. See the review on this site. 18-55mm kit bens pretty reasonable too. K110D is heaper but has no Image stabilistation. K100D Super a bit more but has dust removal system. I've got a K100D and get 500 + shots from 2700mAH NiH rechargeables...

HexImaL wrote:.

As I said in my first post, I usually end up taking portrait photosof people and animals. I like to shoot animals in nature as well, soI really appreciate the 12x optical zoom on my KM Z3..

The KM Z3 has a lens that is equivalent to a 35-420 mm lens on a 35 mm film camera, on the average dSLR you would need a 24-280 mm lens to replicate that (which if one existed would cost 000's).

For what my humble photography knowledge is worth, I think I need atelephoto lens for both portrait and wildlife shooting, isn't thatcorrect? So any suggestions here?.

Do you find yourself using the camera at full tele zoom a lot of the time? Or tele but somewhat less than full zoom?.

There are lots of things to consider when buying lenses, and focal length range is only one of them. Lenses with the same focal lengths often have versions with different maximum apertures, image stabilization, autofocus mechanisms, and optical quality. Canon, for example has six or more lens that cover the 70-200 mm range and a range of prices from a couple of hundred dollars to a couple of thousand..

I still think you would be best with a kit lens to start with, until you can evaluate you needs better based on a greater knowledge of lens specs..

As far as long and ultra telephoto lenses, Canon does offer a slightly better selection than Nikon (and somewhat less expensive). Both Canon and Nikon offer excellent portrait lenses at 85 and 135 mm focal lengths. Canon offers a larger range of 70-200 mm lenses, but both Canon and Nikon lenses in this range are of similar optically quality..

Nikon has a image stabilized 18 200 mm F3.5-5.6 that is well reviewed. Sigma makes a similar lens for both Canon and Nikon mounts. This range of lens would probably cover most of your needs, except for large aperture and close ups..

Pentax, Olympus, and KM/Sony also produce excellent dSLRs, but the range of lenses available for them is more limited..

Brian A...

There's one thing I can't go without and that's using AA batteries.Can you give me some ideas about DSLR's with AA batteries, and withthe quality of a Rebel or a D40X?.

The Pentax K100D uses four AA cells. A set of lithium AA's (about 5K in the UK) gives about 700 - 800 shots (don't use standard Duracell, not enough oomph). Alternatively, you can use two of the 'double AA sized' CR-V3 Li-ion battery packs which are more expensive but will last longer - or get some AA rechargables like Eneloops..

Mike..

Thanks for the replies, and especially Hugowolf. The comparison of my KM Z3 lens to what DSLR lenses it compares to was really useful..

Indeed, I find myself using half to maximum zoom almost all of the time. It's easier for me to take an unexpected shot of someone when I am not putting the camera right next to their face. So I'll probably go for that 18 200 mm F3.5-5.6 lens you mentioned, although I find the aperture a bit limited. Another option would be to order the camera with two lenses, of course..

Actually, what would you consider the best lens for portrait taking?..

The Pentax K100D, K110D and *Dst series all used AA's, as do the equivalent Samsung models ( GX-1L and GX-1S )..

The Fuji S3 Pro also used AA's..

In terms of image quality the Pentax and Samsungs all use the same sensor, and if you shoot RAW you can get identical iimage quality from them..

For portraits I imagine they would be perfect with a suitable lens. The Pentax and Samsungs all use the same Pentax compatible lenses, so you shoudl be spoilt for choice..

In a practical sense I doubt the 6Mp Pentax and Samsungs produce images of any less quality than the D40X and EOS models. They should print at up to A3 perfectly..

StephenG.

Fuji S9600Fuji S5200Fuji F30Fuji E900Canon A710ISPCLinuxOS..

HexImaL wrote:.

Actually, what would you consider the best lens for portrait taking?.

Indoors or out?.

Indoors 85 and 135 mm were considered good portrait lengths. Both Canon and Nikon make excellent quality, wide aperture lenses in these two focal lengths specifically aimed at studio portrait photographers. Of course, on a 1.5 crop sensor, these lenses are the equivalent of 128 mm and 200 mm, but you seem to prefer longer focal lengths..

Outdoors 70-200 mm zooms, especially f/2.8 zooms the wider aperture allowing a much shallower DOF. Both Canon and Nikon's 70-200 mm f/2.8 lenses are optically fantastic, but expensive..

Given your preference for longer focal lengths, you may wish to look at the Canon 70-300 mm. It would give you more reach at the expense of aperture, but it has image stabilization and is a well regarded lens for it's price..

All the camera manufactures produce very inexpensive 50 mm f/1.8 lenses. It was the normal lens for 35 mm film. They are usually in the $80 range, and although they aren't built like tanks, they are usually very good optically. You get better image quality for the buck with fixed focal length lenses, and wider apertures, but of course they don't zoom..

Brian A...

I suppose I am ready to sacrifice the battery type in order to get a better camera..

I see there are two Canon 70-300 mm, but the compact DO IS is quite more expensive (and a bit more limited in aperture). The IS has an aperture of 4-5.6, isn't that a bit constraining when it comes to shooting portraits? I see the minimum focus range is 1.5 meters, which does suggest, one more time, that I'd probably need two lenses...

HexImaL wrote:.

I suppose I am ready to sacrifice the battery type in order to get abetter camera..

I wouldn't call it a sacrifice. Canon's Li-Ion batteries in the 400D (XTi) last much longer than rechargeable AA's. Don't buy Canon spare batteries unless you have money to burn, the cheap pattern alternatives are equally good..

If you wish, you could buy a 'battery grip' which gives the option of two Canon batteries (for double the life) or six AAs..

I see there are two Canon 70-300 mm, but the compact DO IS is quitemore expensive (and a bit more limited in aperture). The IS has anaperture of 4-5.6, isn't that a bit constraining when it comes toshooting portraits? I see the minimum focus range is 1.5 meters,which does suggest, one more time, that I'd probably need two lenses..

There is no DSLR lens which will do everything. Even if you go for a 'superzoom' to cover most of the focal lengths, you will still be lacking in low light/narrow depth of field capability, close focusing, and more. Yes, you'll need two lenses and maybe more eventually...

HexImaL wrote:.

It's the amount of the investment when it comes to exchangingbatteries that worries me..

Once you pick a brand of DSLR, you'll find that the investment in lenses is FAR more of a lock-in than the investment in batteries...

Hugowolf wrote:.

Given your preference for longer focal lengths, you may wish to lookat the Canon 70-300 mm. It would give you more reach at the expenseof aperture, but it has image stabilization and is a well regardedlens for it's price..

Nikon has a similar 70-300 mm VR lens, which is also well-regarded...

Great replies, everyone, they've been really useful..

Ok, I suppose I've narrowed down the choice to Nikon D40x or Rebel XTi..

What worries me, is that I've read a couple of reviews that pretty much say "don't get an XTi, an XT would be just fine and you can invest the extra money in a lens". What would I lose if I get an XT (except the dust removal system and the slightly bigger LCD)?.

And on another note, the D40x seems to need special lenses and is not compatible with old ones, which is quite confusing when looking for lenses...

HexImaL wrote:.

Great replies, everyone, they've been really useful..

Ok, I suppose I've narrowed down the choice to Nikon D40x or Rebel XTi..

I'll declare an interest here, I have a 400D (XTi)..

What worries me, is that I've read a couple of reviews that prettymuch say "don't get an XTi, an XT would be just fine and you caninvest the extra money in a lens". What would I lose if I get an XT(except the dust removal system and the slightly bigger LCD)?.

You'll find reviews and forum posts to support pretty much any view you want!.

In some respects the XT is equally good, but for me the differences are significant. The dust removal system is certainly handy, and the LCD screen seems *much* bigger in use. Obviously the extra resolution is handy sometimes, but more important is the improved focusing. I've never had an XT so I can't give you a direct comparison, but from the number of reports you see on these forums it really does seem to make a difference..

The differences are at a level where if you already own an XT, it is hard to justify the upgrade to the XTi. But if you have neither the XTi is worth the extra cost. Many of the posts you have read when you did your research wil have been from people in the first category..

And on another note, the D40x seems to need special lenses and is notcompatible with old ones, which is quite confusing when looking forlenses..

Yes. Maybe the full debate about this subject belongs on another forum, but Nikon do seem to have tied themselves in knots over lens compatibility over the years. Basically every Canon lens works on every Canon DSLR, except that the digital-only EF-S lenses don't fit on the pro bodies - unlikely to be an issue for most of us!.

Something that is often forgotten is the software package that comes with the Canon, which includes a RAW convertor. Nikon's costs extra. That won't be important to a beginner but later on it could be...

HexImaL wrote:.

Indeed, I find myself using half to maximum zoom almost all of thetime. It's easier for me to take an unexpected shot of someone when Iam not putting the camera right next to their face. So I'll probablygo for that 18 200 mm F3.5-5.6 lens you mentioned, although I findthe aperture a bit limited..

In that case I would recommend you Pentax K100D and Sony a100. They both offer image stabilisation in camera, every lens you use on them is stabilised. Nikon 18-200VR costs A LOT, Canon doesn't offer such lens at all (correct if I'm wrong)..

In addition Pentax K100D uses AA batteries..

Edvinas..

I use a 6MP Pentax that uses AA batteries and love it for portraits, especially available light. The results are quite natural and Pentax primes are about as good as they get. Forget standard AA's. Get rechargeables and do not worry...

I've been browsing through some reviews and think that the Pentax K100D is pretty much what I am looking for (the Rebel is a bit small and the D40 is a bit scary with that limited choice of lens). If anyone objects to my choice, I am still open to comments .

The camera comes with a Pentax 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens and I intend to get a second tele lens. What pops up on most sites is the Tamron AF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 LD Macro, but I will have to rely on your experience, since I have no idea whether it's a good lens (does it actually offer autofocus?). I am open to suggestions for other tele lenses...

You seem to be looking for a pentax k100 with a tamron(?) 18-250, and a couple of DA limeteds for portrait lens's.....

Just my opinion....http://www.flickr.com/photos/djmsmc/..

That's the exactly what I am searching for, but with a price tag of $500, it's a bit too expensive for me. And I have to read a bit more about the limiteds, thanks for the info..

I am open to other suggestions...

HexImaL wrote:.

And on another note, the D40x seems to need special lenses and is notcompatible with old ones, which is quite confusing when looking forlenses..

The D40x is an odd duck. If you can live with that lens restriction, why not spend less and get the D40? Conversely, if you can spend a bit more for a good camera, why not get the D80?..

I would recommend getting an Olympus E-510 two lens kit. That will give you a zoom range from (using 35mm equivilent here) 28mm to 300mm across the two lenses. The E-510 also offers in-body image stabilization, a very nice and proven dust-buster function for keeping dust off the sensor without the chore of wet cleaning, livepreview on the LCD (offered by no other DSLR manufacturer), an improved sensor offering lower noise at higher ISO's than what can previously be expected from Olympus, etc..

Don't get me wrong the Nikon D40x and the Canon XTi are both rather nice cameras, but the Canon is rather long in the tooth, and the Nikon doesn't offer all the features found in the Olympus E-510. All three of these cameras are about the same price..

Also, as someone moving up from a point-n-shoot superzoom, you'll find the Olympus auto and scene modes rather nice to use during the transition. If you don't like the idea of changing lenses, you can even get the Olympus Zuiko 18-180mm lens (which has the 35mm equiv range of 32mm to 320mm), and never have to take the lens off again. It's a slowish lens (F3.5-6.3), but that's not a problem with the E-510's in-body image stabilization..

Good luck with your choice, but don't overlook the Olympus E-510. You're getting a lot of really nice features for your money, and it's the newest DSLR on the market..

Chris.

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@Tom_N - I've completely abandoned Nikon as a choice, since I can get that Pentax K100D for a bit less money and have a wider choice of lens..

@Effzeeone - The Olypmus E-510 is a bit out of my price range, it's about $700 and up. I am trying to fit in that amount including a lens. And I don't really need 10MP, since I usually don't print bigger than A4..

Can you guys point me at a good and trustworthy photo e-shop?..

HexImaL wrote:.

@Effzeeone - The Olypmus E-510 is a bit out of my price range, it'sabout $700 and up. I am trying to fit in that amount including alens. And I don't really need 10MP, since I usually don't printbigger than A4..

Sorry wasn't aware of a $ limit. The E-500 with 14-45mm and 40-150mm is well under $600 now. I own and use an E-500 with those two lenses, and it really does a superb job. I also have the Olympus Zuiko 18-180mm lens, which comes in handy as an all-in-one walk-about lens. FYI, Olympus currently has some nice rebates on quite a few of their lenses. I just got $75 off the price of the 18-180mm..

Can you guys point me at a good and trustworthy photo e-shop?.

Buydig.com seems to be the most reliable shop that offers the lowest prices. Although not as low of prices, you can't go wrong with B&H or Adorama either. I've also purchased camera equipment from Vanns.com without any problems, as well as OneCall.com..

Chris.

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