Looking for first Digital SLR

[oncewas]

I'm looking at buying my first Digital SLR. I have it narrowed down to the Canon xsi, Canon 50D or the Nikon D90 or 300. My budget is around $2000 for camera and lenes. Not sure which way to go. Cheaper camera with more lenses or better camera with one lens to start? Your input will be greatly appreciated.

I ride a mountain bike alot and would like to carry it in my pack. It will be used for landscape, close up and action shots.

[Mitchell]

well i dont know mutch about Nikons but if you want the do action/landscapes the 50D would be a great camera. as for lenses idk really kno, it just depends on what you mainly want to do and diferent stuff

[bob_r]

Since I shoot Canon, I'll give you a recommendation for Canon equipment. Maybe one of the Nikon folks will do the same for Nikon equipment.
Rather than getting an XSi or 50D, I'd go with a 40D. Since the 50D has been released, the 40D is a bargain. These are my recommendations:

Canon 40D $900 (terrific camera that can still be purchased new)
Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 $400 (fairly cheap lens that gets great reviews. I picked this over Canon's offerings for the constant f/2.8 and cheaper price.)
Canon 70-200 f/4 $600 (excellent lens assuming your "action shots" take place outdoors)
Kenko extension tube set $169 (to be used with your other lenses for closeups)

Total = $2069 (using prices found at Adorama.com).

This is just a little over your budget and if you wanted to stick to it, you could buy a single extension tube rather than the set, although, I'd try to squeeze out the extra $69. Hope this helps.

[Terry B.]

I have the Canon XSi with the Tokina 12-24 f/4, the Tamron 28-105 2.8, and the Canon 70-200L f/4. I need a 1.4x extend and perhaps a close up ext tube and I'm set.
The Tokina and Tamron are under $400 , each ....I bought all lenses used and couldn't be happier with the results. All are sharp and have great color.

[Terry B.]

The Tamron 28-75 2.8 might fit you better since its much smaller and lighter than the 28-105. Both have great optics.

[Bonish Photo]

Check out Photography on The Net's Sell Page which has some great deals on 20D's, 30D's and 40D's right now. With the new 50D and the New 5D Mark II just coming out, it looks like a lot of people are selling off their older bodies to move up to the new stuff.

We use a 30D and a 5D and both suit us fine. If you're going to be shooting strictly landscapes, might want to check out the 5D's which are also dropping in price. The full frame capabilities will greatly help with landscape shots, and you wont need as wide of a lens as you would with the 1.6x crop bodies of the other cameras.