Digital Camera & Aperature vs. Lightroom - seeking advice

Posted by Joshua in Photography on April 3, 2008

I am in the market to buy a digital camera to support my new photography hobby.  I currently own a very old Canon AE-1 Program that I started to use to learn photography.  I feel I could learn faster with a digital camera because I can see my pictures a bit quicker because I am not constrained by developing the film.  Currently I have to write how I took the shot down, the date/time, the conditions etc... and once I get the pictures back I can look at how I can improve that shot.  For me thats just to slow, so I figure a digital would be better in that sense.  So with that... here are the cameras I am looking at and I would like some recommendations on alternatives and comments/suggestions on these two models.

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi

Nikon D60

The second items is I would like to purchase some digital photography software. I currently own Adobe CS3 Suite, so I already have Photoshop, but I looked over both Aperature and Lightroom and am trying to decide which one I want to buy.  I am still learning Photoshop to be honest, for design stuff for the web I usually just use Fireworks.  I know there are some work flow advantages by going with Lightroom, but is it better than Aperature?

I look forward to your suggestions!

 

  1. Tony Fendall

    #1 by Tony Fendall - April 3, 2008 at 8:27 PM

    I own a Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi, and I have found it to be an excellent camera. I would thoroughly recommend it.

    I don't do anything really fancy with my photos, so photoshop or picnik meet all my needs in editing
    Reply
  2. jax

    #2 by jax - April 4, 2008 at 2:53 AM

    I have used Canon SLR's for quite a few years already. My current camera is a Canon 30D. I opted for this one over the rebel because of two things:

    1) it's body strength (magnesium aloy versus the Rebels plastic) and more important
    2) it's size. It feels better in my hands, the rebel is just a little too small for my liking.

    Choosing between the Rebel and the Nikon is basically just a matter of personal preference, both are equal when it comes down to performance.

    There's one thing that shouldn't effect your decision and that is megapixel size. Don't expect that more megapixels equals better pictures. :-) Even with a 6 megapixel camera, you'll find that it will suit just fine. (Except of course when you intend to print poster size pictures all the time.)
    Reply
  3. jax

    #3 by jax - April 4, 2008 at 2:57 AM

    Even more important: spend as much as you can afford on the lens. A nice camera with a low quality lens will lead to disappointing pics, but a low quality camera with a quality lens will be a lot more satisfying.
    Reply
  4. Josh

    #4 by Josh - April 4, 2008 at 6:19 AM

    Awesome! Thanks for the suggestions Jax/Tony
    Reply
  5. Frankly Frank

    #5 by Frankly Frank - April 4, 2008 at 10:05 AM

    Well Josh, first, I would go with a camera that takes pictures. I mean, you could get any camera, but if it doesn't even take pictures why spend the money? right?

    /end sarcasm

    PS Josh hurry up and get a camera so that you can take pictures while we are in Germany =P
    Reply
  6. Kyle Hayes

    #6 by Kyle Hayes - April 4, 2008 at 10:24 AM

    Josh, get a Canon (they have always served me and my dad, who does a lot of photography, well) and go with Aperture. Apple really hit the nail with this product. Since you are on a Mac, you will find performance to me much better than that of Lightroom. In addition, the workflow is really good as well.
    Reply
  7. Ben Shockley

    #7 by Ben Shockley - April 5, 2008 at 9:44 PM

    Hey Josh. Well, I have a Canon Rebel XT. I'm seriously looking at getting the XSi when it comes out (if I have sold my condo by then). The numbers on the XSi alone are amazing, I have read a review that says real world performance backs up those numbers.

    As far as a photo management package, I have Lightroom and really enjoy it. It integrates well with Photoshop. I have tried Aperture before and really didn't like it as much, but didn't give it much of a chance as I'd already purchased Lightroom.

    I say download a trial of each and test them out with a few photos.
    Reply
  8. Josh

    #8 by Josh - April 7, 2008 at 12:59 PM

    @Ben, Thanks man. How does your Rebel feel? How do you feel about it having a plastic body?
    Reply
  9. Ben

    #9 by Ben - April 7, 2008 at 10:36 PM

    I like the feel of it, but I have never held a metal bodied dSLR. To me it feels plenty sturdy, I have never once thought it felt plasticy or anything like that. I don't have huge hands, so it's size is really nice for me too, I have read some people complain that it's too small.

    I agree with one post from jax. If you are on a budget, look to spend more on a nice lens than on a nicer camera body. I think my lenses probably cost 3-4 times what the body cost.

    oh ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK! :)
    Reply
  10. Josh

    #10 by Josh - April 8, 2008 at 8:40 AM

    Cool, I am going to head to a camera shop this weekend and hold a couple cameras and make a decision. I am going to be traveling a lot the next couple of months (Seattle, DC, Tahoe, Long Beach) and want to start bringing my camera with me so I have something to do at night :)
    Reply
  11. Reilly

    #11 by Reilly - February 18, 2010 at 6:13 AM

    Hi guys. Do not weep; do not wax indignant. Understand. Help me! I can not find sites on the: Chantix quit smoking. I found only this - <a href="http://www.paardensportnoordholland.nl/Members/QuitSmoking/quit-smoking-laser-absecon">quit smoking laser absecon</a>. Ever, when you need ruin to the new advertising to apply you'll be tried with quite a health, quit smoking. Quit smoking, not very as he or she comes pleasure, the smoking marijuana will receive knowing. Best regards :rolleyes:, Reilly from Tunisia.
    Reply
(will not be published)