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Cameras • Lenses • Accessories • Quick Recommendations

INTRO

There are many cameras out there, and even more lenses and accessories. This website is meant to give you simple, clear, straight forward advice as to what camera equipment is worth it. How do I know? I research, I try, I ask questions, I buy, I sell :).

I recommend Nikon and Canon only for dSLR cameras, since they are the authority, and the photographic world revolves around them. I chose Canon for their compact cameras because they are the best. Other brands have good models too, but I haven't heard of any recent Canon cameras that were disappointing in their image quality. I recommend Casio, Olympus, Fuji, and Nikon, but not Sony, Kodak, Panasonic, HP, Vivitar, etc.

I update this website daily, but I don't get to check all products every day. Please note that prices change daily on some cameras (kits, combos), so if you notice a different price, please e-mail me at mail@titusbartos.com and let me know about it.

Help me make this website better. E-mail me with your questions, suggestions, and ideas at mail@titusbartos.com

Important Principles

• Buy what you need, not what you want! Cameras depreciate in value quicker than cars, so buy the camera that meets your needs today, not your dream camera. I am still using a 2005 Nikon digital SLR camera because it does what I need it to do.
• Start small, with a camera and one lens. Unless you are a pro and take wildlife or sports photos all day long, you should start with a 18-55mm, 18-70mm, 18-135mm, or 18-200mm do it all lens (lenses). You think you need a macro, a telephoto, a wide-angle, and a fisheye lens, but you really don't, not until you get really good with your standard zoom lens. Other people disagree, but they usually make lots of money, buy at Best Buy, and get ripped off by ambitious sales people.
• Explore everything about your camera/lens/flash before you purchase another one or a better one.
• Buy from trustworthy stores only. That's right, don't try to cheat the system: you cannot get a $1,000 camera for $700 brand new - it's a scam! Trust me, it happened to me already, it doesn't need to happen to you too.
• Refurbished, Factory Reconditioned, and Demo items are OK, but not preferred. Get these items from Amazon.com, B&H Photo & Video, and Adorama.com only. Read about eBay just a few paragraphs below.
• Don't be cheap! Either buy the best for your true needs, or don't buy anything at all and save more. In photography you get what you paid for.
• Don't be fooled by design. Although important (sometimes), it's just plastic or rubber. There are many other features that are much more important. Keep reading.
• Research! Information is free online, so you don't have any excuse to buy without knowing what you are getting.
• Beware of Scam websites - It happened to me twice - once on eBay, and once on this phantom online store that nobody has ever heard about. I was inexperienced, naive, and I lost a lot of money. That's why I am writing this website, so that you don't have to get scammed. I'll write it again and again - only buy from Amazon.com, B&H Photo & Video, and Adorama.com (Ritz Camera, Buy Dig, Wolf Camera, and Beach Camera too). Everybody else who promises you a lower price than what these stores offer, they are either going to sell you a bunch of other accessories for 400% more, or you will never see the camera or your money back again.
• Consider the full price - Your final purchase will include a camera, a lens (for dSLR cameras), battery (if not included), memory card, and memory card reader, to name just a few. If you go for a dSLR, add an external flash to that bunch.

What really matters - read the BETA article
(if the article does not show up, click here)

STORES back to top | cameras | lenses | accessories | quick recommendations

I buy all my camera equipment online only at these stores: Amazon.com, B&H Photo & Video, and Adorama.com. I go to local stores to see the models, test them, get a feel of what they can do, and so forth, but I never buy from there.

Avoid Best Buy, Circuit City, and all other giant electronics stores. Their prices are ungodly, you pay taxes, and your choices are very few. Not only that, but stores like Best Buy have a $15 percent restocking fee! This means that if you buy a $3,000 camera, and you don't like it, you just lost $450 by returning it! I saw it with my own eyes: this lady was convinced by the sales person at Best Buy to purchase a Canon 5D with a 24-70mm lens for $3,000 + tax ($2,600 and no tax everywhere else online!); when she went home she realized the camera was way above her head. She had to return it, lost $450 in restocking fees, and bought a Canon 40D with a 28-135mm lens for $1,499 + tax ($1,100 everywhere else online!). You make the math: $450 lost on Canon 5D + $550 BestBuy commission on the Canon 40D. Do you want to pay $300-$1,000 more for your photo equipment? I don't, so I buy online from these stores: Amazon.com, B&H Photo & Video, and Adorama.com. These stores have great return policy, you don't pay tax or shipping, you are not pressured to buy something you are not sure of, and you can choose between all available models, not just what the manager wants to sell.

eBay - don't buy cameras or lenses from eBay unless you know what you are doing, and the person you are buying from has 100% positive feedback and over 10,000 sales. Just save a few bucks more and buy it brand new from a respectable store that gives you good warranty and nice return policy. ALWAYS make sure that your purchase is covered by PayPal either up to $200 (if you are buying under $200) or up to $2,000 (maximum). On the item description page, look on the right side, under the user feedback and details about the seller, and make sure you are covered. I lost $150 that way.

I don't choose which adds show up on the right of this page. Google does that for me. Unless these adds are from Adorama, Amazon, BH Photo, eBay, Target, Circuit City, Comp USA, Office Max, Office Depot, Best Buy, or any other store that is well known, I would be very careful about purchasing anything from there. Go, read what they have to say and offer, and if the price is too lower than anywhere else, forget about it! It's going to be a scam.

If you get a chance to go to a specialized photography store (like Wolf Camera), it's better than going to an all-electronics store, but even there you will pay retail price and tax.

Quick Recommendations

Cameras & Kits based on your budget.

Go to Cameras, Lenses, or Accessories to read the expanded version

Your budget prices change daily	Recommendation
$150-$200	Canon SD1100 IS - all day, everyday, no knowledge necessary
	Canon A570 or A590 - all day, everyday, gives you possibility to explore some manual features
$199-214	Canon SX100 IS - 10x zoom, great for everything, gives you possibility to explore some manual features
$470	Nikon D40 with 18-55mm VR lens - best entry level dSLR
$649	Nikon D40 with 18-55mm VR AND 55-200mm VR lenses - best combo deal
$850	Nikon D80 with 18-55mm VR (Vibration Reduction) lens - more "pro" than D40, still simple
$950	Canon 40D - body only - amazing camera, great price
$1,200	Canon 40D with 18-135mm IS lens - best deal for semi-pro dSLR camera
$1,624	Nikon D300 - body only - second best deal for a 2008 model, all purpose dSLR camera, great photo quality at high ISO
$2,229	Nikon D300 with 18-200mm VR lens - same camera, but with the most practical lenses included

Recommended Kits

Complete D40 Kit:
$676 - Nikon D40 camera + 18-55mm VR lens + 55-200mm VR lens + 4GB SD Card (memory card reader included)

D80 kits:
$879 - D80 camera with the 18-55mm VR lens here
$999 - D80 camera with the 18-135mm lens here.

Lenses based on your budget

• If I were on a generous budget (~$5,000 for lenses only), I would buy the 14-24mm f/2.8, 17-55mm f/2.8, 105mm f/2.8 VR, and the 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses to begin with. Of course, I would like the 300mm f/2.8 VR or the 200-400mm VR when I would go take photos in the jungle, but those are another $5,000 a piece :).
• If I were on a $3,000 budget for lenses, I would get the 17-55mm f/2.8 and 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses.
• If I were on a really awkward $1,500 budget (lenses only) I would buy the 17-55mm f/2.8 and the 70-300 4.5-5.6 VR.
• If I were on a $800 budget for lenses alone, I would get the 18-200mm for all day and the 50mm f/1.8 for portraits & indoor photos.
• If I were really poor, I would get the 18-70mm + 50mm f/1.8 lenses. If you get the 18-70mm used from Amazon.com or eBay, you could get it for as low as $200 (read here more). Add to that another $100 for the 50mm f/1.8, and you have two amazing lenses for $300.
• And if I were beyond poverty, I would buy the Nikon D40 that comes with the 18-55mm VR lens, but I would still buy the 50mm f/1.8 lens for portraits. Or, you could get for the same price the D40 combo with two lenses: 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 VR and 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 VR.

Not what you are looking for?
Search for it here, here, and here :). If you want a personal opinion, you can always e-mail me at mail@titusbartos.com and I would be more than glad to assist you in your search.

RECOMENDED CAMERAS back to top | lenses | accessories | quick recommendations

Beginner (grandma style)

You don't know anything about digital cameras or photography, you just want to get something that will take good photos in all situations. No problem I've done the research for you.

Average Beginner back to top | lenses | accessories | quick recommendations

You don't know anything about digital cameras, but you would like to start a new hobby OR you have basic photography knowledge, and would like to either buy your first digital camera, or upgrade to a better/newer model.

Amateur back to top | lenses | accessories | quick recommendations

You have a point and shoot digital camera and would like to buy a dSLR, OR you have some idea about photography and want to start with a dSLR:

Canon XTi (dSLR, lens included) - This is Canon's version for Nikon D40x (newer model than the D40, but not worth the extra $$). I would not recommend this camera over the D40, but if you like Canon, this is the model for you. It is almost $200 more expensive than the D40, with almost no difference at all. It does come with 18-55mm IS lens (Image Stabilization, Canon's version of Vibration Reduction or VR), but that seems to be the only advantage.
Buy the Canon XTi directly from these links:Amazon (kit, free shipping) • Adorama

Semi-Pro back to top | lenses | accessories | quick recommendations

You are very serious about photography, OR you are upgrading from an entry dSLR to a more expensive (semi-pro) dSLR, OR you have $2,000-3,000 to start a new hobby. This is where things start to get both expensive and fun. There is nothing like a good, fast, and professional dSLR camera. Of course, the Nikon D40, Nikon D80, Canon XT & XTi are great cameras, but they are for beginners. These cameras are for grown-ups :)

Canon 40D (dSLR, body only) - When I checked the price for the 40D I was shocked to see how cheap it was. Just the other day I saw a woman buy a brand new 40D with a 28-135mm lens at Best Buy for over $1,500 You can get the same kit for about $1,100 at Amazon, or Adorama.
The 40D is a very good camera, an upgrade from the 20D and 30D, which are still used today by pros in sports, weddings, and everything else. Get it! I am biased towards the Nikons, but the price is so low and the camera so good, that I couldn't recommend you anything else (for the price, of course).
Buy the Canon 40D directly from these links:Amazon (free shipping)

Full Time Pro back to top | lenses | accessories | quick recommendations

I am including this section here to motivate those of you who are serious about photography.

Nikon D3 (dSLR, body only) - The D3 is what professionals use as of 2008. It is fast, accurate, and has amazing photo quality at high ISO. This is what makes it ideal for sports & news.
Buy the Nikon D3 directly from these link: Amazon (free shipping) • Adorama

RECOMMENDED LENSES back to top | cameras | accessories | quick recommendations

Nikon

When I bought my first dSLR, my friend who helped me learn about photography recommended that I buy Nikon, so I have been with them ever since. Generally, Nikon lenses are a bit cheaper than Canon, but they are just as good. Nikon and Canon are competition for each other, but in many respects they are very similar. To say one of them is better than the other (when it comes to dSLRs) is true heresy :).

$108	50mm f/1.8 D AF - one of the best, cheapest, and sharpest lenses Nikon ever made. Don't think twice about it, just get it and your portrait shots are going to be crystal clear... if you know how to use it, that is.
$179	18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 VR - standard lens, if you are buying a D40, D60, or D80, it should come with the camera
$219	55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 VR - if you bought a D40 with the 18-55mm lens and you want a good, cheap zoom lens, you can get this one, although I would recommend you sell your 18-55mm and buy a 18-200mm.
$200-$400	18-70mm f/3.5-4.5 - This lens is still my primary lens. It is cheap, has more zoom than the 18-55mm, and has a 4.5 aperture at 70mm, as opposed to 5.6 at 55mm on the 18-55mm lens. True, it is not VR, but between 18-70mm VR is not crucial. I think paying more than $300 on this lens is overpriced, but not a waste. If you have the courage to buy a used lens, go for it. In this instance alone I would recommend you buy it used at Amazon or if you know what you are doing eBay. This is the only instance I would recommend you buy a used lens over a new one, because it used to come with the D70s kit, and a lot of people underestimated this lens and sold it (or are still selling it).
$479	70-300 4.5-5.6 VR - for $479 you get a 300mm zoom lens that has VR. How much better than this can it get?
$649	18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 - an all-purpose lens, great for 90% of all your shots. If you are buying your first digital camera, get it, you won't regret it.
$766	105mm f/2.8 VR macro - this lens is a wonder, worth every penny if you are into macro or portrait photography. Make sure you have plenty distance between you and the subject when you shoot portrait photos, as 105mm gets very close.
$1,189	17-55mm f/2.8 - if you can afford this lens, forget the cheap 18-55mm lens. With constant 2.8 aperture, and crystal clear optics, this lens is worth every penny.
$1,500	14-24mm f/2.8 - if your thing is wide landscapes and you have the money, you will never regret buying this lens.
$1,999	70-200mm f/2.8 - simply the best lens zoom lens you can get. The mother of all lenses :)

These last three lenses are the standard when it comes to quality in camera lenses. Sell your Play Station, Wii, baseball card collection, antique guns, and Porsche, and buy them.

Search for all lenses at Amazon.com • B&H Photo & VideoAdorama.com

Canon back to top

Search for Canon lenses at Amazon.com • B&H Photo & Video • Adorama.com
I am working on the Canon lenses and will post them as soon as I do a little more research.

ACCESSORIES back to top | cameras | lenses | quick recommendations

External flashes

Buying an external flash was the best investment I did besides the camera and the lens. The ability to bounce the light in any direction you need/want is priceless. You simply cannot have great photos with the on-camera flash.
Nikon has the SB-600, SB-800, and SB-900 (new). The SB-800 is the most popular, but if you are on a budget, the SB-600 is very good too. Once you get into more serious flash photography, that's when you need the SB-800.
Canon has the Speedlite 430EX, 430EX II, 580EX II. I am not too familiar with the Canon flashes, but I would recommend the 430EX or 430EX II if you are on a budget, and the 580EX II if you are serious about flash photography.
You can search for these items at B&H Photo & Video, and Adorama. I am continuously updating this website as prices change, new products arrive, and I get links to more than just one store.

Memory cards & memory card readers

It's hard to recommend any specific memory cards because there are always new models coming up. Don't worry too much about the brand, most of them are OK. Of course, SanDisk seems to be the most common brand, but if money is a big problem, Kingston works just as well. I would get two memory cards, so you always have a backup. 4GB should be your minimum total memory. Lastly, I trust Amazon.com for accessories because they have most everything you are looking for. You could try eBay as well, it's ok for accessories. Remember, the most important thing is the camera and the lens, and if you can afford it, the flash as well. Don't waste your money on accessories you don't need.

Click here to see a search I did on Amazon.com for memory cards
Click here to see a search I did on Amazon.com for memory cards that come with USB reader included (I have this one).
Click here to see a search I did on Amazon.com for memory card readers (even if your computer has one, if you travel, you will need one)

Tripods

Although some people consider it essential, the tripod is not needed as much nowadays. With great quality at high ISOs and VR or IS on most lenses, you can take great handheld photos in low light. However, there will be times when you will need a tripod. So if you are on a budget, just get a cheap, but sturdy tripod from Wal Mart The smaller the tripod, the more fragile it will be.
If you want something professional, get a Bogen-Manfrotto or Gitzo tripod based on your budget. Here they are at Amazon.com or Adorama (Bogen + Gitzo).

Flash Accessories

Umbrella - $15 Adorama 40 inch black & white umbrella or $23 Wescot 45 inch black backed umbrella - the black cover comes off, which is great if you want more control over the light. I love my umbrella, I use it all the time. It's small, portable, very versatile, and cheap. What more could you want? I don't use soft boxes because they are more pain than umbrellas. Search for more umbrellas and soft boxes at Amazon.com, B&H Photo & Video, and Adorama.com
Umbrella adapters - If you have an umbrella, you will need this $29 Bogen adapter (don't get the cheaper one, it breaks easily) that mounts on your tripod or on a camera stand. I use a music stand instead of a special camera stand because I do most of my product or portrait shooting at home. If I had to travel more, I would buy a light umbrella stand.

Other accessories

Camera bags - everybody has different needs and tastes when it comes to camera bags. One thing we all have in common is that we want our equipment safe. The two most popular brands that make camera bags are Tamrac and LowePro. Based on your budget and needs, you can get what you need here (LowePro) and here (Tamrac). If you have a laptop and you travel a lot, a backpack would work very nice, especially since they don't look like camera bags, so you have "less" chances somebody would try to steal it.

An extra battery is the most wonderful thing when you forgot to re-charge your original battery. I have an extra SunPak battery for my Nikon dSLR. Get one that fits your camera here.

A remote is extremely useful if you take photos using the bulb feature, or you want to take easy self-portraits. Get the one that fits your camera here.

Final note back to top | cameras | lenses | accessories | quick recommendations

I highly recommend you stick with the following stores:
Amazon.com • B&H Photo & Video Adorama.com
I have been using these stores numerous times, and so do all other professional photographers. There are other stores out there too, but I trust these tree. You can look at Ritz Camera and BuyDig.com as well.