Don't worry, this won't be a "tell me how to be a good photographer!" thread (not sure if you guys get those, but you know. )
What I need is some help being directed towards a setup that will suit my needs. I currently have a Cannon Powershot S5 IS, and enjoy it quite a bit. My primary use for it is taking super macro shots for use in 3D work. However, I'm expanding out towards nature shooting, and intend to try and branch out (in the future) into selling prints and side-work at social events. Video is a plus, but not required, for my own personal vacations. Also, if it makes a difference, this would be my first DSLR camera. I've only ever used "normal" digital cameras, and my dad's Olympus film camera before that (been years, don't remember the model.)
Now, the Panasonic GH1 has been recommended to me. I looked into it, and while I'm really liking the 4/3rd cameras, I really don't have the money to spend on a GH1 (and similarly priced cameras) at the moment. I was thinking more in the range of $800 - $1000 for an initial investment of a body + lens. Before the recommendation, I had been looking at the Canon Rebel XTi that comes with a 18-55 kit. I know very little about lenses atm, but had read in these forums the kit lenses normally aren't all that good.
So based on that, what do you all recommend? While I am slightly enamored with Canon over the quality of the digital camera I have, I'm not particularly devoted to any specific brand, so that's not a big factor for me. The biggest factors are bodies/lenses that will be good for super macro and nature. Like I said, I look to branch out later, and video is a plus, but those are ancillary at this point.
Thanks in advance!
What I need is some help being directed towards a setup that will suit my needs. I currently have a Cannon Powershot S5 IS, and enjoy it quite a bit. My primary use for it is taking super macro shots for use in 3D work. However, I'm expanding out towards nature shooting, and intend to try and branch out (in the future) into selling prints and side-work at social events. Video is a plus, but not required, for my own personal vacations. Also, if it makes a difference, this would be my first DSLR camera. I've only ever used "normal" digital cameras, and my dad's Olympus film camera before that (been years, don't remember the model.)
Now, the Panasonic GH1 has been recommended to me. I looked into it, and while I'm really liking the 4/3rd cameras, I really don't have the money to spend on a GH1 (and similarly priced cameras) at the moment. I was thinking more in the range of $800 - $1000 for an initial investment of a body + lens. Before the recommendation, I had been looking at the Canon Rebel XTi that comes with a 18-55 kit. I know very little about lenses atm, but had read in these forums the kit lenses normally aren't all that good.
So based on that, what do you all recommend? While I am slightly enamored with Canon over the quality of the digital camera I have, I'm not particularly devoted to any specific brand, so that's not a big factor for me. The biggest factors are bodies/lenses that will be good for super macro and nature. Like I said, I look to branch out later, and video is a plus, but those are ancillary at this point.
Thanks in advance!