Camera suggestions

[Freakazoid]

I've been reading different sites and reviews, but haven't found a place that actually conclusively decides one is better, at least for what I'm looking for.

Anyways after reading all the pros and cons, I've decided on a DSLR. Definitely want a digital camera, period, no question about that. The SLR for the quality reasons as much as anything.

Anyways I'm looking for something relatively compact/lightweight. Doesn't have to fit in my pocket or only weigh a few ounces, but at the same time I don't want to be lugging something that weighs as much as a few bricks and is a pain to get in any sort of carrying case/requires a very large carrying case to carry around.

Would like something that is durable, or at the very least can stand the 'test of time', as whatever I touch typically gets beaten up rather quickly. Even better yet if the camera / any resellers of the camera have any sort of protection plan would be awesome.

I'm a novice, but it's something I would like to get more into in the future. So something that has the ability to point and shoot, but at least has a few more advanced features to keep me busy/entertained for a while. Doesn't have to have a lot of the advanced stuff, but at least a few things, not just a regular point and click camera.


Anyways if anyone has any links where this might be covered, or if anyone has any recommendations themselves, let me know! Even if it's just a particular manufacturer of DSLRs that you prefer.

Thanks

[TheWastedYears]

Well, the first question is always: What's your pricerange.

[Freakazoid]

Originally Posted by TheWastedYears

Well, the first question is always: What's your pricerange.

eh i'd say sub 1000 with some room for flexibility

[Blue04RedLine]

Well, I just recently got a new DSLR and am in a similar situation regarding photography that you are. The one I got is a Samsung Pro 815. It has one lens, not interchangable, but the lens has a range of 28mm-420mm combining both digital and optical zooms. It has many settings you can adjust when you get confident in adjusting them yourself and it has the largest on camera screen of any dslr (3.5"). It also has a small LCD screen on the top of the camera that you can switch to for shots from a low angle, instead of either laying on the ground or trying to just point and hope you get a good shot. I love it, and it's more than enough right now for any beginner, without giving up quality. Because of the range of the lens on it, you don't need different lenses now unless you plan on shooting ultra long range or super wide up close. Here's a couple sites you can check out: http://www.dpreview.com/news/0506/05...ung_pro815.asp
http://www.samsungcamera.com/product...=498&cat_uid=9

o yeah, it's 8 megapixels too.

[CarNut]

I'm not really a camera bug, but I'd research whether you need SLR. That was more of a 35mm thing with larger body cameras suitable for interchangeable, large aperature and zoom lenses. I think you can plenty of features and capability without going to SLR. Also, I find the more complicated a camera is the less I tend to use it.

[TheWastedYears]

Originally Posted by Freakazoid

eh i'd say sub 1000 with some room for flexibility

That pretty much limits you to fixed lens systems and entry level.

In that pricerange, you'd be looking at the Canon Rebel XT and the Nikon D50. With that pairup, I'd recommend the Canon, just b/c it's an 8mp vs. the 6mp Nikon.

You can save a lot of money by purchasing a fixed lens system.

[icecruncher]

Here my 2 cents.

I did the same looking for a digital SLR about a year ago. 6mp vs 8mp and Canon vs Nikon.

What I found out is you will get people on both sides of the fence, with VERY Strong opinions of either.

Lenses optics are a toss up. You can probably get anything you want in either if you pay for it. The 18-70mm lens that comes with the D70 is much better glass per the reviews than the D50 lens or the Canon Digital Rebel lens.

Canon has the IS (image stability system) Nikon has the VR (Vibration reduction system) - Same basic thing. But pricey. (My VR lens lists for almost $2000.00)

The bump from 6 to 8 mp is not as much as it sounds.

You are looking at 2000x3000 (roughly) to 2400 x3350 (roughly).

Canon has the 8mp, I think Nikon still is 6mp with the D50 or D70 in that price range. Canon has the higher megapixel count.

Frame rate and shutter speed was significantly faster on the Nikon when I bought my D70. I think it still is faster on the Nikon than the Digital Rebel.

I think Canon is a tad less expensive.

Those are things that you ought to consider, I'm sure lots more people will comment on this, but I hope it helps.

My friend bought the older 6mp Canon digital rebel when it first came out. I opted for the Nikon D70.

More will depend on your ability and the glass your are using than on the Camera. Either one of those will get you awesome pictures.

[icecruncher]

Also,

www.dpreview.com

is one of the best sites on the web for digital photography info, including reveiws and forums with just about every camera out there.

Look before you leap.

icecruncher

[TheWastedYears]

Originally Posted by icecruncher

Also,

www.dpreview.com

is one of the best sites on the web for digital photography info, including reveiws and forums with just about every camera out there.

Look before you leap.

icecruncher

I second that. Canon and Nikon users are VERY brand loyal, since some of us have invested as much in their equipment as we have our cars.

It's hard to go wrong w/ either, really.

[Boosted_Ion]

Originally Posted by TheWastedYears

I second that. Canon and Nikon users are VERY brand loyal, since some of us have invested as much in their equipment as we have our cars.

It's hard to go wrong w/ either, really.

+1

I'm a Canon guy myself and I own the Rebel TI, Digital Rebel, 20D, and lots of lenses. Just to toss another idea your way. (And I agree with icecruncher on this one...) The jump from 6mp to 8mp isn't much at all. With that said, Canon makes a "regular" Digital Rebel that has a 6.3mp processor. If the slightly lower mp capability doesn't bother you, I think you'll find that version of the Digital Rebel has a much better price tag. ($597 w/ an 18-55mm lens on Amazon.com) This will give you a lot more wiggle room to get some better lenses.

The last thing I'll say is that you should definately go out to a local camera store and talk to someone and compare cameras against each other. And don't forget to look at whether the camera you want is user friendly. If you're new to SLR cameras make sure that you get all the info on the different settings and functions that are on the camera that you select.

Good luck and let us know what you end up with!