Best place to buy dSLR?

[fAnnF]

I'd love to get a Digital SLR for my birthday. I've been looking at the Nikon D40-70 because that's what they use a Disney so it must be good. I'm not picky. I'm only looking for a few requirements

min. of 6 megapixel
Automatic mode that works well
A good basic lens
some sort of image stabilization
Takes SD ares.
Good battery life.

Well maybe that's a lot of requirements. I have to present prices to my dad so he can get it before my birthday, if the price is right (he is taking me to Disney for a week as well).
I'd be willing to take a used one as long as there isn't damage. Scratches are fine.

Thanks

 

[Anewman]

Well within your priorities listed you rule out Nikon, Unless you get a LENS with image stabilization. But there are a few cameras with IS in the body.

From lowest to highest price.
Pentax k100d with 18-55mm lens = $469@ beachcamera.com
Sony A100 with 18-70mm lens =$699@ circuitcity.com
Olympus E510 with 14-44mm lens =$799@ beachcamera.com
Pentax K10d with 18-55mm lens = $809@ beachcamera.com


EDIT= after rereading, only the Pentax choices take SD cards. But media is so cheap that the issue would not deter me either way.

 

[fAnnF]

Well within your priorities listed you rule out Nikon, Unless you get a LENS with image stabilization. But there are a few cameras with IS in the body.

Thanks, I didn't even realize that, I'll have to bring that up to my dad. He's been looking at Nikons. I'll have to see if he wants to start researching a new camera or just buy a special lens

 

[Anewman]

Thanks, I didn't even realize that, I'll have to bring that up to my dad. He's been looking at Nikons. I'll have to see if he wants to start researching a new camera or just buy a special lens

Dont know much about Nikons, but if they are anything like Canon, lenses with their VR(what NIKON calls IS) should be around $500, and GOOD lenses with VR should start around $1000.

 

[Master Mason]

To me your requirements scream out pentax K100D....

 

[ukcatfan]

I will add that the K100D takes AAs, so it is typically cheaper to get extra rechargeable batteries. A decent charger and two sets will run you about $30.

I have the K100D, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask here or send me a PM.

Kevin

 

[Groucho]

Note that the Pentax has a $50 rebate at the moment that ends at the end of the month, so the final price is $419. They will probably have another series of rebates coming a few weeks later, but we don't know for sure when or what the amounts will be.

 

[SharonLowe]

Just wanted to add a note - just because Disney uses the Nikon doesn't mean it is the the best or the camera for you to use. I am sure Disney and Nikon have an agreement - Nikon gets free publicity; Disney gets free/cheap cameras. While I have not used the other cameras recommended, I would definitely consider them and do a bit more research. Also, SD cards have their limits so that should not be a reason for choosing one camera over another.

 

[jenseib]

I tried out the Sony and loved it. I ended up with the Caonon Rebel, but kind of almost wish I did get the Sony. I really liked it more, but so many people told me NOT to get it because it was the first SLR they put out. Even though it is actually a minolta camera since Sony bought them out. I liked the way it felt in my hands and it has IS. Cameras with IS in the lenses tend to have expensive lenses though to. Yu have to weigh the pros and cons of each.

You must have a great dad to buy you a SLR and take yopu Disney as well for your B-day!