Can someone just tell me which camera to buy?

[Groucho]

The enormous dynamic range of the Sony 16mp sensor as found in the K-5/K-50/K-500, D7000, and a handful of Sonys, means that you don't need to do HDR. At least at relatively low ISOs. If you need more DR than you can pull from that sensor, you're probably producing those eye-bleeding over-the-top HDRs that were in vogue a few years ago and thankfully are fading away now.

Best beginner's camera article at DP Review

I would still take a look at the Fuji mirrorless models; I haven't used one but the owners seem completely smitten and and it's only real negative is that the RAW files are tough to deal with, which only affects you if you don't shoot JPG files - supposed its jpg out is fantastic. If I were just starting out, I would look long and hard at them; much as I love proper SLRs, I do think that mirrorless is the future, along with very high-quality digital viewfinders, so that the handling is similar to a proper SLR. (I hate shooting without the camera up to my eye!)

 

[hakepb]

I believe the D7000 has the better AF module of the 2 Nikon's, and I think the OP may appreciate that advantage in dance situations.

 

[amomma23]

I went for it and got the Pentax k-50. Biggest deciding factors...

1. Bang for the buck! Ordered body with 2 kit lenses, 50mm 1.8 prime, and get a $50 gift card for less than $800.

2. Supposed to be good in low light situations which will be helpful in dimly lit auditoriums.

3. Not a true "beginner" camera. I don't mind being challenged at first. That's part of the reason to buy the DSLR and not continue to use my current point and shoot.

4. I like the Pentax's ability to find excellent and interesting lenses CHEAP at yard sales, ebay, etc. Since this will be a hobby and not a profession, I like that I can look for deals and finds rather than saving for months/years for the latest and greatest.

5.Feels like a camera,not a toy. The weather sealing wasn't a major factor, but it makes everything feel very solid.

6. It's pretty.

Thanks to everyone who offered advice to help me decide!

 

[SkaGoat]

I went for it and got the Pentax k-50. Biggest deciding factors...

1. Bang for the buck! Ordered body with 2 kit lenses, 50mm 1.8 prime, and get a $50 gift card for less than $800.

2. Supposed to be good in low light situations which will be helpful in dimly lit auditoriums.

3. Not a true "beginner" camera. I don't mind being challenged at first. That's part of the reason to buy the DSLR and not continue to use my current point and shoot.

4. I like the Pentax's ability to find excellent and interesting lenses CHEAP at yard sales, ebay, etc. Since this will be a hobby and not a profession, I like that I can look for deals and finds rather than saving for months/years for the latest and greatest.

5.Feels like a camera,not a toy. The weather sealing wasn't a major factor, but it makes everything feel very solid.

6. It's pretty.

Thanks to everyone who offered advice to help me decide!

Congrats! I'm sure you'll really enjoy it.

 

[Groucho]

I went for it and got the Pentax k-50. Biggest deciding factors...

1. Bang for the buck! Ordered body with 2 kit lenses, 50mm 1.8 prime, and get a $50 gift card for less than $800.

2. Supposed to be good in low light situations which will be helpful in dimly lit auditoriums.

3. Not a true "beginner" camera. I don't mind being challenged at first. That's part of the reason to buy the DSLR and not continue to use my current point and shoot.

4. I like the Pentax's ability to find excellent and interesting lenses CHEAP at yard sales, ebay, etc. Since this will be a hobby and not a profession, I like that I can look for deals and finds rather than saving for months/years for the latest and greatest.

5.Feels like a camera,not a toy. The weather sealing wasn't a major factor, but it makes everything feel very solid.

6. It's pretty.

Thanks to everyone who offered advice to help me decide!

Congrats! #4 is a great one. Keep an eye on Craigslist and you'll often find all sorts of stuff - you may end up with a pile of K1000s though like I have (along with my original!) The old zooms are usually pretty iffy but the primes, especially the Pentax ones, are usually very good. In fact, one of my absolutely favorite lenses is a ~50-year-old 35mm F3.5 "preset" Takumar lens. I just love the look it gives.

The other thing I usually recommend to people is not to use the Auto mode - go straight to Program for day-to-day stuff; that way you're not "one of those" whose flash keeps popping up unintentionally. I'm not familiar with the K-50, but I assume it's got the same Hyperprogram feature as the K-5 - leave it in Program, and spin the front or rear dial to instantly jump into Aperture or Shutter priority mode. Press the Green button and you're back in Program mode. Gotta love it.

 

[amomma23]

Congrats! #4 is a great one. Keep an eye on Craigslist and you'll often find all sorts of stuff - you may end up with a pile of K1000s though like I have (along with my original!) The old zooms are usually pretty iffy but the primes, especially the Pentax ones, are usually very good. In fact, one of my absolutely favorite lenses is a ~50-year-old 35mm F3.5 "preset" Takumar lens. I just love the look it gives.

The other thing I usually recommend to people is not to use the Auto mode - go straight to Program for day-to-day stuff; that way you're not "one of those" whose flash keeps popping up unintentionally. I'm not familiar with the K-50, but I assume it's got the same Hyperprogram feature as the K-5 - leave it in Program, and spin the front or rear dial to instantly jump into Aperture or Shutter priority mode. Press the Green button and you're back in Program mode. Gotta love it.

Thanks for the tips. Can't wait for it to arrive.

 

[havoc315]

Great choice. Congratulations and good luck.

 

[amomma23]

Shot totally in "manual" for the first time ever. Super happy with the pics, but still lots to learn.

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MDS10098 by meganD.S., on Flickr[/IMG]

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MDS10088 by meganD.S., on Flickr[/IMG]

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MDS10079 by meganD.S., on Flickr[/IMG]

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MDS10050 by meganD.S., on Flickr[/IMG]

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MDS10021 by meganD.S., on Flickr[/IMG]

 

[photo_chick]

Congrats on finding a camera that fits you! There have been quite a few times when I've wondered if I should have gone Pentax. As a general rule there's not a better bang for your buck.