Choosing a digital SLR camera

[photo_chick]

If it's just a matter of specs... the new Pentax K-r wins easily on paper. It's pretty impressive and as usual Pentax has left me wondering if I should have gone that way instead of with a Canon.

Stay away from the Canon 60D. You'll get a better deal with the T2i... if you go Canon.

 

[OKW Lover]

OK, so here is some background on what I'm after:
First of all, I'm fairly knowledgable about photography in general, although most of my more sophisticated experience was many years ago using film! For many years I had Pentax SLR's and was very familiar with the intricacies and interaction of shutter speed, f-stop, depth of field, etc.

Second, I got tired of hauling all that stuff around when heading to a park. So I "graduated" to a simple, very small, point and shoot that went in my pocket.

Now, however, I'm back to wanting the features that are offered by the new DSLR's. I'm interested in something beyond a basic entry level DSLR, but certainly don't need (or can afford) one of the top end cameras.

As far as brands go, although I had Pentax cameras in the past, I'm not wedded to them. I'm seriously considering Cannon and Nikon, but not Sony.

My ideal package would include the body and at least one zoom lens that would cover something equivalent to 35-150mm, or perhaps something "longer", but in a relatively compact design. I remember the 85-205 zoom that I used to have in my old SLR days and I'm not interested in something that long/heavy.

OK - I know that some (many?) of those things are in conflict with each other. I'm ready to make some trade-offs.

So, lets hear some suggestions. Thanks!

 

[ukcatfan]

Do you still have any of your Pentax lenses? If so, they will work on the Pentax DSLRs. Besides that, the Pentax K-x and K-r are incredible entry level models, especially for the money. Check out the packages that include a 50-200mm or 55-300mm. Because they are made for the smaller size sensor in an APS-C DSLR (i.e. not full frame), they are not as big and heavy as the telephoto lenses made for film. Also, all lenses are stabilized on these cameras because the IS is in the body. Stabilization in the lens adds weight and costs more (i.e. Canon and Nikon).

Just noticed that you said you want beyond entry level. You might want to consider the Kx- and K-r though. There is not much they cannot do. Beyond them, check the K-7 and K-5 in the Pentax line.

 

[DVC Mike]

The DSLR market leaders are Nikon and Canon, and you can't go wrong picking either brand. Debating between Nikon and Canon is like debating between Mercedes and BMW.

I'd take a look at the Nikon D3100 or Canon T2i.

 

[photo_chick]

Pentax makes some awesome DSLRs and if you are accustomed to their film cameras that would definitely be where I'd start my search. Canon and Nikon are only the leaders because they spend the most on advertising, not because their cameras are any better. And I say that as a Canon user.

As far as which specific camera... make a list of the features that are most important to you then go to dpreview.com and look at the specs and reviews. That should make it pretty easy to narrow it down to one from each brand that fits your budget and has what you want. Then go to the store and see which one of those fits well in your hands.

 

[OKW Lover]

Pentax makes some awesome DSLRs and if you are accustomed to their film cameras that would definitely be where I'd start my search. Canon and Nikon are only the leaders because they spend the most on advertising, not because their cameras are any better. And I say that as a Canon user.

As far as which specific camera... make a list of the features that are most important to you then go to dpreview.com and look at the specs and reviews. That should make it pretty easy to narrow it down to one from each brand that fits your budget and has what you want. Then go to the store and see which one of those fits well in your hands.

Thanks for the link!

And thanks to the others for the suggestions. I'm going to have to look around to see if I do still have any camera stuff left. We're talking really old here. Like when auto-focusing lenses were just coming out and Pentax switched from screw-mount to bayonet mount lenses.

 

[ukcatfan]

Thanks for the link!

And thanks to the others for the suggestions. I'm going to have to look around to see if I do still have any camera stuff left. We're talking really old here. Like when auto-focusing lenses were just coming out and Pentax switched from screw-mount to bayonet mount lenses.

They will still work. Even screw mount ones will with an adapter.

 

[AlbertZeroK]

Have you considered a Mirrorless DSLR, commonly refrered to as EVIL?

My Sony NEX-3 has all the features of my DSLR with a sensor just as big, but in a VERY small package. You can look at Panasonic and Olympus as both make EVIL as well. I love my sony, but would look seriously at the Panasonic, although the Olympus and Panasonic have a smaller sensor.

For DSLR, Pentax gets alot of recomendations on this board because a few Pentax lovers chime in alot, not saying it's bad. I love Canon and would consider Nikon. The real question is:

1.) How much are you willing to spend now?

2.) Do you have any plans on going with higher end lenses (above $1000) in the future?

Most importantly, goto the store and put the cameras in your hand. One that feels good is more important than the features inside the camera.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

1.) How much are you willing to spend now?

With your experience, my question, as quoted above by the PP, is how much do you want to spend? If you haven't been following what has been happening in the digital camera world, there was a recent large photography show in Germany, Photokina. The manufacturers released a slew of new equipment, Nikon 7000, Canon 60D, and Pentax Kr and K5. I only mention these three manufacturers because of your original post. This seemingly caused some of the older model camera prices to drop slightly. As has been stated Nikon and Canon are the two largest, offering a full range of cameras from entry level APS-C to professional FF (full frame). Pentax has shied away from the FF and has concentrated its efforts in APS-C. Nikon and Canon have stablization in their lenses and Pentax has it in the body. There are pros and cons to both. The Nikon and Canon lenses tend to be more expensive because of stablization in the lens (some say the optics are better also, but that is another whole discussion that I'm not getting into). Because of APS-C, the Pentax lenses tend to be smaller and lighter, but can be somewhat slower. This is being offset by the high usable ISO of Pentax' recent camera body offerings. This is just a brief overview of what is happening out there. So my question, again, is how much do you want to spend? IMHO, all the manufacturer's cameras will produce excellent images, so its a matter of cost and personal feel for the camera.

 

[AlbertZeroK]

With your experience, my question, as quoted above by the PP, is how much do you want to spend? If you haven't been following what has been happening in the digital camera world, there was a recent large photography show in Germany, Photokina. The manufacturers released a slew of new equipment, Nikon 7000, Canon 60D, and Pentax Kr and K5. I only mention these three manufacturers because of your original post. This seemingly caused some of the older model camera prices to drop slightly. As has been stated Nikon and Canon are the two largest, offering a full range of cameras from entry level APS-C to professional FF (full frame). Pentax has shied away from the FF and has concentrated its efforts in APS-C. Nikon and Canon have stablization in their lenses and Pentax has it in the body. There are pros and cons to both. The Nikon and Canon lenses tend to be more expensive because of stablization in the lens (some say the optics are better also, but that is another whole discussion that I'm not getting into). Because of APS-C, the Pentax lenses tend to be smaller and lighter, but can be somewhat slower. This is being offset by the high usable ISO of Pentax' recent camera body offerings. This is just a brief overview of what is happening out there. So my question, again, is how much do you want to spend? IMHO, all the manufacturer's cameras will produce excellent images, so its a matter of cost and personal feel for the camera.

I agree. Although I do feel Pentax tends to be geared more towards consumers, while Nikon and Canon are more professional brands. If you plan on buying one or two lenses for your camera and never look to go beyond that, any of the brands would be fine. And with the new features of Lightroom 3 and it's ISO noise reduction, I think most of these cameras would be usable at 1600 ISO.

But if you are looking to ever expand to more professional lenses (greater than $1000) like the gold standard 70-200 f/2.8 with IS or VR from Canon or Nikon, a lens that is by far one of the most popular in both Canon and Nikon relms, then Pentax isn't somewhere you should look.

Lastly, you need to hold the camera you are going to buy before purchasing. I know Canon and Nikon are readily available, but Pentax isn't something you typically buy at Best Buy.

 

[ukcatfan]

For DSLR, Pentax gets alot of recomendations on this board because a few Pentax lovers chime in alot, not saying it's bad.

If you had been here longer than a few months, you would know more about what you are commenting about here. We are currently recommending the current lineup of Pentax cameras because they simply are very good cameras that often out spec their Canon and Nikon equivalents and for less money. That sounds like a win/win if you ask me. Again, because you are a newbie here yourself, you do not know that before the K-x was introduced there was a couple year stretch where we did not do too much promoting of Pentax because they were not the best bang for the buck. After the K100d got old, Pentax came out with a string of nice cameras, but none were better or significantly cheaper than the Canons or Nikons available at the time. That all changed with the introduction of the K-x last year. It is an incredible camera that pretty much beats the T1i and D5000 in most features. The new K-r has not been reviewed yet, but from what I understand, it takes the great things about the K-x and only improves on them.

So, it is for valid reason that we are recommending them and not just that we post a lot.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

OKW Lover states...
I'm interested in something beyond a basic entry level DSLR, but certainly don't need (or can afford) one of the top end cameras.

My ideal package would include the body and at least one zoom lens that would cover something equivalent to 35-150mm, or perhaps something "longer", but in a relatively compact design.

All the manufacturers make good cameras that take great images, but if we read the OP's statements he is describing the niche that is the Pentax business model. Even though it has yet to be reviewed, the real world tests on the Kr have been very positive. The real world tests on the K5 have been better than that. Of course there is a significant price difference between the K5 and the Kr. At Photokina, Pentax also introduced a new lens, 18-135mm variable aperture. Again, by looking at the OP's statements this is a lens worth looking at that fits his description of what he is looking for. Can he find something similar in the Canon or Nikon? Probably but it will be larger. Pentax has chosen to manufacture more compact models. If the OP was looking to professionally photograph sports, I would wholeheartedly recommend Canon/ Nikon, but that is not what he was requesting. There is no question that Pentax was late to the table in converting to the digital world, but with the support of the new Hoya management team, its a company that looks to be heading in the right direction with great products.

PS It doesn't hurt that they have kept the same lens mount (excluding the screw mount that needs an adaptor) all these years that can be affixed to the new cameras and are imaged stabilized!

 

[photo_chick]

The term mirrorless DSLR always makes me laugh. It's such an oxymoron.

I'll suggest camera to look at that seem like they might fit what the poster needs. But I'm an equal opportunity shooter.. I've got Pentax, Canon, Olympus, Holga, Kodak, Sony, Minolta, Fuji and even a Nikon in my gear stash. If it makes some kind of image I'll probably use it.

 

[OKW Lover]

Thanks to everybody for all the interesting comments here.

In answer to some of the questions, I seriously doubt I'll ever go beyond a basic set of lenses. Say something equivalent to a 35-90, and something in the 75-200+. I really don't want to be in the position of having to lug a lot of lenses around. I'd be really happy to just head out in the morning for a day of shooting pictures in the parks, or out in the real world, with only the one lens on my camera.

Should have also mentioned that performance in low-light conditions is important. I love to take pictures at night of lights reflecting off of water and of fireworks in the parks.

How much do I wan to spend? Under $1k. Preferably significantly under.

Thanks for the suggestions about particular camera models. I'll be studying the spec's carefully.

 

[ukcatfan]

Thanks to everybody for all the interesting comments here.

In answer to some of the questions, I seriously doubt I'll ever go beyond a basic set of lenses. Say something equivalent to a 35-90, and something in the 75-200+. I really don't want to be in the position of having to lug a lot of lenses around. I'd be really happy to just head out in the morning for a day of shooting pictures in the parks, or out in the real world, with only the one lens on my camera.

Should have also mentioned that performance in low-light conditions is important. I love to take pictures at night of lights reflecting off of water and of fireworks in the parks.

How much do I wan to spend? Under $1k. Preferably significantly under.

Thanks for the suggestions about particular camera models. I'll be studying the spec's carefully.

There is something worth noting given your comments on what lenses you will want. This is another plus to Pentax. Their kit lenses are made to a higher standard in terms of build compared to Canon and Nikon. Optically all are pretty much equivalent. This is not a knock on Canon and Nikon as they do this on purpose to encourage lens upgrades. That is where they really make a lot of money. That is not Pentax's business model, so they sell kit lenses that you might be happy with for a long time. After four years with a DSLR, I am still using the kit 18-55mm and 50-200mm. For the low light shots you mention, a tripod and remote shutter release are the best solution. The kit lenses would work just fine.

 

[AlbertZeroK]

For the low light shots you mention, a tripod and remote shutter release are the best solution. The kit lenses would work just fine.

You may also look into an IR Remote, make sure your camera supports it. Or you can use the Timer Feature of the camera, in fact, some cameras will even take a number of pictures after the timer expires. For example the T2i and d90 take up to 9 pictures after the timer expires. Not sure about other brands or models, you'd have to check their manuals. I am a huge fan of the timer when doing night shots even though I have shutter release cables.

Also, if you plan on doing alot of tripod shots, you should invest into a tripod with a removable plate or a quick connect system. This will allow you to screw a small plate to the bottom of the camera so when you want to put the camera on your tripod, you just slip it into the mount and it locks in. For cheap tripods you'll actually have to screw the camera to the tripod each time you want to use your tripod and every time you want to take it down.

 

[photo_chick]

If you really want really good low light performance you may need to look beyond the entry level glass when it comes to zooms or invest in a couple of primes. I think pretty much across the boad the entry level zooms are slow.. especially the tele zooms.

 

[ukcatfan]

If you really want really good low light performance you may need to look beyond the entry level glass when it comes to zooms or invest in a couple of primes. I think pretty much across the boad the entry level zooms are slow.. especially the tele zooms.

For many low light situations I would totally agree, but the situations the OP mentions call for smaller apertures anyway. The benefits of the prime lenses diminish when you are going to be shooting at f/8 or smaller anyway. Reflections on the water and fireworks are probably creeping into the f/12-16 range. Sure, the glass is going to be a little bit optically better, but it would take pixel peeping to notice a difference on an APS-C camera.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

As far as brands go, although I had Pentax cameras in the past, I'm not wedded to them. I'm seriously considering Cannon and Nikon, but not Sony.

Just curious, why the bolded?

 

[OKW Lover]

Just curious, why the bolded?

The not Sony part is due to past experience with their proprietary memory card format (yes, I know they now also include SD cards - I hold a grudge) and not really thrilled with their low-light focusing performance.