DSLR help

[funkychunkymonkey]

I love to take landscapes but I also do LOTS of portrates (mostly kids). Right now I have a kodak easyshare c160 that I like but it dosent allow me to controll all the things Ive read about (f stop and so such)

Ive never bought a DSLR and have NO clue what to look for. I would love a camera that has more options that I can learn to use. I have no clue whats even out there in a decent (under 300) range. I like image stablization for photos. I would also like somthing that I dont have to panic over getting a little wet (rain, snow). somthing with a flash for low light shots would be good.

 

[disneyboy2003]

Hmmm...I'm not sure there's actually a DSLR that's in the $300 range.

You can probably try looking at your local camera stores for used DSLRs for around $300.

I believe that typical entry-level DSLRs start at around $700-$800. You can go to your local Best Buy to see. Also, make sure you hold these cameras in your hand, so you can see whether Canon, Nikon, Sony, etc is a better "fit" for you.

All entry-level DSLRs will have a pop-up flash built into the camera. It's only when you get into the professional-level cameras (at least $2,500 per camera) that they don't include the pop-up flash. Why not? Cuz an external flash is much stronger and faster than pop-up flashes. Pros end up using external flashes and not the pop-up flash.

DSLRs these days are very well-built, so you don't have to worry too much about the elements (rain, sleet, snow, etc). Just take your standard precautions with your DSLR camera.

Image stabilization (IS) is a totally separate topic. Canon & Nikon have image stabilization built into their lenses. This makes their lenses more expensive. However, you can actually see the effects of IS when you look through the viewfinder (ie. the image in the viewfinder is stabilized and not shaky).

Sony, Pentax, etc. have image stabilization built into the camera bodies. This means you get image stabilization for all your photos, regardless of which lens you use. This essentially makes all your lenses have image stabilization. However, you won't see the effects of IS in your viewfinder (ie. the image in the viewfinder will still be shaky, so you're essentially crossing your fingers hoping that the final image captured by your camera is actually stabilized).

Apparently, studies have shown that both methods of image stabilization work about equally well.

I'd start by going to Best Buy or your local camera shop to hold the different DSLRs in your hand. You can also see what kind of price range to expect when you finally make the jump.

Hope that helps!

ps. Buy a Canon!

 

[ukcatfan]

I would ask yourself what are the reasons you want a DSLR. It does not sound to me like you are ready for or even necessarily need one. I believe a bridge camera might be a more logical step right now. They are the ones that have the specs with a zoom of 10x to 20x or even higher. They typically have full manual controls.

 

[funkychunkymonkey]

whats a bridge camera? Im so confused with all this!

 

[AbbysFamily]

whats a bridge camera? Im so confused with all this!

My personal favorite bridge camera is the Canon SX20is. Basically its a camera that is still a point and shoot, but with most of the features (manual exposure, etc). It doesn't have the exchangeable lenses that an SLR has, but has a great zoom and lots of good features.

That being said, you CAN get into a used SLR (say a Canon XT with kit lense) for about what you are looking to spend, but there is a learning curve AND the $$ always seems to be in the "what do I need next!"

 

[Pea-n-Me]

A bridge camera is kind of a cross between a point and shoot and a dSLR. Many have an awesome zoom and more controls for those who want to branch out a bit. Many of us here started out with them before going the dSLR route, but some are quite happy with the conveniences bridge cameras offer (no interchangable lenses, relatively smaller size, etc) and stick with them despite their limitations (it's all about trade offs - size and convenience vs picture quality). I don't know about weatherproofing for any of the bridges (or beginner dSLRs for that matter with the possible excption of Pentax?)

Beware one of the reasons people move from bridge to dSLR is for low light shooting (which isn't always great on a bridge for several reasons, one being that the sensor is small, another being that the aperture only opens so far, another being that high ISO on a bridge is different than high ISO on a dSLR, which often still have issues) so you might not be completely happy but continuing your studies about photography should help you get better pictures with whatever camera you choose. You might consider going to a bridge for a while till you get your feet wet. You can always sell it after you save up for a dSLR if you change your mind.

have no clue whats even out there in a decent (under 300) range.

If you go with a dSLR, expect to spend a good deal of money. Sometimes a flash alone costs that much. Many lenses as well (and some lots more). And a whole bunch of other stuff you have to buy.

 

[boBQuincy]

$300 may not be as far off as you think, both Canon's and Nikon's entry level SLRs were recently on sale for right about $400 (with lens). As for "are you ready?" I see no reason why a dSLR is any more complicated to use than a bridge camera or most any other P&S.
I have used a dSLR since late 2001 and recently bought a Canon G11. If anything, the G11 usually takes more care and adjusting to get a good image than a dSLR does. It is only in very good lighting that the G11 is easier, once the lighting presents any challenge it is a lot easier to get a good image from the dSLR.

 

[ukcatfan]

I don't know about weatherproofing for any of the bridges (or beginner dSLRs for that matter with the possible excption of Pentax?)

The entry level model no longer has the weatherproofing. The K200D had it. There is however a K10D as a factory refurb at Best Buy right now that has it. It is $379.99 without a lens, but that is good b/c the kit is not weatherproof.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/PENTAX+-+Factory-Refurbished+10.2-Megapixel+Digital+SLR+Camera+-+Black/9348761.p?id=1218089166763&skuId=9348761 The weatherproof basic lens runs around $170 from B&H, but may be found cheaper elsewhere

 

[funkychunkymonkey]

Do Bridge cameras use regular memory cards? I have a big stash of kodak high speed SD memory cards.

 

[ukcatfan]

Do Bridge cameras use regular memory cards? I have a big stash of kodak high speed SD memory cards.

That is brand dependent, not type of camera. Many do use them though. Sony probably does not.

 

[MBKELmom]

My Nikon D3000 (entry level DSLR) was $458.

I have a Pextax "bridge camera" as well and paid a little less than $300 for it a couple of years ago.