dSLR recommendations?

[vanreg]

I am looking into purchasing my first dslr....any recommendations on what to get or stay away from?

 

[sparty]

Just purchased the Canon Rebel xsi package from B&H Photo & Video. The package included the 18-55 IS lens and the 55-250 IS lens. I love Canon and have been using Canon products for that last 12 years. I strictly do Crime Scene work and I use a Canon 40D for that. The Rebel is perfect for personal/ hobby use. You can't go wrong with a Canon or a Nikon DSLR. One of my co-workers just purchased the Nikon equivelent to the Canon Rebel and he loves it.

I would also recommend either B&H Photo or Penn Camera for all of you Camera needs. I have used both companies and am very happy with both. You will find a lot of different prices for the same camera. These two companies have the best price and great customer service.

I also recommend a UV filter on all lenses. This will not only help protect the lens but also cut out glare on outdoor photos.

Any other questions feel free to send a PM.

 

[MICKEY88]

Canon,Nikon,Sony and Pentax, all make great cameras,

1.the first thing to do is to figure out what types of pictures you will be taking,
2.then decide which cameras will work best for your type of photography,
3. go to a camera store and hold/play with the cameras that fit your needs, size and ergonomics will determine which cameras feel best, which is important, also the layout of controls will be different, and some will seem easier to you
4. shop for best price
5 buy, take lots of pictures and share with us.

 

[blackears]

Exactly what Mickey88 said...the best thing to do is to handle them...make sure you can reach the buttons, knobs, etc easily, etc...

 

[YEKCIM]

Also give much consideration to what kind(s) of lens(es) you want, based on the type of photography you want to do. In general, one may be better off accepting a lesser body if, in doing so, it will allow the purchase of multiple or better lenses, or both.

~Y

 

[michellem1118]

I agree with what everyone else has said already. All of the dSLRs on the market have some automatic modes that allow them to work much like a point-and-shoot camera would, as well as the more manual modes that give you more control over how to take a picture. I spent nearly 18 months researching the various dSLR cameras available before finally, just last month, purchasing my first dSLR camera. I started by reading the reviews (and looking at the photo comparisons) on www.dpreview.com, and by going into reputable camera stores and asking questions... luckily, I lived in NYC for most of that time, so I was able to go to the B&H superstore for this. I also handled the cameras, and learned that while I really liked some features of the Nikon cameras, they felt a bit bulky in my hands. I ultimately ended up with the same Canon XSi kit referenced above from B&H.

For casual/hobbyist use, Canon XTi or XSi are good options, as are the Nikon D60 & D90, and the Sony Alpha series cameras. It's really going to come down to the price range you're comfortable spending, and which camera seems most comfortable in your hands.

 

[ssanders79]

First and foremost: decide on your budget.
Secondly, spend time holding the cameras and playing around with them in the store. If it does not feel comfortable in your hand it will not get any better.

I spent 6 months looking for the right dSLR and at the time I purchased the Nikon D40. Looking back I should have looked for a D50 with the internal focusing motor, but all in all I am still happy with my purchase.

Please, Please, Please do not get caught up in the marketing ploys from brand to brand. Treat them all as no name brands. Narrow your search down and do some research on your own.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Olympus makes some great dSLRs, too. http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_digital_slr.asp

IMO you'd be selling yourself short to not at least look and see what they have to offer.

 

[MICKEY88]

Also give much consideration to what kind(s) of lens(es) you want, based on the type of photography you want to do. In general, one may be better off accepting a lesser body if, in doing so, it will allow the purchase of multiple or better lenses, or both.

~Y

good advice as long as the camera still meets your needs. ,
example...
if you're going to be shooting sports in which you need high speed shooting, such as 5 frames per second, if you buy a camera that will only do 2 fps, better glass doesn't help if yu miss the shot..

 

[KCmike]

If you don't mind an older camera you might go to your local Office Depot and see if they still have the Canon XTI with the IS lens for $399.99

That is where I got mine and I am very happy with it so far. I really wanted the Nikon D80 but it was way out of my price range and the deal above fell in my lap and I am very fortunate.

Like everyone else said. Go to the store and handle them and get as much info on all the ones you like. Then make the plunge. Buyer beware. It is an expensive hobby. Lenses cost alot of money.