Dslr???

[Darth Boeder]

I am sure there are a lot of post about this but.... I love my point and shoot but DH and I are wanting to purchase a DSLR. We are wanting to spend no more then $800. I know that is not a lot but can any of you recommend one. We would use it for trips and family gatherings.

We go to a lot of Disney on ice events, as well as monster trucks, and WWE events. We also go to DLR at elast once a year. I would like a camera that can take a better picture of a moving object as well do better in a darker enviroment.

Anything will help. I currently Have a Samsung TL225 and a older Sony cyber shot.

 

[DVC Mike]

Take a look at Nikon and Canon. Make sure you go to a store where you can see how they feel in your hands.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

There are some very good entry level DSLR's out there today that will fit into your budget. When you said $800, I'm assuming that is the total budget to include lenses, memory, extra batteries, bag, etc. If not advise. I would look at the following:

Nikon 5000

Canon T1i/T2i,T3i series

Pentax Kx/Kr

Sony A560/A33

Olympus 620

There may be others, but those are the ones I'm aware of that could fit your budget.

When I look at your requirements, it looks like you like to use your camera for lowlight action (Disney on Ice , Monster Trucks, etc.). For those activities you will need a cameral/lens combination of high ISO (sensor sensitivity) and/or fast glass (large aperture, i.e. f2.8). I'm trying not to get to technical, but look for a camera that has a high ISO number because faster glass is expensive. I don't know your level of photography expertise, but I would recommend you do some research with books like 'Understanding Exposure' by Bryan Peterson to introduce you to the photographic triangle of ISO, aperture and shutter speed.

The next recommendation is find a good brick and mortar camera store and touch as many of the cameras as possible. The ergonomics are important to your continuing use of a camera. You want to make sure the buttons are in the right places for you and the weight is correct. Good luck on your search and ask a lot of questions.

 

[JoeDif]

As much as it pains me to say this (being the devoted Olympus shooter that I am), I wouldn't recommend any first time DSLR buyers to invest in Olympus DSLR's at this point. Since it looks like Olympus is hitching their wagon to micro 4/3 and their PEN system, they may very well ditch any further development of DSLR bodies or lenses (at least in my opinion).

While what they have out there now is very good, investing $$$ in a potentially obsolete system may not be the best idea, given the potential for gear acquisition syndrome

 

[disneyfaninaz]

I was an Olympus point and shoot user, but I just wasn't happy with the photos. I got a Nikon 5000 and have loved it. It is a great beginner DSLR with plenty of room to grow and learn on. You can also look at the Nikon 3100. It is a newer camera.

 

[disneyfanUSA]

Pentax Kx

Other disboarders recommended I get the Pentax k-x less then a year ago. The K-X is my first DSLR and I love it!

 

[zackiedawg]

You're perfectly safe with Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony, or Olympus DSLRs as far as quality, features, reliability. It's down to preferences and minor differences. Olympus is indeed a smaller player in the DSLR field because of their micro-4/3 mirrorless line success, but what they have made are still solid cameras. Pentax is a niche player as well, but has consistently released excellent performers chock-full of features for very competitive prices, and has recently released replacements for both their entry- and enthusiast- level cameras. Sony is a larger player due to corporate size, with some unique features which make their cameras stand out and a wide range of cameras from cheap entry levels to advanced entry to hybrid SLTs to mirrorless. They've recently updated their mid-level 500-series cameras and released their SLT cameras, and have enthusiast-level and mirrorless update models coming soon. Canon and Nikon are the two biggest players, with a full compliment of models from cheap entry level to professional level with full support, to fit any possible range of needs.

None of the brands is 'better' than any other - they all have their strong suits and all have their shortcomings. All have different designs, features, and prices which might make any one of them the best choice for each person, and should all be shopped if you want to be the most informed shopper and have the best chance of getting the right and perfect camera for you.

 

[Darth Boeder]

Thank you for the information. I will have to go waunder around some stores for a dew weeks and see what I like. I also ordered the book that was recommended.

 

[bdtracey]

It might be worth looking at used bodies as well. Save money on the body and spend more on the glass. A lot of reputable camera stores (at least in my area) sell used bodies. This is probably a very touchy subject so bring on the flames.

 

[zackiedawg]

I wouldn't consider that to be touchy - sounds like good advice indeed. Certainly, all options are worth considering, including used bodies, or last-year's models on closeout sales.

If you can't find reputable dealers of used gear in your area, some trustworthy online sources exist too - see if keh.com has any DSLR bodies for sale, as they are a well-regarded and trusted source for any used gear. Even if you get a new camera body, they are a good source to keep in mind for lenses, flashes, and converters.

 

[Darth Boeder]

Thank you for that information. I will have to look for a camera shop. All the ones I know of have been shut down.