I need a new DSLR

[Superhans20800628]

Cannot decide what camera I need as I am a beginner.

 

[pepe of ohio]

And been through most of the photography hoopla......back in the day, I had a ball with a Minolta 35mm SLR......many rolls were shot thru that camera, alot of great captures at WDW. I finally got into the digital a bunch of years ago and wanted quick and easy and had to sacifice depth, clarity and imagination...used an Olympus 5 MP digital....did the job but as cameras advanced and prices came down...wanted something comparable to my old Minolta, wanted to go back to having lens options and didn't want to break the bank....settled on a Nikon 3000D....perfect choice...under 400.00 (still alot of money, but worth it for what you get, a Nikon)....absolutely perfect, len changes quick and easy, auto or manual controls, foolproof, fairly small and compact, built in flash plus a hot shoe for external flash....I couldn't be happier, comes with a decent mini zoom lens and after checking out all the similar camera, Cannon, Olympus etc.....glad I chose the Nikon, right amount of camera for a novice or someone serious about photography...it's been on 2 WDW vacations, not cumbersome at all, shoots wonderful night time fireworks, stop action shots , and great depth of field shots in manual......my last camera..

 

[alloyd1170]

More info would be helpful! There are so many cameras out there and they keep bringing them out all the time. Do you want a sub compact, compact, more advanced compact, or a dslr? What kind of subjects will you be shooting (kids, sports, landscapes, low light, etc). What features would you like (mpgs, zoom factor, settings, etc)? Any particular brand you would rather stick with or are you open to anything? Price range?

 

[disneyboy2003]

I need a new car, but can't decide which one. Can you tell me which one to get?

 

[alloyd1170]

Exactly!

 

[ukcatfan]

Everyone will come in here and tell you how their brand is the best (including me ), but the truth is that all brands do an incredible job. Start by doing some research on the currently available models and then compare those models by the features they have. DPReview.com has a very nice camera compare feature. After you have narrowed down the models you like based on the features they have and what they cost, then get out and try to handle those cameras in person. I suggest going to a real camera store instead of a big box store like Best Buy and Walmart. A real camera store will have a wider selection and also be able to answer your questions honestly. The big box sales people are usually full of it.

Now for my plug I think the Pentax K-x and K-r are some of the best entry level models on the market. They have features better than many other cameras at the same price point. Also, if you are going to go with entry level kit lenses at first, then the Pentax kit les is probably the best one around based on build quality. The optics on all kit lenses is about equal. One thing for example is that the front element does not rotate, making the use of a petal shaped hood possible and the use of a rotating filter much less frustrating. Also consider that if image stabilization is important to you that Pentax, Sony, and Olympus build it into the camera where Canon and Nikon include it in the lens. The in lens method can make a lens cost hundreds more. There are also starting to be 3rd party lenses for Pentax, Sony, and Olympus that have in lens IS in case you really want it in lens after you already have an in-body camera.

That is my two cents. Feel free to ask questions.

 

[bob100]

your budget may be a determining factor!
But I'll put the plug in for Canon!

Canon T2i (550D), T1i (500D) or 1100D for entry level
60D or 50D or 7D for "intermediate"
IDsMkIII or 5DmkII for advanced

http://www.popphoto.com/gear/2011/01/lab-test-canon-60d

 

[photo_chick]

I'll say the same thing I usually do. You really can't go wrong with the DSLR's out there now.

Determine your budget and the features you want. Find the cameras that fit that. Go to the store and play with those cameras then buy the one that feels the best in your hands.

No one can tell you which DSLR is right for you, it's like shoes. You gotta find what fits you.

 

[DVC Mike]

Just to ensure you don't make a poor decision...

... buy a Nikon!

 

[ssanders79]

Once you determine your budget then compile a list of cameras that are in the range. Find one that fits in your hands well and feels comfortable. Then make sure you are happy with the brand.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

When you figure your budget, don't forget there are additional costs, memory, extra battery or two, bag, etc. Like with a boat, "it can turn into a hole in the water where you throw money!"

 

[Frantasmic]

The consensus, hands-down best camera is the Nikmapencanleipusfujony D700S-RIi1. You can't go wrong, guaranteed!

 

[disneyboy2003]

The consensus, hands-down best camera is the Nikmapencanleipusfujony D700S-RIi1. You can't go wrong, guaranteed!

I heard that the new model was just announced last week and will be available shortly. The new model now includes a shutter button.