Looking for a good STARTER SLR

[wvrevy]

First, let me say that my DW and I have been awed by some of your pictures on this board. Because of that, we've started talking about getting into the Photography hobby. But please understand, we are complete novices, so we're looking for an SLR that is relatively easy to use that we can get started with. Cost isn't a major factor, but we ain't the Rockefellers (as they say around these parts) either, so we don't want to be spending a couple thousand dollars just to get started. Just looking for a beginners step into the hobby/obsession of photography that you guys all seem to enjoy so much.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions...

 

[Master Mason]

Take a look at the following cameras
Canon XT and XTi
Nikon D40 and D40x (be aware of the focus moter issue)
Pentax K100D and K100D super
Olympus E-410
Sony A-100

These are each brands entry level offereings. Each one has it's pluses and minuses. Check out dpreview for a review of each one, then go and play with them, see if one feels better in your hands, see if one is just naturally more intuative to you.

Something to remember. You are buying into a system, of body, lenses, flashes etc. The accesories you evenutally buy will transfer from body to body as you change them out. So you want to be comfortable with your long term prospects with each company as well.

Also, my big suggestion to anyone starting out in the dSLR world. Get the kit lens and only use that until you are comfortable with the camera and know what shots you can't get with the kit. Then and only then go buy a new lens that will allow you to get the pictures your missing out on. This will save you a ton of money in just purchasing lenses.

Also get a good book, such as understanding exposure, so you can learn what making various changes in your settings will do for your pictures and your ablity to capture images.

 

[wvrevy]

Thanks! That's exactly the kind of list I was looking for! Also, great advice about the "long term prospects" with the manufacturer. That wasn't something I had considered before.

List in hand, we'll be off to Circuit City this weekend (and Best Buy) to check them out.

Thanks again...

 

[MICKEY88]

Thanks! That's exactly the kind of list I was looking for! Also, great advice about the "long term prospects" with the manufacturer. That wasn't something I had considered before.

List in hand, we'll be off to Circuit City this weekend (and Best Buy) to check them out.

Thanks again...

if you have a RITZ camera store nearby that would be another good place to go play...

 

[handicap18]

if you have a RITZ camera store nearby that would be another good place to go play...

I would also look for other Photo/Camera Stores. Circuit City and Best Buy might not have the Pentax line. Ritz should have it (or Wolf Camera depending on what part of the country your in), but also a local camera store is good, because of their selection and its much easier to handle the camera's and change lenses. They'll also have more experience than someone working the camera area of Best Buy or CC.

Also check out the reviews and sample images at a few different online places like stevesdigicam, dpreview, amazon and such.

 

[Anewman]

Just to get a better idea price wise.

Pentax K100D $369(body only), $449(with 18-55mm kit lens)
Canon XT $428(body only), $514(with 18-55mm kit lens).
Pentax K100D super $467(body only), $495(with 18-55mm kit lens)
Nikon D40 $492(with 18-55mm kit lens)
Olympus E-410 $499(body only), $630(with 14-42mm kit lens)
Nikon D40x $586(body only), $660(with 18-55mm kit lens).
Canon XTi $586(body only), $665(with 18-55mm kit lens)
Sony A-100 $599(body only), $620(with 18-70mm kit lens).

All prices except Sony are from buydig/beachcamera dot coms and can change daily, Sony prices are from Circuit City. Buydig charges no sales tax to most states. Prices do not reflect any rebates or coupons.

Also, my big suggestion to anyone starting out in the dSLR world. Get the kit lens and only use that until you are comfortable with the camera and know what shots you can't get with the kit. Then and only then go buy a new lens that will allow you to get the pictures your missing out on. This will save you a ton of money in just purchasing lenses.

I would tend to agree with this if the kit lens is being thrown in for a decent price, like the Sony kit where it is only $20 extra over the body only price. But I am not sure I would pay $80-$90 extra to get the Canon Kit lens when i can get the 50mm F/1.8 for that price or use that amount towards a better lens to begin with.

 

[Colleen27]

Thanks! That's exactly the kind of list I was looking for! Also, great advice about the "long term prospects" with the manufacturer. That wasn't something I had considered before.

List in hand, we'll be off to Circuit City this weekend (and Best Buy) to check them out.

Thanks again...

Just a note of warning - Circuit City & Best Buy, here at least, don't always have the Sony and Pentax cameras on display (and some stores don't even carry the Pentax). You might be better off to check out a Ritz or Wolf Camera shop to get a feel for each camera, and then price-compare at the other stores if you aren't happy with the camera store price.

 

[ukcatfan]

Pentax has a rebate on the K100D Super right now.

Kevin

 

[Groucho]

Like Kevin said.

The K100D Super is currently $399.95 after rebate from Beach, with kit lens. The Super adds a dust-cleaning sensor and support for SDM (focus-motor-in-lens) lenses.

 

[SharonLowe]

Always best to go to a camera store rather than a big box store especially if you are a novice - the employees at the camera store will know what they are talking about and are in the best position to offer help. They might charge a little more, but their advice will be worth it. And, subsequent purchases can then be made where the best price/service is offered. I buy almost all my camera equipment from B&H online but for things that I need to try out like camera bags, I go to the local camera store.

And, yes, get a good book and think about taking a beginning photography course - www.betterphoto.com offers a very nice beginner class on-line and it is very flexible. Cameras don't make great photos, photographers make great photos, usually after lots of education and practice.