Need help buying my first DSLR

[*Susan*]

After much research I have decided to buy the Pentax K100D. I've only had P&S digital cameras up to this point and I have some questions regarding making the actual purchase. I appreciate any help

If it says 'body only' that means it doesn't come with ANY lens, right? If that is correct, which is a good basic lens for me? (I am a novice photographer, basically looking for quicker shutter speed and I intend to pick up a book and/or take a class to improve my pictures and to justify this purchase!). I know there is the whole "you'll buy more lenses" thing which may be true but what if I never did? I want a good lens that I won't get frustrated with. I don't want a huge lens either (if I can help it) as I bet there is going to be some getting used to this bigger camera vs. my Sony which comfortably fits in my front pocket.

Also - do I need to buy a flash? It looks like there is no flash attached on the pictures I've seen. If so, same question as above - what kind of flash do I need?

What else do I need to know? Thanks in advance!

 

[Master Mason]

Yes body only means no lenses.

if this is your first SLR, I would recommend getting the kit lens, that will give you a "decent" all around lens to begin to use. After your comfortable with the camera you can then decide what lens(es) you need based on what you think your not getting out of the kit lens ie better DOF control, longer reach etc.

And do your homework on lenses as well, if you just go get a zoom lens, you'll most likely get the cheapest one, but in reality the extra spent would give you something that fills a need that you wouldn't be aware of if you don't study it.

As an example, I have found that I am unhappy with lenes that have higher f/stops, I have to pay more to get what I want, but I am happier with what I buy.

 

[Sha]

It has a built in flash, but a place for an external flash too. Ive had the same camera that you are considering for a couple months. I am still learning about it. Read the book (and handle the camera as you read helps too).

After much research I have decided to buy the Pentax K100D. I've only had P&S digital cameras up to this point and I have some questions regarding making the actual purchase. I appreciate any help

If it says 'body only' that means it doesn't come with ANY lens, right? If that is correct, which is a good basic lens for me? (I am a novice photographer, basically looking for quicker shutter speed and I intend to pick up a book and/or take a class to improve my pictures and to justify this purchase!). I know there is the whole "you'll buy more lenses" thing which may be true but what if I never did? I want a good lens that I won't get frustrated with. I don't want a huge lens either (if I can help it) as I bet there is going to be some getting used to this bigger camera vs. my Sony which comfortably fits in my front pocket.

Also - do I need to buy a flash? It looks like there is no flash attached on the pictures I've seen. If so, same question as above - what kind of flash do I need?

What else do I need to know? Thanks in advance!

 

[YEKCIM]

Also - do I need to buy a flash? It looks like there is no flash attached on the pictures I've seen. If so, same question as above - what kind of flash do I need?

The K100D, like most consumer dSLR's has a built in flash that pops up. Whether or not it will be adequate for your needs, I do not know. My suggestion would be to try the onboard flash out and, if you are not satisfied with the performance (range is typically an issue, due to comparatively lower power), then shop for an accessory flash, that fits in the hot shoe above the prism.

~YEKCIM

 

[Anewman]

If it says 'body only' that means it doesn't come with ANY lens, right? If that is correct, which is a good basic lens for me?

I while I agree with Master Mason on getting the KIT, it is very good as kit lenses come.

Pentax is known for having great PRIME lenses, I really think you would be missing out on one of the strengths if you did not go that route.

I would Start with their 50mm, it takes great portraits.


OH and congrats on getting a great camera.

 

[Groucho]

After much research I have decided to buy the Pentax K100D. I've only had P&S digital cameras up to this point and I have some questions regarding making the actual purchase. I appreciate any help

If it says 'body only' that means it doesn't come with ANY lens, right? If that is correct, which is a good basic lens for me? (I am a novice photographer, basically looking for quicker shutter speed and I intend to pick up a book and/or take a class to improve my pictures and to justify this purchase!). I know there is the whole "you'll buy more lenses" thing which may be true but what if I never did? I want a good lens that I won't get frustrated with. I don't want a huge lens either (if I can help it) as I bet there is going to be some getting used to this bigger camera vs. my Sony which comfortably fits in my front pocket.

One thing to keep in mind is that you get an extra $50 in rebate money if you buy the Pentax 50-200mm lens at the same time. It is a quite good lens and a very nice complement to the kit 18-55mm lens, and when at its shortest length, is barely larger than the kit lens. This is a very nice all-around setup to begin with.

The 50mm F1.4 is wonderful for low-light or depth of field control, and has wonderful quality all-around. It's also small and light, like many primes.

After that, there are any number of directions you can go... there's a nice all-manual fisheye (the Russian-made Zenitar), there are macro lenses, there are longer zooms, etc, etc...

 

[*Susan*]

Thanks SO very much everybody! I appreciate all of the advice