need help choosing 1st dlsr

[d3mckinl]

Help! I'm overwhelmed with options for my first dlsr. I've been online reading about all the features, gone to the local stores and handled the available cameras and I'm still torn.

With my current P&S i love to take shots of night/ low light but the quality is very bad. I tend to snap closeups of flowers ate WDW and try to catch my pets at home with little luck thanks to the beeps and slow shutter lag.

I love the feel and fetures (prety much everything except the price) of the D90. I like the speed and price of the Sony A-33 but don't like the compact body size and I am conserned about picture quality with the light having to pass thru a semitransparent mirror. I'm wondering just how important the "feel" of a dslr is? Does it trump price? After hanging out with a friend who had a 18-70 and 55-250 lens I would rather not have to worry about the lens changes.
The other quandry I have is do I buy from a local camera shop where they offer classes on how to use thenew camera and in store specials or do I buy online for possable a beter price?

 

[zackiedawg]

With my current P&S i love to take shots of night/ low light but the quality is very bad. I tend to snap closeups of flowers ate WDW and try to catch my pets at home with little luck thanks to the beeps and slow shutter lag.

Good news at least - any DSLR will handle your needs well, so you can't pick a wrong one!

I love the feel and fetures (prety much everything except the price) of the D90. I like the speed and price of the Sony A-33 but don't like the compact body size and I am conserned about picture quality with the light having to pass thru a semitransparent mirror. I'm wondering just how important the "feel" of a dslr is? Does it trump price?

Only you can determine if feel should trump price. Both are factors that sit very highly on the recommendation list for most people - you should be happy and comfortable with the camera in your hands, and you should be within your budget. It sounds as if you prefer the feel of larger, more traditional bodied DSLRs...you might also consider looking at the Sony A560 or A580. With the A580, you get the same sensor as the A55, very similar speeds, focus, etc, plus better in low light (no semi-transparent mirror), and much longer battery life, plus a larger, more traditional DSLR body more like the D90. It will also be slightly better than the D90 in low light, as it is a more advanced sensor and a newer camera. The Nikon D5100 would be worth consideration too - though the body is a little smaller than the D90, it's not as small as the A55 - but it does have a slight lens restriction due to no focus motor in the body. The D7000 is a killer camera sharing the same sensor as the A580, but is much more expensive. If you think live view will ever be used, hands-down Sony's solution is the best in the game - the A580 gives you the best of both worlds with optical viewfinder, fast live view, and main-sensor live view options...they're still the only DSLR that can operate in live view identically fast as in OVF mode...and the tilting LCD definitely makes it a great convenience.

It also wouldn't hurt to look at the Canon 60D, and the Pentax K5 - both may be at the upper end of your budget, but are on par with the A580/D7000 in speed and high-ISO performance. The T3 and KR are both nice too, but more compact bodies that you may not like ergonomically as much.

No matter which way you go...as long as it's in your budget, and you are comfortable shooting with the camera, you should be fine.

After hanging out with a friend who had a 18-70 and 55-250 lens I would rather not have to worry about the lens changes.

There are plenty of one-lens solutions available that can get you by as a travel/all purpose lens solution, such as the excellent 18-250 and 18-270mm lenses. You will likely still want to pick up some additional lenses, especially some cheap fast primes, but in the meantime you know you can always slap on one of the travel zoom lenses and shoot any type of shot without swapping lenses or bringing a bag of lenses along. There's nothing wrong with one-lens solutions, even for folks who collect many lenses - it's nice to have a wide zoom option in the bag for when you want to go light or inconspicuous.

he other quandry I have is do I buy from a local camera shop where they offer classes on how to use thenew camera and in store specials or do I buy online for possable a beter price?

Again, your call. I tend not to be a 'class' type, so I'd buy from whichever had the best combination of price vs availability. I've bought both online and at local retailers, depending on the price, how fast I wanted it, or whether in stock.

 

[d3mckinl]

Good news at least - any DSLR will handle your needs well, so you can't pick a wrong one!



Only you can determine if feel should trump price. Both are factors that sit very highly on the recommendation list for most people - you should be happy and comfortable with the camera in your hands, and you should be within your budget. It sounds as if you prefer the feel of larger, more traditional bodied DSLRs...you might also consider looking at the Sony A560 or A580. With the A580, you get the same sensor as the A55, very similar speeds, focus, etc, plus better in low light (no semi-transparent mirror), and much longer battery life, plus a larger, more traditional DSLR body more like the D90. It will also be slightly better than the D90 in low light, as it is a more advanced sensor and a newer camera. The Nikon D5100 would be worth consideration too - though the body is a little smaller than the D90, it's not as small as the A55 - but it does have a slight lens restriction due to no focus motor in the body. The D7000 is a killer camera sharing the same sensor as the A580, but is much more expensive. If you think live view will ever be used, hands-down Sony's solution is the best in the game - the A580 gives you the best of both worlds with optical viewfinder, fast live view, and main-sensor live view options...they're still the only DSLR that can operate in live view identically fast as in OVF mode...and the tilting LCD definitely makes it a great convenience.

It also wouldn't hurt to look at the Canon 60D, and the Pentax K5 - both may be at the upper end of your budget, but are on par with the A580/D7000 in speed and high-ISO performance. The T3 and KR are both nice too, but more compact bodies that you may not like ergonomically as much.

No matter which way you go...as long as it's in your budget, and you are comfortable shooting with the camera, you should be fine.



There are plenty of one-lens solutions available that can get you by as a travel/all purpose lens solution, such as the excellent 18-250 and 18-270mm lenses. You will likely still want to pick up some additional lenses, especially some cheap fast primes, but in the meantime you know you can always slap on one of the travel zoom lenses and shoot any type of shot without swapping lenses or bringing a bag of lenses along. There's nothing wrong with one-lens solutions, even for folks who collect many lenses - it's nice to have a wide zoom option in the bag for when you want to go light or inconspicuous.



Again, your call. I tend not to be a 'class' type, so I'd buy from whichever had the best combination of price vs availability. I've bought both online and at local retailers, depending on the price, how fast I wanted it, or whether in stock.

I've heard that I can't go wrong with any DSLR for what my needs are but I don't want to be disapointed with only marginally better pics than my P&S I have not looked at the larger sony's I'll have to look into those further as the online reviews are quite positive. I have also read great reviews of the Pentax cameras but can't find any to hold. I've hled several rebels and don't like their body size or button layout, how does the Pentax compare in the ergonomics?
Question about these prime lenses that I hear about. How do they function? Do they function similar to my camera as a kid old 110 film that had no zoom but would only focus?
Without classes to learn the new equipment/ settings etc, how else is one to learn the technical aspect of photography?

 

[zackiedawg]

I've heard that I can't go wrong with any DSLR for what my needs are but I don't want to be disapointed with only marginally better pics than my P&S

That part won't be a problem - even a 3 or 4 year old DSLR that isn't nearly as good as they are today will still far exceed the capabilities of a P&S camera in overall shooting, and always better in sports/action and low light. It's just a matter of the sensor size - the typical P&S camera sensor is roughly the size of a pencil eraser tip. The typical APS-C sensor in a DSLR camera is about the size of 2 postage stamps side-by-side, and a bit taller. That much more space to fit pixels results in better detail, better light sensitivity, and better control over hot pixels and noise.

I have not looked at the larger sony's I'll have to look into those further as the online reviews are quite positive. I have also read great reviews of the Pentax cameras but can't find any to hold. I've hled several rebels and don't like their body size or button layout, how does the Pentax compare in the ergonomics?

Pentax cameras tend to be a little more compact - roughly near the size of the Canon digital Rebels - but they tend to have more pronounced and better formed grips. They also tend to have lots more dedicated controls on the camera body, and massive customization in the menus - they tend to fit almost advanced level controls into their entry bodies. Sony's A5xx DSLR cameras tend to be large, with big deep grips, more akin to a typical enthusiast-level camera, and bigger & heavier than most entry-level bodies.

Question about these prime lenses that I hear about. How do they function? Do they function similar to my camera as a kid old 110 film that had no zoom but would only focus?

Essentially, yes - these are lenses dedicated to a single focal range. They have no zoom - but still focus and meter like any other lens. Because they are singularly designed for one focal length, the optics are usually better as they don't have to account for a range of varying focals - they can apply distortion correction, corner sharpness, flare control, etc and not have those things adjust as the lens glass pulls apart or gets closer. They also can usually be designed to be smaller and lighter than the equivalent in a zoom - so you can often get very 'fast' apertures - lenses capable of excellent low light performance with F1.4 or F1.8 apertures - in a reasonably sized package. A 30mm F1.4 lens can be nearly the same size as a kit lens which covers 18-55mm, but is many times faster. The same F1.4 maximum aperture in that 18-55 zoom would make the lens absolutely huge.

Without classes to learn the new equipment/ settings etc, how else is one to learn the technical aspect of photography?

There are a few approaches - online learning and books help a lot of people. With digital cameras, you have a nice advantage in being able to take all the photos you want, to experiment with settings and follow advice, and always simply delete the results when you're done. In film days, classes were invaluable, because who wanted to blow 10 rolls of film, and developing, just to see if you're doing something right?! You can also get a lot of help from camera forums and discussion boards - like this one, or ones dedicated to cameras and photography. And you can still likely find some classes around even when you haven't bought from a store - everything from community colleges to YMCAs to nature centers to classes at camera stores or by visiting photographers that you can buy lessons with.

 

[klmall]

I was in your shoes roughly two years ago when I made the jump to my first dSLR. My prior cameras had been excellent Canon 'bridge cameras' G5, G9 and they were great digital cameras with many manual features but I really wanted less shutter lag between shots and a few other features. When my G9 died I had to buy something so I bought a Canon XSi and wow! I now have a G12 and use both cameras for different reasons.

Now, keep in mind that I think I pushed my Canon G5 and G9 to their best most of the time and check out my Disney pictures below.

To see what I shot with my dSLR look at the Mount Rainier link in my signature below.

I don't think anyone regrets moving to a dSLR in any brand!

 

[klmall]

duplicate post - What is wrong with the boards lately?

 

[disneyboy2003]

Without classes to learn the new equipment/ settings etc, how else is one to learn the technical aspect of photography?

Head over to your local bookstore. There are HUGE photography sections at my local Barnes & Noble and Borders bookstores. There are literally hundreds of books just on digital photography alone! Browse through some of them to see which one matches your learning style.

One book that comes very highly recommended is Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson (link to Amazon). You'll learn the basics of photography (ex. aperture, shutter speed, ISO), regardless of what brand dSLR you have.

There are also TONS of Web sites online that are dedicated to beginning digital photography! Just do a quick Google search on "beginning digital photography" or "beginning dslr" and see the thousands of Web sites just waiting to help you learn!

If you look around, you can find podcasts, YouTube videos, instructional DVDs, friends/family, etc.


As you can see, you're not limited to just classes to learn about the technical aspects of photography. There are plenty of different ways you can learn about photography.


btw, excellent replies, zackiedawg!

 

[ukcatfan]

Thought I would chime in as a Pentax user. The K-x and K-r are on the smaller side, but feel a world away different than a Rebel. I personally really dislike the Rebel feel, but love my K-x and the K100d I had before it. The bang for your buck with Pentax and Sony is almost always better than Canon or Nikon.

 

[d3mckinl]

UKCATFAN I like the specs on the pentax but cant find where in central FL to put my hands on one before I buy. any ideas? THe Pentax site isn't very heplfull with a store locator.

 

[ukcatfan]

Not sure really where you are, but you should be able to find a store with them in Orlando, Tampa, or Jacksonville. Down here in SWFL, there are no real camera shops anymore.

 

[zackiedawg]

Finding Pentax in stores is a bit tough for two reasons - one is that they have primarily emphasized online selling in the U.S., and two is that brick-and-mortar camera stores are getting to be very rare in the U.S. In Orlando area (not sure if 'central Florida' means that's where you are), probably your best chance would be Ritz Camera. It's a regular camera chain store, but always did carry Pentax gear in the past. There's one in the Florida Mall...you might Google them and get the phone number to call and check if they have them in stock.

Canon and Nikon should be almost anywhere, including normal electronics big-box stores, and Sony on a few less shelves but still around in a few places - also SonyStyle stores should be located in the Orlando area where you have a better chance of getting to see the full array of DSLR models and not just one or two.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Ritz hasn't carried Pentax gear in several years. They had a major falling out. Then Nikon helped bail them out of bankruptcy so started emphasizing Nikon and reducing their inventory of other brands, including Canon. I have seen some Pentax in Frye Electronics and CompUsa (the old Tiger Direct).

 

[x19]

I'm a Nikon d90 user personally, and I love it but the best advice I can give you is this:

The body doesn't matter. The Lens Does.

Basically, once you invest in a DSLR you will be upgrading your body from time to time. (3 years I think is pretty reasonable.) Each time you upgrade your body it will be lightyears better than the last, but you will keep using the lens(es) that you purchase with this first body. A good Nikon Nikkor lens from 1980 will still take beautiful pictures today when attached to a DSLR body.

My advice would be to get an entry level DSLR from one of the two big names in photo: Canon and Nikon (buy online and save a ton) and if you can swing it, spend a little extra for a better lens. That lens investment will literally last you a lifetime.

 

[ukcatfan]

I'm a Nikon d90 user personally, and I love it but the best advice I can give you is this:

The body doesn't matter. The Lens Does.

Basically, once you invest in a DSLR you will be upgrading your body from time to time. (5 years I think is pretty reasonable.) Each time you upgrade your body it will be lightyears better than the last, but you will keep using the lens(es) that you purchase with this first body. A good Nikon Nikkor lens from 1980 will still take beautiful pictures today when attached to a DSLR body.

My advice would be to get an entry level DSLR from one of the two big names in photo: Canon and Nikon (buy online and save a ton) and if you can swing it, spend a little extra for a better lens. That lens investment will literally last you a lifetime.

You are new to here, so first welcome!

It has been covered and debated over and over and over again on this board, but basically many of us here disagree that you have to go with Canon or Nikon these days. The other brands such as Pentax, Sony, Olympus, Samsung, etc. have come a long way over the past few years. They also now have much better 3rd party support. I guess what I am trying to say is that unless you are going to need some specialty lenses or lighting system that cost multiple thousands of dollars, then just about anyone can be completely satisfied with any brand DSLR. That is where the little features and different feel of the brands comes into play and often becomes the most important factors. Budget is also very important to many.

I agree that a good lens will last a long time. I would not feel that way about an entry level lens though. It might last over a body upgrade or so, but typically you will not even want it longer. I believe you feel the same way.

One word of caution to the OP on Nikon though, if you go with a cheaper body and get a better lens from the start. The entry level bodies from them will not work with all their lenses.

 

[d3mckinl]

One word of caution to the OP on Nikon though, if you go with a cheaper body and get a better lens from the start. The entry level bodies from them will not work with all their lenses.

That along with the feel of the larger bodies is why I'm leaning towards the D90.
I have finaly found the sony Dslr and it is allong the same sice as the D3100 and rebel line. Unfortunatly all the above posts sugesting where to hold a pentax camera did not pan out in my local. My gut says that I want the D90 but the budget is a stretch to afford the zoom lenses.

Thank you all for your kind support.

 

[NYCNatalie]

D90 is an excellent camera! If you enjoy photography, you'll soon love it. Consider (in time) buying the 24-70mm. The 50mm 1.4 is an excellent fixed focal length lens, at an affordable price. You can also consider buying used lenses. If you have any questions, let me know. I was a Canon shoot, but now I'm happily a Nikon D3s shooter =)

 

[d3mckinl]

so I still cant make up my mind on a camera. the pirce is a sticky point and I want to be at about $1000 including starting lenses. I still love the feel and options of the nikon D90 and can make it work in the budget but for a little less expense the Cannon t2i seems to work with the optional batery grip to beef up the size/ feel of the body to my likes. what are some thoughts about these 2 bodies? I do action and low light primarly but also love macro shots.

 

[ukcatfan]

I don't remember you mentioning macro earlier. Make sure you are aware that you pretty much have to have a macro capable lens to do macro work. They also typically cost more. It could affect your budget.

 

[d3mckinl]

Thank you all for your omput into choosing my first DSLR. I got the D90 with 18-105 kit lens last week and had a blast taking it out the next day to Epcot for picture trialing... Once I figure how to past a picture I'll post a few.

Who knew that having total control over the settings on the camera made taking pictures so much more fun!