Need help choosing a camera

[KristyBDJ]

Ok, so I know that this question has been asked of you guys a million times I'm sure. Just point me in the direction of another thread if you need to but....my camera recently died on me. It was just a point and shoot Canon Elph but I liked it I guess. My mom was nice enough to buy us a camera for Christmas but she didn't know much about it and bought a not so great one. Anyway, we returned it and I now have $100 from her to put towards a new camera. I want to know if you guys think I should just buy another simple point and shoot or if I should go for something better. I love taking pictures and want to take some photography classes so I have thought in the past of getting a more "serious" camera. I am willing to chip in some of my own money as well but the budget is not huge by any means. As you can see from this post, I'm a little lost and my "research" only gets me more confused. Any help is greatly appreciated. TIA everyone.

 

[Frantasmic]

Now would be a good time to go ahead and take the plunge with a DSLR. The Nikon D5000, Canon XS, or the Pentax K-x all are really good entry-level cameras that can be found with good deals on kits at Costco, Amazon, b and h photo, etc.

Since you have used Canon in the past, you might like to stay with that brand, but you should go and play with the others to get a feel about what you like when you shoot.

This forum has all flavors of dslr users and each one chose the camera they used based on various needs and desires that were best met with their choice.

So, get out there, study up some, and show us some pictures soon.

 

[sdshutterbug]

I would also say definitely get a DSLR. The "cheapest" ones cost the same as some high-end p&s cams but you have that infinite flexibility of changing out lenses and better image quality. I would make a feature comparison of all the models in your price range and decide what's important to you - don't just buy the cheapest one unless it has everything you want! I did that and ended up regretting it (I just switched systems). Another thing I learned quickly that I wish I had taken into consideration before buying is that there really is an advantage to choosing Canon or Nikon over the other brands, because their are so many more accessories, lenses, and resources available to these users as opposed to Sony, Olympus, Pentax, etc.

Hope that helps a little!

 

[KristyBDJ]

Thanks for the tips. I think I will make the jump to a DSLR. Anyone had any luck getting one on EBay or Craigslist? Should I trust it? What do I look for?

 

[ukcatfan]

Another thing I learned quickly that I wish I had taken into consideration before buying is that there really is an advantage to choosing Canon or Nikon over the other brands, because their are so many more accessories, lenses, and resources available to these users as opposed to Sony, Olympus, Pentax, etc.

Since I know you just switched systems, could I ask you what in particular you could not find in the other systems that you could with C&N? I personally think that the landscape has changed a lot in the recent years and other than true pro gear, it seems like every system has plenty of options now. I know that there is not anything on my wish list that Pentax does not offer.

BTW to OP, I upgraded to the Pentax K-x a few weeks ago and I absolutely love it!

 

[KristyBDJ]

bump...still looking for ebay/craigslist advice THX

 

[ukcatfan]

I would personally not do it. A very important thing to know on a used DSLR is the number of shutter actuations. They only last a certain amount of times and are very expensive to replace. A decent place to buy used gear is KEH. Adorama and B&H also sell used gear and are reputable.