New to SLRs..any suggestions?

[DisneyJen0504]

Hello all!
I am a longtime Canon user but have only ever used point and shoots. I currently have a Canon SD870IS and do love it. It takes great photos and I love that it shoots above average video. Over the last few years I have taken a greater interest in photography. That being said, I am interested in kicking it up and getting an SLR.

I am willing to look into other brands and while price is not the deciding factor, I would like to stay under $600. I would love a camera that has the video feature but that would just be a bonus. My main use for this new camera would be vacations (especially to WDW) and our new baby on the way!
Any suggestions for someone new to all the bells and whistles of an SLR? I am willing to learn but don't want to jump into a camera I need to read directions for everytime I want to take a picture.
Any help is appreciated!
Thank you!

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

I see you are from New Jersey. If you are anywhere NYC, make a trip to B & H. There you will be able to obtain expert advice and handle every make of camera. They are on Ninth Av.

www.bhphotovideo.com

The ergonomics and options of each camera is slightly different and it would be best for you to handle each. We all have our favorite brands that we have selected for various reasons. I shoot Pentax because I came from a Pentax film slr and my lenses work on my DSLR. Once you buy into a system you will probably be there for quite awhile. Because this 'hobby' can get expensive it is best to make the correct decision. All the entry level cameras will take great images if the photographer will take the time to learn his/her tools. Good luck in your choice.

 

[mom2rtk]

Congrats on the new baby! And the camera.....

If only they had DSLR's when my kids were babies!!! You are in for much fun.....

My number one rule........ it doesn't matter how tired you are.... you can still pick up the camera..........

 

[disneyboy2003]

As a disclaimer, I shoot Canon, so I'm not as familiar with other brands' entry-level cameras.

It might be a little tough to get a current-model entry-level dSLR for your budget of $600. The newest entry-level dSLR from Canon is the Canon T2i for about $900 - $1100, depending on what kit you get. The T2i just came out a couple months ago, is pretty highly rated, and includes HD video.

Another option would be to go with one model older, which is the Canon T1i, which came out about 1 1/2 years ago. This is also a great camera, also with HD video, and you can probably find this camera for about $750. The Canon T1i was the first entry-level dSLR of any brand to include video.

Another idea would be to go for slightly older models. The Canon XSi and the Canon XS are both a little more than 2 1/2 years old, but there are many stores (both online & brick-and-mortar) that are still selling them. (the Canon XSi is very slightly better than the Canon XS...they were released within months of each other back in 2008) I did a quick search, and looks like you can get either for right around $500-600. Neither of these cameras will have video.

I've heard a lot of great things about the Nikon D5000, and you can find them for about $700.

It's actually a great idea just to go to your local camera store and play with the cameras yourself, regardless of brands. Hold the cameras to see which one "fits" the best in your hands. Play with the menus to see which ones are the most intuitive to you. That way, you can find out which camera is the "best one" for you.


One more thing (this part I wrote 5 days ago on a similar thread, so if you've already read this, then you're done)...

Today's entry-level dSLR cameras are ALL good at taking pictures. So, honestly, it really doesn't matter what brand you choose, or how much $$$$ you spend. Today's camera manufacturers have made their dSLRs very very easy for non-photographers to get into photography.

In fact, Canon's commercials for their Rebel dSLRs *highlight* the fact that you don't need to know anything except use the dreaded "Auto" button to take great pictures ("dreaded" is my own editorial comment).

Or, if Ashton Kutcher can take great pictures with his Nikon dSLR, then it must be easy!

The point is, you can take great pictures with any brand's dSLR.

However, I must caution you, though, that it's just as easy (maybe even easier) to take HORRIBLE pictures with a dSLR. Just because you own a dSLR doesn't mean that your pictures will automatically be terrific! Because of this, I'd hate to see you spend $600-$1000 on a new dSLR camera, only to get the same or worse pictures! That's not good.

The key to great photography is knowing the basics of photography (ex. shutter speed, aperture, ISO, etc). A great way to improve your photography is to spend a few bucks on excellent photography books. This is probably the most cost-effective way to improve your photography.

Here on this message board, folks commonly recommend Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson (link to Amazon). This book explains the basics of photography very well, with lots of pictures & examples.

You can also look at any Intro to Digital Photography book, too. There are dozens of such books. Just go to your local bookstore, and browse through them to see which one fits your reading & learning style. I spent some time and flipped through Digital SLR Cameras and Photography For Dummies, and even this book appeared quite good.

Anyway, start by going to the camera store and holding the cameras yourself.

Hope that helps!

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

As I posted earlier, please go to a camera store to handle the cameras and remember I am a Pentax shooter! I did some research to find something in your price range and the Pentax Kx is right there. B & H has the Kx with two kit lenses 18-55 f3.5-5.6 and the 50-200 f4-5.8 for $624 or the 18-55 and 55-300 for $689. If you just wanted the 18-55 its around $480 and I almost forgot they have some cool colors other than just black. I have different versions of the 18-55 & 50-200 and have found them to excellent consumer lenses. The 55-300 also has gotten excellent reviews. The Kx is the current entry level camera for Pentax and has received several awards. The only problem with Pentax is they don't have a strong line of prosumer zoom lenses. I use the pro line (EX) from Sigma for my use. Their strong point is their prime lenses. For quality, it is hard to beat Pentax' line of primes.

Any of the name brand DSLR's will give you great images, whether its Nikon, Canon, Pentax or Sony (I don't know much about their line, other than they are similar to Pentax with older Minolta lenses and in-body stabilization). Olympus is also there except they use a 4/3 system that I'm absolutely not familar with.

 

[DisneyJen0504]

Thank you for the great suggestions and tips! Looks like I may need to up my price range a little which is okay. This is why I came here first! I am not near NYC but I do have some nice stores in the area where I can play around with the cameras. A friend of mine recommended her camera shop for talking with some experts.
Thanks a bunch! I will let you know how it turns out in the upcoming months!