Started photography class... now want dSLR?

[KarenAylwood]

I have always been interested in photography and have had the dream to buy a dSLR for a while now, but was intimidated by learning how to shoot in manual.

I've had some pretty big changes in my life recently with the demise of my 5 year relationship with my now ex-DBF, and am trying to focus on myself right now. So I signed up for a photography class and my first one was tonight!

I have a Sony DSC-H5 and I love it, but it was my I-want-a-dSLR-but-need-something-that-can-think-for-me camera. Now I'm REALLY tempted to buy a dSLR since the teacher shows us how to use our individual cameras in the class, and she seems like she is going to be really good. This is my real opportunity to learn one, if I only had one.

Now, I CAN use my Sony for the class- it has enough manual features, but I've wanted a dSLR for a few years now. I have the money in savings to buy one, but want to make sure it's the right decision, and that whatever I buy I'll be happy with for years to come.

Do you have a dSLR you absolutely love? The Nikon D series I heard are supposed to be good, and ones she has on the list are the Canon Digital Rebel, 30D, 40D and some other canons, nikons and the kodak easyshare series (although I don't think those are dSLR).

Any advice out there?

 

[DueyDooDah]

Just find something that feels good in your hands and fits your budget. All current dSLRs are going to do you well, and some of the other brands, such as Pentax, Olympus, and Sony have some great models, too (I can't believe I'm saying this.)

My suggestion is to get something less expensive and spend your real money on lenses. That's where you'll see significant quality in your images. Just know that once you select a brand of camera, you're pretty much stuck in that camp because of the lenses you buy. Nikon and Canon have huge selections of lenses (along with premium prices) to choose from, so that's why (along with other reasons) those brands sell well.

 

[Code]

Here is a graphic that someone on Flickr made that shows you most of the current DSLR models and the general consumer/pro/price "level" at which they sit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/penmachine/2634215969/

You really ought to consider and (more importantly) handle the "big 5" brands before making your decision.. Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, Sony.

How much are you looking to spend? We can recommend the models you should look at based on that.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

and some of the other brands, such as Pentax, Olympus, and Sony have some great models, too (I can't believe I'm saying this.)

LOL. Love my Sony but know that all the brands will do a good job. A good place to start is to go hold and check out all the brands and see if one or two stand out in particular. From there you can do some more checking on those models.

 

[KarenAylwood]

Here is a graphic that someone on Flickr made that shows you most of the current DSLR models and the general consumer/pro/price "level" at which they sit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/penmachine/2634215969/

You really ought to consider and (more importantly) handle the "big 5" brands before making your decision.. Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, Sony.

How much are you looking to spend? We can recommend the models you should look at based on that.

Well, initially I'm looking to spend less than $600 on a dSLR that I can use without extra lenses. Yes, I'd buy some later on (or ask for as a gift) but I'd like to start with a base that's less than $600 for everything I might need (extra batteries and a memory card).

I think I'm leaning towards Nikon, but I could go with Canon as well. I was planning on going to look at a few in Best Buy this weekend to see how they feel but was wondering which models stood out to people.

 

[jann1033]

Well, initially I'm looking to spend less than $600 on a dSLR that I can use without extra lenses. Yes, I'd buy some later on (or ask for as a gift) but I'd like to start with a base that's less than $600 for everything I might need (extra batteries and a memory card).

I think I'm leaning towards Nikon, but I could go with Canon as well. I was planning on going to look at a few in Best Buy this weekend to see how they feel but was wondering which models stood out to people.

do you mean 600 on just the body or 600 on the body and some starter lenses? guessing you know a dslr needs at least one lens purchased either separate or in a package with the body.

 

[Gdad]

Well, initially I'm looking to spend less than $600 on a dSLR that I can use without extra lenses. Yes, I'd buy some later on (or ask for as a gift) but I'd like to start with a base that's less than $600 for everything I might need (extra batteries and a memory card).

I think I'm leaning towards Nikon, but I could go with Canon as well. I was planning on going to look at a few in Best Buy this weekend to see how they feel but was wondering which models stood out to people.

You can get a basic 1 lens D60 kit for that...$599

http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=NKD601855VR

Probably most entry level dslr's kits are in a similar price range.

 

[ukcatfan]

I have to throw in a word or two on the Pentax entry. The K200D can be had for $609 and uses AA batteries. A set of rechargeables and a charger is about $20. Your typical 4GB card can be found for ~$15 these days. That would be enough memory for a starter. http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=PKK200D1855

 

[Code]

I think I'm leaning towards Nikon, but I could go with Canon as well. I was planning on going to look at a few in Best Buy this weekend to see how they feel but was wondering which models stood out to people.

I wouldn't discount the other 3 brands, one of the major differences between Canon/Nikon vs Olympus/Pentax/Sony is that the latter 3 place image stabilization in the body. This is good when you want to move beyond your kit lens(es) but not break the bank.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

some of the other brands, such as Pentax, Olympus, and Sony have some great models, too (I can't believe I'm saying this.)

Go Duey, Go Duey, Go Duey

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Karen, plan to do lots of research into what the offerings are. It'll make your head spin a bit but it's important if you want to find one that has the things that are important to you. Good luck with your search.

 

[fishynancy]

You can go to cnet.com to find some reviews for the cameras.

 

[YesDear]

One suggestion for you. Do not go to Best Buy. Not that it is a bad store. Go to a local Wolf, Ritz, or your local photo store. The reason is that you need to have someone that can show you the cameras and their features. You want someone who can tell you what the buttons are!

If you have no experience with what a DSLR can do, you need to see options. I do not think you can get that at Best Buy. The camera store will also have a much larger selection.

See how it feels in your hand. A D40 and D300 feel totally different. See where you hand fits on the camera. Which one seems the easiest to you to operate. As others have said, all of the major brands will suit your needs. Of course I will say Nikon is best because that is what I have had for 30 yrs. Others will like those other cameras! LOL!

 

[InsertWittyNameHere]

I recently purchased the Olympus E510 with the 14 - 42 kit lens for $599 and it is a great camera. Now that the E520 just came out you might be able to get some deals on the 510.

 

[dr_zero]

If you don't mind used equipment (I don't mind one bit) you can also check out B&H Photo. They have stuff from time to time where when a new model comes out people trade up or they get the displays that are turned in and they come with a warranty (usually 90days of refurbs) and with an option to get a extended warranty pretty cheap on the others.

They have a Nikon D40x with a 18-55 lens for 479.00 (factory refurb) right now but may have others as the days go by.

They also carry others brands and other models of Nikon that was just one selection.

 

[dr_zero]

One suggestion for you. Do not go to Best Buy. Not that it is a bad store. Go to a local Wolf, Ritz, or your local photo store. The reason is that you need to have someone that can show you the cameras and their features. You want someone who can tell you what the buttons are!

On a side note did you hear on the Clark Howard show here some of the big box stores had unwritten policy that if the customer refused the extended warranty when the clerk went to get the camera it would be out of stock but someone right behind would agree to it and the item would appear!

Here is the actual quote from his site
Nov 06, 2007
Finally, Clark has some words of advice for you when you're facing those high-pressure extended warranty sales pitches: NO, NO, NO! You'll probably need to give three objections before they leave you alone. One disgruntled salesperson even told Clark that if customers are too emphatic about not wanting the warranty, the salespeople are told by management to lie and say the product is out of stock. That way they'll have the inventory to sell to someone else who will buy the warranty. That stinks!
http://clarkhoward.com/shownotes/category/155/160/293/

 

[broberts]

Couldn't you just say that you wanted to think about it while they went to get the item or even ask for some literature so you could read over it while they get the item?


Just a thought (even though it is crazy to think that a company would risk losing a sale over their crappy extended warranty).

I got a universal remote from them for Christmas and after a year the lcd went out on it. I took it back in there and they said that it wasn't covered under the warranty (even though the clerk said that it was when they sold it).

I will not shop Best Buy unless it is the only place that has the item in stock and I just have to have it right then.

 

[KarenAylwood]

OP again

Thanks for all the great responses!!

B&H was actually recommended by my professor, but she also said shipping can take a few days sometimes. She'd like us to have this by Tuesday, or at least already have chosen what we want by then.

And I know I said $600... but as I've started looking online some, the Nikon D40 looks really nice for the price, and they offer a package deal with a telephoto lens, bag and battery for $1100: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...0050019&type=product&childSku=8310829&count=1

I'd like to stay away from spending more than $600 to $700 on just the camera. A very nice poster also sent me a PM with some good info about buying used, which I'm going to research today as well. I'm a little hesitant but am definitely going to look into it.

I know that a lot of people don't like Best Buy- but if you do your research beforehand you can see whether or not they have it in stock. If they refuse to sell it without the warranty then they just lose business. I've got a 10% off coupon for there, along with a $25 reward zone gift cert so that would decrease the price a little. I'm keeping them open as an option but I do like the idea of going to a real camera store to discuss the features of the camera before buying, that's a good point. I'll go this weekend to see how they feel in my hands too

 

[dr_zero]

Check out Newegg also

Nikon D60 Black 10.2 MP 2.5" 230K LCD Digital Camera w/AF-S DX VR NIKKOR 18-55mm & 55-200mm Lens * 3 Business Day Shipping $14.12
* Your Price:$889.99
Free tripod Proline by Dolica STC-100 65" Tripod and 68" Monopod Combo

Nikon D40 Kit Black 6.1 MP 2.5" 230K LCD Digital Camera with 18-55mm Lens * 3 Business Day Shipping $11.47
* Your Price:$465.00
Free tripod Proline by Dolica STC-100 65" Tripod and 68" Monopod Combo

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...07629&name=DSLR&SpeTabStoreType=0&Order=PRICE

 

[ChrisinNJ]

OP again


B&H was actually recommended by my professor, but she also said shipping can take a few days sometimes. She'd like us to have this by Tuesday, or at least already have chosen what we want by then.

Just to let you know, B&H is owned by othodox jewish people. You will not be able to place an order with them from Friday afternoon (today) until after sundown on Saturday. You can browse the site, but the order cannot be placed.

As for shipping, I don't know where you are located. B&H is in NYC, I live in NJ, and I got my order the day after it shipped (UPS ground). One of these days I would like to go to B&H...just to see it, but it is actually cheaper for me to place my orders online since there is no sales tax on orders outside NY. So on my last order, shipping was about $10.00, but NY sales tax would have been about $30.00

As for best buy, not my favorite store, and not usually cheaper. But, if they are the only nearby place to try the cameras, and you can get what you want same day for the same or less with your discounts, then go for it.

I personally had issues with a camcorder at 6th ave electronics and I will not buy there again, but they should have the cameras for you to look at. So should Circuit City & Costco, but at all of these places, do not expect knowledgable sale help......it doesn't exist! Good Luck deciding!

Christine