Suggestions Welcome: My First dSLR Purchase Research Has Begun...

[Missoutandabout]

That sounds a bit Fisher Price, doesn't it?

I've been asking around here and there for camera recommendations and thought I'd put up a post here amongst the experts...

Any suggestions most generously welcome!

What I'm looking for:
A decent dSLR for preferably under $800 (US)
A bit of a "utilitarian" lens so I don't have to change them out constantly.
Any other recommendations for kit to go along with the camera, in particular straps or small bags, etc.

A bonus, but not a necessity:
A smaller camera body. So, I'm not lugging around a big hunka camera everywhere.

Thanks a ton in advance!

 

[photo_chick]

You really can't go wrong with any of the DSLR's out right now. You already have your budget, next I'd take a look at the features you want. Those two criteria should really narrow down the list for you. Then go to the store and play with them. Really check out how they feel in your hands and if the buttons are easy for you to reach. Which ever one that fits the first two things and feels good in your hands, go with it.

 

[Golf4food]

If you want smaller and lighter then I'd definitely include Pentax in any of your considerations. I have small hands and the Pentax bodies are some of the only ones that fit my hand size comfortably and are a bit lighter than say a Cannon. You can get a Pentax Kx or Kr for well within your budget - and they work great, too.

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

If you don't buy <insert brand X> line of DSLR you are really missing out. <Insert Brand Name Y> and <Insert Brand Name Z> have inferior <insert some random spec> performance when compared to <insert brand X>.

All kidding aside, photo_chick is right. Any DSLR camera you buy today will be an excellent tool. When the pros started moving to digital 5+ years ago, they were making a living with 6.3MP cameras that didn't have nearly the high ISO performance, or any of the other myriad of features that today's DSLRs have.

Go to a real camera store (if you live near one, rather than a big box store) and put the cameras in your hands. Which one has the ergonomics that feel right to you? Which one is not too heavy or too light? Which one can you easily navigate the menus?

Find that camera and that will be the one that's perfect for you. You're spending a lot of money and you want to buy the one that you will feel most comfortable with.

As far as a good "utalitarian lens" what kind of shooting do you want to do?

 

[Missoutandabout]

Thanks for the replies, folks. Looks like I'm headed out to our nearest Wolf this weekend to check out the goodies.

As far as a good "utalitarian lens" what kind of shooting do you want to do?

My ancient, invented in the Stone Ages SLR had me swapping between the zoom lens and the regular lens quite a bit. I'll probably look for something which will give me the most flexibility for shooting at Disney -- lots of shots of the kiddo and street-level stuff. Probably my biggest concern -- outside of the camera itself -- would be carrying the least amount of equipment around as possible, so I'd like to keep it to one lens.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Thanks for the replies, folks. Looks like I'm headed out to our nearest Wolf this weekend to check out the goodies.



My ancient, invented in the Stone Ages SLR had me swapping between the zoom lens and the regular lens quite a bit. I'll probably look for something which will give me the most flexibility for shooting at Disney -- lots of shots of the kiddo and street-level stuff. Probably my biggest concern -- outside of the camera itself -- would be carrying the least amount of equipment around as possible, so I'd like to keep it to one lens.

I would be careful with Wolf/Ritz camera stores. They are not the store they once were. They primarily sell Nikon with a few Sony's laying around. They haven't been carrying Canon nor any other brands consistently since their last bankruptcy when Nikon assisted them out of bankruptcy. Over the last year, my family has had some negative contacts in their stores, ie, pushy salemsman selling items not needed, etc.

 

[bob100]

I would be careful with Wolf/Ritz camera stores. They are not the store they once were. They primarily sell Nikon with a few Sony's laying around. They haven't been carrying Canon nor any other brands consistently since their last bankruptcy when Nikon assisted them out of bankruptcy. Over the last year, my family has had some negative contacts in their stores, ie, pushy salemsman selling items not needed, etc.

yes, and their prices are highway robbery!
Of course, that's why camera stores are in trouble because people check them out then buy online from B&H or Adorama

 

[Missoutandabout]

yes, and their prices are highway robbery!
Of course, that's why camera stores are in trouble because people check them out then buy online from B&H or Adorama

Yep! Just going to go and check out their wares and one of our other local shops... and then come home to buy online.

 

[boBQuincy]

Since you mentioned smaller (and maybe lighter too...)
It is not technically a dSLR but Panasonic's new G3 looks, feels and acts like one, but in a much smaller package. Focus speed and image quality are reported to be about the same as most entry level dSLRs too.

Panasonic's 14-140 lens is much smaller than an equivalent dSLR lens and should meet your needs for an "all-around" lens.