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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Purchasing A Camera- New to Dslr Photography
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12/25/2009 06:13:19 PM · #1
I am new to Dslr photography and I am looking to buy an entry level camera... If you have any suggestions on specific cameras and lenses, please post. Also if anyone is looking to sell their old equipment maybe I would be interested..
Thank You

Message edited by author 2009-12-25 22:29:17.
12/25/2009 06:16:52 PM · #2
i started with the Canon rebel xti. it was a great starting camera with just enough features that I wasn't overwhelmed but still learned alot! the kits lens was a great starting point, and then from there (once i realized what kind of photography i liked) i bought various lenses, etc.
12/25/2009 07:17:56 PM · #3
One of the best deals IMO and bang-for-the-buck is the new Pentax K-x. For $550 at B&H ($650 list price) you get a 12.4 MP CMOS sensor, 11 point AF, live view, in-camera stabilization, 4.7 frames per second shooting, HD video, in-camera HDR, choice of colors, and kit lens.
12/25/2009 07:24:57 PM · #4
Originally posted by fldave:

One of the best deals IMO and bang-for-the-buck is the new Pentax you get a 12.4 MP CMOS sensor, 11 point AF, live view, in-camera stabilization, 4.7 frames per second shooting, HD video, in-camera HDR, choice of colors, and kit lens.


I will definitely look into it, thank you.
12/25/2009 07:25:41 PM · #5
Best way to determine which one is best for you is to go to the store and handle all your choices. One will feel better than another mainly because the controls are in a different place and things operate differently. One will feel right and the others will feel weird.

Case and point: Canon lenses manually focus in one direction and Nikon does it backwards in the reverse direction.;oP
12/25/2009 08:38:37 PM · #6
michaelmonn had a Rebel XSi (body only) for sale a few days back for a really sweet price. Here's the post, though you may not be able to see it, as the buy/sell forum is a pay member area. If you can't see it, PM him.

Message edited by author 2009-12-25 20:39:02.
12/25/2009 09:29:06 PM · #7
Originally posted by ZackT:

Originally posted by fldave:

One of the best deals IMO and bang-for-the-buck is the new Pentax you get a 12.4 MP CMOS sensor, 11 point AF, live view, in-camera stabilization, 4.7 frames per second shooting, HD video, in-camera HDR, choice of colors, and kit lens.


I will definitely look into it, thank you.


White version of the k-x has $50 off today if you buy through Amazon look for the code on the Amazon page. $494 including -$50 off.
12/25/2009 09:34:54 PM · #8
If you're just starting the Pentax would be a good choice. Less expensive and you can use any Pentax lens with it. I picked up my camera for about $500(three years ago)and then picked up 7 lenses on Ebay for $100. Haven't bought another lens since...This hasn't kept me from wanting to buy a Canon later though. But I'm still in the learning mode too...

Message edited by author 2009-12-25 21:35:10.
12/25/2009 09:38:55 PM · #9
I too was in your boat and went with a Pentax Kx. Its a great camera with great features and the bundle prices are awesome. here is an example...
Here is a sweet deal...
12/25/2009 10:23:51 PM · #10
I would personally stick with Nikon or Canon. Most shooter's stick with these brands. Increasing your chances to Borrow and try out future purchases. I would think there would be a better used selection as well. Seems Nikon and Canon, also have the largest lens line up. Over 60 plus lenses each. Checking the Pentax site, I saw 29. Not banging Pentax down, I'd loved the k1000! But selection is nice. Oh and renting. Seems the stores in my area rent Nikon and Canon lenses. I have not seen Pentax for rent. Although, your area could be different. Just some things to consider.
Either way, keep your eyes open for used equipment. Good bang for the buck. You could also look into factory refurbished cameras. You'll probably pay more than a public sale, but a warranty can be nice.

12/26/2009 07:06:13 AM · #11
Originally posted by Magnumphotography:

I would personally stick with Nikon or Canon. Most shooter's stick with these brands. Increasing your chances to Borrow and try out future purchases. I would think there would be a better used selection as well. Seems Nikon and Canon, also have the largest lens line up. Over 60 plus lenses each. Checking the Pentax site, I saw 29. Not banging Pentax down, I'd loved the k1000! But selection is nice. Oh and renting. Seems the stores in my area rent Nikon and Canon lenses. I have not seen Pentax for rent. Although, your area could be different. Just some things to consider.
Either way, keep your eyes open for used equipment. Good bang for the buck. You could also look into factory refurbished cameras. You'll probably pay more than a public sale, but a warranty can be nice.


I totally agree with this - not knocking Pentax, Sony and friends, but I would recommend going with Canon or Nikon - the only problem is, as you move higher up the Nikon/Canon chain (ie, more pro cameras) I dont think you get as good value for money - thats not to say they are not good cameras, but boy do they charge above the odds for them!
12/26/2009 10:27:16 AM · #12
Originally posted by Magnumphotography:

I would personally stick with Nikon or Canon. Most shooter's stick with these brands. Increasing your chances to Borrow and try out future purchases. I would think there would be a better used selection as well. Seems Nikon and Canon, also have the largest lens line up. Over 60 plus lenses each. Checking the Pentax site, I saw 29. Not banging Pentax down, I'd loved the k1000! But selection is nice. Oh and renting. Seems the stores in my area rent Nikon and Canon lenses. I have not seen Pentax for rent. Although, your area could be different. Just some things to consider.
Either way, keep your eyes open for used equipment. Good bang for the buck. You could also look into factory refurbished cameras. You'll probably pay more than a public sale, but a warranty can be nice.


not knocking you down, what you written is perfectly alright and many people (mainly nikon and canon users eg simms will agree with you also).
Anyway, lenses are the main reason I chose pentax.

Pentax is a company that supports all the lenses that it has ever made. May it be directly or indirectly (by adpator). The same is not true with nikon and canon. And if you put heritage of lenses produced by pentax the selection turns out to be not so small as you mentioned.
One good thing about using pentax is I could buy 50mm F1.2 for 180$, and 135mm F2.5 for 100$.

Of the lenses i list on my profile:

Lenses: Pentax A 50mm f/1.2 MF
Pentax A 28mm f/2.8 MF
Pentax DA 10-17mm f/3.5-4.5 ED IF Fisheye
Pentax DA L 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL
Pentax FA 50mm f/1.4 AF
Pentax SMC 135mm f2.5
Pentax SMC 55mm f/1.8
Pentax SMC-M 135mm f/3.5

only two are from modern era. All of these lenses are cheap and surperb quality.

Further those who buy system thinking that some brand has more lenses should ask themselves whether they are going to buy all the lenses???

One should buy system based on lenses he is going to buy not based on how many lenses some system has.

12/26/2009 10:48:29 AM · #13
Originally posted by zxaar:

Originally posted by Magnumphotography:

I would personally stick with Nikon or Canon. Most shooter's stick with these brands. Increasing your chances to Borrow and try out future purchases. I would think there would be a better used selection as well. Seems Nikon and Canon, also have the largest lens line up. Over 60 plus lenses each. Checking the Pentax site, I saw 29. Not banging Pentax down, I'd loved the k1000! But selection is nice. Oh and renting. Seems the stores in my area rent Nikon and Canon lenses. I have not seen Pentax for rent. Although, your area could be different. Just some things to consider.
Either way, keep your eyes open for used equipment. Good bang for the buck. You could also look into factory refurbished cameras. You'll probably pay more than a public sale, but a warranty can be nice.


not knocking you down, what you written is perfectly alright and many people (mainly nikon and canon users eg simms will agree with you also).
Anyway, lenses are the main reason I chose pentax.

Pentax is a company that supports all the lenses that it has ever made. May it be directly or indirectly (by adpator). The same is not true with nikon and canon. And if you put heritage of lenses produced by pentax the selection turns out to be not so small as you mentioned.
One good thing about using pentax is I could buy 50mm F1.2 for 180$, and 135mm F2.5 for 100$.

Of the lenses i list on my profile:

Lenses: Pentax A 50mm f/1.2 MF
Pentax A 28mm f/2.8 MF
Pentax DA 10-17mm f/3.5-4.5 ED IF Fisheye
Pentax DA L 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL
Pentax FA 50mm f/1.4 AF
Pentax SMC 135mm f2.5
Pentax SMC 55mm f/1.8
Pentax SMC-M 135mm f/3.5

only two are from modern era. All of these lenses are cheap and surperb quality.

Further those who buy system thinking that some brand has more lenses should ask themselves whether they are going to buy all the lenses???

One should buy system based on lenses he is going to buy not based on how many lenses some system has.


Thank You for your input
12/26/2009 12:36:18 PM · #14
I bought Pentax also knowing I can get very good lenses for a great price and they are plentifull. I have not had time to go bin trooling yet at my favorite camera store since I got my Kx but I will do it next week and see what gems I can find.
12/26/2009 01:07:09 PM · #15
Maybe helpful
Not sure if this will help you or anyone looking for a new camera. Just came across it while surfing.
Pick your price!
12/26/2009 02:57:26 PM · #16
I would second the notion of trying them before buying blind. Would you buy a car before driving it? The same issues of control layout and ergonomic modeling exist in a car or a camera. Some people will tell you they only buy Fords, or Canons cause everything else is no good. While I bought Canon based on the pricepoint of the line (flashguns, triggers, battery packs ect.) and the quality of the lenses I might buy someday, if the camera hadn't fit my hand, nothing else would have mattered. Find the model that fits your hand and the way you work and you will be happy. If someday you need to swap out kits, so be it. Use what works for you now.

As far as the second question you posed in your initial post, I would buy a wide angle zoom (18-55 type) long range zoom (75-300) and a low light fixed lens (50mm f/1.8). Some or all may come in a kit if you buy new, and they wont be of the highest quality, but they will let you learn what you like to shoot, and what sort of lenses you want to buy. Will you prefer shooting bugs with a macro lens or birds with a long lens? With the basic starter kit you can grow into the area that you want to shoot. Get used to the notion that you will be buying and selling lenses as you upgrade or shift interests. You don't have to pick the perfect lens right now, I have replaced every lens I bought in the first few years of shooting with my DSLR except my $60.00 50mm f/1.8.
12/26/2009 03:05:29 PM · #17
Right now my choices are the Pentax kx and the canon rebel xsi.
12/26/2009 04:38:24 PM · #18
Originally posted by ZackT:

Right now my choices are the Pentax kx and the canon rebel xsi.

Have you had either in your hand yet?
12/26/2009 06:35:32 PM · #19
Originally posted by NikonJeb:

Originally posted by ZackT:

Right now my choices are the Pentax kx and the canon rebel xsi.

Have you had either in your hand yet?


Yes, the Xsi... it felt good but I prefer the kx based on specs and capabilities.. Just need to hold one.

Message edited by author 2009-12-26 18:40:02.
12/26/2009 08:41:06 PM · #20
sony are bang for buck pretty damn good, they take all the minolta glass including the "G" series lens.plus with the Tie up with Zeiss who make the best lens bar none in the world and youhave a world beating system
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