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05/31/2009 05:42:51 PM · #1
Hi, all!

I'm just starting to pursue my interest in photography, and I'm looking for a good DSLR. A friend of mine recommended the Pentax K2000, which I've fooled around with and like; but I wanted to hear from other people what they would choose. I guess for me, the important thing is that I don't just get a beginner's camera; I'd rather take the extra time having to learn the ins and outs, but have a camera that I can still be happy with as I get better.

I don't have any lens or anything that makes me partial to a particular brand, by the way. Price range probably < or = $600.

Thanks!
05/31/2009 05:53:57 PM · #2
Prepare for the great Canon/Nikon war to begin! :)

(and welcome to DPC :D )

Message edited by author 2009-05-31 17:54:17.
05/31/2009 05:55:22 PM · #3
Thanks! I was actually looking at the Nikon D40 earlier, by the way. Weird. =P
05/31/2009 05:57:32 PM · #4
Go to your local camera store and pick up a few, try them in your hands, see how they feel and if you have any friends with DSLR's see if you can take a few shot's with them.

Lot's of good makes and lot's of good cameras out there. Find out what works for you.
05/31/2009 06:04:27 PM · #5
I have the K200D and the K20D, neither have disappointed me in performance. Believe me, if I was not 100% satisfied, I would have moved to another brand by now.

I have owned Canon and Nikon, but neither match value for money with results as far as I am concerned. Perhaps I have owned bad models??

But, it is all down to what feels comfortable in your hands and what meets your budget. Go try a few different brands in a camera shop, then make up your mind.

Good Luck:))
05/31/2009 06:12:51 PM · #6
Yeah, I had been using a Canon S2IS and loved it, so planned to stick with Canon but I liked the feel of the D40 better then the Rebel. Also, the Rebel uses CF cards, I believe, and I already had SD.

There are definitely some things I don't like about the D40 but I don't think they're available on any of the makes in that price range. The problem is that it's the only DSLR I have any experience with.
05/31/2009 06:20:14 PM · #7
There are lots of choices in that price range these days. Check with MarcBenton. He recently upgraded to a Canon 40D and is selling his Rebel XS. I don't know how much he is asking for it, but new it goes for about $600.

I bought my Rebel XT on a clearance for $327 over a year ago. If you go with an older model, your budget would leave you enough for an inexpensive lens or some other accessories.

I have not used any other brand of DSLR in order to recommend one over the other. I can say that until I ran across my steal of a deal on the Rebel, I was considering the Olympus E-510. I really liked the way it fit my hand. All the controls fell right where my fingers expected them to be. Olympus has a reputation as having some really good kit lenses.

One moderate advantage to the Canon/Nikon brands is there are sometimes more accessories available for them, especially when buying used, that can be a benefit.

Message edited by author 2009-05-31 18:25:51.
06/01/2009 11:47:47 PM · #8
I started off with a Canon Digital Rebel XTi. I have been very satisfied with it, though I want to level up sometime soon to a 5D mk II. The low light performance of the XTi leaves a lot to be desired.

I don't have experience with other brands to make a comparison judgment. I will suggest that you look into what your upgrade path looks like for whatever model camera you buy. For instance, will the next step up accept the same lens, memory cards, etc as your first camera? Also, the fine grained quality of your photos will depend more on your lens than on your camera. If possible, try to get the nicest lens that you can afford. You won't be disappointed.
06/02/2009 12:51:24 AM · #9
buy any brand but first think of lense.

A excellent body is useless without good lense but a good lense could make mediocre body sing.
Think deeply about lense first and then decide on body, it could be any brand. They are all equals.

Message edited by author 2009-06-02 00:51:44.
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