I am looking to purchase a Digital SLR Camera pretty soon. I have no clue where to start looking. It should be able to take crisp & clear pics (I know it depends a lot on the photographer, but in time i should be able to get the knack of it). Any takes on what I should get? And where would be the best place to start looking? With the x-rates these days, I am leaning to get something from the US.

Thanks in advance.

 

do you know someone with a camera and lenses...get the same brand he has....if not, is there a local dealer near you that has some experts that work there...pick their brain andget what they suggest. Then you can always go back for pointers. If not, here is my take. There are a number of brands, Nikon, Canon, Olympus, Minolta and Pentax. Nikon and Canon are the top 2, Olympus is third, and the last 2 dont really count in the Digital SLR market. Olympus has a completely new system, less lenses available, and is pretty pricey for what you get. Nikon and Canon are the big 2 by a wide margin. Either one is excellent. I am partial to Nikon since I know pro shooters with Nikon, and I had a Nikon film system that I could use all my lenses from. If starting from scratch, decide what you want to do with it. Basic snapshots, sports, studio work, etc. Then find the best lenses for your use, and then you will have answered the question on which camera to get. Even though now, the lines are very blurry. Nikon and Canon flip flop with who is in the lead with the camera technology....Currently I think Nikon has teh lead, BUT Canon just released new cameras so in a few weeks, we will see where they stand, and Nikon will have at least one more if not 2 more cameras before the end of the year.....Lastly, the lenses are VERY important. Don't cheap out on the lenses...do your research and get good lenses...The 50/1.8 in both Nikon and Canon is a cant lose lens. Both are among the best in the lineup and at $100 its a bargain. It will also help you with composition because you wont have the zoom to play with....Once you get used to the 50mm, then you will have an idea on what lens to get next.....

 

Ditto that...nice summary....

BTW - those D2X picks rock man....nice work

 

newport996 -

Thank a lot for the tips. I am looking at the Canon D100 and the Digital Rebel XT. Can you please point out the main differences between them? I am kind of new to this, so a lot of it looks like greek to me.

 

Take a look at this link. You should understand the terminology after you read this.


http://www.digit-life.com/articles2/nikd100cand60/

 

Did you mean Nikon D100? If so that is not the camera to get. The Nikon D70s is better and cheaper...newer technology and the D100 will be replaced by the end of the year. Between the D70s and the Rebel XT, they are pretty much a toss up. The Nikon is built better, less plasticy, the Canon has slightly better resolution, but unless you are doing larger than 11"x14" enlargements you will never see the difference and even then it is not very noticeable at all. I think the D70s is cheaper. The lens in the kit with the Nikon is MUCH better than the kit lens with the Canon. But if you are looking to get your feet wet, the Nikon D50 is an excellent way to do it. All the image quality of teh D70s and Rebel XT, less expensive, and a great way to get started. It uses the same sensor as the D70s. Am I sounding pro Nikon...lol....Bumble996 uses the Canon system and maybe he will chime in and tell you what he likes about his....Canon uses their own sensors and they are usually very good. Nikon has been developing their own and use it in the D2Hs, its an excellent sensor, but is low on resolution, but the noise and color are the best in the industry, if they get the resolution up, they will be well ahead of teh curve. The D200 due out is rumored to have this new sensor. The D2X uses the Sony chip, and is excellent as well.....Right now is a great time to buy, you almost can't buy a bad camera.