Ramomar

Hey guys, Im starting to save to get a DSLR, will most likely get it this summer.

My only experience with a DSLR is that I have been using my aunts Canon XSi for about 2 weeks so I feel pretty comfortable with it, Id say Im used to its grip and feel, lets put it that way. I have also handled the Nikon D40 and a Sony Alpha A300 at many stores and I think the XSi feels a lot better, also the interface seems easier on the XSi than on the Sony. The Sony has all the controls scattered around.

Now, Ive heard that Pentax are great too *cough* Bob *cough* so Im taking that into consideration too, but unfortunately I cant find them in any retailers so I can test them.

Im leaning towards the Canon XS, since its about $170 cheaper than the XSi and is not that far below. My other choice would be the Pentax K2000, which seems to be awesome for the price ($550 w/ external Flash included @ Newegg, assuming they still have that deal in the Summer) but my only concern is that I cant find Pentax cameras in any stores so I can test them.

Any ideas? Other recommendations?

Thanks

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Irishwhistle

A price range would be helpful. I wouldn't bother with the Pentax K2000, but the K200D seems to be very nice indeed with it's weatherproofing and all. Then there's always the D60, which I find to be surprisingly comfortable to hold. And don't forget about Olympus, personally I'm not crazy about them, but I've gotta admit that they've got good pricing.

The step up from those cameras would be either the new Canon T1i or the Nikon D5000 (personally I'm leaning toward getting the D5000 myself.)

And I can't help but mention the Nikon D90... it's what I'd really like to get, and I'm currently trying to decide if it's worth the extra money over the D5000.


So, those are the cameras I've personally been interested in, I'd really need to know more about what you like in a camera to be of much more help. Oh, and I'd highly recommend this website in your searching.

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theboy

Let's just say I wouldn't invest in Pentax!!!

Olympus is making big moves, although there bodies don't have all the bells & whistles as Canon.

I shoot Canon dSLR and recently my next purchase might be the next major conversion to Olympus dSLR.

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bass76

What's wrong with Pentax? Apart from no FF cameras?

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Irishwhistle

Yeah, I'd like to know the same thing. I mean they are a little behind on the times, but they make real sturdy cameras.

So here's my opinion:

If you want a sturdy weatherproof workhorse go with Pentax.

If you want a pop camera, which has a lot of bells and whistles, but maybe not the best body design in the world go with Canon.

If you want something that's in between those two go with Nikon (this might not be the case with the D40/D40x/D60, that camera would be more like a Canon, although maybe a little more comfortable to hold.)


Then there's another way of looking at it, and that is: What camera line do you want to use for the rest of your life? Because once you buy a DSLR body and a lens or two you'll probably want to be able to continue using that lens... that's the biggest issue with Pentax that I have, their high-end cameras aren't really even high-end compared to the Nikon, Canon, Sony, and even Olympus (which reminds me, don't forget about Sony, they seem to make some nice bodies, I'm not sure what they have in lenses, but it's worth a look.) Perhaps this is what theboy was referring to.

The problem with that is that there's not much of anything so step up to as Pentax is concerned (there best camera is the K20D, which is probably about the equivalent to the Nikon D90.

Both Nikon and Canon are excelent cameras to go with in this regard as they both have a very nice selection of lenses.

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Jet

I shoot with a Canon 30D--it has much better build quality than the Rebel series--along with a dedicated readout on the top of the body like all the professional and semi-professional bodies. It also has two control wheels--something which was vital to me. You can get one on eBay for $400 shipped--the Nikon D80 (which is Nikon's lowest dual control wheel semi-professional body) is more expensive--I believe it was more around $460 or so. One thing to note about the 30D is it is heavy. Quite heavy.

Canon, Nikon, or Pentax? Olympus is cool, but the sensors are much smaller. Think about upgrade routes as well--you'll potentially be buying more lenses, etc, and it's not that easy to switch once you have a few lenses. I admit--the Nikon D300 is really an amazing camera if you ever want to upgrade--moreso than the 50D.

/rant.

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bass76

Each brand of camera fills certain niche's I think. Each of them has their strengths and weaknesses. If there was one perfect camera, then the choice would be easy. I can't comment on any but Pentax. For me the reasons I went with Pentax include value for money - both in the body and the lenses, the backwards compatibility of every Pentax lense ever made, the ergonomics of my camera (k20d), the robust body. The auto-focus is a little slower than Canon and Nikon but that doesn't make it slow, its relative. Camera choice is personal. So choose a camera for yourself for what you want, not what other people might say you should get.

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Irishwhistle

+1

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bass76

Also, I have to say, NEARLY everyone who's answered your question has done well to give unbiased info on each brand of camera, rather than talk up the attributes of their own.

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Ramomar

Yeah, I guess I went too far into the "suggest me one" area, hehe.

I just wanted to get ideas on brands and which are worth the price more etc...

But you're right, I should get the one I feel most comfortable with and that has been the XSi so far. BTW I'm looking at entry-level/semi-pro DSLR's so I don't really have a set budget.

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