dSLR camera's?

[hoonah*]

I have just recently discovered a real love for photography...what camera's do you guys recommend for a first Digital SLR?

[kapela316]

nikon d50 :p its my first and so far i love it (even though ive only had it for 4 days haha)

[mercyGurl]

I think a lot of it depends on how much you're willing to spend--like for me, when I wanted my first digital camera, I didn't go for a 100 dollar cheap one--I went for a very nice 300+ dollar camera. If I were going to buy an dSLR (which I wish I could but can't afford it), I'd either go for the Nikon D80 or the Canon Rebel XTi. Both are very nice cameras, not entry level, but again, it depends on what you want.

My personal inclination is never to get an "entry" camera--you'll always want more. At least I always want more. Invest in a solid piece of equipment, even if you aren't that great yet, and you'll be able to make it last for a long time.

[Mr.Elwood]

Most importantly before you buy anything.. Go to a store and try them out. Put them up to your eye, hold them, and move around. If you have friends who have DSLR bug them unmercilessly to try out their cameras. It will do you no good to buy something that you don’t like to hold in your hands or just doesn’t “feel right”.

I’m personally a slave to Canon and their optics. My friend has a Nikon and shoots great pics. Personal preference plays a huge factor

You have to find what is comfortable for you and then work out a budget.

You can learn a lot about how the DLSR operates on a Canon 3IS (I don’t know the Nikon equivalent is) because most of the functions are similar.

There is a gap between very good pocket cameras (Canon 3IS) and pro-sumer DSLRs

Once you’ve found what you like and is comfortable for you, come back here and post it. You’ll get feedback and someone will probably know the best place to get it at a great price.:D

[Gandalf]

I'm a big fan of Canons as well. Like you've heard from others, Canon and Nikon are the two brands to consider. www.dpreview.com does digital camera reviews - it's quite an informative site if you're wanting to learn about some of the differences between various cameras and see test shots. www.newegg.com while it's primarily a computer hardware seller often has good prices on digital cameras as well. I'd read some reviews, play with the cameras at either Best Buy or a camera store, then check the prices there :)

[hoonah*]

Thank you guys!

I have checked out both Canon and Nikon...and I would probably not go for anything but one of those two. Either a Canon Digital Rebel or and Nikon D50...most likely.

[Aaron]

I don't have much experience with SLRs but my aunt has a Digital Rebel and it's really nice and easy to use.

[triplet mom]

Just remember to get a big, fat memory card, maybe even a high performance one (sorry, shameless plug)
;) ;) ;)

[wannabaRSgirl]

Is that Rebel supposed to work better with the Apple computers? That seems to be what Apple promotes.

We have been looking at the SonySLR.

[Gandalf]

I'd avoid Sony's cameras - they work, but the image quality doesn't come close to comparing with Canon or Nikon.

With Windows based systems, there's really no difference as far as how well they work at interfacing with the computer - plug it in, and Windows recognizes it, with any modern digital camera. I'd assume Apple would be at the same level and be able to interface using the current standards. The digital Rebel XTi is a good entry level dSLR though.

[wannabaRSgirl]

I'd avoid Sony's cameras - they work, but the image quality doesn't come close to comparing with Canon or Nikon.

With Windows based systems, there's really no difference as far as how well they work at interfacing with the computer - plug it in, and Windows recognizes it, with any modern digital camera. I'd assume Apple would be at the same level and be able to interface using the current standards. The digital Rebel XTi is a good entry level dSLR though.

Thanks Gandalf!

[Corrine]

I would get a Canon Digital Rebel XT, not the XTi. You don't need 10 megabites. And since the XTi came out, you can get the XT cheaper than it was a year ago. It's a great camera. I love it. THe pictures are great. Of course, you will want to get a good lens to go with it. I suggest Tamara. They are probably just as good as the Canon lenses yet tons cheaper.

[Gandalf]

The 10.1 MP is about useless to most people, but the other improvements in the XTi over the XT are really nice - more AF points, larger memory buffer, much faster shooting, larger LCD display, improved UI, integrated cleaning system (reduce dust on sensor, LPF, etc.) The XT is still a good camera, and since it's so much less expensive now, may be worth considering, but the XTi has some very nice new features too.