what is the best (and affordable) DSLR camera to buy...?

Question

looking for 8 megapixels and under $1,000, trusted brand

Answer 1

The Canon 350D (a.k.a. Rebel XT) is currently the ONLY sub $1000, 8MP dSLR by a big name. Lucky for you, it gets rave reviews ;-)
The body + battery is $700
A memory card is about $100
Which leaves $200 for your choice of a starter lens.

Answer 2

The problem with an entry digital SLR camera is that the lenses are not very good. In order to get a dSLR to perform well, you need a decent lens and a decent lens costs money (buy the camera body only and the lens seperately).

A better alternative for most people is the 10 megapixel Sony DSC-R1 camera. This is a fixed lens camera but it has dSLR grade elecronics (especially the very nice CMOS sensor) and the lens is top notch. The camera takes professional quality pictures. Plus, it is a hell of alot easier to use than an SLR camera. You can get this camera for about $800 after the rebate (Sony has a $100 rebate on this camera until September).

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/sony/dsc_r1-review/index.shtml

If you just have to have an SLR for some reason, then Canon makes the best digital SLR cameras. The digital rebel XT will just squeek by your budget if you buy the body only plus a good lens (about $400 for the lens).

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/digital_rebel_xt-review/index.shtml

Consider buying a EF 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 USM lens for this puppy. It's a top quality lens with a nice range of zoom. It's a good general use lens. It'll run you about $400.

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelDetailAct&fcategoryid=149&modelid=7443

Answer 3

It's "only" 6 MP, but I like the Nikon D50 with a Nikkor AF-S 18-70 f/3.5-4.5G ED DX lens and not the "kit" lens. This pair will cost you less than $1,000 and you will be very happy with it.

There is a Canon Rebel in the same price range (maybe more) that is 8 MP if that is a magic number for you.

Answer 4

I just bought a Pentax ist DL which is a digital SLR 6 mega-pixel camera for $449 at circuit city. So if you can settle for 6 instead of 8 you have a great camera with more functions and big LCD and it comes with a great zoom lens. Check http://www.pentaximaging.com/index.jsp for yourself and download the manual. I'm sure you will be impressed as I was.

Answer 5

i have a 20D, my brother has the XT and a friend has the Canon Rebel 300, that is not marketed. all are excellent. if you could find a used Rebel or even a new XT, then you won't be disappointed. i think the XT is going for under $700 without the kit lens. the XT will serve you well.

Answer 6

Hi, I recommand you to try google picasa.

picasa is a Google's photo software. It's what should've come with your camera.

It can Edit , organise and Share you picture and small video clips.

It's very easy to use and is free, just like Google

Download it free in here:

http://www.adcenter.net.cn/google-picasa/

Good Luck!