What is a good digital camera for a serious amateur?

Question

I'm looking for a digital SLR with interchangable lenses. Price really isn't a problem for me. What are some good models and their pros and cons?

Answer 1

As TomTom has noted cameras are very individual.

That being said heres a few things to look at when holding a camera in your hands. Randomly and not in any particular order.

1) Does it have a big enough LCD monitor?
2) How does it feel, too heavy, too light, too big to hold?
3) What kind of lenses will you want to buy? How much are they and are they available to you redily?
4) What are you going to use it for? Action like car races need a fast frames per second rate. How big of a shot burst can you take before the camera says no more? Astrophotography will need to have a slow shutter rate like a 30 second exposure. (Bulb means the shutter is open for as long as you hold the button, good for like a 2 hour exposure at night of the stars)
5) Will you use it in low light? How good are the images with a higher ISO? Does it have alot of 'noise' at higher ISO?
6) Some cameras have image stabilization in the camera it self, others have it in the lens (and you have to buy that lens seperately).
7) How many automatic settings does it have (full auto, portrait, night time, action, etc....)? If it only has full auto you may get frustrated to try to get the right shot that you want. Once you know a bit more you can use the semi-manual and full manual settings with more confidence.
8) How does it feel with your eye to the eyepiece? Can you adjust some controls without moving away? This is just how it feels for you and you cant ask someone else about it. What feels right for me may not feel right for you.
9) Are the menus layed out nicely or are they a bit of a maze?

In the end you have to make a choice. Nikon and Canon are the 2 top manufacturers, but Sony, Olympus, Pentax, and others are all good for different reasons. Some even have face recognition and will focus on the face (not the background and ruin the shot) every time. Whats important to you?

I have a Canon XTi, also known as 400D, and I cant take enough pictures. Well actually its my wifes but I steal it alot.

Answer 2

Since you said price isn't an issue, I'll tell you my dream camera. It's the Fujifilm S3 Pro UVIR.
Pros:
1. It's an SLR, just like you want.
2. It has two different size pixels for high dynamic range.
3. It sees visible light, infrared, and ultraviolet. Wouldn't that be a learning experience?
Cons:
1. To take ordinary visible light photos, you'd need to buy a filter that blocks infrared and ultraviolet though.
4. It's $1800, body only.
5. Most lenses only focus well in visible light.

Answer 3

I really believe that buying a camera is an individual choice.
The person needs to read alot of reviews on cameras and learn as much as they can from the internet.
Go to the store and hold them and try them to see what they feel like and how they take pictures.
I can only give a suggestion of what to look for in a new digital camera.
Good Luck

my suggestion
go to yahoo shopping
digital cameras
digital camera GUIDE
be sure to check titles on the left side
the guide should answer your questions

Answer 4

Check the review of the PENTAX K10D in the Aug. 2007 issue of Shutterbug magazine. This is a 10 megapixel DSLR with Image Stabilization built into the body. It also accepts all PENTAX K-mount lenses, giving you access to a lot of quality glass at reasonable prices. They will have to be manually focused though.

In my opinion, camera manufacturers who put the Image Stabilization in the lenses are to be avoided. This adds cost and weight to the lens.

Answer 5

it all depends what ur lookin for

1action photos: youll want a 20mm film camera for instant shots they also have interchangeable lenses
2nature or "hold still" pictures you should look at best buy they have a ton of stuff