What is the best digital SLR camera for a beginner ?

Question

I don't know anything about professional photography, and I need a reasonable priced digital SLR to practice with. What do you suggest?

Answer 1

Pick a well known brand (Nikon or Canon) as the additional equipment and lenses will transfer when you upgrade the camera as you become more experienced.

Choose an entry level model that is in your price range. Don't think by spending more now, you will have a head start. Camera models and features expand at a greater rate than your pocket book. What you want is to learn the basics and familiarize yourself with the fundamentals of imaging. Remember the greatest photographers in the world took pictures with basic equipment and did not rely on sophisticated features. By remembering that, you won't get sold into economic disaster and become overwhelmed by advancements that apply in limited circumstances.

Answer 2

This is a difficult question to answer because when you buy a camera with interchangeable lenses you are selecting a "system" at the same time. If you invest in a lot of "glass" (lenses) for a particular camera and then find that you can't find the appropriate lenses in the future you may find you have to "reinvest" in a lot of new equipment.

With that in mind, the two most popular "Pro" brands in the United States are Cannon & Nikon. Both make superb equipment and lenses but they are also pricey. I am shooting part time as a "Pro" and use Olympus DSLRs because I spent many years in the photography industry and knew that they make top quality lenses and electronics. They are the only DSLR maker that designed their cameras and lenses for digital (instead of adapting 35mm designs). They have a Pro model E1 plus a new model that will be available next month E3.

They also have several "Prosumer" models. The E-510 is new, has Image Stabilization (IS) built in to the camera (NOT the lenses) that works well and is much less expensive than getting it in the lenses. There are very competitive deals on the E-510, E-500, etc. With good "kit" lenses.

Olympus also makes three grades of lenses so you can start out with the Standard and then select High Grade or Super High Grade when your budget & needs dictate.

I got the Olympus brand because I knew a lot about the different camera companies and felt they have the best balance of quality and economy. They also have insured that most of the lenses from their cameras all the way back to the 1970's can still be used on their newest cameras (in manual mode). Nikon has maintained a similar, but less complete compatability and Cannon has changed their lens designs twice so old lenses do not work with newer models & don't command as high a price as Nikon or Olympus models.

Other good quality DSLR makers are Fuji, Pentax, Panasonic & Sony.

OPINIONS: I don't care for Sony camera products because they bought their photo technology from companies that have abandoned the camera market and they are inexperienced at the nuances of photography. I have had many problems with Panasonic equipment of all types and don't buy the brand anymore although they collaborate with Leica, a superb & very expensive line of cameras and their lens system is compatible with Olympus so it may be time to bend my own rule a little bit.

For good comparisons of many Digital SLRs I suggest Steve's Digicams (see link). For a detailed look at Olympus DSLR see the second link.

Hope this helps, email if you have specific questions.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

Take a look at the new Pentax line. The K100D, K100D Super and K10D are all excellent choices. The K100D Super and K10D both have an anti-dust component for the sensor. All 3 have Image Stabilization (IS) in the camera body. Both of the K100D models have 6.1 megapixels; the K10D has 10 megapixels. Every Pentax K-mount lens ever made will mount to these bodies as long as you don't mind manual focus. The IS will work with the older lenses. You can read reviews of these cameras at shutterbug.com.

Answer 4

Probably the best deals can be found with Pentax or Olympus. I got a Evolt 510 Olympus for two reasons. All of the reviews were very good and I have a plethora of OM lenses from my older cameras which will onto it.

Don't underestimate the value of very good equipment. Pentax and Olympus, both have about the best lenses on the market and Olympus is the only manufacturer of DSLRS that makes their lenses totally out of glass elements, the others use plastics.

Answer 5

I have a Nikon D50 and love it. They don't manufacture it anymore. Maybe go with the D70 instead or look on eBay. DO NOT get the D40. You will have a nightmare with lenses should you go big down the road and venture into various lenses. Those lenses will only fit that camera, so let's say one day you want the D8000 (just made up a name), you will have to buy all new lenses. Lenses for the N60 (not digital) fit the D50, D70, etc. But no D40.