What's the best DSLR to get?

Question

Yea,I've heard that it's the photographer 7 not the camera-but I'm interested to know what y'all think.For a beginner.I read a lot of stuff online,but personally I want to get into photography without having to deal with the tedious specifics (and you KNOW how unbearably tedious it can get),so I'm down to Canon EOS 400D & Nikon D80-once considered the new Canon 40d but the price is just unbelievable.So tell me what you think,share what you know-I'm looking for an entry-level DSLR that's rich in functions & can take good pics.

Answer 1

canon or nikon are excellent

All of the major brands are good. Choose a brand that appeals to you. Then you have to think about getting a spare battery, what size memory card, if you want an extended warranty, how much you can afford, what size zoom, if you want manual controls, the size of the camera, finding a reliable place to purchase it, and the list goes on and on and on.......

The first thing to realize is that almost any digital camera will take good pictures. If more people would read the manual more than once, they would be able to take better pictures. Usually, the person assumes it is the camera when it could be them not knowing exactly what to do. Just give yourself more photographic knowledge by doing more reading on the internet.

I really believe buying a camera is an individual choice.
The person needs to read alot of reviews on cameras so they can decide on the features that they really want and need.
Go to the store and hold them so you can see if they feel comfortable in your hands. If possible, take some pictures in the store to check the quality of the 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 2

I agree with what has been said and will offer this:
1. Go to a camera store and hold both in your hand. One will feel better to you. If you are in the US, make sure you get a US model Nikon because Nikon will not touch a gray market camera or lens.
2. If you are serious about your photography, buy the best your budget will stand.
3. Remember, the body is only half the equation. Lens quality will count equally if not more. Nikon and Canon both make several lines of glass with basically the same zoom ratio. You will get what you pay for. Higher price equals better quality and better (lower) f stop range.
4. It might be better to start with a lower priced body and get the better lens. ie: Nikon D40x and a lens that sells for around $1000 to $1500 instead of a lens that sell for $500 to $700.
5. Ebay has a great number of used lens at good prices. Just make sure it works with your camera. If you are buying used glass don't worry if it is a US or gray market lens.
6. For another great review site, try www.dpreview.com

Norm

Answer 3

About 4 months ago I made the jump into the fast growing world of DSLRs and starting looking at the Nikon D40 and the Canon Xt, both in the 8MP class. Then I thought about the models up from both Canon & Nikon (XTi Vs. D40x), the 10MP class. Well I picked the Canon XTi with a Tamron 18-250 f/2.5 Macro zoom lens, it is a almost a one lens does all.

That was my choice and I love my new DSLR. You can check reviews, low prices and even some product demos at www.bhphotovideo.com they have a Professional and, I have been doing business with them for more then 25 years.

Answer 4

You say you "... want to get into photography without having to deal with the tedious specifics..." and I must wonder exactly what you mean by that.

To me it seems as though you might be happier with a good quality digicam that you can just set on "AUTO" and point at a subject and shoot away. Certainly no "tedious specifics" to deal with.

IMO a DSLR is all about "tedious specifics" such as changing lenses, knowing what white balance to use, using Manual Mode for better control, etc.

Good luck.

Answer 5

You chose two very good camera systems. My personal preference would be the Canon. Unfortunately you are looking at two systems that are so similar that it should be personal preference.

If you know someone else with one of those cameras, that is the one I would choose. You will get more out of a camera when you can talk with someone else using the same brand.

If you haven't checked it out yet, this site has detailed reviews at www.dpreview.com Good Luck!

Answer 6

I like the Nikon D80 of your 2 choices.

My personal preferance is the Pentax K10D. It's a little less expensive, built in Shake Reduction, metal mount kit lenses, 22 bit color, dust removal, weather sealing, and full compatability with older K-mount lenses.