I'm interested in saving up for a new digita SLRl camera in the 500-600 dollar range, What should I buy?

Question

I'm particularly interested in night and low light shots, with long exposures. My current camera only can get up to 15 seconds, but I'd love a camera that can get up into the minutes. So I was just curious what digital camera's have you guys liked? Thanks.

Answer 1

Since you aren't invested in any lenses your options are open.

Nearly everyone in here says Nikon or Canon and they are both fine cameras.

IMO, the new Pentax DSLR line is worth considering. K100D, K100D Super and the K10D*. The 100 series are 6.1mp and both have Image Stabilization (IS) in the camera body. The Super adds "Dust Removal" for the sensor. The K10D* is 10mp, IS, "Dust Removal" and is compatible with the new DA Series of Pentax lenses.

Every K-mount lens ever made will mount to these DSLR's and although they will require manual focus you'll have the advantage of IS with them. If you do enough research you'll find that Pentax has made some excellent glass**.

If low-light photography is an interest, I suggest you visit fotosharp.com and check out their Day & Night Exposure Guide. Its a tool I've used for years.

* Don't confuse the K10D with the older K110D. The K110D didn't have IS and may be discontinued.

** Photography magazines often publish lens tests using sophisticated test charts and rating lenses for center to edge sharpness and center to edge light falloff. Usually any differences between brands is only noticeable under high magnification and is often very slight, seldom visible to the naked eye. Once a lens is stopped down to f8 or f11 differences are nearly imperceptible. All the lens manufacturers have made some outstanding lenses and all have made some real dogs. IMO its similar to debating which car is better - the one that goes from zero to 60 in 4.1 seconds or the one that does it in 4.0 seconds. While others debate the merits of a Canon 100mm lens vs. the Nikon or Pentax or Olympus 100mm lens I'll be out making images with my Minolta MD ROKKOR-X 100mm lens.

Answer 2

I shot with that same thing. Then I got a Olympus E-520 for $600. I like it, it does what I want it to do. The d40 is supposed to be good but it's been discontinued. And from what I have seen it treats you like an idiot. It doesn't let you shoot sometimes. Then it says "light low, use flash" when you are trying to do long exposures. Entry level Nikons look like a hassle to me.

Answer 3

Go with the Canon Rebel XTi