What's a good SLR digital camera for beginners? One that has great image quality, w/o overwhelming complexity

Answer 1

All the current DSLRs have good image quality. They all have program, auto, and some have idiot (presets for sports, portrait, landscape, knitting, ...) modes that make shooting simple just like the point and shoot cameras. They all have autofocus, auto exposure, and attempt at auto white balance. All DSLRs are complicated to use if you start using all the little features. All it takes is a bit of time and practice to start using some of the features.

The camera can only do so much to create a decent image. If you want to take decent/interesting photos, you need to know how to manage camera settings, lighting and composition. There is loads of info on the internet. Go to the library and borrow some books on basic photography (even old books out of the 1960s has pertinent information). Better yet, take a photography class. Simple knowledge of depth of field, flash techniques, white balance, exposure compensation, and basic composition can really help make your images look better. You'll find that a simple point & shoot camera can suddenly take much better looking pictures if you learn some of the basics. Most of all, experiment. Film is cheap with a digital camera.

If you have access to old lenses from film cameras, you may consider sticking with the same brand if those lenses will work on a modern DSLR. Check with your parents and siblings to see if they have any SLR camera lenses stuffed in the back of the closet.

Read the hands-on reviews of various cameras. Each camera has pluses and minuses. Only you can decide what is right for you.

Answer 2

I'm a contrarian on this. You'll likely get many answers that say "choose the Nikon D40," but not from me.

A digital SLR is a great tool, but there seems to be a rush to buy and recommend them simply because they're considered to be top of the line.

For the typical beginner with a limited budget, a digital SLR is overkill. A good zoom camera with a 10X lens will shoot at the same resolution as a DSLR, will have image quality comparable to a DSLR, and will cost hundreds -- maybe even thousands -- less than comparable equipment with a DSLR.

A DSLR, if it comes with a lens, comes with a short range zoom that's less than 2X normal. A good zoom camera will have a 10X or 12X zoom.

With a good zoom camera, you'll have the lens and equipment to take 95%+ of the photos you want to take as a beginner. With a DSLR, you'll find that you'll miss many pictures because you just don't have the equipment -- lenses, flashes, etc. -- that you need to get the shot right.

Isn't that why you want the camera, anyway ... to take pictures?

The Canon S5 IS is a good choice: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canons5is/

So is the Canon SX100: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canonsx100is/

I hear positive things about the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18, though I've never used one: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicfz18/

Answer 3

From photography and DSLR camera basics right through to advanced techniques used by the professionals, this course will quickly and easily get your photography skills focused! Go here https://tr.im/GfsTc
By the end of this course you will have developed an instinctive skill-for-life that will enable you to capture truly stunning photos that not only amaze your friends and family... but could also open the doors to a brand new career.

Answer 4

I share the same opinion as JBT above. Canon S5 IS is a great start for professional photography. It has manual focus and advanced options except for the hassle with lenses. And more as you get tuned to this - the camera can do a decent job with auto focus and image stabilization on itself.

Make an informed choice - may be this link can help
http://www.reviewgist.com/reviewComparator.jsp?compareList=Nikon%20D40%20Digital%20Camera%20with%20G-II%2018-55mm%20Lens%2CCanon%20PowerShot%20S3%20IS%20Digital%20Camera
More S3 IS has amazing video which Nikon D40 doesn't even if you choose to buy one.

Answer 5

1