Thread: Help with picking out a DSLR camera

I have been wanting to purchase a DSLR camera for a very long time. My problem is figuring out which one to get. There are way too many to pick from. I'm looking for an entry level type that isn't complete crap but at the same time not ridiculously priced. My price range is $400-700.

I have done a little research and the Nikon D40 has received good reviews and is in my price range. But i still would like to hear some opinions on other ones that you guys may have so that i could look them up myself. Thanks!

I have the D40 and I love it. I have used to shoot everything from family and friends, to games on the field. It is excellent and simple to use. I got it as a fathers day gift several years ago with the second lense.

The D40 is a great camera for the money. You can move up in the megapixel range for relatively cheap to a D60 or one of the older Canon Rebel's (XT or XS).

If you are willing to go to the upper end of your budget, you can get a 12 megapixel Canon Rebel XSi w/ two Image Stabilized lenses (The standard 18-55mm & a 55-250mm) from B&H photo for $750. This would put you into one of the higher end (of the non-professional) dslr's w/ twice the resolution and 2 really good lenses for just $200 more than you will spend for a D40 w/2 non stabilized lenses.

My XSi got here this past Friday (Merry Christmas to me) and I have really enjoyed it so far.

Remember to price lenses into your initial purchase.

What type of shooting are you planning on doing?

I shoot all of my paintball action shots on a D40 and D60. Good value packages available for the D40 with an 18-55 lens. Rates a best buy... Want examples of work? Check the galleries with my stuff on it here on Junkie. Most TN MPP games, All GFG... Canon is no slouch, either...

Canon is bringing out a new prosumer DSLR this fall - the 50D. As a result, the 40D is now in the $450 range. I've used both the Digital Rebel and the Digital Rebel Xsi and love Canon cameras. I'm seriously considering a 40D for myself for Xmas.

I use a Cannon 20D and 40D I know Junkie uses a Cannon 30D but remember to not skimp on the glass. I started with the 20D i picked up on ebay for $200 not bad body to start with but you can get get the 30D for about that now if you look. I also started with a Cannon 70-200mm F/4 L Lens which is still a very good lens for outdoor bright light settings. I upgraded to the 2.8 IS vers of the same lens but that is big money and you might not want to start out there. Sigma also makes some really nice lens that are a little easier on your pocket book.

Bloody, the first question is do you have any experiance with a film camera? I stuck with Canon because I was used to the body and position of all the switches, plus I could use my 35m lenses on the digital body...

man talk to Junkie he helped me out too....lol

I would go with a canon tho..............if you just getting in to it maybe start with a Rebel then after a while go up.....lol

wow looks like i have a lot more research to do. It sounds to me the top players are Nikon and Canon. I fall into the hobbyist category. I have always enjoyed being the camera man whenever i could, but just never had my own camera. I've been looking through the ebay stores and they have good package deals on all the cameras that everyone has mentioned. Thanks everyone.

I too am looking at a DSLR, But I do not have money for it right now.

Not meaning to hijack,

My primary interest is shooting at night, with low ISO and SLOW shutterspeed. I have an older cannon SLR, that isnt digital.

Thus far Ive had great results with my lumix 7.2 from panasonic- point and shoot. ANd i just cant do the same with the dslrs ive played with.

In short, I want at least 6.1 mpx.
Easy adjust ISO
Easily adjustable shutter speed