What is a good starter digital SLR camera?

triplej96

triplej96

Veteran
I have a dvx100b I love video/film but I would like to start doing some still photography on the side any good decent priced digital slrs?
 
I have just bought a D40 and I love. You have great control over the different functions while you have the possibility to use the auto mode with great results.
 
I have an Xti and am in love with it. I love Canon glass.

Nikon is also fantastic. As ilauzirika said, the D40 is also a fantastic choice...or D50...D70...D80 etc.
 
And don't forget the King of all review sites...

http://www.dpreview.com/

Tons of great information there.

But, the best judge is your eye. There are two great threads here for the Nikon and Canon...look at the images. Also, if you liked that Pentax horse uses, im sure he can either post a pic or two dozen or you can see examples of it on the net.
 
Keep in mind if you decide to do still photography to make some cash, some people will really pay attention to the gear you're shooting with. Just something to keep in mind.
 
Before anything, you should go somewhere to feel the bodies. To me, the digital rebel series as well as the d40 and d40x are hideously small.

Really, any Dslr is going to be capable of doing exactly what another can. There are pro's who find it necessary to strap on two 1d bodies with L lenses, and others who are fine with a far less expensive body.

Refurbished Nikon d50's and d70's go for anywhere from 500-750, with lens. I've used both and own a d70s. The Nikon settings and display are more intuitive than Canon's, but I've only used the 30d and not nearly as extensively as the d50 and 70.

I'll go out on a limb here and say that maybe you should invest in a $50 handy down-thrift store or ebay film SLR. The people I know that went straight to digital have no comprehension on camera techniques, mainly because they just rely on the LCD screen.

Anyway. Just go somewhere, and feel the body before you buy it. Go with whatever's comfortable to you.
 
I agree on the size issue.

I agree on the size issue.

sheeep said:
Before anything, you should go somewhere to feel the bodies. To me, the digital rebel series as well as the d40 and d40x are hideously small.
Click to expand...

Recently got a new D40X. While versatile, the body is a tad smaller than I'd like. I'm not a big person, but I find the wheel and buttons just a little too close on the smaller body; my fingers just don't lay into position on the camera naturally. I suppose I'll get used to it, but I find the size of the D70 easier to deal with. Note that, despite the size difference, I suspect the D70 may actually weigh less than the 40X. (Haven't compared the specs, but holding one, then the other, it seems that way).

x
 
The 400D will be due for an upgrade in a few months. Maybe September or October. If you can wait untill then. And also the 40D should be comming around then too.
 
I've still been doing some research on which DSLR to buy. I would like to do time lapse photography. Is the D200 the only DSLR under 2k that will do this?

thanks
 
D200's can be had cheap now. I sold one of mine for like $1000 and if you look around you can find them even cheaper.
 
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