First DSLR - extremely confused

[canon4652009]

Hello Snowfruit and welcome
I too recently made the switch to D-SLR after a string of Compacts, but before that I had 35mm SLRs

I have always been a "canon" person so the choice for me was a bit easier as others have said already there are no bad D-SLRs.
the main thing for you to do is to get a clear picture of exactly what you want from it then whittle your list down to those few, then get yourself into a Camera shop and handle/try (take an SD card with you) the ones you like.

once again, welcome and enjoy

[Jonny_mac]

Hi

I think you are wise to avoid Sony.

I started getting into photography with a Sony bridge camera, can't remember which one?! So when I decided to take the plunge into the world of SLR's, I naturally stuck with Sony; I soon grew to regret this choice when my skills outgrew what the camera was capable of.

I have now decided to switch brands, as people have already touched on, quite an expensive choice to make as I had to sell everything and start from scratch again. You don't get much for used gear, especially Sony. But I do believe it's the right choice.

Sony's lens range is quite inferior to that of Canon or Nikkon, and neither bodies or lenses ever get beaming reviews!

It doesn't really matter what you go for but like mentioned before, choose a brand you'd be happy to stick with. And buying a second hand body is a great idea that will free up extra cash for lenses, accessories etc. Again to repeat all before me, this is an addiction!

All the best,

Jonny

[HinFrance]

Originally Posted by Tom Peppiatt

get a canon what ever one :]

. . and learn what 'E06' means; you'll probably be seeing it a lot

Joking(ish) I seem to get this every time I borrow one. Had it with a 500 and a 40 so far. Taking the battery out cleared it.

[chris-p]

Originally Posted by HinFrance

. . and learn what 'E06' means; you'll probably be seeing it a lot

And Er99...

[swan lover]

Buy the camera that best fits what you want, remember it must be cofortable for you to use dont compromise on oyur hand/arm comfort when taking photographs, ease of use is another factor to consider, good luck with your choice

[KeithT]

Murder isn't it? So many cameras to choose from and so many price structures it can make you go blind just looking.

I guess the best way to narrow the plethora of cameras down is to first stick to a budget you have in mind and then make a list of all the cameras in that price range. Next, make a list of what you want to take photographs of and research the specks of those cameras you have sellected. If you like a camera a lot put it into the possibilities list. When you find a camera that doesn't hit the mark then delete it from your sellection list. And so on and so forth until you get to the last three. Choosing one of those three will drive you nuts, but it is better than trying to make up your mind from 23 different cameras or more. Whilst Canon and Nikon lead the market, Olympus are a good brand and even Sony and Panasonic have something to offer. If you go about it in a logical manner it will be easier than throwing them all in the air and catching one of them.

[HinFrance]

Keith, good summary, but you missed out the manufacturer of a TIPA camera of the year, and the Photokina gold award - Pentax. Shame on you

[KeithT]

Originally Posted by HinFrance

Keith, good summary, but you missed out the manufacturer of a TIPA camera of the year, and the Photokina gold award - Pentax. Shame on you

Right H! Sorry about that, but Pentax is a good old brand too isn't it? Glad you added it and reminded me. As the pundits say, there is no such thing as a bad camera these days.

[HinFrance]

Indeed there isn't, and that's what makes the choice so hard.

[wotcars]

Originally Posted by snowfruit

Question though: re the Nikon 3100 & 5000 how limiting is the lack of in-body AF motor? Does it, in practice, limit the availability of lenses, especially second hand ones or increase the cost significantly?

99% of nikkor lenes will fit and work thou those with out the afs mark will not auto focus on a D5000 or D3100 you will have to manualy focus

most new lenes from nikkor are AFS the problem become when you buying pre owned equipment
but i belive the canon has the same problem with some lenes (could be wrong as i dont use canon)

hope this helps

Which ever way you go have fun