Recommendations for my first DSLR

zybar · « **on:** 8 May 2010, 07:05 pm »

I have been using Canon and Sony point and shoot digital cameras for way too long and I am seriously thinking about getting my first DSLR camera.

I am looking for something that will take good pictures in auto mode while I learn how to handle the camera and use it properly. I would also like it to be able to capture 720p movies.

I would like to keep the costs around $5-600.

The leading candidate based on searching around is the Pentax K-x. Is this a good or bad choice? Something else better in the price range?

Thanks for your help.

George

Art_Chicago · « **Reply #1 on:** 8 May 2010, 07:16 pm »

I think Nikon and Canon should be on the list. You get much better choice of high Q lens if you decide to upgrade later on. I found this site extremely helpful.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/

mshan · « **Reply #2 on:** 8 May 2010, 07:24 pm »

Thread hasn't been updated since November of last year, but may be a good starting point for further research: http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=272333

Goosepond · « **Reply #3 on:** 8 May 2010, 07:41 pm »

One of the things to consider with DSLRs is you're really investing in the lenses. The bodies will come and go. Always new models coming out that do more than ever before.

But the lenses are a major consideration. So don't only look at the bodies offered by a brand, but think about the lenses. You can start out with the cheap kit lenses but hold onto your wallet if this hobby grabs you. You can spend a fortune on good lenses. But they make it all worthwhile.

Gene

Doublej · « **Reply #4 on:** 8 May 2010, 09:20 pm »

See this thread:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=74116.0

and I'll reiterate what I posted in that thread, check out www.dpreview.com. Lots of valuable information there.

PhilNYC · « **Reply #5 on:** 8 May 2010, 11:32 pm »

I got a Sony, which I'm not 100% enamoured with, but the fact that I had a bunch of compatible Minolta lenses (including a 200-300 zoom, which I can't seem to live without these days) pretty much made the purchase decision for me.

On the other hand, if I do ever make a switch, I am keeping a very active watch on the whole micro-4/3rds thing:

http://www.dpreview.com/previews/PanasonicDMCG2/

SET Man · « **Reply #6 on:** 9 May 2010, 02:54 am »

Hey!

Like Phil, I got Sony but I'm 100% fine with it. In my case I have A700 and of old Minolta and new Sony lenses.

Anyway, if video is a must for you than Sony DSLR is not for you since none have video yet. But soon I think. Since I'm not into video this doesn't bother me.

Well, taking about Pentax. My photographer boss' friend shoot with Pentax and it is pretty nice. The K-x looks like a lots of camera for the money I have to say.

I think you should go to the store and play around with couple of them and see which feel good in your hand. And if you are not planing to get couple of pro-level or specialty lenses than I wouldn't worry much about which brand to go for.

Good luck.

Take care,
Buddy

Audiovista · « **Reply #7 on:** 9 May 2010, 03:02 am »

Pentax-x seems like a very good choice... Popular Photography published a positive review.

http://www.popphoto.com/reviews/cameras/2010/04/camera-test-pentax-k-x

I've had good experiences with SLR Pentax (ZX-5N) and few film and digital point and shoots.

jqp · « **Reply #8 on:** 9 May 2010, 03:52 am »

Wow you can't go wrong with a $399 Nikon D40 kit. I am almost tempted even though mine was stolen and I got a D90.

The nice thing about a Nikon DSLR is that all those lenses are available...

Then you can decide what direction you really want to go after you have used it for a while. The D40 is smaller than most DSLRs and is excellent for family and travel photography.

Below is my 141st picture with the D40 and its kit lens:

Wind Chaser · « **Reply #9 on:** 9 May 2010, 08:03 am »

While Canon and Nikon make more lenses, ALL THE LENSES Pentax made in the past 40 years will fit on the K-x AND EVERYONE OF THOSE LENSES will benefit from the Pentax approach to Canon's IS and Nikon's VR. To benefit from Canon's Image Stabilization or Nikon's Vibration Reduction, you have to buy 'specific lenses' that have that feature - which makes them considerably more costly. Not so with Pentax, their approach to Shake Reduction is a floating sensor in the camera body.

Prime lenses, who's your daddy? Pentax is famous primes. There are a plethora of 'cheap' primes on ebay that can render color and contrast among the best of the best. Then there are the DA Limiteds... all in a class of their own - Canon and Nikon have NOTHING even remotely comparable.

Then there are DA Star tightly sealed, weather and dust resistant lens. Not exactly cheap, but compared to similar offering by the competition, they are relatively cheap. But how many lenses do you need / want? I find between all that Pentax has between current offerings and every K-mount lens ever made and all the 3rd party choices, it's pretty overwhelming. I have eight lenses in the 10 -300mm focal length. IMO, lenses are a Pentax strength, especially in view of the in body shake reduction system.

The K-x was just chosen as the BEST ENTRY LEVEL DSLR in Europe 2010 by the prestigious Technical Image Press Association (TIPA).

Also check out where the K-x is ranked by DXO Mark. Notice the cameras that cost thousands of dollars more ranked lower than the K-x. Even Canon's latest T2i is ranked 14 notches down from the K-x.

George, you're right on target; for the money you want to spend, the K-x is untouchable.

Wind Chaser · « **Reply #10 on:** 9 May 2010, 08:19 am »

Some people have criticized the K-x because it uses AA batteries. On the surface that seems like a valid point, however AA batteries are available just about everywhere. With Energizer Ultimate Lithium’s, the K-x can boast 1900 shots! Unlike most AA's, those batteries perform even better in sub zero temperatures. I keep a pack in my camera bag all the time. I also use Sanyo Eneloops, which are considered by many to be the best rechargeable batteries on the market today. I get between 400~500 shots per charge. Moreover, I got over 200 shots with cheap batteries from the $ Store. AA batteries in the K-x rock!

JohnR · « **Reply #11 on:** 9 May 2010, 08:31 am »

Quote from: Wind Chaser on 9 May 2010, 08:03 am

Also check out where the K-x is ranked by DXO Mark.

Hey, the dynamic range is pretty good on it too. I'll stick with my Fuji, but that's isn't bad at all.

zybar · « **Reply #12 on:** 9 May 2010, 01:15 pm »

Quote from: jqp on 9 May 2010, 03:52 am

Wow you can't go wrong with a $399 Nikon D40 kit. I am almost tempted even though mine was stolen and I got a D90.

Where is the D40 kit $400?

George

low.pfile · « **Reply #13 on:** 9 May 2010, 01:36 pm »

George, good ol google shows that Best buy has the D40 + 18-55 zoom for $400 new.

low.pfile · « **Reply #14 on:** 9 May 2010, 01:41 pm »

But a few pieces of info on the D40. A great starter camera (my friend who's been into photography since his teens and only shot film, just picked one up a D40x body for $200 mint on Craigslist.)

- The D40 has two versions: D40 (6 MP) and D40x (10MP) The 6MP D40 is actually more sensitive to light, therefore a lower base ISO, so more is not always better in MPs.
- The D40 does not have video--one of your requirements.
- The D40 does not has an internal focus motor (one of the reasons it's so small) therefore for Nikon lenses it must have the IF designation for the autofocus feature. Here are a list of Nikon lens that provide AF with the D40. So while I strongly agree with the posts above to consider the lens options, certain body choices will preclude starting a lens collection.

jermmd · « **Reply #15 on:** 9 May 2010, 01:43 pm »

Canon T2i Kit (w/18-55mm lens and 4GB SD) - $799 @ Costco
LINK
Full HD video, seems nice. I'm no photographer so I'll just throw this out there without any real opinion.

low.pfile · « **Reply #16 on:** 9 May 2010, 02:24 pm »

George,

A few other things to consider...

I am not sure if you are coming film camera experience. Like tradtional film SLR cameras it is of note that some of the entry DSLRs also require using the viewfinder to compose your image. Only some of the DSLRs you are considering provide a "live view" on the rear LCD. And having a live view LCD is not all roses: focusing and shutter release varies due to different implementations i.e. it is not just a bigger P&S with a removable lens. I have live view on my DSLR and only use it 1% of the time.

I've only held it at the store, but no shooting experience with the K-x, the Pentax seems like a great value. I agree with those who posted above to test drive each. Controls vary as do sizes, one may stand out.

I always point friends who ar looking for entry level DSLRs to read "shootout" articles. Gives an idea to all of the factors and may identify something to look for specific to your needs.

shootouts:
one
two

Good luck with your photography
ed

rave959 · « **Reply #17 on:** 9 May 2010, 02:34 pm »

I've had the Pentax K-x for a while and have been very happy with it. The pictures are excellent and has amazing low-light performance. The best, if not one of the best in its price class. It's great for indoor pictures and weddings as well.

Take care,
Ian

Audiovista · « **Reply #18 on:** 9 May 2010, 02:38 pm »

I was considering Canon T2i, but WC makes such a good case for Pentax K-x, that now I have to re-read all the reviews... I may not need to sell a couple of old Pentax lenses....

Latest "Popular Photography" has glowing review of T2i, and I posted link to K-x review in the post above...

Wind Chaser · « **Reply #19 on:** 9 May 2010, 02:53 pm »

Quote from: low.pfile on 9 May 2010, 01:36 pm

George, good ol google shows that Best buy has the D40 + 18-55 zoom for $400 new.

$400 is a lot of money for a camera with an ancient 6 MP sensor that can't even do video! The D40 will only auto focus with AF-S lenses, will not meter with manual focus lenses, only has three focusing points, has a tiny viewfinder, has no live view, has been replaced by three cameras (D40X, D60 and D3000) and has a sensor that was getting old even when the D40 was launched (inherited from the D50 that inherited it from the D70 that inherited it from the D100).

For $464 you can buy a brand new K-x at Amazon or B&H Photo which is superior in every respect to the D40.