getting started

[bwflippo]

I'll be the first one to tell you that that I'm as fresh as it gets when it comes to photography in general. I'm a sound engineer and I'm just looking for a new hobby. So, I'm pretty technically minded when it comes to equipment, but that's really only to say that I'm a quick learner. As far as photography goes, I'm really mostly looking for an education. AND a good entry level DSLR to get started with.

I'm working with a price ceiling of $600.

I'm not really picky on size as long as it's not huge, but still feels more substantial than a point and shoot.

I'd had my eye on a Nikon D60 for the longest time, but when I was actually in the store checking it out, It just didn't excite me much. So, I picked up a Sony a300 and really enjoyed it. The ISO was 3200 (I'm not exactly sure what that means aside from better pictures in low light). It had a 3fps rate. The screen was 2.7 inches, and the lens that came with it was 18-70mm zoom. It felt good and the images I shot in the store looked good.

I'm looking for a camera with the most mega pixels (I think). I'm going on the premise that the more mega pixels the higher the quality. I'd like a zoom with the largest range of motion and the ability to switch between manual and auto controls on as many features as possible. I'd say picture quality is very important but I don't expect to get commercial quality. I's say a 7 or 8 out of 10.

I'm not really brand loyal, yet. Like I said, I enjoyed the Sony a300. I'm just trying to find out if there is a better camera out there in my price range for a straight out the gate beginner. I'm not too worried about user friendly, I'm a quick learner.

I'm aware that Nikon and Cannon will support much more glass than sony will, but I'm not out to get 5 different lenses. at least not RIGHT now. I just want to capture some cool images.

Thanks a lot!

[speaklightly]

flippo

Begin by looking at the camera reviews. You will notice that Jeff did not give the Nikon D-60 a very good review. On the other hand, Jeff did give the Pentax K200D a good review. That might be a good place to begin.

Sarah Joyce

[raven15]

That's cause you are an engineer like me :D. When I first dove into the D40's menu it was like diving into a kiddie pool. It's definitely aimed at the artsy type more than the technical type.

You might want to study up! It is very difficult to judge image quality from the camera's LCD screen, ISO 3200 will result in terrible pictures on these cameras. It is more sensitive to light, but it also amplifies noise to incredible levels. Even the best camera in this regard in your price range (Canon XSi/Xs) would not be usable past ISO 1600. Most of the rest would not be good past 800, and the A300 maybe ISO 400. You can look at the reviews on this site and see for yourself though. Also, more megapixels do not necessarily make image quality better. In fact, for small cameras with more than about 5-7 MP or small DSLRs with more than 10-12 MP (depending on the sensor size), more megapixels actually make things worse as a general rule.

In terms of tweaks and controls over the camera I believe the Olympus E-520 leads the pack, which is one reason I like Oly. It is closely followed by the Canon XSi, Sony A300, and Pentax K200, depending on what you can get for your price. You'll have to examine them for yourself however. Get whichever camera feels best in your hands and has the control layout you prefer, in combination with reading reviews and looking at sample pictures to see which one matches the situations you would normally use it in.

More zoom is not always preferable in a lens. Many people including myself think the Sony 18-70mm lens looses too much quality in the corners, but you can look at the A300 review and see if you think so too.