Looking for help on deciding best options for a new DSLR camera

[Jtacqua]

Camera Type

• Are you looking for a compact point & shoot camera, a DSLR, or something in between? (Or perhaps you haven't decided yet — that's okay!) DSLR is my preference. I have a Cannon G-11 and 2 pocket “point and shoot” cameras, Pentax Optio S-6 and Optio A-10.

• Is this your first camera? First ever, or first digital? No.

• Are you interested in a high level of control, or would you prefer to let the camera do as much "thinking" as possible? I would prefer an automatic setting that is above average with the ability to learn more about manual settings as I learn about the camera and better photography

• If you had to choose, would you prefer a more versatile (large "Χ") zoom lens, or top-notch image quality with no zoom at all? Quality over quantity. However, the preference on the compromise would be to have some measure of “zoom” ability with a quality lense. I am willing to sacrifice “super zooming” capability for a better lense, even if that means purchasing two lenses.

• What size of camera do you want? To what degree would you be willing to sacrifice other features for compactness? Something of similar size to the Nikon D300s or Sony Alpha SLT-A55

Budget

• What budget have you allocated for buying this camera? Please be as specific as possible. Camera budget approximately $600 - $800.

• Do you plan to spend more on additional accessories now or in the future? (Lenses, lighting, tripods, batteries, memory cards, camera bags... it adds up!) Lenses and accessories $200 - $400. Total budget up to $1,200.00 although not looking to spend money for the latest bells and whistles that have no practical value for me.

• How long do you plan on keeping this new camera? I usually keep my equipment for a long time. I still have my cannon G-2, a 35mm Minolta X-700 and a Voiglander VITO-II that was given to me almost 40 years ago when I was a teenager. As an aside, the Voiglander needs some repair if you know of anyone.

Usage

• What will you generally use the camera for? Family vacations and holidays. Family pictures, personal use. Going to a Africa on a family vacation in summer 2012. I would like to get some great photos of the scenery, wildlife and sunsets.
• Are you going to photograph sports? What sport, and from how far away? Not really shooting a ny organized sporting events.

• Will you be shooting a lot of indoor photos, or other low-light photos? Probably significantly less than half the shots will be indoors. Low light, dusk/night photos are possible at times but not the primary purpose of the camera.

• Will you make prints, or primarily view and share images on a computer screen? If you make prints, will they typically be small (up to 5Χ7") or medium sized (8Χ10"), or are you interested in larger sizes as well? Primarily on computer. However, I would like to make prints 8x10 or slightly larger of outdoor scenery form the Africa trip if the photos warrant doing so.

• Are you interested in spending time post-processing to make an image "perfect", or would you prefer to use images basically straight from the camera? I am working on learning Photoshop. However, post-processing of any significant degree will likely be preformed by a commercial photo shop.

Miscellaneous

• Are there particular lenses or technical features that are interesting or important to you? Good crisp photographs in “auto” mode would be a blessing.

• Are there particular brands or models you already have in mind? Nikon and Cannon, but I am open to what best suits my needs.

Thank you very much for your help.

Jay

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[K1W1]

Go to a store that actually has cameras in stock and pick up and handle the entry level Canon and Nikon products. For Nikons that would be the D3100 and D5100 I'm not sure about Canon models.
Find the camera that feels the most comfortable to you in your hands.
If you have friends or relatives with DSLRs consider what brand they use because they can be a source of borrowed gear provided it's the same brand.
Buy the "twin lens kit" version of whatever camera feels the most comfortable and is in the price range and you will be well on the way.
There is no such thing in 2011 as a bad camera you just need the one that you are happiest with in feel and price.

[Jtacqua]

Thank you very much for the input. It is much appreciated.

[KCook]

A number of different DSLR cameras are listed here -

http://www.dcresource.com/buyersguide/

Dig around and there are fairly good prices for all brands. One approach is to first decide which brand you will be happiest with. Then drill down for the best deals on that one brand.

Kelly Cook