Digital mirror reflex camera?

Question

Hello!

My cheap 4 megapixel (HP) camera broke and there was no guarantee left, so I decided to save for a better camera.

My eye fell on the beautiful compact digital camera: the Kodak EasyShare V1253! A 12 megapixel camera with a nice image quality, a 8cm screen ánd (what I like the most), the gréat video quality of the camera, in HD at 30 fps. This camera costs 250 euro.

But maby, I should look to the future. I really love to take photos and maby, this compact camera isn't enough.

And then, I saw the Sony Alpha (a) 200. A digital mirror reflex camera with 10 megapixels and STUNNING quality of pictures.

The camera with 1 lense costs 500 euro.

So, which camera should I buy, or better? Do you know any better digital mirror reflex camera around the 500 euro?

Thanks for the advice!

Answer 1

The choice of whether you should get a compact camera or a Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) comes down to whether you want to be a picture-taker or a photographer*. There's absolutely nothing wrong with either, but if you want to just take snapshots and the occasional artistic composition, then a compact camera with manual controls would be your best bet. If you want to start taking photographs as documentary, art, or other photographic mediums, then a DLSR is your camera. Also, since you said that you're looking towards the future, the DSLR will give you plenty of room to grow.

The Sony Alpha is a decent camera, but I honestly don't think it's the best choice available in that price range. I recommend to most users that they stick with Nikon or Canon, because these two companies are the industry big-shots that have the most lenses and accessories for their cameras. When choosing a DSLR, you're also choosing an entire system with which you can upgrade into over the coming decades, so choosing a company like Nikon or Canon will give you the most options down the line. Between these two companies, the Canon Rebel XT or Nikon D40 can be bought in a kit with a lens for less than $500. These are both capable of brilliant, professional quality images in the right hands. There are newer models of these cameras available (Rebel XSi and D60), but they really offer nothing that justifies the price difference (Megapixel myth: http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/mpmyth.h...

If you have your heart set on buying the Sony, I think you'll be quite happy with it, but if not, check out the options from Nikon and Canon

Answer 2

Megapixels are for Muppets - you only need more than five if you have a stunning lens.

Stay with the big names of Nikon, Canon, Olympus and Pentax.  Since when dis Kodak or Sony make all their own lenses?