Recommendations for entry level DSLR?

Question

Some help would be GREATLY appreciated as I know basically nothing of SLRs (this is the big leap from point and shoots)

I need something that would be good for indoors and low-light shooting as that is where a good majority of my photography will be taken. I'll mostly be shooting stills and portraits for photo manipulation. My budget is about $1000 including lens

Here are a few of the cameras I've been looking at:

Pentax K200D

Nikon D60

Sony A300

Also, as for the lens I was thinking of buying an additional prime as a lot of my stuff will be stationary and I need the best quality I can get. Any recommendations for those would be neat-o

Answer 1

I have the nikon d60 and love it. I have won a few awards for my shots with it and wouldn't have any other camera. Ok well maybe a nikon d3 or d300. if you belong to costco, you can get the d60, 18-55mm lens, 55-200mm lens, a memory card, case, and a few get to know your camera dvd's for about a thousand dollars

Answer 2

either the Nikon d60 or the Cannon Rebel xti will work well. The performance of the brands at the same price level are comparable.

Look at the features each has and select the one that you think will suit your type of photography best. for example: how many fps will it shoot, what is its fastest iso, what's the max shutter speed, how easy is it for you to use (try one out at a camera shot)

Answer 3

I am posting an answer to another similar question that I think is just a fitting here as it was there. Hope this helps

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

First let me say I am a little biased because I shoot a Canon 30D but I will be as objective as possible.

First things first, I am going to reiterate what others have already said, I would go with something where you have more lens choices. The Olympus cameras do not have the variety or the quantity of lenses that Nikon and Canon do. Now this could be for many reasons, but the kicker for me is the aftermarket lens makers, i.e. tokina, tamarack, tamron, sigma, ect..... do not make alot for this brand. They concentrate more on Nikon and Canon. So "if" you chose to purchase this camera you will end up spending more on what little lenses are available because you will most likely end up purchasing proprietary lenses. And trust me themoree you get into it the more lens options you will want.... we all start small and as we grow with our "hobby" our "hobby" also grows with us.... Funny tho our bank accounts always seem to shrink...... Hmmmm wonder why that is.... lol anyway....

Next, while many people shoot and love olympus their are probably 5 times the numbers who shoot either canon or nikon. See what your friends are shooting and see what they have for lens options... I have a friend that I can "borrow/rent" a lens from if I want something different... I also can go to my instructor and borrow from him if I need to (not sure if your taking college classes or not..)

For "ME" when i buy something I want to know whats available for me after I get it hoe and play with it.... what gadgets will I want or need down the road? Upgrades (lens, flashes, shutter cable s, ect) always need to be considered because if I have to go out and buy a whole new "thing-a-ma-gig" to get the upgrade I want I will look for something wher I can keep on using what I have or get frustrated and go out and "Upgrade" my whole system , so while it may be cheaper on the front side look to the flip side and see what it will cost down the road... Or at least as much as possible.... Yes I own a canon 30D and ove it and yes I "want" to upgrade to a 1d Mark III or the 1Ds Mark III but am I just yet...no will I (if you knew me this is the part where you would say DUH!!! of course he will he is just that silly)

What would I recommend in that price range..... EASY go with a Canon Rebel Xti every review I have seen has been exteremly positive. It is "upgradeable" (lots of lens choices and extras ect....) But like I said I am a little biased... anyway thats my 2 cents worth hope it helps!!!

Have fun and keep shooting!

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/...

1 week ago

Source(s):

Phot student, dork, and photography lover...

PC Magazine 10.09.06

"The advanced Canon Rebel XTi is a sophisticated 10MP D-SLR that gives plenty of photo prowess for your money." PC Magazine Editor's Choice

Answer 4

NIKON D60. you cant do better than that for entry level! im getting the same one actually!

Answer 5

Canon EOS Xti ...i've been studying this camera for sometime now. i hear nothing but positive things about it.  i just can't afford it.  try reading up on this camera.  they now have a newer model call the Canon EOS Xsi.

Answer 6

The D60 is a great entry level DSLR. It will let you have control over your shots to go with your skill level. Everything from a flexible program mode where the camera does many of the functions to a full manual mode where you set everything as you want it. It give good quality pictures. The D60 give you a number of things you want. It has newer firmware and image processors, designed for the 10 mp sensor. It has an "Active Dust Reduction System with Airflow Control ". Nikon not putting a system on the D40 to deal with dust is one of the biggest drawbacks I see to the D40 ( though I think its still a great camera for the money) If you change lenses dust will get in and the camera needs a system to deal with it. With the D60 you get a VR lens. That will help with low light situations ( they may offer that now with the D40 but originally it was not) . The D60 has Adaptive Dynamic Range. Nikon calls it "Active D-Lighting," it lets you save some highlights that my otherwise be lost. It has a newer better metering system than the D40.

As to prime lenses you can get a 50 mm f1.8 for a good price. A 50 mm 1.4 for just a bit more. that would leave you with enough for a good flash like the SB800