SLR Digital Cameras?

Question

I was wondering if it really matters what brand of camera you get?

Like Nikon & Canon are the best, from what I hear, but I was thinking about getting a Pentax or Olympus.

Is that a bad choice? I personally think that any SLR camera is good all around, it just depends on the photographer and their equipment.

But I'm not exactly the professional on this stuff.

I'm a beginner at photography, so I don't want to start out with like the best SLR, I want to start out like with an okay one and work my way to the top.

Answer 1

Try a Sony Alpha.

Answer 2

Yeah Nikons are up at the top for quality. They make a great Camera.  But with that comes a higher price tag.  I agree with you a lot of it depends on the photographer.  I have taken some awesome photos with my little 6mp point and shoot. But a good camera and make a good photographer into a GREAT ONE! If you know how to use it.

I think you missed Sony. I think the top brands are Nikon, Canon, Olympus, and Sony.  Those are the top SLR Brands.  You also have Pentax, and Fuiji.

It all comes down to how much do you want to spend?  Look for the Camera that fits all your needs with the right price tag.  You might find a low end Nikon for cheap but you might find a deal on a high end Olympus.  

Check out Amazon.com they have great reviews from people that have used them also you can find some great deals on last years models that's what I did.  

  Also check out this site it has some wonderful review one most camras and will tell you everything and more on what you need to know about the one you pick.  http://www.retrevo.com/s/digital+camera

Answer 3

You are right that all SLR's are leaps and bounds better than point and shoot cameras. Pentax and Olympus make a fine camera for the average person. What you need to ask yourself though is how far do you want to go with photography. Canon and Nikon are currently the only manufacturers making professional level equipment. If this is an eventual possibility I would go with one of them.

Whichever one you choose you will probably stick with for life. Lenses are not interchangeable between brands and they will last decades. Canon and Nikon have the most available lenses and other accessories.