Thinking about buying my first DSLR?

Question

I took a photography class last year in my Sophomore year in highschool. I have gotten really interested in it and i decided to buy my own DSLR cam. In my photography class i used a Nikon D40, so i was thinking of buying one. It's a pretty good camera and its cheap. But i also heard about the Pentax K10D and it seems like a good camera, but it's a bit more expensive. What other choices do i have that are similar to the Nikon D40, take the same great pictures(or better) and is around the same price? I'm not looking to spend more than $600.

Answer 1

"Are Canons good?" Whew, good one.

If you have the money get a Canon or Nikon...

I have an Olympus E-500 and its great.

Answer 2

Stick with what you know ...

The Nikon D40 with 18-55 mm lens is under $470 on Amazon.

Answer 3

The Canon Xti, Olympus E410, and Sony Alpha A200 are all in your range. But if you like the Nikon, go for it; you won't regret it.

Edit. Canons are excellent; I have one. But their new entry-level models (XS and XSi) are a a bit pricier than Nikon.  

Answer 4

Personally, I would stick to Canon or Nikon. Purchase higher quality lenses and when you're ready, move up to a better model of that camera. That's how you build a good camera system.

Answer 5

Another option you have is the Canon Rebel XT.

Answer 6

Canon is WONDERFUL!!  I owned a canon digital rebel and recently upgraded to the 40D.  But just like it was said above, stick with canon or nikon.  They are the largest known companies in the nation.  What's also good is that its easy to expand on photography later because there are so much more accessories with those two companies.  

Canon's equivalent is the Canon Digital Rebel XT.  It is an amazing camera and it won't disappoint you.  

Now here is one thing to keep in mind.  Quality does not come from the camera.  It comes in the quality of the lens.  So never go cheap on buying lenses.  In photography you get what you pay for!

Also, do not be fooled by megapixels.  MP's only tell what the end size of the picture will be (such as 8x10).  It does not tell the quality.  

So good look luck.  You will be happy with both nikon and canon.