Upgrading to my first SLR & need some assistance purchasing the right camera for me.?

Question

Originally I was looking at purchasing a Nikon D60 but have begun looking at Olympus. I'm now torn between the e-510 and the e-520. I can't afford the full kit for the e-520 just the camera and one lens, 14-42mm. I can get the entire e-510 kit with two lenses, 14-42mm & 40-150mm. I'm leaning towards the e-510 simply because I will get both lenses. I looked briefly at the e-420 until I read it didn’t provide anti-shake and I don’t want to use a tri-pod. Most of my photos are portraits and landscape. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

I suggest you take a serious look at the Sony A300 DSLR which is a 10mp camera. It has in-camera Super Steady Shot (Sony's version of image stabilization) and Live View which works with the AF. Sony lists at least 26 lenses in their catalog, has introduced a Carl Zeiss "ZA" line of lenses, and you can use every legacy Minolta Maxxum lens made since 1985.

The Aug. 2008 issue of Shutterbug Magazine has a review of the Sony A200, A300 & A350 cameras. You can read it at http://www.shutterbug.com if you don't want to buy the magazine.

For on-line shopping, check these sites:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com

http://www.keh.com

http://www.adorama.com

http://www.beachcamera.com

If you see a price which just seems impossible to believe, check the seller at http://www.resellerratings.com

Answer 2

The Nikon D 60 is an excellent choice because you can expand with it. Just about any Nikon lens made will fit the D 60. Nikon also makes vibration reduction lens that are very sharp. The lens I recommend is the Nikon 18-135. This is a good portrait lens when set to 105mm.

Answer 3

I say go with the Nikon. I have the D40x and I love it. Go to a store and see how each camera feels in your hand. I wanted a different camera and bought my d40x because it felt right in my hands. I wanted the d70 which felt to bulky and heavy to me.

Answer 4

A few things to remember...

Lenses are always going to be the most important factor in the image quality... Yes, sensors and megapixels are good, too, but if the lens is c**p, your pictures will be too.

Second, remember that photographers have shot for years without any sort of IS, VR, anti-shake and what have you. And I can bet you that they didn't ALL use tripods all the time...

Ultimately, look at the camera that will meet your needs most, but consider that if you are doing low light portraits or long distance landscapes, anti-shake WILL be important (sometimes even WITH a tripod...)

Good luck!