What's a good first SLR camera for a beginner?

Question

I don't have a specific budget, but I don't want to spend too much as a beginner.

Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

SLR - Nikon FM10, all manual. Cheap but as good as it gets. I've had it for 11 years, I have not seen the need to upgrade to anything more. All I need from a 35mm SLR camera.

I couldn't afford the Film and developing cost, so believe it or not, I use my DLSR more now.I have a Nikon D70S (obsolete). Perfect for everything I want to use. I don't see the need to upgrade until it breaks down.

DSLR - Nikon D40 is good (Ref: www.kenrockwell.com)

But if you can afford a little more, go for the D80. It'll keep you occupied/happy enough indefinitely as a beginner to pro photographer. However, D40 has all the functions most people use 99.99% of the time, so it is a very good starting point.

Besides, the camera body is relatively the cheaper thing to worry about. Once you really get into, I'd rather spend (invest) on the lens that I need. They can cost 2 or 3 times the camera body easily. Thing is, all the lens I have, I can use them on both my 35mm and D70S, or most likely any new camera body I buy in the future. So I think lens will be the more important investment decision you need to make.

Answer 2

The canon xti and Nikon D40 are both good starter camera's.I would add the Sony Alpha to your list as well. You need to find the camera that feels right in your hands. Go look at them and hold them.

Answer 3

The D40 or D60  is the Nikon equivalent of the rebel. Its a great camera with a good deal of expandability. Do not let the lower MP on the D40 fool you if you are not making very large prints it will do everything you want. If money is not an issue the D60 will 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

You may want to look at www.kenrockwell.com

and DPreview.com

Answer 4

Nikon D40

Answer 5

I suggest Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black)

Technical Details

-12.2-megapixel CMOS sensor captures enough detail for poster-size, photo-quality prints

-Large 3.0-inch LCD display; includes Canon's EF-S 18-55mm, f3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens

-DIGIC III image processor provides fast, accurate image processing; improved Autofocus and framing rate

-EOS Integrated Cleaning system, plus Dust Delete Data Detection in included software

-Stores images on SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)

Product Description

-For stunning photography with point and shoot ease, look no further than Canon’s EOS Rebel XSi. The EOS Rebel XSi brings staggering technological innovation to the masses. It features Canon’s EOS Integrated Cleaning System, Live View Function, a powerful DIGIC III Image Processor, plus a new 12.2-megapixel CMOS sensor and is available in a kit with the new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens with Optical Image Stabilizer. The EOS Rebel XSi’s refined, ergonomic design includes a new 3.0-inch LCD monitor, compatibility with SD and SDHC memory cards and new accessories that enhance every aspect of the photographic experience.