What's my best option for a DSLR camera for around $500?

Question

I'm an entry level photographer and I hope to take quality nature shots. I am willing on spending around $500 on a camera, but not anymore for a lens (yet). I'm doing this to start a hobby, and if I have a chance, sell photos. :)

I heard that the Sony Alpha 200 is a really good camera that fits my needs, but I would like to know if there are any other quality cameras out there that I do not know about.

Could you please compare any cameras to the Nikon D40, Sony Alpha 200, and the Canon Rebel XLT?

Answer 1

The DSLR camera's have interchangeable lenses. Sony has it's image stabilization in the camera body. Every lens you but on will be stabilized! Look at the cost of the other lenses with image stabilization.

I did and if you buy a couple of lenses you will be glad you bought the Sony. In the consumer level of DSLR camera's they are all pretty good.

Nikon and Canon are the big names but I never regreted my Sony A-100.

Answer 2

I have the Nikon D40 and can recommend it.  The shutter speed is really good for this cheap of a DSL, and the controls are laid out fairly well.  I love my Canon Rebel film a bit more, but it's just not as economical for prints.

Answer 3

check out the canon xti

compare cameras at dpreview.com. there are some great reviews there.

Answer 4

for 500.00 why not go with olympus e-510 been out about 1 year plus but it is top rated digital slr entry level . it has preview . immage stable. and a 3/4 sensor , you double the focal length of lens used.has most features for lowest cost.

Answer 5

These are all nice cameras. I think you should get the Nikon d40 though, however, if a larger size is more important, get the sony. However, i think the d40 is a little better in image quality, despite the megapixel difference. I have this camera, and i get some real nice pictures from it, like this:

http://flickr.com/photos/27145979@N02/

this is a nice camera. However, on your budget, you can't take any nature shots from a distance with the 18-55mm lens that comes with it for that price, spend around one hundred and fifty dollars more, and get the 55-200mm lens too, which i have. If you ask for some nature shots i can show you some of mine next week. It's a really nice lens. The 18-55mm lens that comes with it can't zoom that much, and it's not good enough for any sort of nature photography, but this is a really nice camera.