What is the best all around semi-pro digital camera to start out with?

Question

I have been seriously looking at the Nikon D40X or D60 and also at the Canon Rebel XTI 400D.Does anyone know how the Olympus E420 or Sony Alpha A300 compares to them?I want one that takes clean crisp photos and quick easy to use features?As for my research,it seems as if the Olympus has more added features than any of them?Such as dust reduction an image stabilizer and auto focus.But all i ever hear about is the Canon and Nikon.Can anyone pls give me advice about this?Thanks.

Answer 1

If you don't feel like reading the rest of this page, just buy a Nikon D40.

I would buy the D60 before I bought the D40x, because you're trading off speed for a little bit of resolution. If you try the D60 continuously next to the D40x, you'll see that the D40x is slower.

The point of buying an SLR is for the lenses. The Olympus and Sony might have some neat features, but lens-wise (which is where the deep image quality comes out) they can't stack up against the Nikon and Canon (especially not the Sony).

I have always preferred Nikon to Canon, but if you buy a DSLR from either of them, you will not be disappointed.

Edit: Oh yes, and while Sony has VR built into the body (which is a good design, I admit) the Nikon's in-lens VR is significantly superior.

Answer 2

My opinion is that I would stick with Canon and Nikon. They have many more top quality lenses and accessories to choose from than the others. They are also the choice of professionals so as you advance you will have more choices. I have heard good things about the Sony. They are producing more lenses and other equipment but they are still relatively new to the SLR market.

The Olympus I would rate the lowest of the cameras you mentioned but you can check the reviews. I would also like to correct some misinformation you have gotten. All digital SLR's will have autofocus and dust reduction or automatic sensor cleaning. As far as Image stabilization goes Sony also has IS built into the camera body. Canon and Nikon have IS in the lens. It is called VR for Nikon.

I would also add the Rebel XSi to your list. This is the newest camera in the Rebel series and is an upgrade to the XTi.