Any recommendation for a DSLR camera to buy?

Olympus is the best value in DSLRs today. Several reviews have mentioned that Olympus offers a better value by packing more features for the same or, in most cases, less than the competition. Olympus has been praised for being easy for beginners while offering the full control and quality that professionals demand. Olympus also makes the smallest and lightest DSLRs on the market today, with the E-420 being the smallest.

Olympus offers picture quality comparable to any other manufacturer out there. It is true that the sensor, the four thirds system, is smaller than other DSLRs. It is also true that this technology was created with cooperation between Olympus and Kodak with support from Sigma, Sanyo, Panasonic, Leica, and Fuji. It’s not just one company, its an industry standard. Olympus also designed its digital Zuicko lenses to be digital from the ground, rather than adapt film lenses for digital use. The end result is a sharp, clear, crisp image with great color quality and clarity. Since Olympus cameras come with many shooting modes and live view, it’s easier to become familiar with the camera and learn the manual controls one by one until you are ready for full manual control.

I have used many different camera brands over the past 30 years, including Nikon, Fuji, Argus, Olympus and even Sanyo among others. I choose Olympus because the cameras are lighter and offer more features than the competition in the same class. On the entry level side, the Olympus E-420 offers many advanced features other entry level cameras, such as the Nikon D40, don’t have. My E-510 came with a nice 14-42mm lens that is the one of, if not the, lightest lens offered with a DSLR kit, and among the fastest to auto focus. And with the new prime 25mm lens, the E-420 has been compared in size to some compact cameras. The size and weight can become an issue when carrying a camera around all day. Look around Yahoo! Answers and you will find several people who upgraded to DSLR cameras now looking for a quality compact to use as their take along. All cite the size and weight of the DSLR as the main factor.

Since Olympus offers more for less money, you’ll find it easier t get all those extras that go along with a new camera. You can’t forget about the things you need such as memory cards, tripod, carry bag, extra battery, flash, etc. You don’t want to find yourself short, no matter what camera you decide to buy.

When buying a DSLR camera, most come bundled with a lens in a kit. Olympus offers auto focus on all the kit lenses, with the exception being the new prime 25mm lens. Some companies offer only manual focus lenses. It’s not a major issue. After all manual focus lenses tend to be lighter since they have no motor in them. However, many people moving to their first DSLR are looking for those little things that help them out and prefer auto focus lenses, at least to start. This is another reason Olympus is often considered a better buy, giving you more for your money.

Olympus also went with Image Stabilization (IS) in the camera body. This makes all lenses IS lenses, others such as Nikon and Canon offer IS only in additional and expensive lenses. Another feature you get along with the patented, and first, dust reduction system in DSLRs. In body IS has been proven to be as effective as the lens IS. The fact is that since Olympus uses a smaller sensor and in body IS works best with smaller sensors, it made sense to offer IS as a value added feature.

It’s also true that any DSLR you choose will be a quality product that serves you well for years. The main differences tend to be the features offered at a given price point and personal preference. Nikon and Canon have the largest share, with Olympus being the fastest growing brand. Sigma and Leica are known for their quality and the price shows.

If you want a digital SLR I would say the Nikon D40 Its a entry level DSLR. A digital SLR will give you a much larger sensor than any point and shoot camera. Larger sensor = more light to each pixel = clearer, crisper photo with better color saturation. DSLR will also let you grow and take more control as you learn more and you can change lenses when you have a need to.

I am a nikon person and have had nikons since the 70's I personally think the nikon D40 give you more for the dollar than any DSLR today. There are some that do more but you pay a good bit more. Do not let the lower megapixels concern you if you do not do very very large prints you will never notice the lower DSLR. My brother recently needs a DSLR for a class and I recommended the D40 to him So I would also say get the D40 not the D40X. The Nikon D40 does not have limited functions compared with other entry DSLR. Yes it has fewer funtioncas than a 1500 dollar camera body would. It is not a a cut down version its equal or above most any entry level DSLR.

I have a d300 and a d40 and when I am shooting for fun I grabe the d40. Its weightless, a joy to use and gives good results

If you have a bit more money the D60 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. It has a newer better metering system than the D40. So you can get the D40 not the D40 x and spend the other money on lenses or a flash

Some people will want to make a big issue out of the fact that there are some nikon lenses that will not autofocus on these cameras. Right now there are "only" about 39 lenses that autofocus on these cameras. They cover the range of focal lengths. I doubt any photographer would be seriously limited with "only" this many lenses to choose from. If you want to manually focus you can more than double this and do so at a low cost. Manual focusing is easy and how we did things for decades before the advent of autofocus.

Cannon and Nikon chose to put the vibration reduction in the lens rather than the body. Somefolks put it in the camera and make of that. Yes that means you get stabilization only on lenses with that feature built in. In the body in theory it would work on every lens. But in fact image stbilization in the lens has proved to work faster and smoother with a lower impact on focus times than image stabilization in the body/ One problem with in body stabilization comes from the fact that the sensor would have to move different amounts for different focal lengths. A canon white paper says an in body system would have to move the sensor 1/4 inch to account for movement on a 300 mm lens.

In closing all the major manufactures make good cameras. With Nikon and Canon having the largest market share. Most photographers are loyal to what they use and like. Go to the stores get them in your hand and find what you like. What fits your hand well, which has the features you want in an easy to use format

Many of the new cameras come with only an LCD display. Would suggest that you find one that has an optical view finder because the LCD is almost impossible to see in bright sun.

Check the second source link for a camera that may be just what you are looking for. This is a digital video and single-lens reflex cameras that can show the finish line action in a video so it does not rely on the fast click of the shutter to catch the winner.

Via the built-in USB port, the device can be connected to any normal computer, using the power supply from the USB bus to enable continuous operation. The DV-5000G can therefore be used as a full PC and web cam with VGA resolution (640 x 480) at 30 fps. http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_... ...

Check with some of the Geeks at camera retailers and find out what they have. The information about my camera is just to show that you don't need the biggest and best.

My camera has 5.2 mega pixel, but I use 3 most of the time because it gives great results, is faster, and takes less memory. Also, it only has a 3 x optical zoom and 7x digital zoom. I never use the digital zoom because making pictures larger works better on the computer. This is an old camera, but everyone is impressed with the quality pictures it takes ... like magic. Check with the Geeks in several stores and compare prices. Ask what cameras they own. Once you select a camera read all about it in the owner's manual.

Check this camera. FUJIFILM - FinePix 10.0-Megapixel Digital. This is more camera for the money.

Wide-angle shooting, a 12x optical zoom and picture stabilization mode combine in this camera for exceptional shooting performance, even at a distance. Plentiful scene modes, autofocus and automatic white balance controls make this camera a snap to operate. Life time Warranty (Parts & Labor)

You may be able to find it on the Internet for a lower price.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8879... ...

This could be the best slim line camera.

http://shopping.yahoo.com/p:Sony%20Cyber-shot%20DS... ...

The last source link will show you most of the old and new cameras available today.

The first source link will help you clean camera and battery electrical contacts. Digital Cameras require lots of power. If the contacts are not really good, it can cause lots of problems.

Canon and Nikon are the two biggies. You can go with the Canon Rebel XTi or XSi, or Nikon D40 or D60. I think all of these camera's now come packaged with a 18-55mm lens, which is pretty good, and for starters, it's great. But if your'e working more on wildlife projects in which you may have to be far away from some subjects, that lens won't work very much. I own a Canon Rebel XTi and it works very well and efficient. Personally, I prefer Canon, but Nikon's are good too. As for stop action shots, night shots, portraits, etc., they are all possible with these camera's, and these are pretty much the entry level DSLR camera's, so you're good. And you can buy more lenses later on if you like.

I am also a little biased towards Canon :) but with good reason! I've always found I get better quality images with my Canon dSLRs, and I've used my share of Nikon D2X/D2H/D200's.

My recommendation for an entry-level would be: Canon Digital Rebel XT. It's 8 MP, which is more than you'll need, but high enough to ensure you get good, less-noisy pictures at night (just crank up the ISO to 400~800).

For the shots you're thinking of, it seems you're less into landscape shots. If so, I'd recommend either the 17-55mm f/2.8 IS or the 28-135 f/3.5-4.5 USM IS. They have great flexibility and good range, and the f/2.8 (wide, constant aperture) will ensure you get better results in low-light conditions with less possibility of blur. The 28-135mm has image stabilization, to combat camera shake. Of course, getting the best results will require tweaking, but that's a gradual learning experience. :)

I recently upgraded from an XT to a 30D, mostly because I wanted a bigger camera body (better grip) and better high ISO performance. I mostly take portraits and landscapes at the moment, so I use a 50mm f/1.4 (one of the best non-L lenses ever made) and a Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 (noisy but extremely sharp lens, and only $400!). I have examples on my deviantart. http://newdra24.deviantart.com/

Good luck!

DSLRs are nothing compared to little point and shoots so any brand will be fine. You already seem to know much more than the typical beginner though, so I'm sure you'll choose the right camera :)

For around $500 your best options are Nikon D3100 and Canon EOS t3, for more you have the Canon EOS T3i, 60D and Nikon d5200.

Here's a DSLR Buying Guide - http://www.smashingcamera.com/which-dslr-camera-to...

Good luck!

I agree with fhotoace. The D40 is the best (in my opinion) beginner DSLR on the market today. Both the canon and nikon cameras are great, so whichever one you choose, it wont matter.

As for nikon vs canon, most pros I know use nikon for ease of use etc, but for example the canon 5D - if you can be bothered to put it to the right settings, can take amazing landscapes.

The most important thing is to go take loads of pictures.

Keep shooting,

Boz

Two cameras come to mind. The Nikon D3200 and the Canon T3i. Since I'm a Nikon guy, I lean towards Nikon. Both are excellent companies.

Recommend Nikon D80 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-135mm AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens .You can view more detail and read reviews here http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&loc...