Looking to get my first DSLR

[chrisb]

There are so many on the market and they all seem to do the same things, have the same features, and even come with the same standard zoom lens. Soooooo.... whats the difference between brands? Is one better (fact not opinion) than the others? Are there any brands i need to stay away from?

Any help out there?

[Bigfoot]

Maybe i'm 'tarded, but what is a DSLR?

[Holg3107]

Stick with Canon or Nikon, there are more lenses out there for them than other brands. I baught my first DSLR 2 years ago (canon Rebel XTi) great camera its been replaced with the canon rebel XSi, great starter camera with tons of options. The compatable Nikon model D90 is also a good starter camera but a bit more expensive. Both would be good choices in my mind but like i said i am still on my first DSLR. Hopefully boneaddict or pope will have more info, they seem to shoot alot of pictures.

[halflife65]

Hey, I posted something similar recently and got some good advice (see link below).  Some of the guys made some good suggestions on both the camera body as well as lenses.

I bought a couple of magazines just so that I could have a basic understanding of terminology - there's so much info that it's hard to pick through it when you're trying to make your first purchase.  Especially when you only have a rudimentary idea about the subject.  I've been reading up on it through the mags that I bought as well as various sites.  There are some suggested links in the thread below that you may want to check out.  I'm currently looking for a used camera so that I can spend additional money on lenses (as suggested by various experienced photographers.)  I'll be ready to purchase in December, assuming everything goes according to plan.

Good luck!  I'm still trying to figure everything out, so keep us up-to-date on your decision! 

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,37137.0.html

[huntnphool]

FWIW, if you go with Canon I would stick with one of the D series, 20D,30D,40D camera's over the Rebel series. There a suttle differences but several of them.

DSLR, digital single-lens reflex

[Bigfoot]

FWIW, if you go with Canon I would stick with one of the D series, 20D,30D,40D camera's over the Rebel series. There a suttle differences but several of them.

DSLR, digital single-lens reflex

Thanks phool, I was beginning to wonder if someone would answer.

[popeshawnpaul]

In reality the cameras all do the same thing.  They collect light and spit out an image.  There is nothing revolutionary between any of them and they can all take magazine quality images.  The key is buy a good lens.  If you are spending more money on your camera than the lens, you should be second guessing your decision.  Cheap kit lenses are crap.  Just buy a body and a decent lens separately unless that's what you really want for some reason.  There are tons of links on the previous thread that will get you where you need to go.  Once you think you get it figured out and have a specific question, let me know and I'll try and help the best I can.