mcveed Loc: Kelowna, British Columbia (between trips)

Lower end cameras are not simpler. They are just less capable and have less potential. All those 'scene' modes are just a waste of money. They are crutches which will make the learning process more difficult. 'P' mode is dumb/simple enough for anyone who wishes to learn photography.

Basil Loc: New Mexico

Been trying to hem some slacks with my 7D but can't get the lens threaded!

amehta Loc: Boston

I believe you are the rare exception, and David is even a rarer exception. In the past six months, one person trumps you, he was getting his first DSLR and couldn't decide between a D4 and D4S.

Most people are not ready to spend over $8k on a hobby they are not yet committed to, so I'm pretty comfortable recommending less expensive gear for a first-time DSLR purchase. With a pro-level body, you really do have to spend about $5k to get good lenses, because I refuse to suggest to anyone that they get a D800 and a 28-300mm lens.

I admit I am an elitist about a camera like the D800. Basically, if you don't know what ISO is and how to change it on the D800, I don't think you should be using it. Yes, I saw this happen, and then the person said he wanted a D4 because it had more "in-camera" post-processing and he didn't like using post-processing software.

Of course, if you have fistfuls of cash, you can spend it any way you want. But if you ask how you should spend it, why complain when you don't get the answer you wanted? Just ignore us and spend it.

amehta Loc: Boston

I would say it is like telling someone who doesn't know how to drive to not buy a Corvette.

amehta Loc: Boston

We're not suggesting crummy cameras which can't plow through scenes and take pictures. No DSLR is going to bunch up all the thread. :-)

oldtigger Loc: Roanoke Virginia-USA

i don't have any problem saying:

"If you want snap shots, buy any bridge camera."

"if you lack the funds or physical strength to handle a real camera buy a Nikon D7100."

"if you want quality photographs, buy a nikon D800"

If they already have an investment in a body or lenses, they need to learn to use google search.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

I couldn't agree more. Does anyone "need" a D800? Absolutely not. But if you have the financial resources - it makes a great entry point into photography. There are lots of cool things it already has that make it easier to take great pictures, but if you set it to auto everything, and concentrate on taking pictures adn not setting up the camera a beginner can do just fine. The same applies to the high-end Canons. I see more newbies fiddling with their cameras and setting their cameras to one of myriad on scene modes.

There is a thick manual, but you don't need to read it to trigger the shutter and take a nice picture. You need to read it if you want to explore the camera's incredible capabilities, though.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

A. It's flippin' expensive
B. Its lenses are expensive (full frame)
C. It's files are huge, requiring usually a computer upgrade that can be expensive.
D. Not everyone wants or needs full frame.
E. Did I mention the cost? Could put together a system for half the cost that would provide darn near equal the quality a print sizes less than 24".

bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

some assume that if someone is on this site , that they are ready for the big leagues. we complain about sales persons who hook someone up with high commission equipment that they don't need then we do the same thing. a person says "i'm a newbe" and you suggest that he spend $2000.00 for a lens, bull shit. I started out with a sony a-200 because it came with a nice kit and did what I needed at the time. as I learned more I moved up, I could have stoped with the a-580 and been good for the next 25 years. it would have been my choice, not someone pushing me before I knew "which end was up".

DaveHam Loc: Reading UK

Not sure that suggesting someone who is new to photography would benefit by starting out with a D800 or similar. It is not the easiest camera to use, requires good technique to achieve results that don't disappoint and requires a substantial investment. Half the D800 users I see at workshops are there because of sub standard results.

We used to provide an intro to DSLR want - to - buys for a chain of camera shops. We always started off by trying to find out what the individual wanted to get out of their photography. The shops would have been happy if the recommendation would have always been top of the range massive megapixel count but in general this was not the case. Family snapshot shooting does not benefit significantly from having a high end DSLR.

Advice to a 'newbie' should perhaps be given after getting a basic understanding of what they want. Otherwise the advisor is in danger of simply transferring their own desires and wants to the 'newbie'.

There is perhaps a reverse prejudice at play here; there is no elitism in having a D800. It is a tool to do a job. Or you don't know what you want and just throw money at it.

OnDSnap Loc: NE New Jersey

Heck if I could afford it...I'd go for the D3 or D4, and all Gold banded lens covering from 12mm-800mm. Worry about the learning curve later...knowing that there is a very good chance I'll never have to upgrade in my life time and to boot, leave my kids (they also shoot)one heck of a collection. (I was always taught, never turn away work, get the job, then worry about getting it done (it's worked for 40 years)) So why not buy the best if you can afford it...you can always sell it at less of a loss (if at all) than buying a low end DSLR/lens that holds value for as long as nothing replaces it.

Bobbee

I started with a 990, then moved up to a 200, then a 700, then an 800. I now have a 700 as a back up, my 800 prime and if Mr Murphy is really messing with me because Ms. Murphy has been picking on him, I have the 200. I did like the transition and now have a good set of cameras. So the progression was right for me.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

Perhaps, but I wouldn't hesitate to teach someone how to drive in a Corvette. Well, not my Corvette (if I had one), but I would use yours to teach anyone who wanted to learn! :D

lone ranger Loc: Port Saint Lucie, Florida

Good for you, Life is truly all about taking chances, and you did extreemly well!!!!

juicesqueezer Loc: Okeechobee, Florida

Right on! Have been taking photos for years, but only a few years ago, did I get into SLR's. Then, last year, purchased my first DSLR. This site is great, but like anything you read, you sometimes have to read between the lines.
I equate camera's to rc airplanes. In our club, we have those who have small planes with glow motors and then there are those of us who have the 35% and up gas models, with investments equalling two or 3 D4's. Now, do those who have the smaller planes envy us? NO! They enjoy the hobby just like the rest of us. I finally purchased a D700 and am not looking back. Of course, I shot manual only with my D5100, so there really wasn't any real learning curve in this upgrade. Now, I want a D4. Oh dear! If you think you want it and can afford it, get it!