Gerrymarie Loc: St. Marys

Hello -
I have been showing a few photos and listening and viewing for quite a while now in this forum - so...now I am ready to move to a DSLR camera. Presently, I have a Kodak Z990 Max - which is just a point and shoot. However, I would like to start working more with low light and different lenses and such. The main reason - I was asked to take photos for my friends daughter this fall. They aren't doing anything fancy, they just want someone there to capture some memories. I thought this would be a good time to make the transition, that way I could practice with the new camera during the summer and be ready for fall. The problelm - I do not have any idea of which camera to purchase. Let me tell you what I am looking for, and hopefully someone will help me out. Here are the specifics:
Since this is my first DSLR, I don't want to pay too much...
I want the camera to be able to take GOOD indoor photos, such as a church, so I will need to be able to set the fstop so I can get more light.
I would like the burst option
And the ability to add different lenses as I get more money...
I think that is about all...
Oh - and it can't be difficult to learn to use - is that asking a lot?
I thought I would try this forum before I went to a store - because they would just tell me to buy the camera they sell!
Please help.
And thank you.
Gerry

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Gerry,
fortunately all "entry level" DSLR's will fit that bill.

What you will find is that people will recommend what they use, and they'd be right to do so but to be honest; it makes no difference since you are starting from scratch.

I can only speak for Canon, that's what I have; the Rebel series is low cost and good quality.

A Canon Rebel T2i is a real bargain. You can even do this: Buy through Canon's "Canon Loyalty Program" and get a great discount.

Here is how it works. You send them (after they send you your DSLR) ANY canon camera AS LONG AS IT'S BROKEN...and they will give you about 150.00 off a refurbished t2i.

That's the way I'd go...now all the Niconn owners can chip in here also.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Well, you certainly gave us a good list of specifics. Whatever brand you choose, it will be available with what they call a kit lens, generally 18-55mm. Although this is not the highest quality lens in the world, it will let you take very good pictures, and getting it with the camera will be less expensive than buying it separately. As for additional lenses, buy the best you can afford. As time goes by, you will want to upgrade your camera, but you will keep your lenses. Then lens is more important to quality photos than the camera.

Nikon and Canon are the two most popular brands, but there are other brands that are basically just as good in terms of picture quality. Go to a store like Target or Best Buy and see and touch the cameras in person to see how they feel in your hands.

All modern DSLRs have Auto mode, so you can just point and shoot. When you become more familiar with the camera, you can start changing settings. The camera will also have a pop-up flash for indoor use. Most cameras have burst mode, too. As for learning to use it, that just a matter of practice, reading, and asking questions. There are lots of demos on youtube for just about every model camera.

I'm familiar with Nikon cameras, and the D3200 and D5100 would be good to get you started. The next step up would be the excellent D7000, but that costs around $1,000.

When you get close to making a decision, read reviews and buy from a reputable source, like Adorama, Amazon, or B&H.

Camera Reviews
kenrockwell.com
dpreview.com
snapsort.com
http://www.whatdigitalcamera.com/equipment.html

Gerrymarie Loc: St. Marys

rapivch - thank you, I will start checking out Canons!

kmohr3 Loc: Rockford, IL

I agree with the T2i being a bargain - also the T3i can be had for not too much more.

Gerrymarie Loc: St. Marys

Thank you Jerryc41 - that helps. Will both of these have a light meter? I have been reading a lot about the light meter, and my Kodak doesn't have one.

MWAC Loc: Somewhere East Of Crazy

yes they will have in-camera light meters, I believe all DSLR's will have the built-in light meters now (someone will correct me if I'm wrong).

I'm a canon girl, so I only really have canon experience. You can't go wrong with any of the entry level DSLR canon offers.

Gerrymarie Loc: St. Marys

Thank you, MWAC, I am not even sure how to use it or what it is, but I am reading a photography book on exposure and every exercise it seems, has me working with a light meter...so I better make sure the camera I get has one!

sinatraman Loc: Vero Beach Florida, Earth,alpha quaudrant

allmodern cameras have a built in light meter.some authors of photography books recomend also owning a hand held light meter. i have 2 but only use them on tricky lighting situations. although i am a nikonian i would advise you to take a serious look at pentax. i just read an intial review on the new pentax at popphoto magazine, and it looks like its built rugged.whatever you do, go to a real camera store not the big box stores if possible.

glojo Loc: South Devon, England

I am a Nikon fan but there is not really any difference between the two brands although we Nikon users tend to be more reserved :oops: :roll: (banter)

I have only very recently joined this forum but I have noted there is an excellent person that has started giving lessons for DSLR owners and judging by what she has just said...... she is the owner of a Canon DSLR so if you want to make life easier for yourself then does it makes sense to get a similar camera to the one owned by 'teacher'



Is the Canon brand the more popular option in the USA?

infestation Loc: Brampton, Cumbria, UK

As others have said, all entry DSLR will fulfil your needs and more.

Find a store that has several brands and hold them all, button position, for me it was a decision between Pentax and Canon for holding in the hand, ended up going for Pentax due to better feel and button position, the Nikon felt insubstantial.

One big plus for the Nikon/Canon crews there is an abundance of modern second hand lenses out there, Pentax not so much on the modern.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

It really doesn't matter, as there are changes in sales year-to-year.

Camera Sales
http://etechbee.com/top-10-best-selling-digital-slr-cameras-in-2012/
http://www.steves-digicams.com/best-cameras.html
http://www.squidoo.com/top-10-digital-slr-cameras-2011

larrycumba

Specific # 1. How much are you willing to spend, not how much do you want to spend?

pappy0352 Loc: Oregon

I also shoot wit the T2i and love it. I'm sure I will upgrade one day but that may not be for a few years as the T2i gives me all I need for now.

Pappy

Gerrymarie Loc: St. Marys

I would like NOT to spend more than $1000. Do you know if Nikon and/or Canon have the same anti shake feature that Sony does? How do you feel about Sony?