Selecting the right first DSLR: I am new to the DSLR field and need some advice on choice of cameras. I have narrowed it down to about 3 different cameras. One is the Sony Alpha A55...

Racmanaz Loc: Sunny Tucson!

I am new to the DSLR field and need some advice on choice of cameras. I have narrowed it down to about 3 different cameras. One is the Sony Alpha A55, Alpha A65 and the Canon T4i. Can anyone give me some advice to each one of these pros and cons and if I should increase my choices. I am also concerned about numbers of pixels that these cameras produce, is there a limit pixels we should be looking for? I am going to be doing more nature, wildlife and soon super macro/Micro.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Racmanaz wrote:

I am new to the DSLR field and need some advice on choice of cameras. I have narrowed it down to about 3 different cameras. One is the Sony Alpha A55, Alpha A65 and the Canon T4i. Can anyone give me some advice to each one of these pros and cons and if I should increase my choices. I am also concerned about numbers of pixels that these cameras produce, is there a limit pixels we should be looking for? I am going to be doing more nature, wildlife and soon super macro/Micro.

Welcome to our forum. Very wise of you to ask before buying. You will find that people will give good reviews to the equipment they have, so take that into consideration. Also, read some camera reviews. As many will tell you, spend your best money on lenses because you will keep them forever, while cameras get repalced as new ones come along.

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

Gidgette Loc: Boerne,Texas

Welcome to UHH. You can learn just about anything about cameras here. Looking forward to seeing some of your pictures when you start shooting pictures with you new camera. Good luck.

HOT Texas Loc: From the Heart of Texas

I have both camera and both are great camera's, I chose Sony just because you can buy old Minolta AF lens that will fit right on a New Sony at a very resealable price. (I'm on a tight budget) Not all Minolta lens are good, you have to do your home work. but I will give you a example. A 1988 Minolta 50mm 1.7 will sell for around $70.00 in excellent condition, and it is one awesome fast lens.

If money is no problem by all means you can't go wrong with Sony, Canon or Nikon all are great camera now days.

snowbear

Does any one of them feel better in your hands? If so, I'd put that on the top of your list.

HOT Texas Loc: From the Heart of Texas

I agree with Snowbear :D

hangman45 Loc: Hueytown Alabama

Since you say you do mostly nature look at the Pentax K-30 it should be hitting the stores very shortly. The reason I say check it is because it is weather sealed and has the same sensor as the K-5 also it has dual dials which makes it easier in the manual modes to change shutter speed and aperture.
You can also use every lens ever made for Pentax and all will have image stabilization.

Racmanaz Loc: Sunny Tucson!

I have held the Canon t4i and it'sa nice fit, have not been able to locate anyne carrying the Sony, you have any suggestions on who would have the Sony on hand?

outsider Loc: Antelope Valley, California

I'd stay with the Canon, Nikon, and maybe look into the Pentax Hangman is talking about. I shoot with Canon, but my first SLR was a Pentax K-1000. It was 1980 or so I was 11 or 12 years old and mowed lawns for 8 months saving every cent until I had enough money. I'll never forget that day or that camera (someone stole it out of my locker at school). Anyway, Pentax glass and camera bodies are very good as well. I know nothing about Sony but I'd worry if they'll be in the DSLR business for the long run, but that's just me. Nikon is fantastic as well. Check out DPreview.com, they have good reviews on cameras, lens, equipment, etc. Welcome to the world of SLR Photography.

oldmalky Loc: West Midlands,England.

Oh dear lets hammer sony says outsider even though i know nothing about them. myself and one of my friends shoot sony,and his camera happens to be the a55 which he reckons to be top notch, im going up to a sony a57 as i have every confidence in sony.

JustBNme Loc: The Darkside...

Racmanaz wrote:

I have held the Canon t4i and it'sa nice fit, have not been able to locate anyne carrying the Sony, you have any suggestions on who would have the Sony on hand?

I agree with snowbear. If the camera feels good that's what you should try also look into a photo club in your area. see if you can locate one and if so maybe someone there will have a camera that you can try. There are also places online that you can rent a camera from to try before you buy.

pappy0352 Loc: Oregon

I feel all of the DSLR's out there today are good. I also would't shy away from a Sony they make nice cameras. It all comes down to what feels the best in your hands. Take your time look at each of them and see which one feels the best, which one that the controls feels the best. At that point if you are still undecided then pull a name from a hat. I don't think you will be unhappy.

Pappy

bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

you said it was your first dslr, i would say get a used outfit for under $400.00 get to know how to use it and make a list of it's shortcommings as youfind out what kinds of photos you like to take.this will help you as you upgrade.no need to start out with $1000.00 worth of equipment.

Toby

I suggest you look at available attachments including and especially lenses. Many cameras will do what you want but if it is not a Nikon or Canon the assecessories may be limited and eventually down the road you will feel trapped. I walked away from a Sony and went to a Canon for this reason. An expensive move because I had a lot of lenses but several years later now I am happy I made the move. I can find anything I want from many different manufacturers for my Canon.

cmcd Loc: RVA

Do you have any lenses now... that might bias your decision of you can use them.