What is the best starter DSLR camera?

[tickledblue]

Hi ladies,

So I'm after a Digital SLR camera. I'm moving up from a simple point and shoot digital camera, and am looking to buy an SLR.
I don't want anything too fancy to begin with, as my skill level simply isn't up there yet! :o

The first one that sprung to mind was the one on the tv ad, where theres a regular guy and hes bought this new camera and has taken some great photos. The photos are displayed in a gallery or something and these art critics are asking him about the shutter speed etc and he's like "Uh... pretty fast, I guess?"
Can anyone tell me what camera this ad is for, as it seems to be what I'm after.

Any suggestions as to what you think is a good starter SLR or what you yourself use wouldbe much appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

[JATS]

Is that ad for a dslr? a dslr is (in the most basic description possible) a digital camera you can change the lens on.

Do you actually want an slr or just a point and shoot that takes good pics and offers some level of control?

The Canon 500D is a good entry level dslr unit, like most it has auto mode that takes care of everything while you get used to using the camera (you don't need to worry about shutter speed/aperture until you get the hang of it).

[ManekiNeko]

Nikon have just released their new entry level the d3100.

[Hollywood]

I'm interested too, will keep an eye on this thread :)

[mummyturtle]

Nikon have just released their new entry level the d3100.

i want, i want, i want!!!!

[Mumcm]

I want one too! :) what channel was the ad on? Maybe google it?

[mimsie]

Nikon is good because they are backwards compatible with lenses from non digital SLRs. this means you can pick up cheaper second hand lenses when you want to extend your range and try a few new things out, by looking on ebay etc for the older models of lenses :)

Should add i'm pretty biased, my Dad is a long-term Nikon customer and loves his, and i get to play :D

Also their service centre in Sydney is quite good and can be quite helpful! Dad's a professional so his camera's get serviced fairly regularly but he is also very picky and finds their advice etc very welcome.

[Mumcm]

Bump !

[Pregnor]

I have the Canon 500D and I bought it with the intention of doing a class to learn how to use it. Ummm oops!

It still takes awesome pics though, it has heaps of auto settings. I love how it has a continuous shooting which allows me to get some great action shots of DS that would normally be blurred to poop.

I LOVE Canon cameras, their point and click ones are fabbo too. My sister is a journo and asked around her friends what the best cameras to get are and they all said that Canon lenses are the best.
HTH

[Izy]

From what I've been told there is a distinct difference in amateur and pro for conon, but with Nikon the lines blur a bit. So it's easier/more affordable to progress with Nikon iykwim.


You can buy the expensive body/cheap lens or vice versa and upgrade the other later on.

[ManekiNeko]

I think when you choose you have to choose wisely because you are making a life long investment. If you start of with either nikon or canon and you get serious it then becomes too costly to switch. I started with Sony and I want to move more mainstream so I can rent equipment as well like lens or speedlights or even an extra body at some point. The thing that swayed me is the terrible af canon have on the 5D Mk II. I can not begin to count the amount of pro wedding photogs I've heard complain about canon's af issues particularly on that camera. I mean sure not everyone is going to buy such a high end camera but if you end up down that road it would kind of suck to be let down on af. For that reason I would choose Nikon.

[JATS]

:confused: I own a 5dmkII and know several others who do also and have never heard of af issues with them!

[JJAZ]

I recently brought a 500D - Love it to bits!

[tickledblue]

Makekei(sp?) apologies if i got it wrong!
what camera do you use? and what basic kit did u start with?