Buying a semi-pro DSLR camera, any suggestions?

Q. I'm a young amateur photographer who's finally got a job and will be able to afford a camera better than my old Sony Cybershot. I'm hoping to eventually pursue a side career in event photography and photojournalism. I guess what I'm looking for a "semi-professional" or starter digital SLR camera, but I have really no experience with brands or makes and I need some advice. My price range would be preferably under $500.

Also, I would like to buy used to keep costs down but I'm a little weary because I've been told that shutters wear out [or something to that effect] and that the cameras actually have a limited number of exposures.

Anybody have advice or a suggestion?

Thanks!

Answer
A DSLR camera is an investment but it can be well worth it. DSLR cameras have the larger sensor so you get a higher quality images. You can change lenses which can be valuable, by allowing to adjust to different needs. Here is what I recommend to people getting into a DSLR for the first time.

There are a number of good brands so don't be sold on the idea one brand is better than another. I would keep your costs down. I would get a DSLR with a short zoom (like a 18-55mm) to start. No reason to spend more than $425 to $550. Either a 10MP or 12MP will do just fine.

Below, I listed some links, the first link listed below is to a web page that lists the 3 DSLR cameras I am recommending. This list will let you compare features and specs, also it has links to reviews of the cameras, the reviews include sample images from the cameras. Also I included some links to some dealers so that you can try and get the best price. Some dealers have some nice extras, free shipping is very common, and sometimes they are offering a free memory card and/or camera bag. Sometimes you have to click in the âadd to cartâ button to see the actual price.

Here are some models that I think are well worth researching:

Nikon D3000 10MP DSLR Digital Camera with 18-55mm VR Lens - $449
EOS Rebel XS (1000D) 10MP DSLR Digital Camera Kit w/18-55mm IS Lens - $499
Pentax K-x 12MP DSLR with 18-55mm Zoom (has HD Video also) - $550

Pick a price range, some features you know you want, and even consider which camera feels good in your hand as a factor. Plenty of great cameras, get one you like and start learning the principles of photography and you will be on your way to making some great images.

If you want to stay under $500 then go Nikon or Canon but, I think the Pentax could be of special interest, since it can do HD video and has excellent quality at higher ISO settings which can be useful in low light places and helping get the picture. These features, especially the HD video, on a Nikon or Canon will cost you $100 to $200 more.

If you have any questions and if you think I can be of help then please do contact me.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

Mark

marksablow.com

Camera with quality as good as DSLR/SLR Cameras?

JUKK

- Shutter speeds, At least 10 seconds, and at least 1/2000
- ISO, at least low as 100, at least high as 3200
- Good video quality w/audio (don't know where to start on this).
- Price range: No more than $350.


I'm looking for a camera where I can shoot great pictures, not trying to go all with the 'professional' look and quality, but great enough that to 'regular' people the photos seem good as if it was taken with DSLR/SLR cameras. Also I'm probably going to be playing with shutter speeds. As for video, I'm probably going to do music videos (again I don't want it to be all professional) I just want something to shoot around and do production with that will look great with quality. With the audio, I know some of you might mention blue tooth/ wireless microphone for music videos, but I'm going to edit 100% of the audio out and replacing it with the audio music anyways so I don't need a camera compatible of having that feature. But I'd still like a camera with a microphone and audio feature just so I can shoot at parties or when I'm bored doing video blogs and such.

I'm not looking to go all greatly expensive. Don't show me camera's that or more than what's my expecting price range. I pushed it from 250 - 350 already. I don't need for anyone to say " for only 100 or 150 more you can get this" Because If I'm going to spend anywhere near $500 I mine as well just get an expensive DSLR, and I'm not looking to do that, I'm not a professional photographer, but I do know some what about photography knowledge which I picked up from a class I took in high school (which wasn't that many years ago).

Thanks..
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8815455&type=product&id=1206749661150

GOOD ENOUGH?
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8791097&type=product&id=1205537513525

Another one I found
to "fhotoace"..now you got me interested in the D90. I'm impressed by how high quality that video sample was. I guess I'll have to do more saving. It's like 1200 bucks or so for that camera. Very worth it.

Answer
The SLR-like cameras may suit your needs.

Look here.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp

The Panasonic you listed would be an excellent choice, especially with the fine 10x Leica lens.

Check on the audio on that camera. None of the sites I checked list audio as a feature.

On the side of saving to eventually buy a DSLR:

DSLR's have sensors that are over 15 times the size of most P&S cameras.

* Most have shutter speeds from 30 seconds to 1/4000th second
* ISO (depending upon the size and pixel count of the sensor) from 100 to 3200 are pretty much standard on any $1000 plus camera body
* NO DSLR has video but for two. The $1,000 Nikon D90 and the $2,800 Canon 5D, Mark II. Both have audio.


Sample video from a D90

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgmrOrzPVvk&feature=related

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best quality sensor in a non-dslr camera?

Max

I recently bought a second hand Canon Powershot Sx20IS, not for the zoom, but because I wanted better low-light capability and less noise and artifacts in my photos.
I don't have the budget for an expensive DSLR, I just needed something better than
my Samsung ES91.

I am a tad disappointed with the SX20's performance - it's barely any better than the E91!
I mostly take macro, or close-up photos of reptiles, fish and other exotic animals in an indoor environment.

Any suggestions?

Answer
you need a LARGE image sensor to get better image quality, you jumped from one small image sensor camera to another, that's why you saw no difference.

If you want to skip dSLRs, you can still get a large sensor like a dSLR (or nearly so depending on brand/model). The best bang for the buck is the Sony NEX 3N for 499 US dollars, nothing can touch it, no Canon, no Nikon no Pentax. Another one to look at, the Olympus E PM2 also worth a look.

Whatever you do, don't pay big bucks for tiny sensor camera like a Canon G series or Nikon P series, those cameras are not a good value. Any new Sony NEX like the 3N or 5R, or any new 2012 or 2013 micro four thirds camera will give you dSLR image quality. A nikon 1 series will get you close to dSLR quality like the J1, J2 or S1. Avoid the higher pixel count J3, the image quality went down when they added too many pixels.

To get the most out of any of these cameras, shoot in RAW format not jpeg.

What is so good about DSLR cameras?

YupItsMe!

What is a DSLR camera? Why do professional photographers use them? What the difference between a DSLR and a regular digital camera?

Answer
DSLR- Digital Single Lens Reflex- it uses interchangeable lenses

The difference between a DSLR and a P&S/"bridge" camera is the DSLR uses interchangeable lenses and a sensor that is about 15 times larger than a "normal" digital camera. A larger sensor gives larger and higher quality photos that have less digital noise. I have/can get lenses with optical quality/larger apertures that a P&S camera can't get. The DSLRs also tolerate low-light levels better and can shoot a higher FPS rate.

The other benefit that my DSLR camera has is an alloy frame (for durability) and various seals to make it weather resistant.

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Camera with quality as good as DSLR/SLR Cameras?

JUKK

- Shutter speeds, At least 10 seconds, and at least 1/2000
- ISO, at least low as 100, at least high as 3200
- Good video quality w/audio (don't know where to start on this).
- Price range: No more than $350.


I'm looking for a camera where I can shoot great pictures, not trying to go all with the 'professional' look and quality, but great enough that to 'regular' people the photos seem good as if it was taken with DSLR/SLR cameras. Also I'm probably going to be playing with shutter speeds. As for video, I'm probably going to do music videos (again I don't want it to be all professional) I just want something to shoot around and do production with that will look great with quality. With the audio, I know some of you might mention blue tooth/ wireless microphone for music videos, but I'm going to edit 100% of the audio out and replacing it with the audio music anyways so I don't need a camera compatible of having that feature. But I'd still like a camera with a microphone and audio feature just so I can shoot at parties or when I'm bored doing video blogs and such.

I'm not looking to go all greatly expensive. Don't show me camera's that or more than what's my expecting price range. I pushed it from 250 - 350 already. I don't need for anyone to say " for only 100 or 150 more you can get this" Because If I'm going to spend anywhere near $500 I mine as well just get an expensive DSLR, and I'm not looking to do that, I'm not a professional photographer, but I do know some what about photography knowledge which I picked up from a class I took in high school (which wasn't that many years ago).

Thanks..
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8815455&type=product&id=1206749661150

GOOD ENOUGH?
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8791097&type=product&id=1205537513525

Another one I found
to "fhotoace"..now you got me interested in the D90. I'm impressed by how high quality that video sample was. I guess I'll have to do more saving. It's like 1200 bucks or so for that camera. Very worth it.

Answer
The SLR-like cameras may suit your needs.

Look here.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp

The Panasonic you listed would be an excellent choice, especially with the fine 10x Leica lens.

Check on the audio on that camera. None of the sites I checked list audio as a feature.

On the side of saving to eventually buy a DSLR:

DSLR's have sensors that are over 15 times the size of most P&S cameras.

* Most have shutter speeds from 30 seconds to 1/4000th second
* ISO (depending upon the size and pixel count of the sensor) from 100 to 3200 are pretty much standard on any $1000 plus camera body
* NO DSLR has video but for two. The $1,000 Nikon D90 and the $2,800 Canon 5D, Mark II. Both have audio.


Sample video from a D90

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgmrOrzPVvk&feature=related

Where can I buy HIGH-QUALITY dslr cameras?

Lee

Where can I find high-quality Canon/Nikon DSLR cameras for a really low price?

Answer
The sites that sell cameras at a really low price, are scam artists. They sell you gray market cameras, refurbished cameras or cameras with most of the accessories that are supposed to come in the box when you buy the camera ... like a battery and charger, the software, USB cords, A/V cords, body caps, lens caps (front and rear) neck strap and other things, then try to jack you up to pay for what should be with the cameras.

The best price at any minute can usually be found on Amazon dot com.

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DSLR cameras with good image quality?

dancelaugh

I want to get a good camera to take professional-looking pictures. I'm mostly thinking outside pictures, like of the sky, nature, people modeling in nature, maybe close-ups of things like flowers...maybe a setting where the thing in focus could be really clear but the background would be blurry (but at times I want the whole picture to be really clear). Any good camera recommendations?

Answer
I just bought a Pentax Kx digital single lens reflex. Also I answer a lot of questions on this forum have spent more than 45 yrs as a working professional wedding photographer. I too want a camera with good image quality, but not priced out of sight! I choose the Pentax Kx because it is a very cleanly designed camera. This camera has the stabilization function built into the camera body. What this means is that I don't have to spend more money on each lens like the "big guns" Canon & Nikon, for the stabilization feature.. Don't get me wrong, Canon & Nikon are probably the best available, and cost the most also. To put this in context for you as a retired professional, I would definitely buy the Canon or Nikon if I planned to give the camera a lot of use like equal to 2 -36 exposure rolls of film (or 72 digital photo's) a week. But I don't shoot that quantity and more. so the Pentax is more than adequate for me.
P.S. All the things you mentioned are individually covered in the "Scene" mode on this camera.

How good are the Sony brand DSLR cameras?

Photo Nut

I am looking for my first DSLR camera. Someone recommended Sony, because of the price. I am having trouble convincing my husband to shell out the money for the Canon EOS 50D I am wanting. I know it is a little advance for a first timer, but I am up for the challenge. Anyway I was wondering if someone could tell me a little more about the Sony cameras. thanks

Answer
The Sony DSLRs, like all DSLRs, are good cameras that give excellent results. Many argue one brand over others, but the reality is that the DSLRs are flagship products and must be high quality to support future sales for these companies. Specifically, Sony bought the camera business from Konica Minolta to offer these high end cameras and improve the overall quality of all the cameras they sell. Konica Minolta had a long history of producing great quality film cameras and some excellent digital ones. The Sony Alpha series becomes a continuation of that Konica Minolta line.

It's in your best interest to get out to some camera shops and handle the cameras. Ho they feel when you hold them is very important. Where I work, I was tasked with using the company Nikon D60 to take photos during the tour of a new facility. That camera did not fit my hand and my hand actually ended up cramping and hurt by the end. How that camera fit in my hand would be very important in my decision.

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What's the difference between a regular digital camera and a dslr camera?

dslr camera quality image

:D

I was wondering if I should invent in a dslr camera?
my regular digital camera is good, but the images don't come out as clear and high quality as i'd like. also the colors never look about right.

i mainly use the camera to photograph myself for my clothing line.
i also use it for things such as football games at my school and regular events.
sometimes i do shoots with others, just to experiment.

should i invest in a dslr camera?

Answer
DSLRs have much larger digital sensors that deliver image quality because they have much larger pixels. Not more pixels just bigger ones.


Also the lenses are much better.

http://digital-photography.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_to_make_sense_of_sensor_size

What is the best dslr camera you can get that isn't very expensive?

Claire

I want a dslr camera that is under about 300 dollars that can take very good quality pictures. I know most dslr cameras are very expensive, but I am looking for the best camera that isn't as expensive. And also, is it a good idea to look for a used dslr camera so it can be cheaper than the original price?

Answer
Make sure you get a canon. if you get nikon you will probably end up shedding out for more lenses. the D300 is NOT the best digital slr so don't listen. It is far from the best. If you are looking for a good price and fairly cheap lenses always go for a used Canon. If you get a model such as 400d or 350d which has been out for time you will get one for very cheap. Check ebay or amazon for used 400d body's.

I used the 400d before my 7d and it served me VERY well. :)

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