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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