Purchasing my first DSLR...

[cheekymonkey]

Looks like I'm getting my first DSLR for Christmas this year... horray! I want to be sure I'm getting the right camera for me, what kinds of questions should I be asking the sales person (or myself) when I'm shopping?

[bluelemur01]

congrats!

Here are a few things I find important when looking at a new camera:

1. Nikon or Canon? (There ARE other manufacturers, but these are really the big two and it's a safe bet for future upgrades.) They are equally good, so choosing between them is a matter of personal preference; which one feels "right" in your hands, which one you might have some kind of emotional ties to; perhaps you already own lenses from one vendor, etc.


2. Price Range for the body? (under $1000 or over $1000 will dictate some of the options that will be available to you.) You can often get a "bundle" where the camera comes with a starter lens and all the accessories. But maybe it's better for you to buy JUST the camera body and get a better lens than the typical starter lens. This will depend on the kind of photograph you most often want to do. There may also be kits with upgrade lenses.

3. Which lens do you want to get with it? Is VR/IS (Vibration Reduction or Image Stabilization) necessary for you?

4. Megapixel rating: Most new dSLRs have at least 10 megapixels, which will allow you to blow picture up fairly large, even if the pic is cropped.

5. Warranty? If you're in the USA, make sure you get a camera with a US Warranty instead of a "gray market" warranty, or else Nikon will not let you send the camera back for repairs as easily! This is only an issue if you buy at an iffy seller; most reputable places are VERY clear on which warranty comes with the camera.

Here is a website I found that has some good questions to think about:
http://digital-photography-school.co...a-dslr-camera/

It's NOT updated with the most recent cameras, but the questions they ask are still valid ones & should give you a starting point!

good luck!
Jennifer

[MIDA78466]

so glad you posted this Christine---I'm looking to buy an DSLR too.

[cheekymonkey]

Hey Jennifer! Thank you for the advice and the link, it has definitely helped me narrow it down a bit!

[rsowers]

Hi Christine,

I agree. Nikon or Canon. Both are great. I have the Canon Xti and love it, but my friend has a Nikon and loves hers, so it's whatever works for you. I will tell you that to save money, I originally bought the camera and that did not come with image stabilization lenses because I thought it was unnecessary, and I took it back and splurged on the kit that came with IS lenses (VR for Nikon). My hand just isn't steady enough to capture some images without making them blurry, and the blurry pictures were frustrating me. That's just something to consider when you're buying if you're like me and don't have a steady enough hand. Have fun. I'm so excited for you.

[Aino]

Personally I am a Nikon girl - and I currently have a Nikon D50, but am soon about to upgrade to a D90 that recently was released.
I LOVE and ADORE my D50! A superb camera, but is not made any more.

If you want to go for Nikon, I know that the D60 is an excellent camera for those starting out with the DSLR.

What you should do, is to go to a store and hold them in your hands - Canon and Nikon - and see which one fits your hands best. They are somewhat of a different build and size and weights - so find one that suits you.
The rest is just cosmetics - all the cameras are very good these days - it is up to the one behind the camera to take the good photos.

Also check on the net, camera reviews - like dpreview dot com, which is excellent - I also like to hang out in the forums and hear what people are saying there about the various cameras.

I do second what Renee above said, getting a VR (vibration reduction) or IS (image stabilization) lense is a good thing. Especially for us with little kids!!

Good luck and congrats - you are gonna have a blast!

[kb522]

My suggestion would be to get the absolute most you can afford. I'm a Nikon user and started out with the D40, only to find that I really loved photography and some of the lenses and accessories I wanted did not work with that model. I ended up selling it and upgrading to the D80... when I probably should have just purchased that right out.

But otherwise... just go and hold them and play around! Nikons were easier to hold for me.

[rsowers]

Good point that Kb522 above makes about the D40. That's one my friend has, and she's very frustrated that she can't get the lenses she wants either. She loves the quality of the pictures.

[cheekymonkey]

I definitely need image stabilization, both for my shaky hands and my all-over-the-place dd! Good point, Kb522 -I know it would drive me crazy if I can't get new lenses, etc. for the model I chose. After holding both brands, I am leaning towards the Nikon D90... now I just have to convince the dh it is a sound investment!

[Aino]

Sounds like an excellent choice!! The D90 is a great camera and I happen to LIKE the option of video on it - why not??

Hope you get it!! Can't wait to hear what you have to say!!

[quiltedcavalier]

I'm saving up for a Canon XSi. Can't wait. Most people I come across are very adamant about their Canon's or there Nikons. No in betweens!

[Elaine]

I am a Canon girl. I recently purchased the D40 body, upgrading from the original Digital Rebel. I love that the review screen is 3inches. It shows so much more detail than the smaller ones. That alone is the reason i purchased the D40 instead of the D30. I also love the speed at whcih the motor works and how quickly it can take multiple photos. A plus for those with small children.

[HeidiKnight]

You have great advice on this thread. Canon or Nikon are always excellent bets. I agree to be careful about choosing the D40 since you're likely to find a lens you love at a price you love, but you won't love it with the D40 if you can't use auto focus.

[audrey77]

On the D40... the lenses with the auto focus will be out by December... No more issues~ :-) It's a great camera for a great price, and very light.