May
01
2010
Which digital SLR???
By adminI’ve been looking into buying a new Digital SLR and have a shortlist but each has reported problems:
1) Nikon d60 with VR lens : downside price and ?apparently slow AF?
2) Sony Alpha A200: downside ?quality of lenses?
3) Olympus e-510: downside ?noisier pictures and smaller dynamic range?
Price and feature-wise I’m erring towards the Olympus but am a little worried by reported picture quality in bright sunlight: any advice would be very welcome!!
From SLR Camera Lenses, post Which digital SLR???
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May 1st, 2010 at 2:26 pm
I would go for the Nikon.
May 1st, 2010 at 2:56 pm
Canon 450D, it’s brilliant.
May 1st, 2010 at 3:23 pm
All three are excellent cameras, go to http://dpreview.com and compare the 3 side by side, and read the reviews. Try them out in a camera store, try them with different lenses, get a feel for the cameras.
Have you looked at the Canon XSi or XTi ? They also are great entry level cameras, the XSi comes with an image stabilized lens, and has spot metering.
Of the 3 you’ve mentioned, I’d go with the Nikon. Nikon and Canon have the most available lenses and accessories on the market.
May 1st, 2010 at 4:12 pm
Substitute the Sony A300 or A350 for the A200 and then go to:
http://www.digitalcameraguide.com
http://www.popphoto.com
http://www.cameralabs.com
http://www.dpreview.com
http://www.shutterbug.com
Read the reviews and side by side comparisons of the cameras on your list and decide for yourself which one has the most features and benefits for your money. Also, pay especial attention to the section “What’s In the Box”. This tells you exactly what the manufacturer includes and by knowing this you can spot on-line scams.
IMO the Sony A300 or A350 would be an excellent choice. Sony has their version of image stabilization (Super Steady Shot) in the camera body. Any lens you use will thus benefit from the stabilization instead of just a select few.
The A300 & A350 have Live View that actually works with the auto focus. The reviews will explain its benefits.
Sony currently lists 26 branded lenses, has released a Carl Zeiss line of lenses and can use every legacy Minolta Maxxum AF lens made since 1985.
Just remember that no camera is perfect in every way. Each one will have strengths and weaknesses. You’ll have to decide which one has more strengths that outweigh its weaknesses.
I strongly suggest buying your new camera from a real camera store – one that only sells cameras, not 10,001 other things and cameras. Most professional camera stores offer an hour or two of hands-on instruction with your new camera to get you started.
If you must shop on-line, here are some good sellers:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com
http://www.adorama.com
http://www.keh.com
http://www.beachcamera.com
If you find a deal that just seems too good to be true, check out the seller at http://www.resellerratings.com
I also suggest you plan on taking some photography classes if you haven’t already done so. Classes are the fastest and best way to learn. You might also want to add these books to your personal library:
“Hands-On Digital Photography” by George Schaub
“How Digital Photography Works, Second Edition” by Ron White
Visit your library and read the photography magazines they subscribe to. If one really appeals to you then buy a subscription. My personal favorite is Shutterbug.
While you’re shopping at adorama.com check out their section titled “Adorama Imaging Resource Center” (AIRC). You’ll find a lot of good, useful information there and its free.
Happy researching and shopping and welcome to the fascinating, frustrating world of advanced photography.
May 1st, 2010 at 5:04 pm
I use both digital and professional film camera. My “BEST” cameras are Nikon, Mamiya, Bronica, and Canon. For a Digital SLR Nikon wins hands down. For one the lens selection is rather large. It will be an investment, it’s built toough, it has superior optics, and in 5 years it will still hold it’s value. As far as Sony and Olympus goes… they usually end up in the trash in 4 years with no resale value.
May 1st, 2010 at 5:22 pm
Hav you looked at the Canon 450d as an alternative?
May 1st, 2010 at 6:19 pm
i would say go with the nikon. in lens vibration reduction is better than the sony built-in image stabilizer.