I decided to upgrade from my Sony Cybershot digital camera to an SLR.

I purchased a digital photography book and intend to read it cover to cover and really get a basic handle on photography.
I'm looking for something that will be easy to learn all the features but also one that will allow me to do evertything I may want to do.

People have been saying the Nikon D80 or Cannon Xsi are good entry-level SLR cameras. I'm still a little partial to Sony.

What do you photography buffs reccomend?

I'd like to keep it below $1000, but could justify going over if it will really make a big difference.

Thanks in advance for any/all help.
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Hey Patrick. I'm sure you are going to get a lot of votes for Nikon and Canon.
But i have always been partial to Sony myself. So I stuck to my guns and got a Sony Alpha 300 with a Sony Alpha zoom lens. I love this set-up


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There are plenty of great slr's out there. I used to shoot Nikon, but now I shoot Canon. I do alot of High ISO low light and IMO Canon has less noise. But both are GREAT cameras!

I shoot freelance for some pros...and they ALL tell me the same thing..NEVER buy new equipment...your probably going to end up upgrading soon enough so dont buy new.

You probably want to stay with Nikon or Canon. Reason being...its not the camera that makes great pics...its the GLASS! (and the photog but good glass with make an average photog look great) And Canon and Nikon have tons of lens out there, it will be easier to find used lens and there are just more options.

On that note, I suggest the Nikon D40, or the Canon 40D.

also check out kenrockwell.com

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/recommended-cameras.htm

That guy is awesome!

Another place to find good stuff is fredmirand.com in the buy & sell forum.
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Canon would be better for zoom, Nikon for macro. I use Canons myself. You can get a good Canon 20D on Ebay that will let you do most anything you want and it will be fairly inexpensive for a prosumer SLR. Unless you are going to make posters or crop the heck out of your pictures, the megapixels will be fine. And you'll have a great number of lenses to choose from depending on what you want to do. Good luck to you, let me know if I can help. www.fredmiranda.com has some very good reviews.
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First, what are your intentions with the camera? That will help to suggest a camera. If you're going pro then I'd suggest something like a D300, but if it's just for pics of the kids, then a D40 is plenty of camera. So, let's start with that...

I shoot Nikon after switching from Canon, but both are great and will do what's necessary.

I will suggest a book though: Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. It's a great learning resource.
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Patrick,
I have the Nikon D80 and love it.
I primarily use one lens (28mm to 105mm).
For flash, I use the SB800 with a Gary Fong diffuser (about $50 and well worth it).

I strongly recommend you look at the new D90.
It incorporates all the features of the D80, with yet more megapixels and in addition, it adds HD video. How neat is that?

There are a whole lot of fans of the Canons. I considered one prior to my D80 but for the money, a got a better bang out of the Nikon, specially with the better lens that I got. There are some great ones to be had there too. I have owned them all in my life. From Canons, to Nikons to Mamiya, to Hasselblad. The key is not the brand but instead, the quality of the lens. That should be your first consideration.
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also you can do side by side reviews of the cameras your looking at here

dpreview.com

here is a direct link to the side by side review section

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sidebyside.asp
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Great link. That guy makes an excellent case for the D40...definately has me leaning that way! Thanks.

Not going pro, just want to take great shots of everything... black and white also!
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Nikon or Canon - can't go wrong with either one. I'm partial to (and own) Canon myself in the SLR's but buy the Nikons in the point and shoot.

I'd also recommend the Canon XS - just bought that for my daughter as her entry level. It has everything that you would need to get up and running and to learn on. The kit can be had for under $600 bucks (check Circuit City) and that leaves you money to pick up another lens - maybe a 75/300mm - giving you two lens, and a case for it all.
There is a Canon starter kit for the XSi/XS that will give you a case, UV filter and extra battery for about $100.

But again - you can't go wrong with either the Nikon or Canon. And I would say also that when it's time to upgrade you wont have any problems moving Nikon or Canon equipment since they are the mainstreams. There is no sense in spending any more money than needed to learn on and make sure that's what you want - but you also want to be able to sell or trade equipment later on - and I can't say that there would be a ton of buyers lining up for Sony, etc used equipment.


Ron
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I hav looked at the D90. Someone at the camera place I went to said they are not going to make the D80 anymore. Its really nice but may be more than I need. Hopefully I don't pass on it and then regret it. I like the HD video idea, but I have a Sony HD camcorder.

Another great link. Thanks.
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Patrick,
The great thing about digital and a good flash set up is that you can put a photographer out of business.
I could set up a full blown studio with a background and multiple lighting to create a Rembrandt effect but instead, with a good flash, with a Gary Fong diffuser and the light aimed upwards, here is what you can get.
I can make this shot better many ways but why bother? It was a simple point and shoot, totally automatic.

Again, my point is go for the lens quality and make sure you get the best, strongest flash made for that camera and use a good diffuser with bounced lighting (always), all on automatic.
You will soon be a pro.

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If you're just looking for an all-around camera, then I'd just buy the Nikon D40 and put the rest of the money in some good lenses.
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Yeah, but you can put it away and use only one item for all things.

BTW,
Screw this camera stuff.
Wife needs info.
What is my step-niece wearing size wise?
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Telephone call incoming. Tell Clara not to bother. Alana was very well taken care of yesterday!
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This is what use and it's perfect.
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No doubt about the D40.
However, with the drop in prices lately, I would go for the 80.
Side by side, big differences.
The 80 also offers an included protective cover for the screen that comes in very handy. That is not available with the 40 and can haunt you if careless in handling.
The 80 also offers a greater array of options and is closer to a professional model.
The way I look at it is that if you have the tendency to get anal about things and learn as much as you can, go bigger. If you are not looking for that, the D40 is an incredible camera and a great buy.
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Patrick,
I haven't laughed so hard as when just talking to the guy that answers the phone at the number you left me.
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I left a number there too :-)

no matter what camera I use the pics look crappy:-)
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I have the Nikon D40X and it is a pleasure to shoot with. Interface is very easy, and you can take pictures like this one.

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This is from my tank at home Taken with the D40x no flash.

Happy hunting
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Shot with the Alpha 300 and 250 zoom.


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