Every time I think I've found the one I want, I read something about the specs or features I do not like. It's obvious to me now... I can't do this on my own. I need the help of professionals.

I'm looking to pay NO more than $600; I can't. I'm an amateur photographer. I've been shooting for over three years, and I'd really like to step up my game/move forward from my old point and shoot, a Canon A75, and my old Olympus 35mm.

A little bit of basic info on my style: I like shooting portraits(huge fan of low f stops), macro, and naturey things. I do a ton of "adventuring" and I shoot everything with natural lighting(currently). I'd like to start shooting some night scenes, playing with shutter speeds. I wouldn't mind some nice accessories either, like, a nice wireless remote. And ideally, I'd like my camera to include a depth-of-field preview and a good kit lens. Outside of these things, I'm just not too sure. I've looked up a number of cameras and all the information is very overwhelming. There are simple too many options.


Cameras that caught my eye/interest me:
Canon EOS 400D/ Digital Rebel XTi, Canon XSi, Nikon D40, Nikon D60, and the Olympus E-520.

Aside from prices, there are a few things that have deterred me from these cameras:

Nikon D40 & D60 - No DOF preview, Disappointingly RAW+JPEG setting only records Basic quality JPEG's, No exposure or white balance bracketing(not sure what this is, but it doesn't sound good), Fixed exposure steps (1/3 EV)--feel free to elaborate for me.

Canon XTi - disappointing kit lens, Small viewfinder view, no spot metering.

Olympus E-520 - Dynamic range limited compared to the rest of the cameras in its class, small viewfinder, Menu structure a little longwinded(I read they're pretty difficult and inconsistent to use), Unreliable flash exposure, Auto focus provides only three focus points.


Please help!
Any and all info/input would be greatly appreciated.

Anything Sony :)

Anything Sony :)
For 600, you might as well get an XSi kit. No one does sensors as well as Canon right now (or has yet, really). Nikon and Olympus aren't bad (and Olympus has done some good things with environment proofing, and they make really good lenses), but I think the XSi stands considerably above the others you've mentioned.

Anything Sony :)

no way... canon and nikon pwn the camera industry over sony...

i would recommend xsi by canon...

ummmm each entry level DSLR lacks some features or functions compare to pro DSLR.
I would say go to stores and try it see which one you feel like taking it around with you. I believe this is more important.

To me I choose Nikon because I have lens first. The other thing I choose Nikon was I like their design and feel when holding in my hand.

Hope this helps.

Ergonomics can be important. The Rebel XSi is smaller and lighter than an EOS 30D or 40D.

Ergonomics can be important. The Rebel XSi is smaller and lighter than an EOS 30D or 40D.

You should be able to get a 30D or 40D with live.com cashback for under your max price on ebay.

http://hottestwalls.com/img5.jpgwell i have been planning for soo long to buy a DSLR...but even i cant decide on the brand...

Concentrate on buying the lens system, not the camera. Once you decide on the lens then buy the camera that will work with that lens. Lenses are going to be your biggest investment and the things you’ll end up keeping when you upgrade from your entry level DSLR to a mid-level DSLR, to Pro-level DSLR. If you already have Nikon lenses, don't look any further and just go with Nikon. Same if you already have a Canon, or Pentax camera. Switching over to a whole new system can be a PITA. Sony and Olympus are exceptions because they're relatively new to the DSLR market and don’t have a lot of “classic lenses”. And the last time I checked their lenses are more expensive than Canon, Pentax or Nikon lenses. Choosing the lenses system should be the most important decision in the camera buying process.

I personally went with a Nikon D50 a few years ago and it been a great camera. I only wish it was faster than 2.5fps. But in the end, that's not too big of a deal. One of the reasons I went with a Nikon D50 was because I could use some of the older AF Nikon lenses on it. Now the D40 & D60 will work with the older AF lenses, but you’ll loose some of the functionality of the lenses. The D40 & D60 are designed to use the newer AF-S lenses. You’ll have to move up to the D70 (discontinued), D80 (discontinued) or D90 to be able to use the older lenses. But if you don’t have any lenses, you aren’t looking to pick up some cheap classic lenses and only get and use new lenses then the D40 & D60 are great choices. Another reason is just like what JustAnEngineer said, Ergonomics can be important. I have bigger hands. The Canons Rebels and Nikon D40 were smaller and didn’t fit in my hands too well. The D50 was a little larger and felt better in my hands.

So my suggestion, research the lenses. Then go to a good camera store. You know the kind where the camera isn’t tethered to the display unit and you have to bend over to put it up to your face. Then play play play. Try a different lens or 2 on the camera. If you already have a memory card ask the sales associate if you can put it in and snap a few pics. If they’ll let you, walk around the store and get in diurlhasbeenblockeding conditions, focus on moving objects, etc. Try to simulate how you’ll be using the camera. Any good reputable camera store will usually let you do this. Then once you find the model you like, look on Slick Deals for a deal. :)

I personally entered the DSLR world with a Nikon D40 with the 18-55 kit lens. I had prior experience with film SLR cameras and really expected that this would be more than enough camera for meet my needs. HOWEVER, once I got into the real meat of it, I very quickly felt like I wanted to do more than what the camera had to offer. The lack of bracketing, noise at high ISO values, frames per second issues, lack of focusing motor on the body all combined to force me to trade up.

I purchased a used D200 which I shot with for about 2 months, then found a great deal on a used D300 and sold the D200 for a small profit. I can say HANDS DOWN that the D300 is so greatly superior in features in image quality that its no contest.

My personal opinion, grab a low shutter actuation used D300 for about 1200 bucks from a REPUTABLE photographer (not ebay) and a Nikkor 50mm f1.8 for 80 more and you'll be in photographic bliss.

I personally entered the DSLR world with a Nikon D40 with the 18-55 kit lens. I had prior experience with film SLR cameras and really expected that this would be more than enough camera for meet my needs. HOWEVER, once I got into the real meat of it, I very quickly felt like I wanted to do more than what the camera had to offer. The lack of bracketing, noise at high ISO values, frames per second issues, lack of focusing motor on the body all combined to force me to trade up.

I purchased a used D200 which I shot with for about 2 months, then found a great deal on a used D300 and sold the D200 for a small profit. I can say HANDS DOWN that the D300 is so greatly superior in features in image quality that its no contest.

My personal opinion, grab a low shutter actuation used D300 for about 1200 bucks from a REPUTABLE photographer (not ebay) and a Nikkor 50mm f1.8 for 80 more and you'll be in photographic bliss.

You can check fredmiranda.com for deals on used camera from other individuals. If they are willing ot put it on ebay, then you can use the live.com cashback and save $200 (or more if they increase it next monday).

You can check fredmiranda.com for deals on used camera from other individuals. If they are willing ot put it on ebay, then you can use the live.com cashback and save $200 (or more if they increase it next monday).

nikonians.com is another fantastic site with alot of excellent people selling used camera gear. I guess I would also add that I would even recommend buying a used D200 for about 700 bucks before anything in the D40-D60 range.

nikonians.com is another fantastic site with alot of excellent people selling used camera gear. I guess I would also add that I would even recommend buying a used D200 for about 700 bucks before anything in the D40-D60 range.

I'm not a nikon guy, so I wouldn't know but definitely check out nikonians.com like smockstack suggested. I've purchased lenses from a canon enthusiasts site before and had good experiences.

KEH.com has a large selection of used equipment.

I bought an Olympus E-510 earlier this year. My first DSLR, but have gone through many film and digital cameras. My favorite brand is Olympus, and the really great feature on this model is the option to use the viewfinder AND/OR the screen. No other DSLR's I looked at had this feature.

Since I'm not big on reading directions, this is auto or manual, so you have ample choices.

I have a great zoom lens (40-150mm) that is about 3 ounces. DON'T buy directly from Olympus. You will pay about $750.00 us dollars. I bought mine at Staples and picked it up for about $650.00

The camera comes with Olympus software for both the camera and photo imaging.

Good luck!

I bought an Olympus E-510 earlier this year.... the really great feature on this model is the option to use the viewfinder AND/OR the screen. No other DSLR's I looked at had this feature. This feature is called "Live View," and it is available on many new DSLRs, including the Canon Rebel XS and XSi, as well as the EOS 40D, 50D, and 5D Mk. II

what can i get for around 500$? Well i am new to photography, quite fascinated by DSLRs. I mean which entry level DSLR should i go for?
and I am looking for canon.