Planning to buy a SLR camera. Suggestions?

harizd

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I'm planning to buy a SLR camera this weekend. My budget is between $400-$650. Please let me know your suggestions on which model to go for. Also if you are aware of any good deals around the corner then please share.

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Hariz
 
Depends what you are looking for in your camera. Go take a look at dpreview.com great site. I recently got a Canon 450D, and I highly recommend it!

Others to take a look at would be a Canon 1000D, Canon 500D and Nikon D60 and Nikon D5000. Just personal preference, but I would stay away from Olympus and Sony.

The Pentax SLRs are also pretty good.
 
Ok I was looking at Nikon D60, Sony A200K, A230 and Canon 1000D. Dint read much about 450D but I'll look at some reviews and sample photos now.

I have an offer @ B&H where I can get Sony A230 kit + 200mm lens for $599. Any comments on this model? It was just released recently.
 
harzid, I am sure the Sony is a nice camera. However Canon and Nikon have a lot more experience with SLR cameras and the do still lead the way for the technology (at least for the moment). Sony are catching up fast.

Best thing I could suggest to you is that you take a look at what models you like. Then head to your local camera store and give the cameras a feel. You'd be surprised how different each camera handles - and you really need to check that for yourself.
 
For an entry level (d)SLR I would stick with Canon, either the 1000D or 450D. They're the best bang for your buck and they're very popular, thus you have a lot of options for upgrades and attachments. This also means you'll be able to borrow a lot of of equipment to experiment with from photography friends since they most likely use Canons too.

If you buy a kit, you'll need to buy a decent lens because I've never been happy with the kit lenses. Since you're on a budget, go with the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II lens. It's the best overall lens out there for anyone who doesn't want to spend some serious $$$. It's versatile and performs surprisingly well.

Once you start getting the hang of everything and you're ready to throw some more $$$ at it, you'll also want to invest in some glass, because that usually matters more than the camera body itself. Most people use this for a rule of thumb: take your budget, divide it into thirds, spend 1/3 on the body and the other 2/3s on lenses.

Oh, and check out B&H used store for some good deals (not an affiliate link):
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http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/SLR-Digital-Cameras/ci/15488/N/4294182649

My apologies if I told you anything you already know, just wanted to get you started in the right direction.
 
Make a list of about 4-5 cameras that you think would suit you (you can use the ideas that people throw up here), go to Craigslist, search up those cameras and contact their owners to play with them before "buying." This way you can actually get a feel for the camera and how well it does what it does instead of buying something brand new that you have no idea of how it's going to work.

My brother used to be into SLRs and he'd always buy these expensive cameras and lenses. I had fun playing with them, but some where just really clunky and I didn't like them at all. He'd buy them brand new off eBay, but they had a deal at the time where he got half his money back or something. If I were to buy one I'd go on Craigslist for sure.
 
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