New to DSLR, Need Help

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Submitted By: lenhix

Joined: Dec 23 2006

Posts:

New to DSLR, Need Help

Posted: December 23, 2006 - 11:09pm

I need help. I've had a few point and shoot digital cameras but now I am more interested in getting a DSLR. I've read some on this forum and gone through 10 different photography magazines and still somewhat clueless. My reasons behind wanting one are: more control over my photos, better zoom and quality and I enjoy taking pictures and want expandability from my camera. I'm a lot confused by the information when reading on lenses, still a lil miffed by the f/stop and what it means along with all the rest of the information on there, like IS and EF and all the other acronyms. Is there a dictionary somewhere that will help explain all this to me so I can better decypher what kind of lense would better suit my needs.
I can't very well pick out a lense until I know what body type I need it to fit and again I'm stuck here. I think I've dwindled it down to the Sony Alpha 100, the Canon Rebel XTI and the Nikon D80. I definately want the 10+MP ability but other than that I don't know which camera to pick and would like some inputs on this. I like the antidust features of the Sony and Canon, but I like the bundled lense w/ the Nikon along w/ the feel of the body (I know the lense reason is weak but focusing seems more natural with the dial close to the body). I've read a lot of the in camera features but I have no real experience with this and again want inputs from your experience and suggestions.
The types of pictures I will be looking at taking and concerned about lenses and best camera to support all of this is:
--Scenic (Tourist Pictures of Europe) along w/ zoom so I can get closer in my pictures than I can in real life
--Close Ups of Family and Friends
--Action shots of my little brothers playing sports

Any and all help/suggestions is greatly appreciated. Thanks

Submitted By: ronk II

Joined: Oct 2 2006

Posts:

Re: New to DSLR, Need Help

Posted: December 24, 2006 - 1:36am

a solid book on the subject is Kodak's "joy of photography",available in most libraries. You can also check out www.nyip.com.

Submitted By: Larry Berman

Location: Pittsburgh

Joined: Mar 7 2005

Posts:

Re: New to DSLR, Need Help

Posted: December 24, 2006 - 2:31am

Go to a store that sells the cameras, pick them up and see which feels more comfortable in your hands. You can't take good pictures if you are not comfortable with the camera. And you can't take any pictures at all if you don't have the camera with you.

Submitted By: 20DNewbie

Joined: Jun 4 2006

Posts:

Re: New to DSLR, Need Help

Posted: January 6, 2007 - 5:02am

Well here's a glossary to get you started.

The IS is Canons' Image Stabilizer, VR is Nikons' Vibration Reduction, OS is Sigmas' Optical Stabilizer. Basically they are all do the same, take the shake out of the lens to get sharper images. Generally at a much higher price than there non-stabilized counterparts. And then there's the debate about in body IS compared to lens IS.

I wouldn't get to concerned about the MP war the companies have started unless your going to make some really big prints. I've never done it but I've been told I can get 20x30 prints with my 8MP camera, if I'm wrong please someone chime in.

Just research, research, research, better to take your time and get what you want than to impulse buy and hate it a month later.

One last thing, before you go out and buy what you decide on come to the boards and ask around about any deals out there. The community will point you in the right direction and where to stay away from. I wish I had known to do that, I would have saved a decent amount that way.

Submitted By: Josephina

Joined: Feb 25 2007

Posts:

Re: New to DSLR, Need Help

Posted: February 26, 2007 - 6:26pm

Sounds like you are on the same page as I am. I not to good with termonology either and am looking for a new camera and don't know what to buy. I think I am going to go with a Nikon. Not quite sure which one yet. I just requested some info from the NYIP website. Hopefully it all works out. Good luck and let me know what you decide to buy.