decent camera for around $600

[MajorJohnson9317]

I've been interested in getting into photography for awhile now, and really enjoy it when i get the chance with other people's cameras. Unfortunately, I do not know very much about cameras so I'm looking for suggestions to get started at around $600. I'm looking for something that i can keep for a long time, can do all those fancy effects, has really nice picture quality, and is especially good for the "macro" shots (i really like those).

Any help is appreciated :thumbup:

 

[evo5gsr]

Pentax K100

 

[TCimages]

Canon Rebel XT

 

[winkie]

Pentax K100

+1, or splurge a bit more for the K10d. You can get the K10d for a bit more than 600 and if you want it with the kit lens expect to pay about 700. (it's a better than average kit lens too)

 

[usayit]

Pentax K100D.

No need to splurge on K10D.. save the money for lenses. #1 reason to buy the Pentax over the Canon Rebel is that you have over 30+ years of backward compatibility with older manual K-mount lenses which are far better in IQ than typical low level consumer stuff and easier on the budget.


and this is coming from a Canon shooter....

 

[Battou]

+1, or splurge a bit more for the K10d. You can get the K10d for a bit more than 600 and if you want it with the kit lens expect to pay about 700. (it's a better than average kit lens too)

What good is a $600 camera with out the glass to put on it?

 

[Craddosk]

What about a D40? Or, if you can up your budget a bit to $610, the D40x with an 18-55 mm lenses.

From what I know, that would be a great entry level DSLR. I'm not too sure on the Canon Xt, but I know that it didn't fit right in my hands.

 

[DSLR noob]

Pentax K100 Super, all th ebenefits of the K10D, in a K100 body, with a K100 price. then get the pentax Kit, and a 2GB SD card.

 

[elemental]

Pentax K100 Super, all th ebenefits of the K10D, in a K100 body, with a K100 price. then get the pentax Kit, and a 2GB SD card.

Errr, not quite,

but the K100D is a nice camera. I use one (pre-Super) and would recommend it, but let's be honest, if you only look at one camera you are highly likely to be disappointed. Here is the process I would recommend:


1. Round up your options:

Everyone will recommend the system they use, but that doesn't make it any good for you. A little research will give you a nice list of cameras in that range. Let's start with the ones I considered:

Pentax K100D Super
Nikon D40
Canon Digital Rebel XT
Sony A100
Some sort of Olympus (could never get their numbers straight)

This is off the top of my head, there are more.


2. Compare/contrast

Every one of these has unique advantages and disadvantages. I used http://www.dcresource.com to compare, but there are others. Realize there is not "best" camera, and determine what features are important to you- for example, if you really want image stabilization in-body, Pentax or Sony is a much better choice than Nikon. If arguing on the internet that your $600 camera is the best on Earth is priority number one, stick with Canon or Nikon. No one camera in this price range is perfect or abominable, they all have pros and cons. Learn about them and narrow the field.


3. Get some real

On paper, the Rebel XT seemed like a great camera, but once I held one I completely lost interest. It just felt awkward in my hands, whereas my Pentax seems like a natural extension of my hand. This is personal, but it's important. Don't order a camera on the internet based on your research without ever getting a feel for the shape, weight, shutter feel, and interface. In short, spend a little quality time at the camera store with your camera contenders. It is good practice to buy from the shop that spends two hours showing you various expensive pieces of equipment, but going back home and ordering one online won't kill you. It's not good for your photo-karma, but sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do. Just make sure you buy from a reputable reseller- there are plenty of horror stories floating around.


Some would say you can't go wrong with an entry-level DSLR, but there are definitely varying degrees of right. Buying based on recommendations from other people will get you the right camera for them, but maybe not for you. This is a time-consuming process, but getting it right takes a little legwork on your part. Best of luck in your search and may you take many happy shots with whatever you purchase. Be sure to tell us what you buy.

 

[RKW3]

I have heard some positives from the Canon Rebel XT, the Pentax K100d, and the Sony a100. If it were me it would be between the Canon and the Pentax, probably leaning towards the Pentax.

But of course, Canon is more popular and you may have more success with that brand in the future if your looking to be a pro.

 

[Yahoozy]

frankly, ive done a lot of research and i cant find any real discernible difference (for me anyway) between the K100D and the K100D Super other than price tag (and about 15 grams and a millimeter)

 

[evo5gsr]

Just wait a month, Ill have my K100D =D

Hehe, waiting for the K200 to come out, eh? Me too.

 

[TamiyaGuy]

What about a D40? Or, if you can up your budget a bit to $610, the D40x with an 18-55 mm lenses.

From what I know, that would be a great entry level DSLR. I'm not too sure on the Canon Xt, but I know that it didn't fit right in my hands.

What-? £300 for a D40x in the US?? Here it's £400!

Anyway, you have a lot of choices here. You could go with a Pentax K100/K100 Super, a Canon Rebel XT, or a Nikon D40/D40x.

Basically, it's down to you. Even if you spend thousands of pounds on the latest kit, it's no use if you hate it and end up taking your compact everywhere! Try each of them out, see which one feels right, and then decide.

Also bear in mind that the price you pay for the camera is by no means the final price. You'll need a decent size memory card, a camera bag, and maybe even a long telephoto-zoom lens (about 60-200). But the one that feels right is the most important factor.

 

[MRivera]

go with Pentax... great price for beginners camera..

 

[deudeu]

You can also find a Samsung GX-10 kit for $649. Same as the pentax but a bit cheaper. But you might want to wait a little as the prices will most likely go down since the new GX-20/ K20D are coming out.