Feeling WAY OUT of my element... need to pick a camera

[NarnyTheGreat]

Wow... thats still impressive.

 

[SunnyHours]

Why hasn't anyone suggested the Olympus PEN, Sony NEX or any other micro 4/3 systems? Seems like a good compromise between the DSLR and P&S...

 

[NarnyTheGreat]

So I went to best buy this weekend and I was very surprised and very glad that I went to try out the cameras first hand. I found the Canons to be VERY clunky and unstable in my hands (at least the ones I was interested in getting). I had been set on getting a Canon because of the lens costs as well as other features. It seemed like I was going to have to settle somewhere but I REALLY didnt want to. So after holding and working with 2 or 3 Canons I decided I would keep looking.

I played with the Nikon 3100 and I did like shooting it. I also tried the Nikon p&s P500 (it was ok) So after looking it seemed like I was destined to get a Nikon and would have to settle for the slow zoom and NOISY zoom (in video mode) though I REALLY didnt want to do this either. So, last night I searched for "Best Entry Level DSLR Cameras" and came out with some very interesting search results. I found (after reading and reviewing) that the best on paper for me and my needs would be the Sony A33. I like what I saw with the video and the extreme low light abilities with out needing additional lenses and for a beginner it seems (on paper) to be EXACTLY what I am looking for.

I will be going back to best buy today to get my hands on this camera so I can make sure before I order it... Like I said at first, I was set on getting a Canon and they are completely out of the running for anything more than P&S.

Thank you for all of yalls assistance here (yes I am a Texan ). You all REALLY made me think about what was important for me as a beginner which helped me not waste money.

If anyone has info on the Sony A33 as a VERY entry level DSLR for someone who enjoys staying in auto most of the time I would appreciate it.

 

[Bram]

You honestly did not like the feel of the canon or nikon? I believe you may need to get over that and try a hand at one of those brands, I mean Sony does have Dslr cameras, and i'm sure they are very capable of helping yuo create beautiful images, but the choice on lenses is very limited.
thinking about all this makes me want to ask some queastions to help you narrow your search.

How serious are you about photography?
What do you want to do with your camera?
What is your budget?
Do you plan on doing this for a long time?

Sorry if these have already been asked.

 

[NarnyTheGreat]

You honestly did not like the feel of the canon or nikon? I believe you may need to get over that and try a hand at one of those brands, I mean Sony does have Dslr cameras, and i'm sure they are very capable of helping yuo create beautiful images, but the choice on lenses is very limited.
thinking about all this makes me want to ask some queastions to help you narrow your search.

How serious are you about photography?
What do you want to do with your camera?
What is your budget?
Do you plan on doing this for a long time?

Sorry if these have already been asked.

They have been asked and answered but I dont mind answering again so people dont have to re-read the whole thread. The camera will be used mostly to photograph octopuses in aquaria and my kids dance recitals and playing, family pictures etc. I am not a VERY serious photographer and have no desire to be a paid photographer. I simply want to learn to take REALLY great pictures and videos with out having to lug around both camera and camcorder. I will mostlikely have to put any camera I want to get on Best Buys layaway as I cant afford to just drop 800+ on a camera. I do plan to do this long term as my aquarium hobby demands interest in photography.

I have already thought about long term and that I will eventually "grow out" of this camera. I dont plan on buying a whole lot of lenses at this time. Right now (next year or so) my focus will be on simply learning what all if this is about. I feel like this poster when they explain all the things they didnt know...http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/...-you-experiences-photographers-thank-you.html and these are the things I plan to spend the next few years learning.

Oh and I did like the feel of the Nikon 3100 but I dont want to sacrifice the video and have to buy a lot of lenses right out of the gate to get the type of pictures that I want to take. The only extra lens I plan to buy might be a decent macro lens.

 

[Bram]

Alright then buying a camera that does have Video capabilities at an entry level could be a D3000 or a D5000. I believe they both have video and so does the D3100 if i'm not mistaking. They're are cheap and a body could be had for fairly cheap if you opt to buy used. The normal kit lens that comes with then nikons (18-55mm VR) is actually quite capable of taking satisfactory photos.

Also, you don't NEED special lenses to make good photos. You're not going to get fantastic results right off the bat. Sorry but that's reality, read up, ask questions, Learn your camera. As everybody here will say, it's the person handeling the camera, not the camera.

 

[PJL]

^ Well, you do need special lenses if you want to get a specialized result. She said she wants to do macro photography, which you can't do with a kit lens -- the focus just isn't close enough.

 

[Bram]

Well yeah, for macro it's a different story. If you just want nicely composed and nicely exposed photographs sorry but your SOL. That's all your doing not the camera.

 

[MissCream]

Pick up a Pentax, they are very ergonomic