If you've got the time...

[Don Simon]

Image stabilisation helps reduce the blur you get from camera shake (which can be a real problem when you're using a long zoom or shooting in low light). A lot of people will say you'd be better using a tripod, and they'd be right, but obviously it isn't always practical to carry a tripod with you. Although image stabilisation (or anti-shake as some companies call it) isn't among the most important features, it's certainly a plus, and quite a few cameras now include some kind of anti-shake function - including DSLRs - so you might as well get one with that feature if you can afford it.

The Pentax *ist range, Canon 350D, Nikon D50 or Konica-Minolta Maxxum 5 (this last one has anti-shake) have all dropped quite a bit in price recently and you might be able to get one with a standard kit lens within your budget. Bear in mind though that unlike a point & shoot, a DSLR is not just a camera but part of a system - if your interest in photography continues to grow you'll probably find that the standard kit lens isn't enough, and soon you'll be buying extra lenses, flashes, filters etc. Even if not, remember there's still the expense of memory cards, spare batteries, the cost of printing, and possibly computer hardware and software. In other words, you might be able to get a camera for $500, but you'll end up paying quite a bit more. So if $500 is your absolute limit, a DSLR might not be the best choice, but if your budget is more flexible then definitely consider it.

 

[Donjo3]

I've put alot of thought into what camera would be best for me over the past few days. I was debating wether or not to get an SLR or just an Adv. Point and Shoot. Say I got this dSLR: [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Digital-Rebel-Camera-18-55mm/dp/B0000C8VEK/sr=1-2/qid=1159239087/ref=sr_1_2/002-0001247-8074436?ie=UTF8&s=photo"]http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Digital-Rebel-Camera-18-55mm/dp/B0000C8VEK/sr=1-2/qid=1159239087/ref=sr_1_2/002-0001247-8074436?ie=UTF8&s=photo[/ame] .... (remember, I know nothing of SLR's and the workings for them) I have to control everything manually correct? Is that hard to master? I was thinking that all I might need for my picture taking needs would be something like [ame="http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7705156&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat99300050008&id=1138085156631"]http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7705156&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat99300050008&id=1138085156631[/ame] .... and also, does anyone know a good website that has decent camera's for a reasonable price. Thank you!

-Sincerely,

Noob

 

[fightheheathens]

you can find some ok point and shoot cameras that allow you to control shutter speed and aperature/f stop.
If you dont get a SLR, i would suggest you make sure that on any point and shoot you get, you can control both shutter speed and aperature.

 

[rmh159]

SLR's will have fully automatic and semi automatic modes as well as fully manual. So if you're 100% new to this and barely even realize what a camera looks like... you can put it on fully manual and use it until you learn.

 

[Donjo3]

I have narrowed down my camera options to 3, and I would like your opinions on which one is the best:

[ame]http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Digital-Rebel-Camera-18-55mm/dp/B0000C8VEK/sr=1-5/qid=1160414872/ref=sr_1_5/102-3514589-0765721?ie=UTF8&s=photo[/ame]

[ame]http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Digital-Rebel-XT-Camera/dp/B0007QKMR8/sr=1-22/qid=1160414618/ref=sr_1_22/102-3514589-0765721?ie=UTF8&s=photo[/ame]

[ame]http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007QKMQY/ref=olp_product_details/102-3514589-0765721?ie=UTF8[/ame]

The first one I've posted before, but I really like it. Also, other than the price difference, is their much difference between new and refurb? I've got no problem buying something like this used, because chances are, with something this expensive, the previous owner has taken good care of it. Thanks for your time.

 

[ladyphotog]

I would go with the 6.3MP Rebel and don't buy it from Amazon. Here are some websites to check out, you may have to look under used equipment for it :

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/
http://www.adorama.com/

 

[Dylan]

Digital slr's are nice but it seems like you are not sure if your interest in photography is a fad or a serious hobby. I started out in your position. i had a crappy point and shoot that took lousy pictures. About that time my daughter was born so I knew I needed something better. I wanted to explore photography but I was in no position to drop even 500.00US for just a dslr body let alone the lenses. I did a lot of research and decided to get a Casio z120. It's a bit small however you get full manual control, shutter priority, apeture priority and some decent preset modes too. On top of that, it's got a 3x optical zoom. That camera will run you around 200.00US plus you should spring for a tripod as well. So you have spent less than three huindred dollars for a very capable camera that will give you an imense amount of enjoyment. I currently use an slr however I still use that little camera because you never know when you might miss a shot and it's a hell of a lot lighter to carry around than 25 pounds of gear. I hope I have put the decision into perspective for you and good luck whatever you decide.