Making my first DSLR Purchase

[scriptkat]

Yeah, smile recognition isn't exactly on my want-list! I do want to feel as though I am buying into the right system for me, because I know I will be limited by funds for lenses and so forth, and I guess this is my reservation with Sony. Nikon is tried-and-tested when it comes to the camera world, so are the new features and the different mirror technology of the Sony the way to go? Will it give me the ability to find a range of items that are compatible and affordable? I know the Sony is compatible with Minolta, but I am constantly hearing that Nikon will give me a greater range of freedom for adding on to the camera... I think I am also worried that if I run into any technical issues, they will be harder to sort out than with Nikon or Canon; I've not heard good things about Sony customer service either. I may be totally wrong on all of this though, so feel free to set me straight! I didn't think this would be such a bloody hard decision!!! Thanks for responding to me.

 

[enzodm]

The likely best part of Sony (i.e., the sensor) is also inside the most recent Nikon and Pentax dSLR. I personally would stay on traditional technology (i.e., mirror), but I would not underestimate Sony technological capabilities.
Regarding limited funding, while second-hand market is more active for the two market leaders (in order: Canon and Nikon), lens price is not something falling down much with time (take it in the negative side - you have to spend for lenses- and positive -you may resell them without loosing much).

 

[Jasonstrat]

I currently have the a350 and have been happy with the camera except the low light capabilities. This is why I am considering the a580. With regards to lenses, I have had no issues finding what I needed/wanted on the secondary market with Minolta or Sony lenses. And I have found that the pricing is relatively consistent w canon or nikon. But I believe you get more bang for your buck on the Sony body than you do with the big 2 because Sony is trying to gain more market share.
Rather than the a55 of a33 I'd go with the a580. That is the direction I am leaning myself.

 

[ProfessionalDrinker]

[/QUOTE]

Well you did the right thing in researching beforehand.. Canon and Nikon are the most popular, which leads to a better second hand market... whats your budget? Or whatre you willing to spend right now on your first body & lens? Do you see yourself sticking with the hobby? Do you have any positions as a reviewer open for your website? [/QUOTE]

Oh I'll definitely be sticking with the hobby. I've been in the alcohol business for a decade now, most likely wont ever leave, and one of my favorite things about it is taking pictures of some of the cool drinks I make. And the better the photos get the easier for me to sell my recipes to liquor companies. Unfortunately the site is a one man army right now with the occasional help from my alcoholic wife but I'll keep you posted lol

 

[DHMN69]

Do you have any friends who own a D-SLR that you can visit and try it out to see how you like it? Besides reading comparisons posted in this (and other) threads, going to the store and handling display models, and checking out those owned by friends you'll get lots of ideas of what will work for you.

 

[scorpion_tyr]

Buy Canon or Nikon (I prefer Canon), but don't buy used unless you REALLY know what to look for. Just buy the cheapest DSLR you can get new, and use the rest of your cash on a good external flash (you'll really need this for the work you described), some good glass (you'll also really need this), a backpack to carry it all, and a pelican case w/foam so you can not worry so much about it getting stolen, crushed, soaked, etc during your travels.

I say the cheapest DSLR because even that will be capable of a lot more than you'll use. Do you plan on having the pictures printed out on a billboard? If the answer is no, then you don't need anything more than 8 mp. Are you going to try to catch bullets? If again no then you don't need anything with a faster shutterspeed than 1/4000th.

Trust me, you'll just be wasting money because by the time you need the extra bells and whistles you'll have far exceeded the shutterlife on the camera so it's better to go ahead and get the first 100,000 clicks out of the way on the least expensive model. Take good care of your glass and your other stuff and it'll last a lot longer. I do say all of this by assuming you have a budget. If money is no option and you can easily spend $10,000 on something you might only use for a month then go ahead and get the best and ignore everything I've said