My First Camera: where to begin? - 1
I think I'm ready to buy a DSLR camera. I really would love to begin using one and practicing. Yes, a camera certainly doesn't make a photographer and it will take time to understand each and every setting/function, but I love photography and I would love to take pictures (maybe even video!).
Here's the problem: I don't know where to start. Canon, Nikon, Sony… Which manufacturer? How different are the ergonomics of each camera brand (the way they're built/how they feel)? Do I really need to go to camera shops and hold these cameras to see my preferred taste? If that's the case, I may be in for a challenge. Because I live in a fairly rural area with no camera shops nearby. I've been to a Best Buy that's 40 minutes away, but of course, their cameras are off and you can't use them (that I know of), you can only hold them.so. Any advice? What should I do? Is it arrogant of me to want to jump into buying a DSLR?
I've used my mom's Sony DSC-W190 ( http://store.sony.com/...=DSCW190/B ) a bit, but it's just kind of dissatisfying. I think I'm willing to pay around $600-700 for one, and maybe even $800 if it really needs to be stretched.
If I can get in touch with you via email or some other form, please tell me. I would love to continue this conversation with someone who knows about it.
GO TO A STORE! OR LOOK ON EBAY!
Get the Nikon D3100, its a great DSLR for beginners and will help you learn alot more about photography. I wouldn't say you jump directly to a high end dslr when you don't really know much about photography. This would be a good start and you can keep this camera for a long time, and keep upgrading the lenses later on when you learn about photography and know what kind you want to do. It is true that you should hold the camera in your hand to know if you like it or not, but since you seem to know nothing about it you can go with others' experiences. I highly recommend you read this review to help you more:
http://www.amazon.com/...2Q4KNDSWK/
You can get a good discount for it on here:
Nikon D40 is an ergonomical, fast handling, very solidly built Digital SLR with many excellent features (like a 2.5 inch silky smooth and bright lcd found on the $1600 D200). Pictures are beautiful. It uses the same excellent 6 megapixel sensor from the D50, D70, D70s. 6 megapixel is plenty, I get tack sharp 8x12 inch prints. Don't get stuck in counting megapixels. 6MP from a DSLR will blow the doors off a 6, 7, 8MP compact or even DSLR-like cameras. Especially under low light conditions.
6mp is 3008x2000 pixels. 10mp is just 3888x2592pixels. Not as much difference as many people think.