High resolution 12.4 megapixel CMOS image sensor features sensor-shift Shake Reduction for stabilized image and video capture up to 4 stops max.
Large 2.7 inch LCD features Live View with contrast, phase difference, and Face Detection autofocus (up to 16 faces).
Capture widescreen HD video in full 720p resolution (1280x720) at 24 FPS cinematic framerate, using any PENTAX 35mm lens.
Highly compact DSLR body design allows for 1 handed operation and comfort when travelling.
Powerful automatic modes, including PENTAX Auto Picture and scene modes, ensure the perfect shot in any situation, while helping new photographers learn DSLR photography.
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The extremely compact and lightweight PENTAX K-x is perfect for users stepping up from a point and shoot digital camera to their first digital SLR. 12.4 effective megapixels The K-x incorporates a newly developed CMOS image sensor to assure high-speed image data readout and more flexibility with varying ISO sensitivity levels. Widescreen HD movie recording at 1280x720 pixels at a cinematic 24 frames per second (720p24) The PENTAX K-x movie recording function captures true-to-life movie clips in 16:9 high-definition TV proportions (1280 x 720 pixels) at a frame rate of 24 frames per second. PENTAX-original SR mechanism for sharp, blur-free images The K-x features the PENTAX-developed Shake Reduction mechanism that effectively compensates for the adverse effects of camera shakeby as much as four shutter steps. This innovative mechanism extends its benefits to all PENTAX interchangeable lenses - even those designed for film-format cameras. High-speed continuous shooting at approximately 4.7 images per second The K-x's high-speed continuous shooting mode records as many as 17 images (in JPEG recording format) at a maximum speed of approximately 4.7 images per second. This is the fastest of all entry-class models. The K-x also features a more reliable shutter unit, which passed a demanding action test of more than 100,000 shutter releases. The top shutter speed of 1/6000 second allows the photographer to preserve sharp, crisp
New 15.1-megapixel CMOS sensor with DIGIC 4 Image Processor
Full HD video capture at 1920 x 1080 resolution; HDMI output
3.0-inch Clear View LCD; Live View Function for stills (Quick, Live and Face Detection AF modes) and video
Included: Sigma 70mm F/2.8 EX DG Macro Lens +Sigma Flash Macro Ring EM-140 DG for Canon SLR Cameras
Included: Canon EOS Rebel T1i 15.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera + ICon Digital SLR Gadget Bag + Samsonite Pro-Series Tripod + UV Protective Filter + Transcend 8GB SDHC Secure Digital Memory Card w/ Memory Card Reader/Writer + Micro Fiber Cleaning Cloth + 5PC Cleaning Solution + Air Blower + Knoica Minolta Sample Photo Paper
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Editorial Review :
Canon's new EOS Rebel T1i is packed with features, both refined and new. In addition to its admirable performance with an all-new 15.1 Megapixel Canon CMOS sensor, DIGIC 4 Image Processor, a 3.0-inch Clear View LCD with anti-reflective and scratch resistant coating, and compatibility with the EOS System of lenses and Speedlites, the EOS Rebel T1i adds remarkable Full HD video capture at resolutions up to 1920 x 1080. An HDMI port allows for quick connections to high definition TVs and monitors for easy viewing of your stills and video. The entire operation is simple and easy even if you are a beginner. You'll have uncompromised EOS Digital performance with power and flexibility right in the palm of your hand.
The 70mm focal length gives an equivalent field of view as the popular 105mm macro lens when used on digital SLR cameras with an APS-C size image sensor. A Special Low Dispersion (SLD) lens and two high refractive index SLD lenses provide excellent correction for all types of aberrations and produce an exceptional level of optical performance
The Electronic Flash Macro Ring EM-140 DG is designed to work with both AF 35mm film and digital SLR cameras of all popular manufactures. It is ideal for photographing subjects in fine detail when the shadowless mode is used and is extremely effective for scientific and medical applications. Dual flash tubes can fire simultaneously or separately. Using only one flashtube creates shadow, which can give a three-dimensional feeling to the subject. The flash features a guide number of 14 with ISO 100. The Modeling Flash function makes it possible to check for reflections and shadows before actually taking the flash picture. A wireless flash function is also available when the EM-140 DG is used as master and the EF-500 DG Super as a slave unit for creating fine shadow details. High-speed synchro and exposure compensation functions are also available for advanced flash photography.
First Digilux camera with an interchangeable lens for the Leica D system
7.5-megapixel LiveMos sensor for magnificent standard of imaging
Leica D Vario-Elmarit f2.8-3.5/14-50 aspherical lens
Shutter speed, focal length, aperture, and focus can be set by hand on the camera and the lens
High-quality materials and precision craftsmanship ensure reliability under tough conditions of reportage photography
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Editorial Review :
The new Leica D system gives ambitious amateurs and professional photographers a whole new range of possibilities. The LEICA DIGILUX 3 is the first Digilux camera with an interchangeable lens and therefore forms the basis for the Leica D system, a completely independent digital SLR system. The clear design of the camera housing and the operating concept of the Digilux are in keeping with the best Leica tradition. The shutter speed, focal length, aperture and focus can be set by hand on the camera and the lens - a fast, precise and creative solution in comparison with conventional SLR cameras. The interplay of Leica's legendary performance and the latest technology is almost revolutionary: the newly designed lens LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT f/2.8-3.5/14-50 ASPH. combined with state-of-the-art optical image stabilization and a 7.5 megapixel LiveMos sensor result in a magnificent standard of imaging. High-quality materials and precision craftsmanship ensure that the LEICA DIGILUX 3 will work reliably for many years, even under the tough conditions of reportage photography. The Leica D system is a valuable companion made to last.
Customer Review :
Leica Digilux3 review
Recently purchased my first Leica. As I am a great Nikon fan, this is quite a change, but this time I wanted something different. The Leica deliver excellence. It is easy to use, and deliver fantastic picture quality right out of the box. As I'm used to manual photography, I also like the "oldfashioned" but very effecient way of using the Leica just as an old SLR. A bit pricy, but the kit lens is probably the best normal zoom you can get anywhere.
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It's not a Leica....
It's not a Leica and don't buy it you think you are getting Leica quality you aren't. It's just a Panosonic with a faux red dot on it.
Forty year Leica shooter and not fooled by this.
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An outstanding camera for serious photographers
I bought the Leica version of this camera after getting Leica's offer of a $[...] rebate, making it closer in price to the Panasonic version. I use Leica rangefinders and will perhaps benefit from the JPG tweaks that are special the the Leica version. Most of my remarks would probably apply to the Panasonic edition, though.
This camera and lens replaced a Canon 20D kit with a similar IS zoom lens. In other words, the Leica replaced an excellent SLR with roughly the same resolution (8.x megapixels, versus 7.5 megapixels on the Leica).
I have been pleased in every way with the Vario-Elmarit lens, which is as sharp as I would expect for a Leica-branded lens. The controls (both on the lens and the top-mounted shutter speed dial) are very nice and familiar for an RF user like me.
The body is larger and "blockier" than a Leica rangefinder, as are all SLRs. However, I am excited that this 4/3 mount camera not only comes with an excellent lens (I think better than the Canon 17-85mm it replaced) but also gives me access to quite a few fine 4/3 lenses, such as the Olympus macro and telephoto lenses.
A couple of camera body features that I like a great deal and, in my opinion, are better than the Canon:
1. Nicely designed built-in flash that first comes up in "bounce" position and then on a second button-press moves into "straight-ahead" position. It fits flush into the body when not in use.
2. VERY accessible and easy to use control for adjusting flash power for fill flash and similar applications.
3. Equally accessible and easy to use back-panel control for exposure compensation--important on any digital camera, since you will want to dial back in sunlit and other contrasty scenes to avoid blown-out highlights!
4. Top-mounted MECHANICAL switches for shutter speed, sequence/single shooting, and metering mode, plus two preset buttons, are always there, always visible--no waiting for or squinting at an LCD display.
5. Lately I have not done much macro shooting, but I do like it. I expect to use the live view feature with all its strangeness. (The camera does two mirror-blips per exposure in this mode.) It beats hunching down on the ground photographing insects with a right-angle viewfinder.
As much as I liked the Canon 20D and 30D I used to use, I think this camera is better designed for easy and fast shooting.
I was going to say this is a camera for photographers at all levels. However, I will still likely use my Leica rangefinders for professional work. That's not a slam on the Digilux 3. The Canon 20D and 30D occupied about the same position in my mind--if I were using a DSLR for professional work I might want a higher end camera for more ruggedness, better dirt sealing, and so on.
Rating :
Leica Digilux 3, Digital SLR
I sent the Leica Digilux 3 back to Amazon because of missing parts. I did however get to examine the camera and my conclusion is that while the lens is superb as all Leica Lens are, the camera body had a cheap plastic feel. With 7.5 megapixels (I recommend at least 8 mg) and a price of $2,499, a bit overpriced I went back to the drawing board.
My suggestion for anyone really desiring this camera is to buy the Panasonic model which comes with the same Leica lens and a metal body (actually just about the same camera) for less than 1/2 the price.
Reviewing Popular Photography Magazine and JD Powers for the best Digital SLR Cameras I discovered that the Nikon D300 and Olympus E-3 digital slr cameras released in Nov. 2007 are the top rated new cameras along with a Canon model.
After examining the D300 and the Olympus E-3 in person, I decided to purchase the E-3 with the cost just about what the Leica Digilux 3 is. However, the Olympus has 10 megapixels, a metal frame body, and the lens is also metal and not plastic. The Olympus is almost a carbon copy of the familiar 35mm SLR cameras with less weight and bulk and a lot more features. Ditto for the Nikon D300.
Anyway I digress, for those of you who can afford the Leica Digilux 3 I recommend examining the Olympus E-3, or for diehard Nikon fans the D300. Either camera is great and, you can use the Leica 4/3 lens on the Olympus if you happen to have one.
For further information on the Olympus or the Nikon just type in the Amazon search "Olympus E-3" or "Nikon D300". Read the company and Amazon information on both cameras. Then more importantly, read the comments of the people who actually bought and use the product.....their comments are what you want.
Hope this has helped you in deciding which camera to buy. Happy Shooting! -Ray
Rating :
Leica digilux 3
Hmmm,
' AMAZON, I dont get it. How can a Leica digital camera, ( the Digilux 3) that I bought a year ago go from $1,200 go to $3999.????? It has good ratings, but not great. It is not a collectors item. I think it is not a bad camera for 7.5 MP but my Nikon D-90, new at the same price,is the same price new, and much better, I say that mindfully as I love Leicas.. well... you'd expect a bit more from a Leica.
But the main thing is, how could you let it be sold less that a year ago for $1200, then jack it up to $4000.? It's interesting, I sent it back for a repair, and they decided to refund my money, not repair it. ( very simple repair) They said there were no more being made/available. I guess they wanted to sell mine instead.
<#3> Nikon School Instructional DVD: "Fast, Fun & Easy IV" +
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Editorial Review :
Kit includes: ♦ 1) Nikon D3000 Digital SLR Camera & 18-55mm G VR DX AF-S Zoom Lens ♦ 2) Nikon AF-S 55-200mm f/4-5.6G VR Zoom-NIKKOR Lens ♦ 3) Nikon School Instructional DVD: "Fast, Fun & Easy IV"
The 10.2-megapixel Nikon D3000 Digital SLR Camera enables users to capture stunning images with superior performance. Features include a 3.0-inch monitor, Active D-Lighting, 23 Scene Modes, In-Camera retouch image editing, shooting as fast as 3 FPS, ISO sensitivity from 100 to 1600, built-in sensor cleaning, 11-point AF System and much more.
The Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR AF-S DX Lens is an ultra compact, lightweight standard zoom lens that has a 3x focal zoom range. The Vibration Reduction (VR) system allows handheld telephoto zoom shooting even in poorly lit conditions.
This 55-200mm 3.6x zoom features Nikon's VR image stabilization and is perfect for portraits and action. Vibration Reduction reduces the effects of camera shake, allowing hand-held shooting at up to 3 shutter speeds slower than without VR. An ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass element minimizes chromatic aberration, and a compact rod-type Silent Wave Motor (SW) enables ultra-high speed auto focusing with exceptional accuracy and super-quiet operation.
Get great pictures with "Fast, Fun & Easy IV," an entertaining and educational 50 minute DVD featuring the Nikon D3000 digital SLR camera.
Customer Review :
Nikon D3000
I just recently purchaced the Nikon D3000 and have had a chance to use it for awhile now. It takes beautiful pictures, easy to use with the auto feature, the videos that came with it are helpful, and just cant get past how much better the pictures are than the point and shoot cameras. Still have a lot to learn about the SLR cameras, but having a lot of fun doing it.
10.2-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for large, photo-quality prints
2.5-inch LCD display; power-up time of approximately 0.2 seconds
RAW and JPEG capture; burst mode allows for capture of three frames per second for up to 100 pictures
Image optimization functions and in-camera image retouching
Includes 18-55mm ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor lens
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Editorial Review :
Includes 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 Lens / Uses F mount lenses / SD Memory Card Slot / USB 2.0 / 2.5-inch LCD / 3D Color Matrix Meter Up to 2,700 images per battery charge - High-Efficiency power systems featuring reduced power consumption and Real-Time Fuel Gauge with Nikon's EN-EL3e Lithium Ion rechargeable battery Nikon 3D Color Matrix Metering II, plus Variable Center-Weighted and Spot Metering. Nikon's 3D Color Matrix Metering II instantly and accurately evaluates brightness, color, contrast, selected focus area and subject-to-camera distance information, referencing the results against an onboard database of 30,000 scenes from actual photography. Vary the size of the center-weighted area reading and spot metering readings correspond to 11 focusing points 11-area AF system with Wide-area Center Segment and Auto-area AF functions 2.5 LCD screen ISO Sensitivity (Recommended Exposure Index) - 100 to 1600 In-Camera Image Editing with Retouching Menu Built-in Speedlight with Nikon i-TTL flash metering and two-group Wireless Commander option Shooting Modes - 1) Single frame shooting mode; 2) Continuous shooting mode - approx. 3 frames per second; 3) Self-timer; 4) Delayed remote mode; 5) Quick-response remote mode Images are stored on SD figital memory cards Unit Dimensions (W x H x D) - Approx. 5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0 inch; Weight - Approximately 1 lb. 5 oz.
Customer Review :
Nikon D80
Everything was there the way they stated but there wasn't an SD card and there wasn't a lens cap. It would have been nice to say what WAS missing with the camera. The camera works beautifully and I hav taken some good pictures with it.
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Nikon D-80
Awesome features, great quality photographs, very long battery life. I can't ask for more.
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lens problem, 18-135mm af-s dx zoom
good camera, just have problem on the lens, just after 3 months of use, one of the diaf leaf jam full close. sent to nikon and don't know why they charge me U$S 70 for the service!!!
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Great!
This item was shipped quickly! And I knew what I was getting when I ordered this camera! Nikon makes a great product, and the complicated simplicity of camera is great. Now on to buying lens, filters, and flash...
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First Nikon DSLR Camera
I'm so disapointed with Nikon. I bought a new D80... my first Nikon. My Wife bought me a Nikon 18-135 lens. I've invested about $1,200 into the camera and accessories. I've taken about 200 pictures and have taken exceptional care of the camera, yet I turned it on this past weekend and got the "Err" error on the display.
I've tried 2 different lenses, removing and re-inserting the battery (fully charged), removed and re-inserted the XD card, tried the +- reset and then tried a complete soft reset using the reset button. The "Err" is still there.
I contacted Nikon and I'm outside my warrenty so they said to send them the body and they will let me know what it cost to get it fixed. I guess I should just send a blank check also because they said they couldn't even give me an estimate of what it might cost.
I'm sickened. I picked a Nikon because of the "supposed" quality behind the name. I can't believe this camera failed with so little use. My friend, who uses only Pentax, said his Pentax cameras have over 10,000 shots on them and still no problems.
Question : What kind of digital SLR camera is best for beginners?
I've taken a recent interest in photography - I've always taken pictures with a normal digital point and shoot camera, but I really really want a beginner SLR camera, which can take really nice pictures but is reasonably priced. I don't know ANYTHING about SLR cameras, but the ones I've looked at so far are the Nikon D40, and the Canon Rebel, and the Pentax K110.... any advice?
Answer:
The Nikon D40 is probably the best beginner SLR, especially for the price.Stepping up from there, consider the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT, the Nikon D40x, and the Canon EOS Rebel XTi.The Pentax K100D super is also a good choice, but I think the Nikon is better built.
Question : Do you know of a digital slr camera that can attach old lens from non digital slr camera?
I know generally the camera has to be of the same brand; ie. Canon lens for a Canon camera. I was just wondering does anybody know of a digital slr camera that can do this. If not, maybe you can tell me which camera you have and if it is good or not.Thanks alot.
Answer:
All Pentax DSLRs can use any pentax lens EVER made.Also the IS thing the guy below mentioned. However, keep in mind that old Pentax lenses were made for 35mm SLRs, the equivalent to full frame cameras today. Pentax doesn't have full frame cameras yet, so images'll be cropped.
Question : What digital SLR camera is a good buy? inexpensive and good quality?
I want to get a digital SLR camera to play with photography. My point and shoot digital camera doesn't give me depth of field, pictures look flat. What digital SLR camera is not that expensive but gives you good quality of photos?
Answer:
Any Digital SLR will run you 700+.I suggest starting with a film SLR.Find one on ebay for under $100.Shoots great and you learn a lot more than the automatic digital help that many digital SLRs have.Then once you feel that photography is actually something worth investing in, then research and find one right for you!
Question : Do all digital SLR cameras allow you to blur the background of a photo? What about shutter delay?
I know w/film SLR cameras you can blur the background; can you do the same w/all digital SLR cameras?Also do all digital SLR cameras allow you to take photos w/out a delay in the shutter?THANKS IN ADVANCE!
Answer:
Blur the background.. you're talking about depth of field? Yes, you should be able to do that with any digital slr; keep in mind though, if you are using autofocus, the camera is going to try to determine itself what you are trying to focus on. Switch to manual focusing and you can focus strictly on foreground objects, which should become blurred. The farther back they are, the more intense the blur. Different lenses will also affect this.As for the no delay in shutter speed, what do you mean exactly? That when you press the shutter button, the camera takes the picture instantaneously without having to think first? You just need to make sure the camera doesn't have any thinking to do before taking the picture - hold the shutter button in halfway to allow it to autofocus, then press fully when ready, OR switch to manual mode.
Question : What Digital SLR camera should I buy to get started with photography?
Hi, I'm 15 years old and have recently been saving up a lot of money. I have been looking in to buying a Digital SLR camera and taking a course in photography. I was just wondering what camera you would recommend I should buy with my £500 budget bearing in mind I need to purchase lenses and extra storage devices...
Answer:
Depending on whether you feel comfortable chasing down used equipment or not, it is possible to get a pretty comprehensive selection of kit.Used prices for a Canon 30D are around £250-300, which is a decent bargain for what you get. It's not going to take your hand and lead your through how to take photographs like the most modern entry level SLRs, but it's purposeful, fast, and dependable. This camera is quite well suited with the Canon EF-S 17-85mm lens for most normal purposes, this should bring your cost up to around £400. The next thing to get is probably the Canon 50mm f1.8 'Nifty Fifty', and a reasonably strong tripod.I would imagine that 4GB of storage is enough, but you do need a fast card, probably 30 MB/s or faster would be needed. I would also go for 2x 2GB, formatted in the FAT16 file system to squeeze some more speed out of it, and also allows you some flexibility if one fails or gets confiscated for some reason.
Question : How to get lomography effects with a regular digital SLR camera?
I am beginning to get interested in lomography, and I was wondering if I could do it with a regular camera. (I have a digital SLR, will that work?) All the photos of lomography I have seen seems as if they have extremely high contrast, and deepened depths of field. Is there a way to not buy a lomography camera and get the same results? Im getting back into photography after a long break and am really rusty! Thanks to anyone who answers!
Answer:
Some of the high contrast and crazy colors is because the film was cross-processed. That means color print film developed in the "wrong" chemicals like for slide processing.Lomography (derived from the LOMO company name) is a marketing thing to re-spin photography in a counterculture way (like it wasn't done enough in the 1980's, you can see some examples from photo magazines of that period.)(Chemical based photography is 100 years old, so people have been trying it chemically "wrong" occasionally).Kind of like saying "Nikon-ography or Canon-ography".Deep depth of field comes from lomographic cameras having f/8 or f/11 as their only apertures (with deep DOF) and the lenses may tend towards wide angle, (more deep DOF).Lomographic cameras are also based on cheap cameras from the 1960's with plastic lenses. So the clarity, and focus, and contrast of the best special glass (and best special lens coatings) are not in the picture.You can also use different colored filters in front of the lens, and put vaseline or plastic on a clear filter to get the hazy or dreamlike effect (also use f/8 or f/11 with a wide or fish-eye lens). And also shoot from odd angles.Once the image is digital from DSLR, then you can use Photoshop or GIMP and manipulate the colors, the contrast, clarity, and the focus, and cut/paste sprocket holes or frame numbers. Then call it "GIMP-ography"
Question : What is a good Digital SLR Camera for someone just moving into SLR cameras and in the cheaper area?
I have been interested in photography for many years and have finally got to the point where I feel a regular digital camera is holding me back from getting good shots. I am hoping to buy a Digital SLR Camera soon, but I do not know much about them to make an informed decision on which one to buy. There are so many choices. What do you recommend? Hopefully something less than $1000 please.
Answer:
Do you want one with video,If yes, I would recommend Canon Rebel T1i.It is a good camera under $1000 that take good picture quality and also take HD videohttp://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001XURPQS?ie=UTF8&tag=computer0bd-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&c reative=390957&creativeASIN=B001XURPQSbut if video is not a factor I would suggest Canon Digital Rebel XSi which cost your around $600 and save your money for another good lenshttp://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012YA85A?ie=UTF8&tag=computer0bd-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&cr eative=390957&creativeASIN=B0012YA85A
Question : what would be a good digital slr camera for a beginner?
I am interested in photography as a hobby and I am just a beginner. What would be a good digital slr camera to start out with? I don't want something too cheap but it doesn't have to be fancy either.
Answer:
OK here is my short answer. for digital I have a Nikon D40 and I love it. The D40 has a full manual mode, Flexible progam, aperature priority, shutter priority modes. These are the same modes on all DSLR. It also has several other programed modes for things like portrait, night, children etc. As a photographer improves and learnds to use metering better these additional modes seldom get used so they are usually found on the more amature cameras and seen as not needed on the professional cameras. I feel I have a fair amount of experience as a photographer and it performs well for me but I can give it to my 12 y/o grandson if set on program and he can get good usable pictures as well. His photography is improving as he is already learning to use many of the functions himself ( yes I'm a proud granpa) . I also would not get caught up in the megapixel hype and instead look at the entire sensor issue. Look at the article I linked below The D40 will do everything a beginner to intermediate photographer needs at a great price. It comes with an 18-55 lens. It will let you use any other money to buy more accessories. And by the time you outgrow it cameras will have advanced to the point that most of what is on the market now would be obsolete. I bought a D300 last year and only had a it a few months when the D700 came out. The canon would also serve you well but I am a Nikon person so I suggest them. I have friends that are very happy with thier canon's and take great photos. You will have others that like Pentax and Olympus and they are not bad cameras but if they were in the same ballpark you would see many more professional photographers use them
Question : What is a good digital SLR camera to buy for an amateur photographer?
I want to upgrade to a digital camera and I was wondering what would be a good one to go with for an amateur photographer. I like the Cannon Rebel line of cameras but I was wondering what a more affordable option might be. What are your thoughts on the Pentax K100d. I learned on a Pentax K1000 and I read that most of the older lenses will fit the Pentax digital SLR cameras.
Answer:
I believe the K100D and K100D Super have been discontinued. Newer models are the K10D and K20D. Pentax is still using the venerable K-mount it introduced in 1975 so any older K-mount manual focus lens can be used with the newest DSLR cameras. There will be limited functionality (manual focus, stop-down metering) but they will enjoy the benefits of image stabilization since Pentax placed it in the camera body. If you have several K-mount lenses in good condition then buy the Pentax DSLR.Since Sony bought the DSLR line from Konica-Minolta in 2006, the Sony Alpha (A) series cameras use the Minolta A-mount introduced with the Minolta Maxxum AF 35mm film camera of 1985. So any Maxxum AF lens will be right at home on the Sony A200 or A350 or A700. Sony also incorporates image stabilization in the camera body.
Question : digital slr?
I'm somewhat of a newbie to cameras, but not as much as some. I have several point and shoot cameras, no digital slr's.what brand,make or model do you suggest to purchase,and why? I'm looking in the maximum of $700 before tax range.I was somewhat interested in the nikon d40x and the canon rebel xti (or something like that).What are your thoughts?
Answer:
Let me help you sort out the monotony that comes with buying a DSLR.Someone suggested the Sony Alpha or the Pentax K100D, citing the in-camera shake reduction. This would be a plus, but is really only a selling point. In truth, this shake reduction only provides around 2 stops difference. Also, on the Pentax K100D, this sucks away the battery life on a camera that runs on AA batteries. Yes, this is the only DSLR that runs on AA's, and hopefully will remain so. You see, the battery life is severely cut, giving you only around 400 pictures before they give out. My thing with the Sony Alpha are its less than good image quality at higher ISO's, and its tendency to over saturate.The Nikon D40x is an excellent camera for the money, and the best bang for your buck in its class; a title once held by Canon and the Digital Rebel series. The Nikon D40x has great image quality, excellent build and layout, and a supurb selection of lenses. Granted, non AF-S lenses will not auto focus. The reason being, Nikon took out the in camera motor. This seems like a major flaw, but when you think about it, it really was not. The Nikon D40 and D40x are designed for people who are moving up from point and shoots, who do not have any previous Nikkors, and who do not plan to buy any besides the 18-55mm kit or the 55-200mm extended kit. This is also why these cameras cannot be found with out the kit 18-55mm. This does not mean you cannot use the older screw driven Nikkors. You can still get that great quality, only you'll have to manual focus the lens. This sucks, I know, but it's easy to get use to. Besides, photographers have been manual focusing their lenses for well over a hundred years, and they continue to do this today; look at the $1000 Canon 65mm 1x-5 macro: http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=155&modelid=7325 Yes, it's a manual focus, and a great lens, both optically and its all uses. Just look at it...!The Nikon D40x, like all Nikon cameras is very well built. This goes from the $550 D40 to the $5,000 D3. This has held true all the way back in the days of film. Canon on the other hand always feels "Cheap", that is plasticy and fragile. I don't care what anyone says, but the Digital Rebel series, the Rebel, the XT and the XTi all feel terrible. The 40D is much better, but still feels like a Canon-light and cheap. It really only really goes away with the supurb EOS 5D and the Mark series.One other thing that bring down Canon are its lenses. Unlike Nikon, whose lenses are stunning, Canon suffers from some optical flaws. Now, I love the way Canon USM lenses look and feel, but this is about it. Really, the optical quality does not get good until you lay out around $500. But the L series is where the optical quality become flawless. Overall, I would suggest the Nikon D40x. For so cheap and such great quality, why would you want to miss it? For Canon, you'll have to spend a lot more money to get the same quality. If you go with Canon, at least get the 40D and a good lens. Otherwise, you'll be disapointed.From what you've read, I might sound one sided with Nikon. Let me just say, this is how I feel, and from my own experiences with both Canon, Nikon, and Sony, Pentax, Mamiya, and others. If I use a Nikon, I know I get quality. If I use a Canon 5D and an L lens, I know I get quality as well. I would be crazy to say Canon is a bad company, as I would to say Nikon is. In truth, both make excellent products.Hope this helps.
