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Beginner Help dSLR Anonymous
I have played around with the Canon Rebel XTI, Nikon D40 and Pentax K10D. The only thing I have liked above those models is the Pentax K100D because it is sealed and can be used in bad weather (I live in washington state) and has some other higher end technology. I tend to lean towards the canon because I can get it locally for $500. I have no lenses and am starting from scratch. The nikon D40 I can get for the same price but the canon just had more features. I also noticed in the view finder for the pentax's it was like...polarized...does anyone know what I am talking about? The pentax had the best grip in my hands but it didn't really matter. They all felt fine to me, just the pentax had that thumb groove.

I will also be getting a guide book for the camera I get if there is one written. I plan to take the camera with me everywhere. So lots of bumping around in a backpack or it's own bag.

Beyond what I have learned from Cnet, Google Search, and in stores (store clerks didn't really tell me jack)

I need some more info before I commit to the canon. I plan to purchase probably after Christmas or middle of Jan. Any sales I should look out for? Oh yeah and there is no "used" dSLR's around. There a big reason for this? Any thoughts on ebay? And then software wise what costs am I looking at there?
EXIF data available. Clickhereto show/hide.
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>> Butterfly !xlgRMYva6s
Yeah you need to get an Alpha 100.
>> Anonymous
>>102112
droolingbabywithdslr.jpg
>> Anonymous
>>102112
What is an Alpha 100?
>> des
>>102112
How much do you get a month from sony and can I get the email of your contact. I could totally use some extra scratch.
uh TO PURCHASE A BRAND NEW SONY DSLR AND SOME FABULOUS KM/SONY LENSES, of course.
>> Anonymous
>>102112
Cant tell if your trolling or not... (im not OP) but i have an ?100 and I like it. Whats wrong with it if your being sarcastic?
>> Anonymous
ITT: New Topic = soney A100
>> Anonymous
OP here. Oh it's a sony dSLR. This one?

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sonydslra100/

For the price of the A100...I don't think it is worth it.

While, all I have ever owned in digital cameras are two sony cybershots (picture posted is mine). I wasn't under any understanding that sony's are all that great in the beginner price range for a dSLR.
>> Butterfly !xlgRMYva6s
ITT everyone forgets what I do best.

Besides the A100 is more expensive than the other ones (cause its better) and has nothing to do with the cybershot line.
>> Anonymous
sony is new in the DSLR market and butterfly
>>102112
>>102114
>>102116
doesnt like it because its better than his camera
>> Anonymous
Op here,

Well seeing that the sony A100 has gone down in price and is compared to the D80 doesn't seem that bad. But still...wheres the help guys?
>> Butterfly !xlgRMYva6s
>>102122
we get this asked all the time, no one cares. Go read a magazine on the subject.

Protip: the A100 has better specs than all the ones you listed but costs more and doesnt have that wide a lense selection atmo (it has more than you need tho) and only one other body in that mount.
>> Anonymous
>>102122
people nearly always swear by the make of camera that they have because chances are they have only used one or two different brands for an extended time (so you can use all your lenses) I chose the a100 as my first because it is made by sony. Sony make the sensors for a lot of other brands of cameras. Sony have thier fingers in all sorts of technology from other areas so i figure if i want to get a new body then in the future sony will have most likely have some very good products.
What i would really recommend is a Nikkei DLN 9000A
>> Anonymous
>>102125
What magazine should I look for? Sorry I didn't know you guys get asked this all the time. Just spending 2 weeks doing this has not been producing anything. So I figured I would ask online.

No one outside of here has even mentioned sony made dSLR's...so thats new to me. Thanks.

So for a beginner though (so I at least walk away with something here) you guys suggest the Sony A100?
>> Anonymous
>>102132
take that suggestion lightly from me, i have one and i like it but see what others say, im newbie too.
>> Butterfly !xlgRMYva6s
>>102132
ANY magazine on photography is good, go to a newsagents and have a flick through one and get any that take your interest?

The A100 is a good camera I (infamously) have one and It certianly covers beginner photography, its not made by sony but by minolta who were bought by sony so the mount is the same and you can use a lot of old (awesome) glass.
>> Anonymous
>>102135
other a100 owner here, i can finally tell whether or not your trolling lol.
>> Butterfly !xlgRMYva6s
>>102137
only about cameras :P
>> Anonymous
     File :-(, x)
>>102137
i meant to post this with my above poast... gosh im tired.
>> ac !!VPzQAxYPAMA
>>102132
>So for a beginner though (so I at least walk away with something here) you guys suggest the Sony A100?
No we are not. The Sony (and they are few. Butterfly being the most vocal and obvious) users are suggesting the Sony. You'll find the Canonfags (like myself) say you should trust your instinct and go for the XTi. Nikonfags will point you towards the D40, which will result in everyone else pointing out that it won't autofocus on any of the good lenses, which will be followed by exhortations to get a D50, D70, or D80.

Everyone's judgement is clouded somewhat by the camera that they personally use and prefer. The big secret that most review sites won't tell you is that there is basically no difference in image quality between the major makes of digital SLRs available today. You've already done the one comparison that matters--you've gone out and held 'em in your hands and decided which you prefer.

(Oh, but the Sony sucks. Stay away from that definitely. HI BUTTERFLY)
>> Anonymous
>>102145The Sony (and they are few. Butterfly being the most vocal and obvious) users are suggesting the Sony. You'll find the Canonfags (like myself) say you should trust your instinct and go for the XTi. Nikonfags will point you towards the D40, which will result in everyone else pointing out that it won't autofocus on any of the good lenses, which will be followed by exhortations to get a D50, D70, or D80.

So OP, go get a Pentax K100D. Cheap, nice image quality and a wide selection of lenseses.
>> des
>>102146
the reason nobody brings up pentax is all the pentax users are out shooting not trolling interbutts
>> Anonyfag of Borneo !bHymOqU5YY
Canonfag here. I believe that one will outgrow the D40 rather quickly.
>> Anonymous
>>102152
old, but still funny.
>> Macheath !8b4g0BkNZg
>>102146
Many lenseses, few lenses.
>> Anonymous
>The pentax had the best grip in my hands but it didn't really matter.

Actually, it does. Any camera is going to feel okay screwing around in a store with it, but when you're actually shooting, how the camera feels is the most important thing beyond it not being total shit.

If the Pentax feels best for you, buy the Pentax.

And FWIW, I'd say the K100D is a much better camera even on the spec sheet than the Rebel or D40... IS on all lenses, more viewfinder magnificaiton and coverage, etc.
>> Anonymous
>>102186
I'm in Seattle, WA and ordered a K10D the other day. The weather sealing was definitely one of the reasons I picked it, though the biggest was for the reason this guy pointed out: it felt the best in the store.
>> Anonymous
>>102110
OP: the K10D is the better camera... the K100D is the 6MP non-sealed version that's the entry-level model. I own a K10D and LOVE it. I'd strongly suggest the battery grip as it allows for a second battery (I'd pick up a spare battery, too) and works as a vertical shutter. It's also weather-sealed and has both a front and rear dial (for aperture/shutter speed). I'm out-of-state and using someone else's computer, so I don't have any shots other than the few I uploaded to my site months ago (and aren't my best work by far... I can't be bothered to keep an up-to-date portfolio when I'm busy working on a business plan and can only shoot in my spare time.)

I brought my K10D with me, so if I take any decent shots, I'll try to post them here.

The main problem (if you can call it as such) with the K10D is that it isn't exactly "beginner friendly" other than the green mode. There aren't scene modes like the Canon or Nikon. However, it doesn't feel like some flimsy toy in the hands! (I would have cramped up long ago with the other cameras you mentioned... possibly even the K100D -- I'm not sure, I never held one because I viewed the vertical grip as essential by the time I gave up on the D40/XT/XTi.)

If you're willing to take the time to actually learn photographic basics like shutter speed, aperture, focal length, etc. the K10D is great.

I bought mine from Cameta Camera through Amazon back in late July.


You may want to look at the Nikon D80. It felt comfortable in my hands, too, but then you could join in the Nikon vs. Canon flamewars.
>> Pentax K10D is the most award D-SLR in 2007 leorolim
     File :-(, x)
TIPA Technical Image Press Association AWARDS 2007:
D-SLR Expert Pentax K10D

EISA: European Imaging and Sound Association Awards 2007
BEST EUROPEAN CAMERA Pentax K10D

http://www.eisa-awards.eu/2007/node/757
http://www.dcviews.com/press/TIPA-2007.htm
>> Anonymous !MjcMqTX/iM
>>102257
Like anyone gives a damn about sponsored and bribed awards from unknown events. : /
>> Anonymous
OP here:

I left the thread with the intent on using the sony alpha 100. Reading the reviews and what it is compared to; I think does make it a good choice. Only in that is is my price range now.

To sum up what I am still looking at:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_eos400d%2Cnikon
_d40%2Cpentax_k100d%2Cpentax_k10d%2Csony_dslra100&show=all


I played around with the camera's alot. About 20min each taking shots around the store. The pentax was more fun...but I totally forgot if it was the K10 or K100. >_<"

The sony had about the same grip as the Pentax's because of the groove for your index and middle finger. But not as good thumb groove as the Pentax's.

The Pentax also have that little top LCD for info. About the only other thing I noticed was that the Sony has the most snappy menu, it was quick and better laid out.

I talked with my friends that have dSLR's. They only know of the Nikon and Canon really and say that I am like being an out lier or whatever. And that I should be starting with Nikon or Canon. *shrug*

Is the community surrounded by the Pentax dead? If I get this camera am I not going to be able to buy a book on it etc.

I am thinking they just really like their brand like everyone is saying here in the thread.

Between the K10D, K100D, and the Sony I am in a bit of a stale-mate. Nothing is making me budge for purchase. But I do feel like I have easily cut the D40 and Xti from my list after using the Pentax models today.....I am not trying to be different either. Oh and yes, I know they all take great photos. It is just that this is a pretty big investment and new hobby for me. Later on my choice of a new camera will be defendant on what I choose now. I know that there isn't much a wrong choice...but agH! this is worse than Cars and Computer Hardware combined.
>> Anonymous
>>102411
The K100D is a better value for your money compared to the K10D, so that should cut out the K10 from your short list.
>> Anonymous
>>102411
I've never held a K100D, but it seems to be about the same size as the other entry-level DSLRs... did it look like this? http://a.img-dpreview.com/reviews/PentaxK100D/Images/allroundview.jpg
compared to this... http://a.img-dpreview.com/reviews/PentaxK10D/Images/allroundview.jpg

> Is the community surrounded by the Pentax dead? If I get this camera am I not going to be able to buy a book on it etc.

I know that there's a Magic Lantern guide book to the K10D. Amazon sells it new for $13.57

The K10D felt awesome in my hands. What took me so long to finally get it was that I hadn't had a chance to hold it in person.

>>102415
Yeah, but the K10D is weather sealed, has better controls, can allow for a vertical/battery grip, doesn't feel like a "prosumer" P&S in terms of size, weight, or grip... it's just all-around awesome (and, hey, 10MP if it matters).

You can get the K10D body for $629.99 from Amazon with free S&H. The K100D is $409, and I realize that the K10D costs 50% more, but I feel that it's far worth it considering the ease of using the controls, etc. If you want to justify the price difference, you get 67% more megapixels for roughly 54% more money. What a deal! :P
>> Butterfly !xlgRMYva6s
>>102411
one of the (diminishing) advantages of the sony is the shitload of old minolta glass you can get for dirt cheap (its 50/1.7 is almost free for its stunning quality).

Do the pentax ones use the same mount as film bodies? Sony's do (and also have the same gear as the two best film bodies ever made)
>> ac !!VPzQAxYPAMA
>>102434
Yeah, the Pentax DSLRs use the same mount as their film SLRs. And, unlike Sony (and Canon), they can use the old manual-focus lenses too.
>> Butterfly !xlgRMYva6s
>>102438
I've seen minolta glass that doesnt work on the old mount its that old but tats ok at least (im thinking of olympus)
>> Anonymous
Nother K10D owner here. I'm gonna say that if you use manual mode a lot go balls out and get that over the K100, because the K10D has two wheels.

As someone mentioned it feels a bit nicer than the K100 (and a LOT nicer than the D40), and I'm pretty sure it has a brighter finder. It is more $ though, so just figure out what's important to you.
>> Anonymous
OP here,

I went to a real nice camera shop and not a chain. My friend is getting a D80 so he brought me there. It has come down to Pentax Vs. Nikon. I have also kind of decided that maybe money is more important....

Pentax K10D, Pentax K100D Super, Nikon D40, Nikon D40x

Is what the battle of choices has come down to. The shop guy said he would choose the Nikon because of lens price/choice. They did not really know Pentax models all to well though and could only suggest really the K100D Super to me. But added you know "but the K10D is better specifications wise the K100D Super and Nikon D40's are evenly matched. Money is what matters here now......"

I know they all take great pictures. I just wish some feature/fact would push me to choose one finally lol. Pentax K100D Super I had the easiest time handling and shooting with. Nikon has a much better menu interface. The tactile buttons of the K100D Super were nice and easier than the K10D by far, but that obviously won't be a problem over time. Pentax's did seem to have a slower interface when browsing pictures too. K100D Super also takes AA batterys I guess that is kind of a downer....

Halp! What don't I know, that I need to know, between those models!

Oh yeah and butterfly. I went to Barnes&Noble. There was no photography/dslr magazine with any articles on choosing a camera. Just a bunch of tutoroals, tips, advice etc. and a HOLIDAY GUIDE! Get a macbook and this printer! etc. So no not just any magazine worked. Out of the 12'ish I picked looked at tonight. -_-;
>> Anonymous
>>102666
The Pentax taking AA batteries is a bonus- if you happen to run out of batteries, you can go to the nearest convenience store for ore juice.

K100D vs D40, I'd get the K100D.
>> Anonymous
>>102441
The viewfinder in the K10D uses a prism instead of the mirror menagerie in a lot of the other entry level DSLRs.
>> Anonymous
>>102674
Just to double check. I am looking at the K100D Super. Not the K100D....still pick it over the D40/D40x?

>>102683
Does this explain why the viewfinder was darker than the other dSLR's? Also does this add the capability to preview the aperture (right technical word?) shot in the viewfinder like the D80 for example instead of having to look at the LCD screen on the back with the K100D Super for that preview....does the D40 even do this?

These small little differences is what I am trying to discover. I hope I make sense heh.

Aye, the Pentax's do feel better than the D40, and I felt better shooting with the Pentax. But I have smaller hands so it wasn't that much of a sacrifice when just gripping to plastic on the Nikons. K100D Super again I had the easiest/most fun just holding/shooting. Fit like a glove if you will. Just happened to work out like that!

Thank You for all advice btw!
>> Anonymous
>>102684
The K100D Super is an improved version of the old K100D
>> Anonymous
>>102684
>K100D Super again I had the easiest/most fun just holding/shooting. Fit like a glove if you will. Just happened to work out like that!

What are you waiting for then? They all take pretty much the same pictures, but you'll take better ones with a camera that jives with you.

K100D Super. A normal prime and whatever other lenses you need to do what you want to do. /thread.
>> ac !!VPzQAxYPAMA
>>102666
>The shop guy said he would choose the Nikon because of lens price/choice.
Then he's a moron. The D40 has pretty much the worst lens selection in the Nikon line, assuming you want to make full use of the lenses' features.

Also, be wary of the camera suggestions of people who work in camera stores. People trying to sell you a camera are rarely unbiased.
>> Anonymous
>>102684
>>Does this explain why the viewfinder was darker than the other dSLR's?

Yes.
>> Anonymous
>>102708
Well, it's possible the shop guy was thinking along the lines of "Well, this guy gets a D40 now and picks up some of the lenses for it then upgrades to a D80 in a year and suddenly has a lot more lenses available to him." I can't imagine someone who is buying their first camera will be able to legitimize outbuying the admittedly few lens opportunities for the D40 in a short amount of time.

But yeah, in general people in stores shouldn't be trusted without some serious analysis of their opinions.
>> Anonymous
Alright then all I am starting to really lean to the Pentax.

When looking at their specifications side by side though:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=nikon_d40%2Cnikon_d40
x%2Cpentax_k100dsuper%2Cpentax_k10d&show=all

I noticed the Nikons have a better continuous drive mode. Is this really going to matter to me? Sounds pretty cool to be able to shoot continuously.
>> Anonymous
>>102828
No, it doesn't really matter at all for at least 95% of what most photographers do. Sports photographers use it like crazy, but that's about it.

A few decades ago, unless you bought a big and expensive accessory, you had to move the film yourself between shots. It's not really important, and you'll lose sight of composition if you shoot too fast anyway.
>> Anonymous !dMYYvF5Blo
Get something better like a D80...
And some simple lens like a used 50mm (fixed length) AF lens. (If you look, you can find it for $100 or less in good condition.)

Its better to learn photography with a fixed length lens anyway.

Also, I've used the Pentax.
The Pentax is shit.
>> Anonymous
>>102830
>Its better to learn photography with a fixed length lens anyway.

I agree with this 100%, but otherwise you're wrong.

If the K100D fits the OP's hands perfectly, that's what he should get.

A 50mm is too long for general photography on an APS-C sensor. Something like a 28mm is what he needs.
>> Anonymous
>>102830
D80 is simply to expensive....the K10D pushes it for me but the advantage of a weather sealed body is great for me...thats why I am looking at that camera.
>> Anonymous
>>102830
Total shit. Worst camera I've ever used. My cell phone takes better pictures.
>> Anonymous
>>102850
I believe this!
>> Anonymous
The K10D rocks... 3FPS is more than enough for most photographers to show movement. I've used the JPEG burst mode and managed to get several shots before the buffer slowed down. You really can go until you fill up your card, but why would you want to?

I'd hold both the D80 and K10D in your hands and go with what felt best. The K10D has a slight "learning curve", but it isn't bad at all. And the "soft image problem" is due to default JPEG settings. Just make sure to get the firmware upgrade and consider taking RAW + JPEG when you're shooting.

From what I've heard (I may be wrong), the K10D out performs the D80 when it comes to RAW images.
>> Anonymous
>>102870
I have held both. The K10D was better, the D80 was larger than my palm. The K10D also had better grip. But hey at least the D80 has like a night light for the top LCD thing...

AGain though the D80 is out of my price range. And won't ever be...this camera I will get will be with me for quite sometime!
>> Anonymous
>>102884
The K10D ALSO has a "nightlight" for the top LCD. If you look on the back, under the aperture wheel and next to the AF, you'll see a light button next to the back screen. The button is the +/-. I just checked this on my K10D. I'd used that before, but generally just look through the lens to tell what I'm doing when fiddling with the aperture/shutter speed.
>> Anonymous
>>102110

Beginners dont need DSLRs.

Most people don't need DSLRs.

They are really just overhyped bullshit. If you are asking /p/ what kinda DSLR to get, you are going to produce shit with it, and should save your money.

I suggest you buy a point and shoot, like the Canon G9. EVEry feature a DSLR has, smaller, WAY MORE MEGAPIXELS, and plenty of lens range. You'll be 10 times happier.
>> Anonymous
>>103088
I heartily LOL'd! Then again, I cringe at all of the people going for D40/D40x. (350D/400D a.k.a. XT/XTi isn't too bad, though, as they'll actually take a range of lenses.)

I'll agree that most people don't need a DSLR, but if you want to take low-light or fast-motion photos (including moving children or animals), it'll be worth it. Shutter delay can be he difference between a great shot and missing the moment.

Hell, a disposable film camera can take some good pictures as well as a 4MP P&S. Just have some idea of what you're doing.
>> Anonymous
People don't "need" a DSLR any more than people "need" a nice guitar or trumpet or whatever musical instrument you desire. You can get a great sound out of a 10 watt practice amp and a squire strat if you know what you're doing, but the point is that you have to KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING first.

I say buy the nicest camera you can as your first camera. You're more likely to stick around with something if you can get good results easily than you will if you have t oput WORK into it. Art isn't supposed to be painful, it's supposed to be enjoyable.

Sorry for typos, I can't see what I'm typing.
>> Anonymous
Seconded on the Canon G9. Much better than spending £150-200 more on the DSLRs.
>> Anonymous
Hope I don't derail, but a buddy recently found an olympus e500 body for $230, but he's torn between the Rebel XTI, which he was planning on getting originally, and this deal.
I can't really say anything to him as I've never used an Olympus- cannon user since highschool. How're the kit options on each?
>> ac !!VPzQAxYPAMA
>>103222
I'd say the XTi's better, but I don't know if it's enough better to turn down $230 for a digital SLR.
>> Half-Eye !Ir.x8Zkt3c
>>103127
today, i paid for my new 40D, which is to be shipped tomorrow. In the meantime, i took my GFs p&s to a party. The light was bad, the room huge, fast movements on dance and party games, lots of people wanted their pictures taken. It was a catastrophe. Anything my trusty EOS350D could have shrugged off, this piece of crap choked on. ISO Noise over 9000. Exposure times far beyond bad. Flash reload time ~5 seconds, during which this fucking cigarette box with a lens didnt let you do anything, not even zoom out. Flash weaker than a lit match. And it died after 50 pix with / without flash. There are some things where you definitely need F/2.8 all the way, ISO 400 that works, flash reload as fast as you can press the shutter, a flash that can be directed, diffused and bounced, on/off/standby times of .2 seconds for "that" snapshot. P&S sucks big time, and in some situations you cannot easily replace crappy equipment with skill.

TL;DR annoyed because my new toy isnt there yet.
>> Anonymous
>>103210
overpriced POS
>> Jeremo !iKGMr61IHM
>>103388

fuckin agreed. The Canon G series is ridiculously overpriced for what it is.
>> ac !!VPzQAxYPAMA
>>103389
Eh. The G series exists basically for two niches:
1. People who have more money than sense. I.e., the people who want to own a top-of-the-line camera and don't recognize that an SLR is going to have much better image quality than a P&S. They will do things like claiming that the G9 is better than the XTi because it's 12MP vs. the XTi's 10.
2. Hardcore strobists who really need a pocketable camera with a hot shoe.