JCS20T wrote:.

So camera buffs. As someone entering into the D-SLR game with $1,000to spend, which route would you take? I've looked at the reviews onthe Nikon D40 and D40x and the Canon 400D. Basically, they all seemlike good options and seem to be the entry level cameras of choice.What would you say? If I were to spend $1k, would you go with say theNikon D40 and a second lens, or put the full $1k into the camera (andwhich one would that be?) Your thoughts are appreciated -.

Pentax K100D, a Sigma 17-70mm and 70-300mm APO should be just under a $1000 with enough left over to get an extra memory card and some batteries.......

JohnPentax *ist-D, K100D, Fuji F20/31fd, Oly Stylushttp://www.pbase.com/jglover..

Boy, I was thinking about that yesterday..

I would recomend the K100D with a Tamron 18-250. The K100D has built in anti-shake/AF motor and the looks like the Tamron 18-250 has gotten great reviews..

K100D Buydig $384Tamron Sigma4less $464..

Given a choice between D40/D40x and 400D, I would have to recommend the 400D. It is more camera to grow into. If you can spring for the D80, then there is more competition..

As a general point, it is better to put money into good lenses than camera bodies, but the operative word here is good. If you are a novice, then you are unlikely to be buying good lenses to start with, since you won't know what lenses you need until you start shooting..

Brian A..

Given a choice between D40/D40x and 400D, I would have to recommend the 400D. It is more camera to grow into. If you can spring for the D80, then there is more competition..

As a general point, it is better to put money into good lenses than camera bodies, but the operative word here is good. If you are a novice, then you are unlikely to be buying good lenses to start with, since you won't know what lenses you need until you start shooting..

Brian A...

Take a look at the e-510 Olympus with the 2 kit lenes, it has IS in camera and is getting good reviews by the owners in the Oly SLR forum..

Image control:Zoom outZoom 100%Zoom inExpand AllOpen in new window.

God bless our troops!...

Thanks for the responses - I'll have to take a look out of the Nikon/Canon box to see what else is out there...are there any reviews on the Pentax k100d out there? This site hasn't reviewed it.....

Since you are starting a new system to grow on...and grow you will....

Remember that your glass is the base that all other accessories including the body are based around..

Oldwesterncowboy wrote:.

Since you are starting a new system to grow on...and grow you will...remember that your glass is the base that all other accessoriesincluding the body are based around.

So...basically, any of the cameras mentioned (D40/x, 400D, Pentax K100d) are a good base body for a beginner and the lenses I purchase will only enhance the camera/photography experience. I understand that the Nikon has limited lens expandability..do you all see this as a major issue? It was noted by another poster that Nikon has plenty of these lenses available and Sigma is also making these lenses. I'm guessing there would be enough AF-S lenses out there to suit a beginners needs?..

JCS20T wrote:.

So...basically, any of the cameras mentioned (D40/x, 400D, PentaxK100d) are a good base body for a beginner and the lenses I purchasewill only enhance the camera/photography experience. I understandthat the Nikon has limited lens expandability..do you all see this asa major issue? It was noted by another poster that Nikon has plentyof these lenses available and Sigma is also making these lenses. I'mguessing there would be enough AF-S lenses out there to suit abeginners needs?.

It isnt just the lens selection with the D40, it is also a more limited camera. Yes, it is an excellent camera for a beginner, but, more than any of the other cameras mentioned, it is a camera that you will probably consider upgrading earlier rather than later..

The Canon, Pentax, Olympus, and Nikon D80, all have more long term potential than the D40..

Brian A...

It seems to me you might be going about this in a backward fashion..

What are you trying to produce (now and later)? Until you define the problem you can't pick a tool to solve it. What are you shooting?.

Many say something like "Landscape, Wildlife, Portraits, low light pics of kids, and Group shots" and then say they want to spend a grand. Well, that is simply unrealistic, to put it mildly.CameraLens(es)AccessoriesTripodFlashStorageComputerSoftwareBackup storage.

Go into it with your eyes open, I say. The camera is about 1% of the the total you can expect to shell out if you get serious..

If youv'e got some money burning a hole and you just want to jump in you should do so by buying a decent camera and kit lens ex:.

Http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...841-REG/Nikon_9419_D40_SLR_Digital_Camera.html.

But don't start adding anything else unless you want to commit to that system. It is a trap that has been working for the camera makers for many years -Kent..

Thanks Kent - thats some good advice..

To start, I travel alot so lots of photos of landscapes/landmarks to be sure, especially night photos. I just got back from Italy and my P&S did a decent job but after comparing my shots to my friends Cuba pics on his D80 (he's no professional either), the increase in quality is extremely evident. Secondly, I'm an automotive enthusiast so auto shows, and photos of my and my friends vehicles (V-dub represent). Thirdly, I'm a huge sports fan so I'm often at sporting events. These would be my primary goals, but who knows what I could get into from there once I really get into the camera..

I'm thinking I'm going to go with a camera w/ kit lens and accessories for now. That way I can test out it's capabilities and see where it meets my needs and where it doesn't. That way, I can then invest in lenses that will be of the most use to me. Now, if I can just choose a darn camera!.

Thanks for everyone's advice. I just started looking at this site a couple weeks ago and Its got tons of great info...almost too much for me to grasp it all!..

Night photos? Get a K100D or K100D special. For travel, look at the DA21 or other pancake primes. ..

A plane ticket and two weeks accommodation to the destination of your choice anywhere in the world. You'll make more memories and unforgettable sights with your old gear than you ever will with your new gear staying at home..

Seriously.Tim'Be the change you wish to see in the world.' -Mahatma Gandhihttp://www.flickr.com/photos/timskis6/..

JCS20T wrote:.

Thanks for the responses - I'll have to take a look out of theNikon/Canon box to see what else is out there...are there any reviewson the Pentax k100d out there? This site hasn't reviewed it....

Check the Pentax SLR forum for some hands on reviews as well as the site review posted in an earlier post..

JohnPentax *ist-D, K100D, Fuji F20/31fd, Oly Stylushttp://www.pbase.com/jglover..