Also look at the Pentax K100D....as far as lenses go, get the kit lenses for starters as you will need to learn the basics of how your camera operates and the Pentax kit lenses, the 18-55mm and the 50-200mm are quite good for intro lenses and should cover all your needs. Plus they are quite compact and lightweight but have a decent build quality..
JohnPentax *ist-D, K100D, Fuji F20/31fd, Oly Stylushttp://www.pbase.com/jglover..
I'd also include the Oly E-510 with dual lens kit on that list..
You get in camera image stabilization which should be helpful for those outdoor telephoto shots you'll be taking. It's also lighter (IIRC) than the others and the kit lenses are rated quite highly..
Any way, then go handle all of them and decide which feels best and seems easiest to work with and then buy that one. Day to day handling usually trumps the minor advantages/disadvantages for each model. All are capable of taking great pictures.Personally I'm fond of the Nikon and the OlyA member of the rabble in good standing...
Honestly, I don't think you can go wrong with any of the current DSLR's that are out there..
I do a lot hiking/backpacking/climbing as well and I usually only bring the kit lens when I'm out there. Kit lenses are usually plastic (i.e. lighter) and are smaller. Another bonus is that kit lenses are cheap so if anything were to happen to it I'm not going to care. Kit lenses can be had for cheap. Most kit lenses these days are pretty good anyways..
The BEST thing to do will be to go to a store and get your hands on them. Play with them for a while, get into the menu's, etc.. Then pick the one that was the best for you to use..
Setebos wrote:.
I am considering the purchase of my first SLR and am looking at:Nikon D40xCanon Digital Rebel XTiSony Alpha DSLR-A100K.
I am becoming more and more intrigued with photography and wish tofind a camera that will allow me to gain greater experience but atthe same time won't be too overwhelming..
My primary use will be out door shots. I am an avid hiker /backpacker and will be taking pictures of mountains, trees, rivers,etc. (along with the typical family pictures)..
Am I headed in the right direction (i.e. any thoughts regarding thesuitability of three cameras that have made my short list)? Does onestand out above the others?.
What lens would be best suited for the types of pictures I amconsidering?.
Any other reference material out on the net that you think might behelpful to me in making my camera choice or in learing how tomaximize it's use?.
'I reject your reality and substitute my own' -Adam Savage..
The best thing to do is not post on this forum or you'll sucker people into a flame war(Nikon vs. Canon vs. Oly vs. Pentax vs. Sony) personally I use the camera that feels right and if it shoots 10 fps cool, if it shoots 3MP awesome, You will never use a camera that doesn't feel right, even if it shoots 10mp 10fps has satellite TV built-in with a 7in. LCD..
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From a photo expert; Not me of course But, the guy above is correct also, it must feel right so go try them all..
"...the impressive thing about the D40 is that it is arguably the best-designed small camera to date. Handwise, it's perfect. The viewfinder is good, if not up to the D200 level. Color, noise, and resolution are quite good, and you have enough control over the first two items to get excellent image quality..
The D40x retains all the things that are likeable about the D40 and gives you a 10mp sensor that produces images that are arguably slightly better than the D80 can produce (at least for JPEG files). You pay for that extra resolution two ways: extra dollars up front and reduced flash flexibility due to the all-mechanical shutter. I don't expect to use my D80 much any more with the D40x being smaller and lighter.".
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Read the reviews! Your question merely elicits "My camera is best" comments from fanboys. The persons who suggested that you go to a store and try out the various brands were doing you a real favor. Every camera mentioned in this thread is good (albeit some better than others), but only you can determine what is best for you..
Jerryhttp://jchoate.zenfolio.com/..