Look for a lens system more than the body. The lenses will be the item that allows you get the shots you want. Nikon for example (because that is what I have so I know their lenses better) has a 50mm f1.8 lens that costs under $90 that would be fast enough for many night shots (they also have a 50mm 1.4 lens that runs about 280). Canon should have a similar 50mm lens at a low cost. The bad thing is the lens will not auto-focus on the d40 cameras because Nikon is converting to HSM auto-focus motors in the lenses as opposed to a motor in the body. The D40 cameras do not have the motor..

Also, if you don't plan on printing many photos at 20x 30 6 megpaixels should be sufficient..

Mike..

Bells-and-whistles that come along with a fully manual DSLR, though.

You'll soon find out that DSLR's have less bells-and-whistles than those superzoom point & shoots. A couple years ago, I sold my Canon Pro1 to buy the 300D. I was surprised to see that the long list of features are gone. Another surprising thing is that I do not miss any of them. For example, many point & shoot have like 20 different shooting modes for portrait, night shot, action shot, even sunset, etc. On a DSLR, there are only 3 things to adjust: aperture, shutter, and ISO.



Understand that the photographer has responsibility here, as opposed.

Great! Then a DSLR is for you..

All cameras you listed will have great image quality in bright conditions. In low light, here's my ranking in the image quality, from best to worst:.

Canon EOS 5D.

Canon EOS 30DNikon D80Canon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTiNikon D40X.

Pentax K10DFuji FinePix S5Nikon D200Sony DSLR-A100Sony Alpha DSLR-A100KOlympus Evolt E-510.

Olympus E-410.

Canon PowerShot S5 IS.

The Canon S5 IS really doesn't belong here. Its shutter lag is not in the league. Its noise performance is just horrible. And you can't change the lens...

Canon EOS 5D.

Any help, comments, suggestions, opinions and questions welcome!.

You listed just about every DSLR made except for the very top end Cannon 1D MarkIII. If you can afford it, by far the best camera you listed was the Canon EOS 5D. One word of caution, if you go with a better camera match it with the better lenses, otherwise what's is the point?.

However, I am sure you have other considerations than simply best picture, otherwise you would not have listed all those camera. I suggest you do a bit more research on exactly what it is you are looking for in a camera. Asking people to comment on every camera you list is a waste of time as there is no direction other than picture quality and since you are coming from P&S world, than what is your criteria for picture quality? One that looks good on your screen? Are you going to print your pictures 4x6? 5x7? 8x10? larger? Do you have your own printer or will you get your prints online?.

Roger..

WAY too many cameras listed there to even begin to make a logical choice.Cut them back to just 4.

Canon 5D - traditional 35mm sensor size. Lenses lack the 'benefit' of the 1.6 x crop.Nikon D200 - as good as it gets with the smaller DSLR sensor.Canon 30D - similar in abilities to the D200 but lighter.Pentax K10 - has image stabilisation in the body making all lenses stabilised..

And while you're sorting out what you want in the DSLR lines, go along and pick up a Fuji f31d pocket camera - the one with the high ISO that actually works..

John.Please visit me at:http://www.pbase.com/johnfr/backtothebridgehttp://www.pbase.com/johnfr..

JNSTrips wrote:.

I'm looking to purchase my first digital SLR and seek some advicefrom you professionals and enthusiasts who know what you're talkingabout. After spending about a week on this site, reviewing theextensive content, reviews and opinions, it's apparent that most ofyou do know what you're talking about..

Wow, are you confused! .

Most people here are opinionated beyond any reason and only want you to confirm that they didn't make TOO big a mistake..

I'd also like to thank thesite owner for such a resourceful and well-maintained website..

Go ahead. .

I've been taking pictures forever, but not what you'd consider ahobbyist. I'm also not very well versed in the usage of much of thebells-and-whistles that come along with a fully manual DSLR, thoughI'm far from an idiot and have the capacity to grasp it just notsure about the actual amount of time along with trial and error Ihave to spend on the activity. Nonetheless, I want to try my handwith a camrea that is capable of taking "outstanding" pictures. Iunderstand that the photographer has responsibility here, as opposedto a simple point-and-shoot model, but I'm just as confident I canattain enough knowledge to get the most out of a camera that'scapable of superior image quality reproduction..

If you can't take outstanding pix with the Kodak pocket cam, moving to a dSLR will only improve the IQ..

Currently, I'm using an old Kodak DX-6730 which has seen better days.Both the jog joystick and thumbwheel control are loose and the cameraconstantly resets itself or switches between various preset modesbefore settling on some setting that a final good wack fixes temporarily. And rather than get it repaired and be stuck with it,I've decided to move onward and upward. To something .

Good plan....

I've been looking at the following models. My main interest ispicture quality..

Everybody says that. Few mean it!.

Outdoor shots, indoor shots and especially nightphotography is what the camera will be used for..

OK...about 87% of all shots fit into those categories. Are you sure you don't want any macro shots?.

My current cameratakes good pictures only at dawn or dusk. Daylight pictures arebleached while night photographs are woefully grainy or blurred (mostprobably due to camrea shake). In any event, these are the models I'mcurrently interested in and seek your advice with (in no particularorder):.

Olympus E-410Nikon D40XCanon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTiNikon D80Sony DSLR-A100Canon EOS 30DNikon D200Canon PowerShot S5 ISOlympus Evolt E-510Fuji FinePix S5Pentax K10DCanon EOS 5DSony Alpha DSLR-A100K.

I can see that you haven't made it to a "short" list yet. Let me help....

Canon EOS 5D.

Nikon D200Pentax K10DFuji FinePix S5 ProNikon D80Canon EOS 30D.

Olympus E-510Nikon D40XCanon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTiSony DSLR-A100Olympus E-410.

Canon PowerShot S5 IS.

I have organized your cameras into 4 groups. The fact that you can't choose between a Canon 5D (about $10,000) and a Canon Powershot S5 IS (about $310) means you have not (yet) figured out what you want to do!.

I suggest you first choose one of the groups: Pro, Semi-pro, Entry, Small. Then pick the one that fits your hands best...don't even think about other issues!.

I understand that the cameras listed above are probably 99% morecamrea than I actually need right now, but I would like to invest insomething that has excellent picture capability in the hopes I canfind the time to actually learn how to use it and catch up to most ofthe features offered. As I stated earlier, I take pictures all thetime probably anywhere between 10 and 100 every day, though mostlyoutdoors during the overnight hours on static subjects (I work thegraveyard shift for the City of New York)..

You need to pick a camera with excellent low-light capabilities. Wait...I said don't even think....

Anyway, I'm not nearly concerned with what most of you may be:feel/weight/features/versatility (I have no problem being stuck withany particular manufacturer)/battery life, etc. I just want a verygood camera that's capable of taking excellent pictures..

All the cameras will do that...for some people. How discerning are you?.

People with the S3 IS think it's just fine. I would not be happy with it. I suggest you start with an entry level dSLR. Pick the Nikon D40 (not the X model), the Oly E510, or the Pentax K100D. Enjoy photography..

Charlie DavisNikon 5700 & Sony R1HomePage: http://www.1derful.infoBridge Blog: http://www.here-ugo.com/BridgeBlog/..

Why do you recommend the Nikon d40 and not the d40X?..

Indecisive wrote:.

Why do you recommend the Nikon d40 and not the d40X?.

To save $200 and to get fewer pixels and less noise (w/o NR). The $200 will go toward some AFS lenses..

Charlie DavisNikon 5700 & Sony R1HomePage: http://www.1derful.infoBridge Blog: http://www.here-ugo.com/BridgeBlog/..

If you went for a D40 it would be because of it's superior low noise performance (tho even this is marginal) the rest of it although very basic, it is a good learning tool.

If you went for the E-510 it would be because of the rather lengthy featureset, and perhaps the twin lens kit which would get you started (Oly kit lenses are the best). The features would keep you busy learning for quite some time.

If you went for the E-410, it would be because of it's compactness so you could take it anywhere..

All of these cameras will do well at 800iso.

My advice, go to a camera store and hold each one of your prospectives.Riley.

I like to think the bs can never be higher than the ah..

Hi Jeff,.

You listed three different Canon models that will all shoot with EOS lenses, but have a huge variation in $$$..

You might want to go with the less costlier Rebel 400 body to get started, and then spend your big money on the lenses. If you later decide to upgrade to a more expensive Canon body, your Rebel will be an excellent backup..

Lenses are the most difficult thing to decide on..

In general, you will want a selection that will give you different focal ranges from wide-angles to telephoto. If you want to shoot in low-light situations and freeze-action situations, then you will want lenses that have a wide aperture. That is reflected in a low f number. My personal favorite lens is my EOS 70-200mm f2.8L IS which sells for about $1600 the last time I looked. It's a medium, heavy lens that I love for shooting models, birds-in-flight, and lots of other things. I also have the EOS 24-105mm f4 IS L that I use for studio work and as a walk-around lens.

I am planning on getting the EOS 16-35 f2.8 L for super wide angle, which will be great for low-light indoor, and landscape photography. Do your homework before spending the bucks..

Do not buy a cheap kit lens that comes with a body..

Do not buy a cheap tripod..

Aloha,.

Don..

I want to thank all who had taken the time to respond to my (duplicate) request/solicitation for information and opinion. I assure you, your time was not wasted by a "drive-by" author never to be seen again. It took me this long to respond because after taking into consideration the information gathered here on the boards from you folks who did respond, as well as spending the last month reading every page of the in-depth reviews contained within the website database (among a HOST of other similar websites out there), I've narrowed my search to the following:.

1: Nikon D200 (which, as I understand from one particular distributor who I just ended a phone call with in Brooklyn, is now an "unofficially" discontinued model. Now, I have no problem disclosing the source of this (mis?)information, however at this time, the company has all but one single package left! So while I ponder the possibility of purchasing this lone "Pro-Package" at a cost of nearly $1,000 more than the standard $2,399 for the Body/18-200 VR kit, I shall keep it to myself for the time being and trust you'll understand! My biggest problem with this particular company is that, although they insist they have the camera in-stock and ready for delivery, I cannot visit them in-person because I am informed they ar a "mail-order only" outfit. And though they do list a physical address in Brooklyn, they will not permit me to visit the "warehouse" and view/feel/touch before buying something I'm extremely leary of with respect to making a major investment such as this. Though they absolutely guarantee the package is new, the contents are non-remanufactured and a complete "Pro Package" (that's even been discounted by roughly $200 "for me" at the time of my phone call), I'm very hesitant to do business over the phone or the internet with a company who I've never heard of. Now, if it were, say, Crutchfield, for example, I'd probably be sharing the news that I've already ordered my D200 package with you, as opposed to this lengthy, hot-air strewn flapping about my insecurities and second-hand rumor. Speaking of which, rumor, that is if the gentleman who answered my call is to be believed and the D200 is or will soon be discontinued, I'm informed the replacement model will be the D300 but was not told of an anticipated delivery date.

And I can't find a similar package to be in-stock anywhere else but at this company..

(Package cost: $3,249.99).

So....

2: Canon EOS 30D. I love everything I have read about this camera, but haven't touched it yet. I like the feel of the Nikon (I have salivated over a friend's), but very much like the high sensitivity quality of this Canon..

(Package cost: 3,199.93).

3: Canon EOS 5D. Lots of camera here. Much more camera than I need, but I am one to grow into it. I really like the full frame feature. It's what would sell me on this model, should I go with it. Of course, the lenses will kill me financially.



(Package cost: $3,957.00).

So here's my new problem: My trusty Kodak no longer works. It's not in the capable hands of the NYC Department of Sanitation.... and the camera I have decided upon is nearing the end of it's run, soon to be replaced by a (better? worse? completely different? completely unknown/untested) model..

"Maybe"!.

Do I wait and take no pictures while I see where the D200/DXXX replacement issue lands? Do I order the D200 package from this company who I never heard of (but will search for here and elsewhere before I do anything!) and "hope" it's not a reject or worse? Or do I go with the Canon that seems to have everything I want in a camera plonk down oddles of cash on lenses, spare batteries, cards and more just to find out the D200 replacement does it all and then some at a better price?!.

Or, do I throw caution to the wind, put the family on rice and toast, tell the little woman we can celebrate her birthday twice as much next year instead of next week and go for the 5D? Play it safe, grab me that 30D or wait this D200 thing out?.

A little more info: I leave New York for my semi-annual cross-country road trip excursion week after Labor Day and will be heading to Colorado, Wyoming and South Dakota to shoot this country. I must have two camera's by that time (I already feel naked without one). My DSLR that I hope to learn enough to actually use, and my new P & S which will most-likely be the Fujifilm FinePix F50 fd (I know, I know... just grab the proven 31... but I can't help myself)!.

Please do share your thoughts and opinions regarding this matter. Should be a bit easier now that I've narrowed "our" choices down to three!.

Thanks againJeff..

Be Careful.

The package PRO kits being offered possibly come from some pretty shadycorrupt dealers..and some of the stuff included is junk..I won't name themmost camera enthusiats know whom they are....Go tohttp://www.resellerratings.com.

And check there..before you order from these usually NY companies (and there are some good NY companies also)....some are terriblemy two centsI try not to pole vault over ant hills..

Many thanks..

After I posted this message, I ran a full search of this company and came up with nothing positive (and a few horror stories). This isn't to say that there's any wrongdoing there, it's simply a matter of what appears to be a negative reputation preceding them ("Grey market" had been mentioned many times, non-manufacturer warranties, third-party warranties, opened boxes, missing manuals, photo copied booklets, etc, all mentioned in some capacity relating to this company)..

Definitely not the type of outfit I'll do business with. As it happens, it made "the list": http://donwiss.com/pictures/BrooklynStores/.

In any event (and thanks again for the warning), any additional suggestions with respect to the actual equipment?..

Jeff, are you interested in the reactions when you take that photography class?.

Have you googled the D300 rumor? It seems just a bunch of Nikon fans predicting what they want..

I'd buy the D200 while the prices are low..

Check out the secret NYC on-line only retailer carefully. There is a site (which I can't recall) that shows pix of ALL these fly-by-night operations. If you could see the building that these places work out of, you'd be leery..

My approach is to check the B&H prices on all the pieces, then sum them up. Anyplace that is lower is not to be trusted. You didn't say if they told you whether the camera is a USA model? It might be nice to have a warranty....

Often the "accessories" are cheap junk that you pay high prices for. Make sure you know what brand everything is and check to see what they are worth. Also, be sure to get the spelling of the brand name...often they create close copies, but with slightly different spelling (ie, Nikor vs Nikkor)..

Another bad signal is when they call and tell you that their last camera has already gone to somebody else. Then when you whine, they say they can get another one, but you'll have to buy a memory card, tripod, and bag/case. When that happens, call your credit card company and cancel the sale!.

Charlie DavisNikon 5700 & Sony R1HomePage: http://www.1derful.infoBridge Blog: http://www.here-ugo.com/BridgeBlog/..