Seriously tough decision that isn't getting easier!!

[Mr Guy]

I'll agree with what everyone else has said. None of those cameras is going to be too much or too little for you at that price point. If you become serious about it, your budget will eventually be shot to hell with lenses anyway, and then your camera body will become one of your cheapest and most replaceable pieces of gear. Personally, I can understand Sony or Olympus people eventually having regrets, because in my personal opinion, Sony and Olympus treat their DSLR lines like large point and shoot cameras and seem mildly surprised you'd actually change lenses. However, Nikon, Canon, and Pentax have a proud tradition and extensive line ups that'll satisfy almost any niche you can think of. Each brand has some strengths and weaknesses, and has certain things they'll do better than other brands. What's most important is that each one provides a choice or two at the $500 point that will be likely significantly more advanced than your ability to optimally use it at your current skill level.

I, and I think most others here, would recommend getting the entry level camera with the amount of hand holding you feel is going to help you the most, at the lowest possible cost, thoroughly getting to know it inside and out and the lens it comes with inside and out, then and ONLY then, buying lenses to solve specific problems you've regularly encountered, and FINALLY considering moving to a more advanced camera when your skill set has reached the point where you can utilize their different advantages.

All that said, it's also helpful to know that camera bodies hold their value annoyingly well (when you're waiting to find a used one), so if you buy one, you'll likely be able to use some portion of it's cost to offset the cost of upgrading later, if you don't keep it as a back up body.

A K20D is a beautiful camera. I love mine. It's powerful and well built. It's also probably way more than you need. A K200D is a much much cheaper alternative that more directly compares to a D40, in my opinion.

For absolute bang for your buck, browse the used section at Adorama, KEH, or BHPhotoVideo. A K10 for $400 will give you ALMOST the power of the K20, for a significant discount.

[inkista]

Originally Posted by Mr Guy

...Personally, I can understand Sony or Olympus people eventually having regrets, because in my personal opinion, Sony and Olympus treat their DSLR lines like large point and shoot cameras and seem mildly surprised you'd actually change lenses. However, Nikon, Canon, and Pentax have a proud tradition and extensive line ups that'll satisfy almost any niche you can think of. ...

Actually, I've always thought of Olympus as "tiny at any cost". But they certainly cover a larger zoom range in some ways than Pentax does (everyone forgets the 2x crop factor with four-thirds), and the only f/2 zooms on the market. And Sony has autofocusing Zeiss glass and full-frame bodies, which are wooing folks away from Canikon.

To me, Pentax is a great system, but don't overstate that it covers every niche--as a sports or stage shooter, it's probably one of the last makes you want to consider, as long fast autofocusing lenses are distinctly missing from the current lineup. If you want pancakes and a great selection of normal-on-a-crop lenses, then Pentax is undoubtedly king, but there are no f/1.2 primes, no tilt-shifts, superteles, or full frame bodies in the current Pentax lineup--all of which Canon and Nikon offer. The fact that all of Pentax's current lenses are designed for crop body also means that if Pentax ever does go full-frame, they're gonna have a lot of catching up to do, lens-offering wise.

[Mr Guy]

Originally Posted by inkista

Actually, I've always thought of Olympus as "tiny at any cost". But they certainly cover a larger zoom range in some ways than Pentax does (everyone forgets the 2x crop factor with four-thirds), and the only f/2 zooms on the market. And Sony has autofocusing Zeiss glass and full-frame bodies, which are wooing folks away from Canikon.

To me, Pentax is a great system, but don't overstate that it covers every niche--as a sports or stage shooter, it's probably one of the last makes you want to consider, as long fast autofocusing lenses are distinctly missing from the current lineup. If you want pancakes and a great selection of normal-on-a-crop lenses, then Pentax is undoubtedly king, but there are no f/1.2 primes, no tilt-shifts, superteles, or full frame bodies in the current Pentax lineup--all of which Canon and Nikon offer. The fact that all of Pentax's current lenses are designed for crop body also means that if Pentax ever does go full-frame, they're gonna have a lot of catching up to do, lens-offering wise.

Crop factor doesn't make something a more prolific zoom. Your reach isn't any better just because you crop the result. Only field of view changes. I did say ALMOST every niche, and I'll stand by that. Pentax doesn't have a 600mm f/2.8 like Canon L glass, but they do have a 600mm f/4, and a have 2.8 primes up to there, (and they are full frame).

The only problem Pentax really has in range coverage is perception and a lack of CHEAP branded choices. You get to buy the expensive version, or an offbrand version. Fortunately, the limiteds and FA* and DA* still aren't as expensive as L glass...

You are correct there's no current Pentax FF body, (of course, there's the 645D...) but relying on autofocus for a f/1.2 prime isn't the greatest idea in the world. So I'll give you that the Pentax equivalents are a half stop slower than their Nikon or Canon counterparts, but I'd also probably argue they perform wide open as well as their equivalents perform stopped down, but that's more of a religious debate.

[krm4zd]

Originally Posted by krm4zd

Ok so I've got ya'll advice before but I'm still stuck. I love photography but do not own a DSLR. I feel like I've checked out every brand but still can't make a decision. I've gone from a Nikon D40/D50 to a Sony A350 to a Nikon D90 to a Canon 50D and now a sales person suggested a Pentax K20.
At first I wanted to spend $500 but know my budget has increased to a little over $1000. What do I do? I want a camera I won't grow out of too quickly. Would like to do portraits, babies, engagement pics, weddings, basically I don't want to be restricted. (I know I'll need to buy more lenses/external flashes).
I don't care about video or having live view. I would like to be able to use manual settings and not be stuck w/ only auto. I've been told that Nikon D40 is like a camera for a mom or dad wanting to take better pics, not one for a photographer. Every sales associate says something different!!

Wow! Ya'll have a lot of great advice. I've read and reread your comments and I really feel like you've helped me realize that I don't necessarily need a expensive high end camera to start. I was afraid of going that route and being overwhelmed w/ features instead of being excited to have my first DSLR. Right now I'm leaning towards Nikon/Canon but haven't decided specifics yet. I might go up to the store today and look/play for the millionth time! Thanks again and feel free to offer any more advice you think that would make my decision easier.

Canon VS Nikon debate?

[Mr Guy]

Originally Posted by krm4zd

Canon VS Nikon debate?

There isn't one, really. It's all about which camera is comfy for you, which is on sale, and which menus you like better!

[MattG]

Just to muddy the waters a bit further - Pentax offers in camera shake reduction, which is a factor when stepping up to a DSLR as it gives you the opportunity to shoot at lower shutter speeds without camera shake, irrespective of the lenses you get. Also the Pentax K20d are weather resistant as are some of their lenses. A lot of this depends upon what you'd like to shoot and what you want to do with your photos after taking them.

Pentax offers a great bang for buck in camera capabilities and in their lenses. I am biased as a long time Pentax follower and owner, but have never regretted my decision to stick with them.

Ultimately though, you have to buy the Pentax gear as few people hire it out, unlike Nikon and Canon gear. So if you fancy trying out special lenses for a weekend (i.e. helping out shooting performances/concerts that require seriously expensive glass), then Pentax will not be for you.

[MSidPhoto]

Both are top camera manufacturers in the market....but as you seem new to DSLR then as i said before go for Nikon D90 rather then the Canon 50D as the 50D is much more professional camera rather than the D90 which you might find easier to use.

Best of Luck !!

[Mr Guy]

One thing that occurred to me that hasn't before is that while people often recommend renting lenses to make sure they get what they want, they very rarely think to suggest renting the camera body. A weekend camera rental costs around $100 for a body and lens, while that may be $300 just for a temporary taste of the cameras you are considering, it may be some of the best money you'll spend for long term peace of mind. Where are you located? There may be shops in the area that at least rent Nikon or Canon, but you're probably stuck with an online source to try out a Pentax.

[krm4zd]

I would like to thank everyone for their help. All of your help, comments, and advice have really helping me in my decision to get my 1st DSLR!! I bought a Canon Rebel XS. I got the lens kit and a package deal that came w/ an extra battery and an IS 55-250mm lens. I am so happy with my purchase!! I cant wait to upload pics and start shooting more!!!

Thank you again everyone!!!!