new to photography. ready to buy DSLR

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hello - I am brand new to photography and scheduled to start a new class in a few weeks. I want to purchase a DSLR and am not sure the very best for my budget - any suggestions for around $500?

[Biomech]

Sony Alpha !! (not an SLT thought); best value for money

[faeriegodess612]

The Nikon D3000 or D3100.

D3100:
Live View
Movie capabilities
14.2 Megapixels
Around $650 USD


D3000:
No Live view
No Movie capabilities
10.2 Megapixels
Around $500 USD

Both come with an 18-55mm kit lens. You can usually find packages that have more if you look on Amazon.

Not that I'm trying to get you to buy the same camera as me,...because about the only feature that I use thats any different, is the Live view. It shows me the full frame, unlike the viewfinder.

[Krusty79]

If you want to look at the entry level Canon DSLR, it was $599 for the kit when I bought mine - Amazon.com: Canon Rebel XS 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black): Camera & Photo

[inkista]

The XS is one generation back, the current entry-level Canon is the T3 (1100D). It's above your budget, though (about $600). My suggestion would, however, be to consider going up a tier and back a generation or two and looking for a used T1i (500D) or T2i (550D).

All the dSLR bodies are good and can cover your basic needs. The main issue is going to be if you specifically need some of the more exotic lenses (say, tilt-shifts for product photography, or super-telephotos for wildlife, etc.) Some systems are better-covered for those kinds of choices, lens-wise. Most people will recommend Canon or Nikon simply because they are the largest in sales, and have the most 3rd party support and the largest systems overall.

I also would not recommend going for Sony if you plan on primarily a lot of lighting/studio work, simply because of the non-standard hotshoe cutting down the number of options for you, or requiring hotshoe adapters. And I would not recommend going for Nikon if you plan on doing a lot of low-light fast-action photography on a budget (only AF-S lenses will autofocus on the D3100/D5100. Most of Nikon's zooms are AF-S, but only a few of the primes are.)

You do need to be aware that dSLR photography equipment is expensive--far more expensive than P&S camera equipment. The price of a single lens can easily outstrip the cost of the camera body. Make sure you know what you're getting into.

[MGP]

Originally Posted by Krusty79

If you want to look at the entry level Canon DSLR, it was $599 for the kit when I bought mine - Amazon.com: Canon Rebel XS 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black): Camera & Photo

I was just looking at this camera, less than an hour ago. I can get that here (the kit, plus a camera bag) for $549.99.

[BCampbell]

You are probably best off asking the instructor of the class and going with their recommendation. Even if it's not what I would recommend or anyone else. Why? They'll probably tell you to get what they're most comfortable with, and if you're using the same system you'll get much more from the class -- nobody knows the intricacies of every camera on the market, but we know the ones we use pretty well.

[Biomech]

Think about what you want.

Nikon - Good
Canon - Good
Sony/Minolta - Good

Nikon and Canon have no in body stabilisation. Which means if you want it, you buy it everytime and you buy the more expensive lenses. Sony does. The only downside to my Sony's are the annoying hotshoes, but it's easy enough to get around with an adapter. I use Nikon flashes with my Sony's.

There's a wide range of lenses for all manufacturers which also include Tamron and Sigma versions for each.

Don't buy a DSLR based on whether it does video or not. It's video ffs, you're looking to take photos.
Definately handle a few. I had settled on a Sony A55 SLT - until I picked it up; it has an EVF not OVF, is tiny and feels like shit. Likewise, my Sony a580 feels far superior to my Canon 500D.

[Krusty79]

Originally Posted by MGP

I was just looking at this camera, less than an hour ago. I can get that here (the kit, plus a camera bag) for $549.99.

But if you actually click the link, the price has dropped to $450.