What is the best beginner digital SLR camera?
I feel bad for saying this, but the more you learn about photography, the more you realize Ken Rockwell is a joke. Maybe that's too harsh, but definitely get a second opinion before you follow his advice.
Any of the Nikons and Canons from the last few years will be fine. The are both fine systems, and to each their own. The d40 is still a nice camera, even though it's pretty old (I'm not as familiar with Nikon stuff). From the Canon side, I'd look at a used 30d, 40d or 5d depending on your price range. Having that big wheel on the back of the camera is very useful, and none of the Rebels have one.
Cameras drop in value much quicker than great lenses do. In fact, if you get a good deal on a nice lens and take care of it, you can often sell it down the road for what (or near) you paid for it. Camera's on the other hand often lose at least 50% of their value within 2 or 3 years.
I just picked up a used 30d for $300, and it's still a great camera. You will probably upgrade your camera every few years, but your lenses will stick with you for a long, long time. So, get an inexpensive camera to start, and put your money into the glass. Lenses make a much bigger difference in your image quality anyways....
Good luck and happy shooting.
7 Answers
I feel bad for saying this, but the more you learn about photography, the more you realize Ken Rockwell is a joke. Maybe that's too harsh, but definitely get a second opinion before you follow his advice.
Any of the Nikons and Canons from the last few years will be fine. The are both fine systems, and to each their own. The d40 is still a nice camera, even though it's pretty old (I'm not as familiar with Nikon stuff). From the Canon side, I'd look at a used 30d, 40d or 5d depending on your price range. Having that big wheel on the back of the camera is very useful, and none of the Rebels have one.
Cameras drop in value much quicker than great lenses do. In fact, if you get a good deal on a nice lens and take care of it, you can often sell it down the road for what (or near) you paid for it. Camera's on the other hand often lose at least 50% of their value within 2 or 3 years.
I just picked up a used 30d for $300, and it's still a great camera. You will probably upgrade your camera every few years, but your lenses will stick with you for a long, long time. So, get an inexpensive camera to start, and put your money into the glass. Lenses make a much bigger difference in your image quality anyways....
Good luck and happy shooting.
Short answer: I had a D40 and loved it. Definitely a great starter, however it has since been discontinued (you can still pick them up pretty cheap). You're looking at either a Nikon D5000 or Canon T1i if you want the newest entry-level cameras on the market. Pick up each one, check out the menus, see which is more comfortable. They both come with 18-55mm kit lenses, they both shoot HD video, and they both take fantastic photos.
Long answer: My first dSLR was a Nikon D40, and I absolutely loved it. It was easy to use and took fantastic photos, but the more I got into photography, the more I found the D40 to be lacking in a few areas.
After the D40 was stolen(!), I ended up switching to a Canon T1i, their newest entry-level dSLR. It does everything I was used to on the D40 and more.
When it comes down to it, the bodies of these cameras are getting more and more similar. Canons don't take better photos than Nikons, or vice-versa... Ken Rockwell will argue otherwise, but I'd take his recommendations with a grain of Nikon-sponsored salt. Go with whatever is most comfortable in your hands. But brand-wise, I'd stick with either Canon or Nikon.
I agree about Ken Rockwell.....
Any Nikon or Canon dslr that you can afford will work. Other brands are technically fine, but the educational materials for Nikon and Canon are much more plentiful.
Simply because of Scott Kelby and all of his educational content, I went with Nikon.
Exactly what Brad said, buy the cheapest Nikon or Canon body you can find and spend on the glass. I shoot canon and have a 40D and 5DMK2 (and have owned the 10D, 20D, 30D, 5D & 1DsMK2). On paper you can't tell which print came from what camera, but you can tell what lens was used. The semi-pro series are more durable than the plastic bodied cameras so find a used 30D or 40D and get a "fast lens" that has an aperature of f2.8 or better and stay away from the kit lens (except for the 24-105f4, that is an exception).
Nikon D3000 $599
Don't go for the D5000, it's newer, but not cost effective compared to the D3000 and what each is capable of...
http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Product/Digital-SLR/25462/D3000.html
Nikon D40 or D60 dont bother with the D3000 or D5000 they are jokes.
Personally, I think the Nikon D40 is your best choice. It's a great camera that comes with very good 18-55mm lens. I recently bought mine and I love it.
I did a lot of research and comparisons and it came down to Nikon D40 vs the Canon XTi. Both are good cameras, but the Nikon just felt better in my hand. It's small and light, but has a very solid feel to it. The shots come out great!
There's one site in particular, Ken Rockwell , that has a lot of good info in plain English. You should definitely check it out and read the reviews on different cameras, lenses, filters, starter kits, etc. It's a great tool for beginners.
Good luck.