iGary's question is a very significant one... Why? Because when you go DSLR, you're not really just buying "a camera," you are investing in a SYSTEM. Therefore, it's important first off to be sure that you're really satisfied with not only the camera body that you're purchasing and using, but also the lenses and other accessories that are available in the manufacturer's lineup. Nikon and Canon both make excellent camera bodies and lenses, but there are differences. There are also differences in the availability of one type of lens over another and that's important to realize, too. Will you be getting into photography to such an extent that further down the road you would be investing in more expensive pro-level bodies and lenses? Or would you be sticking mainly with the bodies and lenses targeted towards the consumer?
What kinds of images are you envisioning you would like to make? Choosing lenses is an important part of the photograhic process. When you're buying a DSLR, even if you're happy at first with the "kit lens" that comes with some models (Nikon's D50, D70s, Canon's Digital Rebel), you are definitely going to sooner or later want to branch out and buy additional lenses. That's why it is important to be thinking in terms of a "system" rather than just "a camera." It can be a serious investment by the time you've added two or three lenses to your camera gear. (And don't be fooled: you WILL be affected by a serious case of "lens lust" not long after you've got your new camera!)
I'm sure that Gary and I as well as other photographers on here can each give you a passionate argument for why our particular camera system is "the best." However, that's not really going to help YOU because in the end it's got to be your decision as to which camera body feels best in your hands and which lenses have the potential to help you achieve your creative vision. Obviously you probably wouldn't be buying a whole lot of them right off the bat but it is good to be looking ahead to the future.
The first step in shopping for a new camera is to go to some websites which review the various cameras (
http://www.dpreview.com and
http://www.imaging-resource.com are two which come to mind immediately, but there are others as well). Read the reviews on the cameras in which you're interested, then read the user forums that focus on each camera. Ask questions there if you need clarification on something. It helps, though, to first do a search to see if there has already been a discussion thread on whatever your question is.
Next step is to take a trip to the local camera shop (IMO it is preferable to go to a store in which the primary purpose is to sell photographic equipment rather than Best Buy or its ilk because you want to speak with someone who is really knowledgeable about the product). Handle each of the camera bodies in which you're interested. Have the salesperson show you how to switch lenses. Try looking through a few different lenses so that you get an idea of the real flexibility of using a DSLR. Pay attention to which camera feels most intuitive to you, which seems to be most responsive, which has the features you really want. Think about what you'll want to be doing with the camera and lenses, what types of photography and images most appeal to you. Portraits? Landscapes? Artistic abstracts? Macros (Extreme close-ups of objects, flowers or insects)? Family fun and activities? Travel? Large fine art images that you will be proud to frame and display on the wall?
Ah, but there's more.... In buying a DSLR, don't forget to also have some extra cash available for at least a couple of memory cards, perhaps an extra battery, possibly protective filter(s) to put over the lens(es), etc. [This latter is not mandatory and some photographers prefer not to do this. I am of the school that believes in protecting my expensive lenses and I'd rather replace a scratched filter than a scratched lens.) You may also need to invest in a good camera bag in order to safely carry your camera and lens(es). Most photographers are not particularly satisfied with the on-board flash that comes with some camera bodies, so the addition of an external flash is another consideration.
Some photographers, myself among them, choose not to download images into the computer directly from the camera itself but rather by using a memory card reader, so that's another item to think about adding to your shopping list.
What about software? Some basic software comes with most new cameras, but most professionals and serious amateurs use Photoshop CS2. A "light" version of PS CS2 which is considerably less expensive but which also does a very good job is Photoshop Elements. They have just released v.4 for Windows but not yet for the Mac, but v.3 is still available at Apple stores and other places. Many photographers who own and use Macs are getting really excited about Apple's new Aperture, which will be released soon.
Another consideration is your computer. Since we're on Macrumors, I'm assuming you're using a Mac. Check out your current equipment and configuration. You'll need a fairly large hard drive or an additional external drive to provide plenty of space for all those images you'll be shooting. Files from a 6 MP (or more) digital camera are pretty big. How's your RAM situation? It's advisable to have as much RAM as you can afford to put into your machine, because any photographic software is fairly memory-intensive.
I hope I haven't overwhelmed you here, but am just giving you some things to consider before you plunk down your money on a DSLR....
In summary:
1. Research online at camera review websites
2. Research at the camera store by handling various camera bodies and lenses
3. Think carefully about what exactly it is you're interested in doing with the camera and various lenses
4. Remember that this purchase does not involve just a camera, it is an investment in a camera system
5. Don't forget the extra accessories (memory cards, batteries, memory card reader, image manipulation software)
6. Take a look at your computer and ensure that it will be able to handle the large files and memory requirements you'll be throwing at it
Have fun researching and shopping and of course, when you buy whatever your choice is, happy shooting! Please let us know what you decide....
OTB
