which DSLR?

[Ardoptres]

My family and I are tired of using a compact camera, because the pictures are rather dark and not as sharp as we'd like them to be.
A SLR camera can do what we want, as far as we know.

We will only be using it for vacations and stuff like that. The pictures probably won't leave the computer, so I guess the MP count won't mean much. Image stabilization etc. would be nice though.

We've looked on Apple's website, but since they only recommend Canon, we got the suspicion that they have some kind of deal with them. (do they?) They might be the best, but we thought we'd get some second opinions in here.

Our price range is $600 and below. We don't mind buying on the internet, but shipping would have be from the European Union to avoid customs.


So, any recommendations? The lower the price the better, as long as it doesn't compromise the photo's quality.

Thanks!

 

[BrianMR]

Under $600USD for a DSLR probably means used & a kit lens. Check out eBay for a Canon 40D, or maybe 450D/500D.

Check out the Micro Four Thirds cameras for a nice in-between P&S & DSLR option.

For example, the Olympus PEN E-PL1 ($599):
Preview: http://www.dpreview.com/previews/olympusepl1/
Online: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/674721-REG/

 

[blockburner28]

Canon Xsi (450D)

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Eos-Rebel-Xsi-Digital-Kit/9208352

They should be in your walmart stores. I seen a bunch in the ones I went to.

 

[Ardoptres]

Walmart only exists in the US.

I've been looking at this one. The price is right and it seems alright:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=380181354388&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

 

[william1949]

Hold one

Canon is not necessarily the best one. Below is a link to a review site. Personally I went to buy a Canon and ended up with Nikon - I liked the fit in my hand better. Would be a good idea to go out to the stores and hold them in your hand to see how they feel. I doubt you could go wrong with Canon, Pentax, or Nikon. Don't forget the DSLR cameras are heavier as well. Also you will want to check out lens.

http://www.dpreview.com/learn/?/Guides/dslr_buying_guide_01.htm

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/

 

[Westside guy]

For what your stated needs are, the Canon kit you linked to should be just fine. At some point you may want to add a second lens to get beyond 55mm; but (especially if you're used to point-and-shoots) that's not a pressing need.

Don't know anything about that seller, so I am endorsing the kit - not necessarily that seller. I'm not a big eBay fan.

Edit: Hey case in point - the seller doesn't list the model of lens, as far as I can tell. It might very well be an off-brand; I've seen that before. As always, caveat emptor.

 

[puckhead193]

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/recommended-cameras.htm
Ken rockwell suggests a nikon d5000...its a nice camera i did feel however it was small in my hands but could different then yours... go to a camera store and go play with them...

 

[El Cabong]

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/recommended-cameras.htm
Ken rockwell suggests a nikon d5000...its a nice camera i did feel however it was small in my hands but could different then yours... go to a camera store and go play with them...

Ken Rockwell is a jackass (no offense to you personally). Your suggestion to go down to a camera store is good, though. At the end of the day, dSLRs perform similarly to one another, and the difference lies in how one feels to the operator.

 

[gkarris]

Under $600USD for a DSLR probably means used & a kit lens.

The Nikon D3000 kit NEW is $499 everywhere... $399 Refurbished...