[Blue_Cypress]

This is completely off-topic. I am going to pick up a new DSLR in the next two or three weeks. I am more or less unconcerned about cost; I'm not looking to blow 10 grand on one camera, but I would like something capable. I am leaning slightly away from Nikon, in favor of Canon and have my own opinion of what to pick up, but am seeking your commentary and opinion on your experiences with digital photography in order to broaden my perspective.

So shoot: What are your experiences?

[freeweed]

From the extreme low-end of the market, I'm still sold on Canons, personally. Dollar-for-dollar, and megapixel-for-megapixel, they still take some of the nicest digital pictures around. Their CCDs and lenses are exceedingly well manufactured, from what I hear. Experience shows this to be true.

Moving into the realm of "real" photogs, everyone I know loves their Rebel.

I just think it's one of the rare times where a brand actually does stand for overall quality.

[240glt]

I really like my Pentax K100... for a 'low end' digi SLR (I think I paid just over $900 for the body and two lenses) I think it was a good deal, and the camera takes really nice photos as well.

[murman]

Want my opinion? Go find a camera forum. Dollars to donuts, they're out there.

[Holden West]

A couple of months ago London Drugs discounted the popular Lumix DMC FZ7 a couple of hundred dollars in advance of the release of the newer model. It's a great camera. I love it--if you can still find one lying on a shelf somewhere, snap it up. Ya gotta shop around. Some places have 'gift' offers like memory card upgrades or gift card rebates.

I wish I also had a pocket sized camera so I could have one with me at all times.

[The Chemist]

Olympus EVOLT E-510. In camera optical image stabilization, so every lens you have is image stabilized. Live View, like on consumer digicams. Supersonic Wave Filter so sensor dust will not be an issue. Excellent Olympus Zuiko lenses. And the best colour you've ever seen out of a digital camera. I used to use a Canon Digital Rebel, and then last year I bought an Olympus DSLR and never looked back.

[sync]

Want my opinion? Go find a camera forum. Dollars to donuts, they're out there.

yeah, cause nobody around here takes pictures or knows anything about cameras.

:hahano:

[Boris2k7]

Here is my setup:
Canon EOS 400D Body (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos400d/)
Tamron AF 18-200 mm F3.5 - F6.3 Di-II Lens (http://www.dpreview.com/news/0502/05022105tamron_18-200mm.asp)

[HomeInMyShoes]

Well, there is the General Photography section for this kind of question that might generate more information.

As well as the Canon and Nikon suspects, Olympus's E-Volt should warrant a look as well as the new Sony ones. Since Minolta sold out to them you've now got Minolta lenses and Sony's attention to interface and build. I was pretty tempted by a Minolta when I bought my Nikon, but they just sold at that point in time and I wasn't sure about changes limiting future lens availability.

[Rob D]

www.stevesdigicams.com (http://www.stevesdigicams.com)
www.megapixel.net (http://www.megapixel.net)

Both very thorough and unbiased as far as I can tell.

[IntotheWest]

There's a good deal at FutureShop right now for getting a Canon 30D with a IS lens (can't remember the length - don't think it's quite 200)...for $1499. If getting a 200mm + lens, and you don't plan to carry a monopod/tripod with you all the time, or need to take shots with fast shutter speeds, I'd try to get one of the IS lens.

I have a Rebel two generations old, and am still quite happy with it. The new XTi offers far more (dust-removing sensor, 10.1 megapixel, faster start-up, etc) - with two lens for $1250 I believe. If you don't care to keep up with the technology (because, hey, its going to change next week anyway), you can still pick up the generation old Rebel XT with the two lens kit (18-55, and 300mm) for about $850 at Future Shop - fantastic deal, really.

Nikon D80 is compared to the XTi, and often slightly beats it in comparisons, but, again, it'll depend on what you need it for - picture quality is definitely great with both - and you'll pay $$$ for the Nikon.

Since Sony bought out Konica Minolta, the new Alpha is also not a bad camera at a good price...however, not sure about the future of additional lens, etc. As well, Sony will likely stay closer to the entry level end of the market, where Nikon and Canon definitly have some serious hardware - usually, technology finds a way to make it to the cheaper end of the market, and the lens selection is huge (if you're willing to pay up to $7000 ;-)

Here's a couple sites worth checking out:

http://www.thecamerastore.com/
http://www.imaging-resource.com/

One more thing I'll advise on, if you buy additional lens, try to stay away from (or at least research) the Sigma digital lens...I regret buying the 200mm to save a couple bucks instead of going with the Canon EF-D 200mm...I have sometimes have ghosting problems, and clarity isn't the best.

[DizzyEdge]

www.stevesdigicams.com (http://www.stevesdigicams.com)
www.megapixel.net (http://www.megapixel.net)

Both very thorough and unbiased as far as I can tell.

I'll throw in http://www.dpreview.com