looking to buy first dslr

[immski]

Im just a beginner in the area of photography but find myself addicted to it. I really want to take ly love farther and become a decent photographer. I feel that to do this I need a better camera. I was thinking of a dslr, but had no idea about what to look for in a camera or anything. I really want to get into a camera with many many features as it would help with my understanding of what variables exist in photography. I currently own a Fujifilm Fine Pix S3000. I love it but now realize there is so much more. Ok so that being said, these are my Questions:

1. What should I look for in a dslr to get me going?
2. What are some good cameras that i should look at first? ( w/ approx. prices if possible)

Thanks :wink:

[jstuedle]

I would look at a few other threads on the topic recently posted here and at a site called dpreview. I would stay with Nikon and canon as they seem most able to support a systemwide approch to digital SLR's. I have shot Nikon for 35 years, and Nikon DSLR's for over 4 years. I am what I would call a Nikon snob, but you will find Canon users as adimitt for their brand. The other brands are either late to the party, or overpriced niche brands for the loyal collector/user.

[photogoddess]

Ahhhhh - don't be dissin Minolta and Olympus. They both make an awesome camera as well. ;) (And I'm primarily a Canon shooter) :playball: :wink:

Check out DP Review, play with a couple of different brands and then make your decision. That way you'll be happy with your investment. :mrgreen:

[RickyN29]

Canon Rebel XT. Affordable, excellent, awesome.

Canon has a great rebate going on till the end of the year, the more you buy, the more you save. I bought the rebel for 899 and am getting a $225 rebate on it.

[Artemis]

Why go DSLR? you can get a lot more for your money if you go film :)

[kilifila66]

I would say to adequetly get a full perspective of photography, get a nice film SLR and a solid DSLR.
For the film side I recommend getting an old camera because it will be cheaper and will give you everything you need and nothing you don't. I use an old Pentax Spotmatic I got for 65 bucks (including 3 lenses, 5 filters, and the camera body in perfect condition!)
On the DSLR side I cannot stress enough the D70. I got mine with a 1gb compact flash card and the 18-70mm lens for less than $1,000. Granted the D70 only has 6.1 megapixels versus the 8 megapixels on the Digital Rebel XT, but the key to the D70 is the lens. The 18-70mm lens is amazing, the glass is fantastic and the range is perfect. The filter ring on the end is a lock in place rather than a rotating one like the lens on the Rebel.

Hope that helps, if you have any more questions, feel free to ask.

[Otohp]

Have a skip through this..

http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=32728

I've recently posted it, and it has a few good ideas. Good luck!