Digital SLR Cameras
Basics
Entry level cameras include the Canon EOS350d, Nikon's d50 and the Olympus e500. A lot of the comparisons at this stage are really like for like with it being down to personal choice of camera feels the best for you, or what interface you like more, and most importantly, battery life. Each have similar specs and their output quality is not something you will be limited to any time soon by the body itself, thus leaving some to say that another choice should be based on the number of available lenses and their cost. It is important to remember that even the top camera and lenses won't produce a top picture if you don't know how to use them properly.
Things to note when choosing
- Package deals (body + lens) can be good starting points but can also hinder your shots later on. Buy the best bit of glass you can afford.
- Wide range lenses, such as 18-200mm, do provide more choice without switching lenses, but they can over amplify and problems with the lens too. Two lenses to cover the range will normally work out cheaper and give better quality.
- Tripods/bipods/monopods do help a lot with giving better shots, especially when using zoom lenses.
- Polarising Filter is almost a must if you plan to shot outside a lot, especially if near water or other 'shiny' surfaces.
- Fast and large memory card is a must. You don't want to get stuck without for that "must-see" shot but if you run out of space, you run out of luck. Double check the cards write speed as it will help if you shot RAW or shot in muli-shot mode.