[JayIV]

So I'm gettin into photography a bit. I want to step up from my pocket cam to a nice dSLR.

I've read alot of reviews on Cnet.com, but I still can't make up my mind...

What do you guys recommend?

[SomeGuysName]

I use and love a Canon EOS D60. It's a few years old now, but it takes some awesome pictures. I use my cybershot when I'm just snapping pics, but when I really want good pics and to be able to adjust focus, depth of field, etc I use the Canon.

[smoothrivers]

I bought this one in Feb and have been real happy with it.

http://www.amazon.com/Olympus-Digital-14-45mm-3-5-5-6-40-150mm/dp/B000BK39N4

Olympus Evolt E500 8MP Digital SLR with 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 & 40-150mm f/3.5-4.5 Zuiko Lenses

Still learning...but for the money and two lenses I thought it was a good buy.

[dogbluedrummer]

Canon Rebel EOS - superior optics!

[JayIV]

I've been lookin at the Nikon D80, and the Canon Rebel Xti.

Another problem I am having is a good all around lense.

[ArloGuthroJeep]

Either buy Canon or Nikon for a dSLR, Olympus makes a good P&S...

[RollerHman]

i suggest this one:

[Wamp]

I have used a Nikon D1, D1h, D2hs and a D200. They are all good solid cameras. The D200 is the most affordable and it takes a great image. You could also pick up a used D1h or D1x (larger image size) used for cheap and they are great cameras too. Here is one I found on ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Nikon-D1h-charger-35mm-DSLR-ba983_W0QQitemZ120135851934QQihZ002QQcategoryZ4345 6QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

The D1h is a great camera. the battery is the only issue. Need to keep a couple of spares on hand and charged. But a nice clean image.
Remember all the other expenses like batteries, memory cards, lenses, tripod, strobes etc.
Good luck.

[Wamp]

Originally Posted by bigsurf75

Another problem I am having is a good all around lense.

With Nikon, you can pick up used lenses from any generation and it will work on any Nikon camera. If you want the latest auto focus, you pay a premium, but if you want great glass that is not auto focus, you can pick up older lenses for cheap. The 1980s Nikon lenses are bulletproof. They make great images.

Hope this helps.

[joeyprice]

Nikon D80 or Canon EOS 30d. They're both awesome cameras and the optics on both are great. You're going to find a lot of people on both sides of the fence on this one, its kinda a holy way - like Mac v. PC. You can't go wrong with either of those.
I like the 30d better than the xti - its a bit bigger and heavier, but the XTI just feels like a toy to me. As far as lenses go if its in the budget make sure your choice has VR (Nikon) or IS (Canon). I've shot as slow as 1/40th with my Canon IS (stationary subject of course) and had no blur. For a single all around lens try to find a zoom with a wide range in the teens, like 17 or 18mm. I have a 17-85 on my Canon and it works pretty well in most situations.

[aszalan]

Originally Posted by dogbluedrummer

Canon Rebel EOS - superior optics!

have had my canon digital rebel for several years and no problem with it. only problem in the future is that it is harder and harder to find CF cards.

[ozjeep]

I just bought a Nikon D40 and so far it's done great. I'm still learning how to use it though.

[Black Hills TJ]

I shoot a Canon 30D and I wouldn't shoot anything else right now. I've used rebels and XTi's and neither one of them is very pleasing(to me at least). They shoot slow compared to the 30D, but for an entry level photographer wouldn't be bad I guess. The best suggestion I can come up with, is to buy the best you can afford. If you can afford the 30D, then don't buy the Rebel or you WILL regret it real soon.

[a1huntingsupply]

I bought a Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 about six months ago. The camera is great! Not a single complaint

It was a toss up between the Canon Rebel and the Sony A100. The Sony uses the Minolta lens, that's what made me pick it over the Canon. They are both excellent cameras. I think it's more of a personal choice.

[Wamp]

Originally Posted by joeyprice

As far as lenses go if its in the budget make sure your choice has VR (Nikon) or IS (Canon). I've shot as slow as 1/40th with my Canon IS (stationary subject of course) and had no blur.

Not to start anything, just my experience.....

I have had two 70-210 Nikon VR lenses and they were both junk. I sent them back and now use the older 80-200 2.8
With practice you can handhold even slower that 1/40th. I had a photo published this week that I shot with my 200mm at a 1/40th of a second. I also recently shot a 400mm lens at 1/80th with a pan and it looked nice. I have shot a wide angle as slow as 1/2 a second with success. It's just like shooting a gun. Practice and controlled breathing , not fancy technology is what makes you steady.

My $.02