I have been looking at these 3 cameras for me to start with. I have never used a D SLR ever.

Sony A100

Sony A200

Nikon D40


tell me what you guys think would be a good starting point for me.

I know very little this stuff, just would like to be able to start taking nicer pictures of my daughter as she grows up instead of the Sony popint and shoot I have now (which isn't that bad)

 

Looking in Consumer reports I could not find the two Sonys but did find the Nikon D40. It is ranked 13th out of 15. Better options would be Canon EOS rebel XSi or Olympus E-Volt 510. They are slightly more than the Nikon.

 

I'm sort of limited on selection as I am going to buy on base to save money on tax and everything. They did have Canon cameras also. I will be going back tomorrow to buy something.

 

all are a very nice choice of a camera, but if you are planning to upgrade/change the lens, i would personally pick a nikon or a canon. they receive a lot more support/affordable lenses.

if you don't plan on getting serious with taking pictures or anything like that, the d40 is a fine camera for everyday use. if you do plan on getting serious, i would look into a d300 or 40d, the do cost a lot more though.

if you don't mind getting a used camera, i would go for a d50 because the d40 does not have auto focus built into the camera, so you are limited to the af-s lenses unless you don't mind manual focusing.

d40 and d100 are both good beginners camera but if you plan on getting serious, i would invest in some older models if your budget is tight, like a used canon 20d or 30d, nikon d200 and d80.

good luck on your search, i really like my rebel xti and bring it everywhere, the difference between a point and shoot and a dslr is like day and night.

 

Strictly my opinion, but I would opt for either Canon or Nikon, as they have more experience in the world of DSLRs. However, I haven't heard of any negatives from Olympus or Sony DSLRs

 

Can't get the D50 new, only used.

Gotta buy the more expensive AF-S lens to auto-focus with the D40. If not, you gotta manually focus.

Out of those choices, D40.

 

+1

But I would strive for a D80. You might be able to find a good deal on those. D80 you have more choices on lenses and it step up from the D40.

 

what he said.

 

I would look into a Nikon d80 or d90. I use a d50 right now, have been for the last 2 years or so now. Its a great camera, never had any problems. I believe nearly every Nikon lens can be used. My next upgrade will be the d90.

 

A sony A200 is a great deal. $499 and you can usually pick up a nice zoom lens (70-300) for around $150 or sometimes less.

The lens that comes with it(18-70) is longer than what will be on a D40 or canon rebel(18-55).. and there is a good selection of cheaper used lenses on places like KEH.com that are Minolta Autofocus and all work.

Also... the "image stabilizer" is in the body of the sony so you do not have to worry about getting more expensive "VR" or "IS" lenses. Some people argue that its better in one more than the other, however if you are just getting the camera for quality and ease of use... believe me.. you will not know the difference lol

plus if you already have a sony point n shoot... Sony makes an adapter for the Pro duo cards to fit into their DSLRs. So you wont have to buy more cards.

 

Ended up getting the Sony A350.

 

cant go wrong with that either.

good choice.

 

good choice

i'm extremely happy with my A200

 

Good choice!!

 

good choice!!!

I have a A100. One of the great features that I like is In-Camera Anti Shake, so you dont have to buy expensive lenses. You can buy any Sony or Minolta A-Mount lens and you are good to go...

Here are a couple of good reasonably priced lenses that I would suggest for future

Minolta 70-210mm f/4 (Beercan)
Minolta 50mm f/1.7

Great lenses for starters and you can get them for about $100-$200 used in good condition...

Enjoy your new buy.... and Do share the pics.