dSLR shopping

[PQRS7]

I'm looking for something to take good photographs with

I don't know to skillfully operate a camera, but I want to get started and learn

I bought a nikon d40 a while ago, but I felt that it was too basic

is the sony a700 any good?

please discuss.

[GoSurface]

This should help. It's a review on the a700.

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/sony/dslr_a700-review/index.shtml

And don't be hasty. It took me a couple of months to decide on a D80.

[ProfMonnitoff]

you have to decide if a dSLR is actually what you want. smaller cameras can take great pictures too. look at the canon g9.

[Tarmac]

try turning off the flash and holding your hands still first.

[PQRS7]

try turning off the flash and holding your hands still first.

no time for that. I'm certain that I want a dSLR.

for reference, here are some prices:

nikon d40, 18-55 $649.75 ($569.95)

canon 40d body $1480.86 ($1299)

canon 40d, 17-85 $1879.86 ($1649)

nikon d80 body $1515.06 ($1329)

nikon d80, 18-200 VR $1936.86 ($1699)

sony a700 body $1708.86 ($1499)

sony a700, 16-105 $2221.86 ($1949)

nikon d300 body $2164.86 ($1899)

I'm not very happy about the a700 lacking live-view. I know that it's not a very important feature, but it's something which makes shooting a bit more convenient.

If anyone has any experience with the a700, or KM in general, please contribute.

[ipractice]

There are far too many things that you have to look for in a DSLR... use this website.

http://www.digital-slr-guide.com/how-to-pick-a-digital-slr-camera.html

4 steps, although there is plenty of note taking and very useful information that will help you decide which DSLR is right for you. Reading everything this guide has to offer could take a few hours. This guide will help you factor in the types of photographs you want to take, your skill with DSLR (which is important in this case), pricing, long term use, etc...

[Ragnahgnah]

what about Pentax K10D ?

[mutt225]

ugh pentax eats it big, I shoot with a D200 love it will be putting up soon and going with the D300 in a few. Ive used D50 before and it rocks for the price. Id go with nikon or canon.couple pics with a Nikon D50 and D200

[arem]

From what I've read, you will only get high quality imags out of the Pentax if you shoot RAW, the in camera processing is pretty bad and produces files that are far inferior to comparable cameras from Nikon and Canon. If you know what you are doing it might be worth trying, but a beginner should probably steer clear. Read the review on www.dpreview.com for mor info.

[Carl]

jesus fucking christ

there is a whole thread dedicated to this in the Culture.

http://www.superfuture.com/supertalk/showthread.php?t=19484