Slr's

[JBJR1979]

I am in the market for a SLR Camera and was wondering if anyone had any input on which type of camera would be best. A little info this will be my first digital slr abut by no means my first high end camera I was thinking the 40D or 50D canon models

[MY - HEMI]

My suggestion would be to go to a place that has multiple brands in stock for SLR's and pick them up and try them out. See what feels good in your hand, flip through the menus, ask lots of questions on the differences between particular models you like.

The majority of companies out there have basic SLR starter kits with at least one lens and some include a basic accessory flash for between $600 and $800. Some of them are made for larger hands and some for smaller hands. It also depends on what you will be using it for...just for fun or for some sort of business?

Also, if you have a film SLR and you want to be able to use any lenses you currently have, check to see if they will work on the DSLR's and stick with the brand you have. It will save money in the long run if you can use anything that you currently own.

My husband and I use Pentax, but we are in the minority out there. But, it is what we like and you really get a huge bang for the buck compared to some of the more popular brands out there. Also, all of our lenses that we had from our 35mm and medium format (4x5) days all work on the newest Pentax digital cameras we have and also will work on anything we purchase in the future.

It all comes down to personal preference and $. Hope this helps some...

[Todd RT]

I'm a Nikon guy, myself... but my dad has a Canon XSI and that thing is awesome and a great price. I almost bought the 50D, but wound up going with a Nikon D300.

Have fun!! Check out www.dpreview.com

[TorRED Hemi]

We went to the store to buy a Rebel XTi, but while the wife was looking for a salesman, I started playing w/ a Nikon D40x. The camera itself felt better in my hand(ergonomically), felt like it was built better, and it took great pix. So, we went with the Nikon. They are comparable cameras, and it's pretty much a brand loyal thing. There are so many more brands out there...Pentax, Olympus, Sony, etc...
I think yer best bet would be to go to a store and just play with cameras, or find people that have something similar to what you are looking for and try theirs out.