to be or not to be....

[STYRBJORN]

When I first bought a good SLR, back in the days when you used film, I spent several months buying all the magazines. Having narrowed my choice to specific models from Canon, Nikon, Pentax and Olympia, I went into a shop and asked to try all four. I held them to my eye, tried using the controls, stepped outside and made like I was taking a shot. I chose the Canon because it felt right. Simple as. I also bought lenses from an independent mfctr, in my case Tamron, so that if I decided to go for a different make of camera in the future I would only need to buy new adapters.

Ric

[Tringa]

Just to make your decision even more difficult.

Current Pentax DSLRs are compatible with virtually all K mount lenses. As the K mount first appeared in the mid 1970s there are lots of cheap secondhand lenses that will fit. You would not necessarily have all (or possibly any) of the auto functions, but this may not be important to you.

Canon and Nikon always feature highly in any discussion of DSLRs and rightly so, but in some reviews Pentax also seem well liked.

I think there are some Pentax users on here who may be able to give more info.

Dave

[Tricia]

I think the suggestion to leave your cash at home and just go out window shopping, handling the cameras and comparing prices etc is a very good one. Don't forget you will need memory cards and a bag too. There are some good starter kits available at the moment.

Whilst you shop around for your new camera, have a look in the photo Gallery here as it may be useful for you to see what camera and lens combinations are being used.

Don't forget to let us know which camera you choose