I've only ever used p&s cameras but am looking into getting my first slr. wh

Position:Home>Visual Arts> I've only ever used p&s cameras but am looking into getting my first slr. wh

Question:

i would like something fairly intuitive and easy to use!. i will be primarily taking photos of my family (including a toddler that can't sit still), and i like taking macros of flowers and other pretty things!. right now i have a canon powershot sd450 but i have trouble taking nice photos of my favorite moving target because of the slow shutter speed!. thanks!Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

The most bang for the buck is the Nikon D40 with a AF-S 18-55 mm ED lens for under $470 on Amazon!.

http://www!.jdpower!.com/electronics/ratin!.!.!.

Opinions aside, only you can tell which camera is best for you!. Go into a camera store and try both the Nikon D40 and Canon XSi with the same focal length lens!.

On megapixels:

http://kenrockwell!.com/tech/mpmyth!.htm

http://kenrockwell!.com/nikon/d40/d40-rec!.!.!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Consumer Reports in their most recent edition judging DSLRS puts Olympus on top!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Nikon D80 or Canon 30D!. More advanced than what you are using, but you will grow into it!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

I am anti Nikon and Canon because of they are constantly releasing new cameras!. They all address some issues but not others!. Sure if money were no object I'd buy one but I'm on a budget and don't want to have to spend $500 on a good lens with image stabilization!.

After lots of review and actually store testing a few brands I chose the Pentax K200D!. It has features that you can grow with and isn't built with a cheap feel like lower end Nikon's and Canon's!. I think they have great metering systems and are fast but for budget Nikon/Canon bodies the lenses are still very expensive and these brands constantly offer newer versions of what is basically the same body that might address one issue but has no dramatic improvements!.

I think the Pentax has a better build, great color and can work with any K mount lens and there are millions to choose from!. (They may just not all auto focus) It has In Body image stabilization (so any lens is stabilized unlike Nikon and Canon)!. There is a host of other features only offered in more expensive pro bodies such as a weather sealed body, sensor dust removal, wireless flash sync, 11 auto focus points, and it has great battery life with AA lithium ion batteries!. I can buy a prime lens on ebay for under $100!.

Lower end Nikon and Canons don't offer most of that stuff!.

I'm a beginner and I felt that for the price it was the best body I could grow with!.

I also believe that the camera does not make the photographer!. Go to your local camera shop and play around with some of the bodies!. Don't let the sales person push any one brand on you!. Write down a few models you like the feel of and do research yourself online!. You'll find one you like!.Www@QuestionHome@Com