What to look for when buying a DSLR

[CrosCntryAccord]

So I'm in the market for a DSLR. I'm looking to spend around $1000. I have two approaches when buying but I need suggestions and help to make sure I don't make a major mistake in my purchase. It should be noted that I could care less about brand, I don't have a preference between Pentax, Canon or Nikon.

Approach 1: Buy an entry level camera that has some nice abilities and spend the rest on better lenses.

Approach 2: Buy a nicer camera and get a kit and a nifty fifty while I save for better lenses.

Let me know which approach you think is best, since you all have personal history with cameras and have a recommendation for a body I would appreciate your input.

 

[Darianjr1]

I'd say approach one. The lenses makes the shots but at the same time don't go too far on the cheap end. I went and got the canon t2i which is 18mp I'm just looking for s better lense now. Also don't forget to get a very high speed memory card trust me they come in handy when recording in 1080p or else you're video will keep automatically stopping.

 

[kn0x47]

lenses are more important. nicer cameras have a few more features so you have to decide if you really need those. Like my d90 has more focal points, wireless flash capability and a built in focus motor which entry level cameras don't have

 

[ryan s]

entry level SLRs are for noobs to learn with and soccer moms to use in green mode

 

[CrosCntryAccord]

any recommendations on bodies?

 

[CG6Lemon]

John, I am in the market for a DSLR as well atm. I am favoring Nikon over the other brands you mentioned though. I did some minor research, but nothing thorough yet. I will be following this thread very closely. Good luck on your search as well for the right set up that fits your needs.

 

[ryan s]

can you make like a "top 5" list of things you're looking for in a body (pun unintended )?

and then how much left over for lenses? How many? focal lengths? aperture? a top 5 would be nice here as well.

 

[CrosCntryAccord]

Not in this order: image quality (non-compressed RAW capture), shutter lag time, full manual ability, sensor, viewfinder

although I prefer full bodies to compressed bodies, not that you'd notice by my wife

with lenses I'm mainly looking for build quality and focal length

 

[oneloudaccord]

I'm a Nikon guy. For a 1k budget on a body and lens... I would go with option 1.

If you go with a Nikon DSLR on a $1000 budget, you would have to go with a DX format body (cropped sensor). The good thing about this is they have more options for different lenses compared to FX (full frame) lenses that cost an arm and a leg. I own a DX and an FX body. For that money, I would buy a DX body, a 35mm 1.8 lens ($199 retail), and an sb600 or 800 external flash. That might run you a little over 1000 though for an external flash, but lighting makes a big difference in photos. The 35mm 1.8 is a really good lens and even better at that price.

If you go Option 2. There's usually deals on kits with a 18-55mm and 50-200mm lenses with a DX body... I don't even know what I did with my 18-55 once i upgraded to other lenses...

 

[CrosCntryAccord]

I'm a Nikon guy. For a 1k budget on a body and lens... I would go with option 1.

If you go with a Nikon DSLR on a $1000 budget, you would have to go with a DX format body (cropped sensor). The good thing about this is they have more options for different lenses compared to FX (full frame) lenses that cost an arm and a leg. I own a DX and an FX body. For that money, I would buy a DX body, a 35mm 1.8 lens ($199 retail), and an sb600 or 800 external flash. That might run you a little over 1000 though for an external flash, but lighting makes a big difference in photos. The 35mm 1.8 is a really good lens and even better at that price.

If you go Option 2. There's usually deals on kits with a 18-55mm and 50-200mm lenses with a DX body... I don't even know what I did with my 18-55 once i upgraded to other lenses...

If I went with Option 2 I would probably get a prime 1.4 lens and a zoom that is a step up from the kit lens. Thanks for the info and opinion.