http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=nikon_d60%2Cnikon_d40%2Ccanon_eos40d%2Ccanon_eos450d&show=all
this is a comparison. this will be my first ever digital slr.i still dont know my budget. but i think it can be big. i dont have time for lessons in photography for the next two years( just thought it might help).im not very familiar with the controls of the camera. so a more user friendly camera should be better. this is just a comparison and it doesnt completely help. because i also need the opinions of the users. so what should i pick?
there's the new olympus camra. the e-420? is it better than any of these?
Since this is first ever, 2 of the five cameras (The Olympus E 420 and the Canon 40D) have "Live View" which might be more helpful for you. It is the LCD monitor outside the camera that you can view of what is focused in your camera, the rest you can only look through the view finder. I don't know if that is important to you or not. Then there's this thing called image stabilizer which means you have to buy a lens that has image stabilizer (less blurs).
If you are not going to learn all about your camera and their functions and why is it like this and like that, and what not, and it will mostly be in Auto Program more, then you don't have to spend that much on a camera. Most of the menu you have to know what they are already or you need to learn what they are. The Digital slr has the capability of interchangeable lenses, so if you are willing to invest more money on lenses, it's DSLR is for you. You can get a lot of the same features with just a regular digital like the Panasonic Z50 (SLR-Like digital camera) . It also has a zoom lens 35-420 mm, the price on that link you indicated are for the body of the camera only – so, add about $100-$200 for 15-85 mm lens. It has image stabilizer.
If you have to choose from one of those:
Canon 40D, because of the Live view, and has to offer more.
Olympus E420, because of the live view, price, and lots to offer like the Canon.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_eos40d%2Ccanon_eos400d%2Coly_e420%2Cpanasonic_dmcfz8%2Cpanasonic_dmcfz50&show=all
If you go to Amazon and check the cameras there, you will be able to so see more details of the description of the cameras.
http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMC-FZ50-Digital-Optical-Stabilized/dp/B000GHVZQ0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1209374831&sr=1-1
With how fast the technology is changing, you can learn your basic photography with the Panasonic within the two years, and you can get what is new with the camera technologies in two years. But you can always go with your gut feeling on which camera you want. Go to a camera store so you can physically see those cameras and hold them. Good Luck!
I Prefer the Canon EOS 450D / Digital Rebel Xsi settings on the camera are pretty much the same….i do alot of photography myself, but if your a starter you could also go with an Canon Powershot S5IS it does the job and the settings are easy to learn, but it is not an SLR……if you really want an SLR i like i said the rebel Xsi would be perfect!
Have fun camera shopping
References :
All the Olympus DSLR's have smaller sensors than any of the Nikon or Canon DSLR's
While you can get more camera for the dollar if you buy the Nikon D40 with 18-55mm lens (under $470), you may find that spending a few hundred dollars more will buy you that camera that fits your hands and your shooting style better. The only way to know is to go into a camera store that sells all four cameras (don't expect an electronics store to have more than two of them and do expect the salesperson to try to "sell" you the camera they make the most commission on.
Hold each camera in your hand (with the same lens range on it … 18-55mm is pretty standard) and use the cameras … aim the camera at various objects in the store and fire off a few shots, then adjust the lens and take some more shots. Perhaps the most important thing after finding a camera that fits your hands, is to get one who's menu is easy for you to navigate, so you can change the white balance or ISO or even the fine tuning features like colour saturation or preprogrammed sharpness features.
http://www.jdpower.com/electronics/ratings/digital-camera-ratings/dslr
References :
digiPro
IMO, you should expand your search to include Sony and Pentax.
The Sony A350 has Live View and an articulated screen which can be useful for low-level photography or if you have to hold the camera over your head to get a shot. Auto Focus also works with the A350 Live View. Every Minolta Maxxum AF lens made since 1985 can be used with the A350 (and all other Sony Alpha Series DSLRs) plus Sony has its Image Stabilization in the camera body. Sony is also releasing a line of Carl Zeiss lenses for their DSLR line.
The Pentax K20D also has its Image Stabilization in the camera body and uses every K-mount AF lens made plus, with some limitations, every K-mount manual focus lens
made since 1975.
Regardless of what camera you buy, plan to spend some quality time to READ & STUDY the Owner's Manual for your camera. Trying to use it without knowing every feature and every setting and when, why and how to use them will be as frustrting as trying to thread a needle while blindfolded and wearing gloves.
These books may also help:
"Hands-On Digital Photography" by George Schaub
"How Digital Photography Works, 2nd. Edition" by Ron White
A subscription to a photography magazine will also be useful. Check out your local library and read the ones they have. My long-time favorite is Shutterbug Magazine.
Good luck!
References :
Since this is first ever, 2 of the five cameras (The Olympus E 420 and the Canon 40D) have "Live View" which might be more helpful for you. It is the LCD monitor outside the camera that you can view of what is focused in your camera, the rest you can only look through the view finder. I don't know if that is important to you or not. Then there's this thing called image stabilizer which means you have to buy a lens that has image stabilizer (less blurs).
If you are not going to learn all about your camera and their functions and why is it like this and like that, and what not, and it will mostly be in Auto Program more, then you don't have to spend that much on a camera. Most of the menu you have to know what they are already or you need to learn what they are. The Digital slr has the capability of interchangeable lenses, so if you are willing to invest more money on lenses, it's DSLR is for you. You can get a lot of the same features with just a regular digital like the Panasonic Z50 (SLR-Like digital camera) . It also has a zoom lens 35-420 mm, the price on that link you indicated are for the body of the camera only – so, add about $100-$200 for 15-85 mm lens. It has image stabilizer.
If you have to choose from one of those:
Canon 40D, because of the Live view, and has to offer more.
Olympus E420, because of the live view, price, and lots to offer like the Canon.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_eos40d%2Ccanon_eos400d%2Coly_e420%2Cpanasonic_dmcfz8%2Cpanasonic_dmcfz50&show=all
If you go to Amazon and check the cameras there, you will be able to so see more details of the description of the cameras.
http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMC-FZ50-Digital-Optical-Stabilized/dp/B000GHVZQ0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1209374831&sr=1-1
With how fast the technology is changing, you can learn your basic photography with the Panasonic within the two years, and you can get what is new with the camera technologies in two years. But you can always go with your gut feeling on which camera you want. Go to a camera store so you can physically see those cameras and hold them. Good Luck!
References :