Entering the world of DSLR - Invest in Canon or Nikon?

[groovyone]

A850s are going for $1500 or less, so not quite. I have seen some dropping around $1200.

[klynam]

Camera selection is becoming (somewhat) irrelevant: one has this, the other has that, they're constantly changing, and they all produce great images in the hands of a competent shooter. Sure there's lots of talk about model capabilities, dedicated flash options, focus points, frames-per-second, etc. - all very relevant discussion of course.

But IMO the only decision to be made by anyone entering the current DSLR arena is:

What brand of GLASS (lenses) will you invest in for the foreseeable future?

Because if you're serious about photography, that is where most of your money will ultimately go.

[KarenSue32]

Originally Posted by crbeveri

I couldn't agree more with what Warren has said about going to a local camera shop. Not a ritz or wolf camera but a true camera shop.

I'm also looking to buy my 1st digital SLR...so what are the true camera shops in the Houston area?

Karen

[Tom]

Originally Posted by KarenSue32

I'm also looking to buy my 1st digital SLR...so what are the true camera shops in the Houston area?

Karen

Houston Camera Exchange and Houston Camera Co-Op.

[tc95]

Originally Posted by ChrisTX

It could be worse. Someone could be asking for opinions on a Sigma SD1 or a new Buick.

Now what's wrong with Sigma...!!! Well besides the price......

Don't knock it till you tried it...!!!

[DaveStorym]

To all of you that took the time to comment on my quandary:

THANK YOU so much for your expertise and advice on buying equipment! I never expected that so many people out there would be willing to take the time to share their expertise and knowledge with me.

I spent a ton of time reading and re-reading all of your recommendations. I spent countless hours at stores talking to experts and playing with the cameras. I even rented both to play with them. Then I crunched the financials in about a bazillion different ways.

As much as I wanted to buy a full frame camera right off the bat, I realized it was either that or more optics. I had to make the tough decision to get a non-full frame camera to start, so that I could get a 2nd lens. But I feel it was the right move (for now).

After all of the time and energy I spent, and listening to each one of you, I ended up purchasing the Canon EOS 60D (body only) as my new camera.

And then, based on what you all said, I decided to go with the best lenses I could afford to start with. I purchased theEF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM as my every day lens! And, since I love landscape photography, I also invested in aEF 17-40mm f/4L USMas my wide-angle lens. I'm thinking that should set me up decently for success (and the poor house).

I also purchased B&W UV and Polarizer MRC filters to start with. Then when I can afford more equipment, I'm going to look into the Neutral Density filters that I will need.

Next year, I plan on investing in a telephoto zoom lens...but I just couldn't afford three lenses and a camera all at once...

After a few weeks playing with my new set up, I am in love. I can already see a ridiculously enormous difference in photo quality as well as a slew of options to allow me to really personalize my photos. There is a tremendous amount of room for me to grow and learn with this camera...and since I have EF lenses, when I am ready to upgrade to a full frame camera, the lenses will come with me.

You all have really helped me set myself up for both short term and long term success. And since it was such a major investment for me...I can't thank you all enough for helping me make an educated decision, and one where I feel like I spent my money wisely. The best thing about all of your generous recommendations and comments is that with all of you here helping me...I didn't feel like I had to make this very difficult decision alone!

Thank You, thank you, thank you!

Dave

[Ricco]

I'm glad that you were able to pick a camera that I hope you will be happy with. But the way I feel, its the photographer, not the camera.

That said, I heart my Sony. :)