The wife and I are looking into buying a slr camera , and we were wondering what a good SIMPLE camera is out there. I see all the great pictures alot of you on here take .. so i figured you guys would be good to ask ! Brand and model would be nice =) . . . something thats pretty simple to begin to learn how to use, yet at the same time have some of the features that will allow for some advanced photo's down the line after some practice with it. We wanna spend enough to make it a good camera that's gonna still be up to date down the line, but at the same time we dont need the most top of the line camera out there either ! So any ideas on megapxl and a few brands and models. Also best place to buy one ? Ive seen there everywhere from best buy to costco, so just looking for some help and advice ! thanks guys

 

You can go with the common 3 brands:
Canon, Nikon, Olympus.

My personal choice is Olympus, I shoot with one and thought about upgrading the body to a smaller more compact one. Lenses are also nice, but the main thing about Olympus is the 4/3rd format. Only thing I don't like is that there is no true prime lens for the Olympus body.

Expect to spend about 1k for the camera and kit lenses. You may find that the kit lenses aren't as fast as you'd expect or don't work at a physical distance that you want, so you may end up purchasing more lenses in the future. No matter what brand you get, they're all going to be great for photos.

Just like with cars, it's the driver and not the car, but having a better car does help. Same with cameras, it's the photographer and not the cam, but having better equipment will help. I would suggest going to a store and holding some of the cameras in your hand to see what you like and then, be sure to read up a lot on the camera you plan to purchase before you bite the bullet. And of course, familiarize yourself with common terminology and controls for your camera. Don't be discouraged by taking lots and lots of photos and having only a few that are usable, it's part of the learning process.

Here are two very good links:
Life Hacker: Master Your DSLR Part 1
Life Hacker: Master Your DSLR Part 2

 

What exactly do you mean by this? As far as I know, a prime lens is one where the focal length is fixed and if that's the case, Olympus currently has a few.

150mm f/2
300mm f/2.8
8mm f/3.5
50mm f/2
35mm f/3.5
and the new 25mm f/2.8 that will be selling here in the states near the end of May.

Definitely not as many as other companies, but they do have a few and Olympus lenses are awesome.

 

Sorry, I wasn't very clear, I want Olympus to release a 17.5mm f/1.4. Wishful thinking on my part.

 

Do a lot of research before buying one. Read the reviews, so you have an idea of strengths and weakness of each one. Then go to an actual store and hold the ones you are considering. Some cameras are more comfortable to hold than other. Also keep in mind that you will also have the most lens choices when going with Canon or Nikon.

For places to buy, check for local specials as well as REPUTABLE online vendors.

 

thanks chubs good advice.