[Mugen_Power]

I am Planning to get a entry level dslr.

which camera should i have to buy ?

i have sortlisted few models..

Nikon D50, D70s ?
Canon Powershot S3IS, Eos 350 and Eos 400 ? and how is Nikon D40X ??

For the entry level Dslr what should i have to look? Mp, Iso, Shutterspeed ?

My budget is around 30-40K.

[tsk1979]

You will get better pics out of the box with a P&S.
Many people get a DSLR and then are dissappointed because they expect better pics with DSLRs which is not true.

If you feel you are ready for DSLR, I would suggest the following, in no exact order
Pentax K100D
Nikon D50
Canon 400D, 350D(if you want to save money)
Pentax K10D

Stay away from Oly right now because their new models will hit the market in couple of months and they rock(In body IS and the works).,
So if you can wait for 410, 510 etc., wait, try those out too.

I suggested Pentax K10D because of the in body stabization, and weather sealing that actually works. On a recent photgraphic trip to antartica the K10D was the only cam which did not get hit by environment, but one note about that cam, make sure you shoot RAW always, as JPEG translation of images within the cam leads to some circus, probably due to poor algo.
However if you shoot RAW and then convert to JPG on your PC(Which I always do now, though I have 350D) the picture quality is excellent.

PS: I feel you will be happy with an advanced prosumer for now (20K) . Don't go for a DSLR yet.

[Rudra Sen]

Originally Posted by tsk1979

However if you shoot RAW and then convert to JPG on your PC(Which I always do now, though I have 350D) the picture quality is excellent.

Question: Why not saving as TIFF? And saving as JPEG?

[Mugen_Power]

Tsk,

Which Prosumer Cameras ? and for how much can i get 400 or 350D ?

I think i am ready for Dslr because i really want to learn photography.

[Samurai]

Looks like tsk too gave the same reply I gave in PM.

Originally Posted by Mugen_Power

I think i am ready for Dslr because i really want to learn photography.

dSLR is something you should buy after leaning photography. Buying dSLR now is like buying rally prepared car to learn normal driving.

[tsk1979]

Originally Posted by Rudra Sen

Question: Why not saving as TIFF? And saving as JPEG?

I store online as maximum quality(10) jpegs.
Shoot as RAW do all PS and save as jpg finally.

With RAW I get a lot of headroom in exposure, so if I don't get the exposure right, I can always fix in PS.

[tsk1979]

Originally Posted by Mugen_Power

Tsk,

Which Prosumer Cameras ? and for how much can i get 400 or 350D ?

I think i am ready for Dslr because i really want to learn photography.

sure you can go ahead for a 400D, but I would recommend a used Sony DSC F828 or a Olympus 8080. Look hard and you can get these for around 10-15K.
Go for a used one, learn on it. If you can get these from the US you will be able to source one for < 200$

In the new ones Powershot A75 etc., have manual controls and is a cheap cam.
Learn on a cheapo cam with manual controls and when you think you have learned enough, buy a DSLR.

[reignofchaos]

^^Frankly I believe that there's nothing wrong in buying a DSLR straight up. First of all an EVF however good it may be is no substitute for a real optical viewfinder. This is especially true when shooting fast moving action in burst mode The second thing is that all prosumer cameras have some or the other significant limitations. The cameras you suggested are good, especially the sony has an amazing f/2.0-2.8 lens. But all of them lack IS which is a killer feature and these days absolutely necessary for a telephoto lens. Also the manual controls in an A series camera are a complete joke as the optical viewfinder is as good as non existent. One can definitely learn how to compose images though. Also I was under the impression that exposure can't be fixed once the image is taken. One may only change white balance/color/brightness/contrast. Atleast thats all that Canon DPP allows. Here take a look

[tsk1979]

Yup nothing wrong with that, but if you are not aware of the basics of photography you are going to be extremely extremely dissapointed.
I replied based on mugen's question about what should he look at while choosing a DSLR(shutter speed etc.,).

[low_bass_makker]

Mugen if you have a nice budget then you can by anything....but the thing tsk has said dont expect that DSLR gives good images on the first go....you need to learn a lot....also I would recommend to get a tripod also...as the new slr user dont have a steady hand......here are some pics of d70s........

major problem is the focus part.....


and here is one with steady hand....

[Mugen_Power]

From last two days i am using Nikon D70 and as you all told i am really disappointed because i dont know photograpy.

It is very heavy compared to Sony T7 which i had.

So finally decided not to go for Dslr right now and want to buy good, cheap, compact, semi slr camera. from which i can learn photography.

So any other suggestions ??

[tsk1979]

Good decision Mugen.
Now what to buy depends, if you want to learn for around 3-4 months and then go dslr, I would suggest spending around 10K now get a second hand cam and learn.
If you want to keep semi manual camera for 2-3 years you can go for a brand new cam with manual controls (Like S3 IS).

[Mugen_Power]

I dont want to go for second hand camera, i will buy a semi manual new camera for now and will use it for 6 months or 1 year. when i will be ready for dslr i will buy it and will keep this one for family members.

Here is the pic which i clicked with D70 yesterday.

[tsk1979]

Ok, next question, whats your budget, what do you expect of the camera
Will you use it extensively for
1. Night shots on tripod(Long exposure)
2. Do you prefer wide angle or want a long zoom(Bird and wildlife shots?)
3. Will you be taking handheld shots in low light without flash.
4. Will your camera be subjected to harsh conditions?

In my opinion, if you can play around with a P&S with manual controls for a couple of months look up the web for terms like F-stop, aperture, ISO etc., etc., you will be ready for a DSLR.

[Mugen_Power]

1 - No.
2 - Not wild life but i will need zoom.
3 - Yes.
4 - No.

I want compact camera to take all type of pics.