New Digital SLR Choices

conorgriff

Hey guys, I'm looking to get into photography as a hobby. Been using a sony DSC-P72 for the last year and although at first I thought it was brilliant I realise now how much better cameras can be. I'm looking to get myself a nice DSLR and I'm willing to pay 800 - 1000 and I'm aware of a few of the choices, i.e. - Nikon D50, Canon 350D, Minolta 5D and the Pentax *iST DL. Problem is being a beginner I don't understand alot of the jargon regarding lens types, aperture, focal length and how they affect the final choice. I don't expect anyone to give me a full rundown of everything photography related but if anyone knows of a few links to sites explaining the importance and significance of lens specs and camera features and maybe a few recommendations from users of any of the cameras I've mentioned or any that I've omitted I'd really appreciate it.
Thanks, Conor

conorgriff

anyone...?

rymus

best thing you could do is buy a book or two. Bryan Peterson has two very good books out at the moment.

DotOrg

www.google.com it's very easy

if you type in 'basics of photography'

this is the first result: http://www.photo.net/learn/

come back to us after you read all that

conorgriff

ok thanks, I'd found that site already but sometimes the best sites don't necessarily appear on a google search. I know how easy it is to do a web search but knowledge sources from experienced people often turn out to be more appropriate than simply googling a subject. Help appreciated nonetheless. Basically I'm trying to stress that I wasn't just being lazy..

So please excuse my ignorance of the underlying jargon etc. But if anyone has experience with any cameras in my price range please make recommendations. Meanwhile I'm gonna go learn some stuff

patrido

the dublin camera club do a good course on photography. when i did it years ago, i found it excellent. it covered all the basics, and all the jargon, and how they apply in practice. buy a good book or two to read up between classes.
http://www.dublincameraclub.ie/facilities/beginnersCourse.jsp

There are also lots and lots of other photography courses all over the country.

To be honest you could buy any of the cameras you've listed, and probably not regret it, but wouldn't you prefer to make an informed decision? So my advice would be to do a course, read books, learn lots, and improve your photographic skills with your existing camera, and in a couple months, you'll be able to make a more informed decision as a much better photographer.

google for digital camera buyers guide or digital slr buyers guide.

conorgriff

Thanks Patrido, very helpful post. I think you're right about a course. Help much appreciated

hmmm

I've managed to pick up an Olympus E500 dual lens kit for €750. Don't take this as a recommendation, know nothing about digital SLRs other than the reviews I've read, but this looks like a good deal to me.