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, Sun, 8 Aug 2010 20:19:17
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If you truly want a DSLR (with instant focus and a mirror) -- Nikon would be best. Unless you are coming from an existing system, Nikon provides the best equipment options. It is also ridiculously easy to resell when you want to upgrade.
You mention Olympus Pen -- are you aware that it is NOT a DSLR?
You mention shooting video with a DSLR -- are you aware that there is no autofocus (there is but it is EXTREMELY unusable) and video controls are rudimentary at best? Also, in most cases there is no way to hook up an external mic and the built-in mic is crappy and MONO.
It would be best to buy either a dedicated video camera for video, or a point-and-shoot geared towards camcorder use, like Panasonic ZS3 -- stereo mic, silent optical zoom while shooting, dedicated video button.
If you want a bigger sensor for video, get a Panasonic GH1 or G2 with designed-for-video 14-140 zoom. You can plug in an external mic and your autofocus will be semi-usable. It is not a DSLR, though.
As far as a DSLR, I recommend Nikon D40 with a 35/1.8 as your primary lens. This will be by far the most bang for your buck and the most usable in everyday family situations. The most important distinction of a D40 is its amazing electronic shutter and incredibly useful flash sync speed of 1/500 or better. This will allow you to take MUCH better pictures in bright sunlight compared to other cameras. See Ken Rockwell's explanation of this here: http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/syncspeed.htm
Avoid using a zoom -- the quality will be very poor compared to a cheap prime like 35/1.8. Avoid third party lenses -- they are poor quality and EXTREMELY poor value. Whatever you do, do NOT buy a D3000. D5000 is good. D90 is terrific.
Make sure you buy a good bounce flash. If you want something fool-proof, get a Nikon SB-400. It is a wonderfully solid compact flash that is very easy to use and inexpensive. Personally, I prefer to use a cheap generic auto flash like a Vivitar 285. You get an extremely flexible and powerful flash and, most importantly, avoid pre-flash that often ruins group photos. A generic flash is a breeze to use, except in some fill-flash situations, and will force you (or your wife) to gain a deeper understanding about light as it is handled by the camera.
Without a bounce flash your indoor pictures will look terrible.
Most of this applies to Canon and other brands as well. You can't go wrong with either Nikon or Canon but I feel that starting from scratch you will be better off with Nikon. Nikon will be easier to upgrade later (easier to resell, better lens compatibility) and, if you get a more advanced model Nikon has far superior autofocus for photographing children.
posted by 38.126.150...
Read easy to understand advice about photography from Ken Rockwell
, Sun, 8 Aug 2010 20:19:17
, Mon, 9 Aug 2010 15:22:01, Mon, 9 Aug 2010 11:29:58, Mon, 9 Aug 2010 13:40:39, Mon, 9 Aug 2010 12:38:04
, Mon, 9 Aug 2010 06:38:05
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