[Masterplan]

Hi Guys,

I need some advice, as I'm coming over to the States for a week, and would really like a new camera to capture my trip. I'll be visiting NYC, and also several other places too, and have been thinking that a DSLR would probably be my best bet, a I plan to use it much more when I get back home.

I went to the local camera store (jessops), to see what they advised. I had an idea of what I was looking at, and it was the Nikon D5000. Seems to get cracking reviews and seen as the best entry level DSLR.

However, the sales guy went straight to the Sony stand and told me the Sony Alpha A390 was a cracking piece of kit and was probably best for my needs. Coupled with a higher zoom lens, he said this camera was perfect for me.

On a separate occasion, another sales guy seemed to think the micro four thirds Lumix G1 was the camera to suit my needs. He talked a pretty good game, but it seems so different compared to the D5000 and A390. Obviously smaller, but also seemed much more 'digital'....if you get me?

Then he also went on and pointed out the D3000, but didnt really give me the opportunity to get a word in edgeways about it.

I guess I want some help from the people who have the experience of them and not just pushing a sale! What would you people recommend? Also, would it be cheaper to buy the camera once in USA instead of the UK?

I want to take pics of my trip, but also use it when I return home for things like family pictures, cars, pets, trips etc.

Really appreciate any help, and pointers you care to share.

Thanks,

[kred]

if you are ever thinking about upgrading in the future most people here will tell you to go canon or nikon as they are the 2 best in the business and also offer great lenses that hold great value. i dont know anything about sony dslr's (or anyone that owns one) but im sure its a great product just like all other sony products. for me personally, i just ordered a canon t2i (aka 550d) as i feel it fits most of my needs and i can grow into it. i recommend going to youtube and watching reviews of the following cameras you stated and www.dpreview.com to check out ratings for them.

[kred]

ps. here is a cool little comparison i just realized on this website. highlight over the 3 different cameras and it shows the ratings compared to one another. i selected the a390, canon t2i and nikon d5000 for this comparison.

edit: looks like you will have to do it as i went back to it and they weren't being compared

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sonydslra390/page5.asp

[hipnotic]

d5000

[Masterplan]

Also considering the Canon EOS 500D (Digital Rebel T1i / Kiss X3 Digital) now after finding one well priced. Any thoughts? Or still better with the D5000?

[whyrms]

Honestly stick with the D5000, if you read enough online review as i have, you'll know that sony and other brands are lacking in the DSLR department, give them a few more years or so, maybe they'll catch up then. Right now, just stick with Canon or Nikon. Between the two it's a wash between user friendliness. For me, Nikon won the game, it was so easy to use that I was able to take great pictures from the get go. The Canon are for more Pro photographer, if in the future you decide to go into advance photography, get a Canon, their lenses are more universal in their model range. But for starter cameras, nothing beats the D5000 and their kit lenses. I've seen some nice lenses in my life, but the kit lenses on the D5000 is just amazing for their price. Plus, D5000 is a smaller camera so it's easier to carry if you're traveling (Not that it's small, all DSLR are bulky).

Edit*

Oh and get a 25-30 dollars polarizer filter. It's a good investment for those nice sunny days outdoor shots.

[- Paul -]

D5000 - it's what I use - great starter DSLR

[sb335is]

I'm a Canon. My xti is on ebay right now because I just replaced it with a 50D! I love canons set up and really its just preference, but nikon just feels lacking to me. If I were you id look into a used body with LOW actuations. (Got my d with 3 batteries for half off with 9k actuations which is really low)) Also, the irvine service center is right by my house, so if I have any problems or need a cleaning, its just a short drive away for me. id say away from other brands besides nikon/canon if you want lens quality/quantity/service