calling all enablers: need camera suggestions

[hodaka]

My warning is to make sure the body is capable of doing what you want. I have the Nikon D40x and as it was a wonderful choice when I first started I've outgrown it in the way that it can't do what I need it to do.

For example..it doesn't have auto bracketing.

So make sure you get the can's and can't do's.

Looks like Kat and I are on the same page here

[Bambi]

thanks guys, these are all great suggestions so far!! I know that the final decision is mine but you guys are definitely helping point me in the right direction!

[Mad Aussie]

Looking through all that I don't really need to add anything. Most stuff is covered nicely.

I will confirm that all the top brands have good products so I agree that choosing by brand isn't the right way to go.

Being comfortable with the camera is important especially for women because of they tend to have smaller hands. I love my Canon 40D but some women find it a bit large to hold. And my daughter often out shoots me with my old 400D (Canon XT or similar) setup so it's not all about the camera.

You are liking HDR so auto bracketing of 3 frames is a must for you.

I'd say go narrow down your choices after visiting and holding a few cameras that fit your needs and then maybe ask again which we consider the better choice.

[Bambi]

Looking through all that I don't really need to add anything. Most stuff is covered nicely.

I will confirm that all the top brands have good products so I agree that choosing by brand isn't the right way to go.

Being comfortable with the camera is important especially for women because of they tend to have smaller hands. I love my Canon 40D but some women find it a bit large to hold. And my daughter often out shoots me with my old 400D (Canon XT or similar) setup so it's not all about the camera.

You are liking HDR so auto bracketing of 3 frames is a must for you.

I'd say go narrow down your choices after visiting and holding a few cameras that fit your needs and then maybe ask again which we consider the better choice.

very good advice.

[Greg_Nuspel]

One thing I love about my Nikon is the ability to use old lenses, I picked up a 55mm macro for $80.00 in mint condition. I'd love to find a 20mm for a good price.

[casil403]

I just wanted to also add Bambi that in some higher end camera stores, you can rent a camera for a day to try it out. The Camera Store here in Calgary allows for that and they let you apply your rental for 3 days w/in a 90 day period towards the purchase of a camera or other product.
Check around...there might be a store in your area that does something similar.

[Barefoot]

Since it’ll be your first, you won’t have to worry about getting something compatible with a lens you already own and that’s a big plus. Just do your homework and don’t rush into a purchase.

Image stabilization isn’t important when shooting from a tripod, but who shoots from a tripod 100% of the time? One of the choices you’ll be faced with is do you go with in-body or in-lens Image Stabilization. I chose in-lens IS (or VR in my case) and from what I’ve learned from others with in-body IS since then, I’m glad I did.

For what you’re looking to spend, I’d recommend the Nikon D5000. They say it’s real close to being a D90 in regards to its sensor and high ISO performance and that ain’t a bad thing. It lists most places for around $700 with the 18-55mm VR lens and that leaves you $300 to spend on a 55-200mm VR lens and a couple of 4gig SD cards. That’s a decent package for the denarii’s you say you can afford.

I cringe when someone says there’s no difference from one body to the next in any particular range of cameras and that the image quality is the same for all. In a group of cameras from four or five different manufactures (including Nikon and Canon) it might be difficult to tell which camera took which image when they are all shot at the lowest ISO the body shoots at, but when you get near the top of their ISO range and show me the worst image of the bunch in terms of noise, I bet I’d be able to tell you which two cameras didn’t take it. Now, if anyone wants to take that bet, I’m partial to Bass Ale.

[Mad Aussie]

Better performance at a higher ISO is the one and only reason I would look at upgrading my camera to the much, much dearer option. If that Nikon D5000 has all the usual, decent features of other cameras in it's price range but also has better high ISO performance then it sounds well worth looking at. And that's a Canon user talking.

[Vladimir Naumoff]

I don't really want to suggest anything. I will tell you how I would buy a camera. I usually go only for major brands because of the lenses and accessories that I can buy later for my camera. There are really 3 groups of photo cameras: expensive for enthusiasts, very expensive for enthusiasts and super expensive for pros. Give it or take I use my camera almost every day. I would say 8 out of 10 days. I sell my photos. This is not my main business but at list it buys me a lens or two a year. I don't shoot video with my DSLR. I do all types of photography including macro, photo, telephoto and super telephoto. My camera takes a lot of beating because I love to travel and it's on my neck all the time wile traveling. I use low light very often. I print my own pictures on my own printer. I use heavy lenses. I like it to be easy to use and my camera has to be very flexible for all sort of settings. I like ergonomic body so I can shoot with my right hand. I love to use viewer. I care about ISO a lot. I use flash at advanced level. I need a lot of power and sometimes I use external power source to avoid using a grip which adds pounds to a camera. Weddings for example. (Try to carry 5D with the grip for 10 hours with 24-70mm on it). I can go on and on what I like and what I need. Do a lot of reading. Based on that I would choose may be 2 cameras from major brand and then I will go and rent one for a weekend. At Henry's you can get a camera for a bout $45.00 per a weekend. Next weekend I will try the other one. Trying two cameras is very important because you will have something to compare against. If you buying your fist DSLR you can try different brads and here I like to make a statement when you pick your brand you may have to stay with it for a wile, because it would be very hard to convert to something else if you have all lenses and all accessories on hand. (Unless you are a Rockefeller). So that's how I would do my shopping. Don't listen to anyone who will say don't buy this buy this it's chipper and easy to use. Chip is always more expensive in the long run and if you want to learn how to use a camera may get one that you thing you need and start learning. Remember the upgrade process is much more expensive then buying good Right the way. It may take a bit more time to save but you will not regret when you will start using it.

[AcadieLibre]

I use a Canon and I looked, held it and saw the fit in my hand, had them put on a lens I would use on a regular basis to get a feel of weight and comfort, saw how the controls flow in m hands and how easy to to make adjustments. I looked at specs, lens quality and reputation. After lot of looking touching, playing I make my choice, No camera is right for everyone, read reviews, listen to what those here say and go touch them, play with them. Just my