DSLR Help

[iArson]

With tax returns coming in I wanted to look into a good camera for the new year

I currently have a Sony Cybershot but it lacks the weight, feel and picture quality of a good camera. I plan on using it mainly outside for family events, and of course for taking pictures of keyboard related things

If anyone can steer me in the right direction, or just simply pick one for me I would be greatly appreciative!

[bavman]

What kinda budget are you looking at?

[iArson]

What kinda budget are you looking at?

I don't think I would want to spend over $600. I will go over that budget if it warrants it though

[Malphas]

Again I'd opt for MILC over SLR, especially with that budget. A Micro 4/3 or similar camera will be superior dollar for dollar than a SLR. The only reason - in my opinion - to consider a budget DSLR (which I'd consider to be anything less than a 6D) is for learning with, before moving up to a high-end model.

[iArson]

Hmm I'm having a hard time even finding one. Is my budget too low for a DSLR?

[Malphas]

In my opinion, yes. The lower tier DSLR's aren't worth considering over good quality point-and-shoots or MILCs other than as learning tools.

[okooko]

In my opinion, yes. The lower tier DSLR's aren't worth considering over good quality point-and-shoots or MILCs other than as learning tools.

Yerp. I wouldnt bother with a kit around the 1k mark, you might as well use your phone or until you can afford something better.
The lowest I'd go is a 60D or the nikon equivalent

[compgeke]

A 2nd hand Canon T2i with the kit lens (or EF 50mm f/1. and a cheap EF 80-200mm USM III will come out less than or right close to $600, and it's not exactly a "sucky camera". One thing I can't stress enough is Megapixels does NOT mean high quality, Megapixels means larger image. This is the same reason the Canon 1D-C is only 18 MP while the 5D Mk III is 22 MP, and the 1D-C is a top-of-the-line while the 5D is a fairly high end camera, but not one that you have to sell your children for.

I'm personally still managing to survive with a Canon EOS 300D (yeah 2003!) with the EF 50mm f/1.8 and the EF 80-200mm USM III, which isn't a very good camera by today's standards, but despite horrible low-light performance it still takes better pictures than 95% of point-and-shoot cameras\phones I've seen.

[Malphas]

The 550D/T2i (and your 300D) aren't as good as high end non-SLR cameras that cost a similar sum though, is the point. My point is if you specifically need/want an SLR for some particular reason then fine, but if your goal is to take good photos then automatically assuming that a DSLR is the way to go is a common mistake.