What is a good digital SLR camera to buy for an amateur photographer?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jason G.
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Jason G.

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I want to upgrade to a digital camera and I was wondering what would be a good one to go with for an amateur photographer. I like the Cannon Rebel line of cameras but I was wondering what a more affordable option might be. What are your thoughts on the Pentax K100d. I learned on a Pentax K1000 and I read that most of the older lenses will fit the Pentax digital SLR cameras.
 
I believe the K100D and K100D Super have been discontinued. Newer models are the K10D and K20D.

Pentax is still using the venerable K-mount it introduced in 1975 so any older K-mount manual focus lens can be used with the newest DSLR cameras. There will be limited functionality (manual focus, stop-down metering) but they will enjoy the benefits of image stabilization since Pentax placed it in the camera body. If you have several K-mount lenses in good condition then buy the Pentax DSLR.

Since Sony bought the DSLR line from Konica-Minolta in 2006, the Sony Alpha (A) series cameras use the Minolta A-mount introduced with the Minolta Maxxum AF 35mm film camera of 1985. So any Maxxum AF lens will be right at home on the Sony A200 or A350 or A700. Sony also incorporates image stabilization in the camera body.
 
I own a Pentax K100D. Very good camera. Like you, I also learned on a K1000, and later owned several higher end Pentax film cameras. When I decided to make the switch to digital I chose Pentax simply for the fact that I could still use all of my lenses, even the manual ones. One feature that is very nice on the K100D is that the image stabilization (anti-shake) is built into the camera and works with any lens. Other brands have them in the lens and thus lenses cost more. In the 2 years I've owned the K100D I've never had a bit of trouble and would highly recommend it.
 
I have a Nikon D80 digital and it is fantastic. I had a Pentax film camera years ago and was very pleased with that until it was stolen. Since then I have had Nikon If you have Pentax lenses you should go to a camera store and show them to the sales person to check whether they fit before you buy a Pentax. If they do you may only need to buy the body. The film lenses work a bit differently than the digital ones so get that explained as well, Before you buy. Some times camera shops have special offers on the body and lens, so check that out as well. You would do best in a chain camera store that only sells cameras and there excesses
 
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