[Craigular.B]

Hey everyone-

I've been thinking about getting an entry-level DSLR for a while now, but since I know have the ability to take a course on photography, I'm thinking about it more and more. I'm looking for something preferably on the cheaper end of things (like, sub $600. Less is better though haha), but any suggestions would be much appreciated.

My main priority is picture quality, especially living in the U.P. of Michigan; I'd like my pictures to not have a lot of grain if that's possible from an entry-level camera. I don't know if any of the entry-levels do (I haven't done much research), but RAW format would be a nice bonus.

Quick edit: My friend said he bought a Canon Rebel XT and he loves it. Anybody with experience on this one? It sounds like a pretty decent camera, but I know very little about how to size cameras up based on specs.

So...If you have any suggestions, let me know!
Thanks

-Craig

[~Robrowe~]

Not to sound like a pompass jerk but entry level for under $600 and the comment that picture quality is a must is contradictory.
If you are looking at the rebel series the XT is old news, very old news.
XSi or the new release the XT1i would be the way to go.
I would more aptly recommened a 40 or 50D but they are a bit over the $600.
Me, I shoot with a 1DsMKIII and a 1DMKIII that have awsome image quality but they both come with a very hefty price tag as well. $7500 and $3500 respectively for a 21MP full frame DSLR and a 10MP 1.3 crop factor that shoots 10 FPS.
Image quality will depend also on the lens/lenses that go with it. Good lenses will easily blow and $600 budget out the window with high quality general purpose lenses starting at $1000 and going up from there (Way up!) If you really want the eye popping quality its going to cost you. If you want to stick to low budget a high end point and shoot would serve you better.

Samples of EOS 1D series images can be seen on my website http://rnmphotography.smugmug.com/
most of the sports images, especially the later ones were shot with a Canon EOS 1DMKIII and an EF 300mm F2.8L lens (costs as much as the camera)

Below is a sample shot at NJ SkyBlues first game in Womens Professional Soccer vs LA Sol.
Shot with CAnon EOS 1DMKIII and Canon EF 70-200 F2.8L IS lens

[Craigular.B]

robrowe-

Thanks for the reply, and no, you did not sound like a pompous jerk . I found out quickly that for what I wanted I was going to have to spend over $600, but luckily a local electronics store had a great deal going.

I ended up buying a Sony A300 because of the deal. The body itself was $600, and then they had a lens (SAL-75300), a flash (HVL-F42AM) and a battery (NP-FM500H) for $270, about $350 less than the total retail of those 3 products. I also ended up spending another $130 on their in-store package with another battery, a UV filter, case and 4GB 133x speed Compact Flash card.

I've been shooting around my house and outside with the camera, and so far I'm very satisfied. The picture quality is great and there are enough settings to tweak to keep me going for a long time. If I get some of my shots online I'll probably post them here.

Thanks!
-Craig

[~Robrowe~]

Glad to hear you could find something that works for you. Every now and then you can run across a deal. I frequent a lot of Buy and sell sections of photo forums and have bought a ton of gear that is gently used for a big savings from retail. Fred Miranda and POTN are probably the most active ones out there.