Need help and advice on buying a new SLR camera.

I was looking into this Sony here...

Sony SLR (http://www.officemax.com/max/solutions/product/prodBlock.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&expansionOID=-1610650580&prodBlockOID=1611488224)


It's either that or Canon Rebel XTI. Leaning towards Canon just because they make great products.

I was also looking into a Pentax SLR cameras. I used to borrow my fathers 8 years ago but that thing was old (it was old even then) and now it's lost. He had it since '81 I believe. But it was a great camera. Just don't know how good Pentax is with SLRs. I was looking at Pentax K10d. (http://reviews.cnet.com/Pentax_K10D_with_18mm_55mm_lens/4505-6501_7-32070317.html)I've never owned a digital SLR camera. Right now I have the Samsung NV10 digital camera and it's not bad. I only use it when I go to parties or take pics of my items that I sometime sell online. That's it really.

I am open to any suggestions. My budget is about $1000.

www.photography-on-the-net.com (http://www.photography-on-the-net.com)

Go for canon. Better upgrades in camera bodies and by far the best lenses. As I always say, when you watch sports don't ya see alot of white lenses? Yes? Well, those are Canon lenses. It's forum site but I picked up a 20D + grip, 4 batteries and 4GB Ultra II card for $875.

You can pick up a Rebel XT with grip and whatnot for less than $500 and it's just as good as the XTi, minus spot metering and the screen. But you only use the screen to preview pictures anyhow.

IF you have any more questions feel free to PM me. I've been shooting pro for 3yrs but as a hobby since...idk when.

Sony is abd because there are no upgrades in bodies and who knows when there will be. The A100 ain't that great to begin with. Pentax and film were great, but now...meh. Canon pretty much dominates the DSLR market. They have the better bodies and lenses. Nikon is close, but I think their recent line up screwed because there's nothing great. P&S are almost better than the D40 even the D40X. It's actually a downgrade fromit's predcessor. THe D80 i a joke because the D70 is just as good as the D80.

DOn't let megapixels and IS fool you. IS in the body is not and never will be as good as in the lens.

Despite the obvious bias in the previous post, you owe it to yourself to look at the Nikon D80. The D80 is significantly easier to use than both the Alpha and the xti, and Nikon glass is just as good as Canon assuming you're not spending $5000 for a super telephoto lens (which I highly doubt, as you'd be looking at more upmarket bodies). The metering is much better on the D80, as is the autofocus, which is very handy for those times when you don't have the convenience or ability to use a tripod. Which is what makes the D80 an all-around better camera; it is super easy to use for point-and-shoot, but it also takes absolutely breathtaking photos in full manual mode.

If you really don't like the D80 or would like to spend a little less, then I would definitely go for the Canon. The alpha just doesn't cut it against the D80 and the xti. Also, check out this review, it is VERY thorough and quite informative
http://www.cameralabs.com/features/10Megapixel_DSLR_test/

I'm not bias. I said the D80 ain't worth it compared to the D70 or D50. He might as well save the money to put into glass and by Nikon's older cameras if he went Nikon. Learn to read...

Besides, doing side by side comparison, the XTi is better than the D80 is respect to money. Specs the same minus the multiple exposure. Plus for the price of the D80 you can get a by far better 20D or 30D. And honestly, the Nikon 200D is an amazing camera and for an FF at it's price is great! Good grief...when you work with the stuff daily and also sale them, you learn a lot and know straight up what's best.

Thanks alot! You both been very helpful. If I do have any questions, no doubt I'll pm you Damien. :)