DSLR, which one to go

[iofred]

Hi there, when I decided to take up photography a bit more serious than being a "snapper", I did not want to break the bank, just in case it being a fluke, and got myself a Bridge (Samsung WB5000).
Now, although this sort of does the trick, I start realizing it is not a fluke, and I might need something more "beefy".
Having some "spare time" yesterday, prior to a client-visit, I stepped into a camera-shop, and asked for advice, on what to go for.
The first thing he did was slag off my camera, which boded well for the rest of the conversation , and then he told me this was not because of the camera, but because of the brand, since Samsung was not a camera-manufacturer.
Then he told me I had 4 options, Canon and Nikon, or Pentax and Olympus, which were all true-bloods. Phew, what a relief, because a Canon or Nikon were first on my list, because everyone recommends them .... aaarggggh, so wrong. He then told me to forget about them, and advised the following:

• Pentax Kx
• Olympus E-620

The support for these recommendations (and in this order) was because they had features available that with Canon and Nikon would cost more money, and the lens choices would be a lot more versatile and cheaper.

What do you think, and more importantly, recommend??

Much appreciated

Fred

[daltoned]

I'm glad to see that Pentax was included on the short list. I'm a Pentax k20d user. Don't know much about the K-x but from what I read on the Pentax user's forum, it get's some very good comment. The k7 is more expensive but has +/- to offer not only against the K-x but also against the Canon & Nikon equivelents. Not sure of your location, but if anywhere near North London (Watford) then I'd drop in the SRS. They have the Pentax, Oly and Canon ranges and are a most experienced & helphul staff ( ie Chris).You could see and handle the various units, see also their website. One might also be constrained by budget etc.

Hope this of some help

[iofred]

Hi, I am very close to Watford (Milton Keynes), so that is a very interesting option indeed.
Thanks for that.

[daltoned]

Hope that helps, also their prices ain't too bad either compared against other UK dealers.

[iofred]

Darn, am now the proud owner of a Pentax K-x.
Got a very good deal of camera, with a "18-55" plus "50-200" lens.
Although I was sort of settled looking at the Pentax and the Olympus, I had a very difficult choice between the Pentax (which won the TIPA award for best entry DSLR) and the Nikon D5000, which also felt very very nice in the hands.
In the end it was the twin-lens offer which made the decision.

Now let the good times start

[daltoned]

Congrats on your purchase. From what I've read about the K-x it's a cracking entry level camera. Look forward to seeing some of your shots.

[iofred]

Thanks, the one thing I really really want now is a 100-Macro, but they are blooming almost as expensive as the camera
Life's never easy

[Kaye]

Never mind Fred,
I haven't even got the camera body yet. I am still making do with what I have. (Trying to save for a Nikkon D90, this is what I would like).
I think you are doing very well.

I shoot all at present with my Olympus FE-370 P&S. You can check out some of my Nature & Animal posts or macro if you like. My dear little camera does seem to like macro, but I still can't wait until I can afford a NIKKON D90 and couple of extra lenses, and most definitely a great macro lens.