i'm thinking of pulling the trigger on my 1st DSLR. there are a few on my shopping list, but i'd like to hear your opinions.

Pentax K-x (new)
Canon 40D (used)
Canon T2i (new)
or you can insert your suggestions

^----the list above are all within the $700 range

i've had experience with 35mm cameras, just haven't jumped to digital. i'm no pro, just an enthusiast.

 

I own a T2i so I'll just speak from that perspective. What I wish the T2i had that the 40D does:

The three programmable dials: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos40d/page7.asp

The 1/8000 shutter speed (T2i has 1/4000)

Magnesium Alloy body instead of the plastic (though it feels solid, don't get me wrong)

But the T2i does have nice video and a newer DIGIC image processor and better metering, as well as a very nice LCD display. So if you don't care at all about video, I'd probably lean toward the 40D. If you like whiz-bang shiny stuff probably the T2i.

dpreview.com has a ton of info

 

thanks for the quick review.

i checked out dpreview, but wanted a variety of opinions.

after looking around a bit more i'm kind of leaning toward the K-x. maybe because it is the cheapest out of the bunch.

T2i: i like all of the bells and whistles. im not sure how often ill use video, but i don't think i'd enjoy fooling around with the quicktime format.

K-x: has all of the bells and whistles, plus video that shoots in a more windows xp friendly format

40D: is simply just amazing, but used and older kind of take it down a notch.

still looking for a little help making the decision, so please keep up the comments

 

quicktime format can easily be converted with Handbrake

 

Your fooling yourself there just saying.

The control and exposure modes the 40D has trump any improvements the T2i may have.

Of your list I would purchase a 40D all the way.

 

(current 40D owner)

 

Low shutter-count used Nikon D80 (unless you're going to need 800+ iso, then get the D90) + 50mm ƒ1.8. That should get you started.

 

 

<< 40D

 

Nikon d90 w/ 50mm 1.8 lens.. you will not be disappointed!!

d80 w 50mm would be a cheaper setup.