So I finally find the courage and reason to get an entry level DSLR camera after all this year

I've found the deal of the Pentax K10D Kit from Dell and jumped on it. Overall, many reviews confirmed that it's better than the Canon XTi for the money, etc. and on the similar level of the Canon 30D, Nikon D80, etc.

For less than 700 shipped + $50 rebate, I can't complain.

I'm so anxious to get it.

Please suggest some good place where I read some tutorials, tips, and guidance.

Also, for starter, which accessories that I should be getting that's good for an entry level?

Thanks a lot.

 

To be honest this has been covered to death but here goes.


Circ Polarizer
Reg polarizer
Two types of neutral density filter (.5 and .25 is my suggestion)
Flash
a Magic Lantern users guide (trust me it's worth it)
take lots of fucking photos and experiment a lot using manual settings.




Thats all that I would say you actually "need" at this point. New lenses etc. are all an as you need them type of purchase. It would be dumb of me to say to buy a 70-200 when you want to do nothing but macro shooting. After you shoot for a little bit on the kit lens you will know what you are looking for and need in your arsenal to get the shots you want.

 

What exactly do you plan to do with the camera?

 

RTFM then RTFM again and then RTFM again.

it will tell you a lot about how to use the camera for given situations and the type of shot you want. start from there. a tool is only as good as the tool holding it.

 

Thanks John. I can always count on your for these stuffs.


Right now, mostly are scenic shooting, some portraits. Lots if house interior vehicle shooting.

Yup, I agree totally. That's basically the first thing I did when I bought my Canon PS cam back then. The Manual really helped. I've read that manual over and over again many times and surprised at the things I can do with a regular PS. That's how I was able to hold on until now. Since I now need more flexibility, that's why I've made an upgrade instead.

 

John, do you know where I can list those items above for a good price?

 

Try www.bhphotovideo.com for all your general camera gear needs.

I would suggest rather than the poopy lens that invariably comes packaged as the "kit" lens, check out either the Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5, Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 or the Pentax 16-45mm f/4.0 as your primary lens. Both are rather more highly regarded for their image quality than the crap Pentax 18-55mm.

The trick is when you start looking at the non-kit lens then the price differences on kits become less important. Bearing that in mind the Nikon D80 is also pretty nice. Same deal, stay away from the kit lens and go with either the Sigma 17-70, Tamron 17-50, or the Nikkor 18-70mm f/ 3.5-4.5 as your options.

 

You know for a person starting out the kit lens works just fine.

I have seen some rather good shots using kit lenses and I know several people who have done cover shots for magazines using the kit lenses as well as full layouts, just to prove the kit lenses aren't total shit.

If you learn to take great shots with the kit lens then it makes the lenses you buy after that all that much better to you the photographer. Don't waste your money on new glass until you get half decent with what comes with it.

If you have a problem you don't just throw money at it hoping it will go away

 

Thanks Mike, I'll definitely keep that in mind

I think you said my point exactly. I'm aware of the price value of the body only vs Kit then get a good lens. However, as a beginner, I'd like to get use to the camera and try the best I can before spending on that money.

 

this is a good deal right now. to start off with.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._200mm_LD.html