Canon 550D or Nikon D5000 or Sony A230 or Pentax K-x

[toffee bread]

Canon
Pros
Seems to have the widest range of lenses available like the f/2.8 and f/4 zoom lenses!
Large second hand market
Cons
Expensive?

Nikon
Pros
Good noise control, D3 is a monster, but not sure about the lower end
Good feel & handling
Decent second hand market
Cons
Relatively expensive
no f/4 trinity, very expensive f/2.8 zoom lenses

Sony
Pros
Cheap low end, the A230 is only $699 with the kit lens!
Cons
Lack of pro series of lenses
Proprietary flash results in lack of 3rd party flash triggers

Pentax
Pros
Kx uses AA batteries
Cheap
Cute!
Cons
Lack of pro bodies to upgrade to

Currently 550D seems to be the best? Or I"m blinded by the marketing ploys of Canon?

[Zeus]

Think for cheap stuff, consider Olympus PEN series. They're really serious in this micro 4/3s segment.

Else go for the mid-range pro like Canon 50D, Nikon D300s, Sony A550, Pentax K7 etc.

[dango]

sony feels like crap on the hands, unless u have really small hands. will go for the EOS, even though its like so common. Nikon's great, but lack of AF motor will mean expensive lens upgrades next time. get the canon! =)

[Archie]

Wah is this turning to a brand war!? HAHAH :P

I buy Nikon cos I don't like white colour (let the flame begin!!).

[bolgash]

Sony's a230 is for people who are graduating from compact cameras to DSLRs. It still retains the compact way of holding your camera, thats the reason why it feels like crap when u hold it(you are too adapt to dslr.. :P). Nikon's D5000 would be my choice I guess? I like it's live view. My opinion is that the live view for D5000 is better than 550D. I will only consider Pentax if I want to be special and I want a funky looking DSLR. Canon would be my second choice after Nikon.

[nicholasii]

A little sharing why i choose Canon, firstly it has a huge user base which means,
1. More chances of finding a 2nd or even 3rd hand equipment.
2. Equipment value would also stay strong for most equipment.
3. More user support over the internet regarding topics from photography tips to equipment tips.
4. More group outings?

So 550d for me :x

[Archie]

Are you saying that Canon has a larger user base then Nikon?

A little sharing why i choose Canon, firstly it has a huge user base which means,
1. More chances of finding a 2nd or even 3rd hand equipment.
2. Equipment value would also stay strong for most equipment.
3. More user support over the internet regarding topics from photography tips to equipment tips.
4. More group outings?

So 550d for me :x

[arman007]

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[bukitimah]

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After my 3 weeks 'research' from the web sites, I think Nikon D5000 and 18-103 mm VR lens is the one. My reasons are:

1) The need to use AF-S lens mean a lighter body and should you run into trouble, you replace or just repair the lens. Cheaper
2) The live view is important and gives more flexibility.
3) Actually, D5000 is not = Canon 550 in pricing but in the same range as D90. D500 is = Canon 500D. However, if you compare D90 and D5000, the later has most, if not all the features in D90.
4) If you are looking at this range, chances are you yet a professional. A 18-103 mm lens is preferred because you don't want to keep changing lens and that will eventually damage the lens and body.

However, after 3 weeks of reading, I think all 4 cameras meet my requirements for entry into this hobby. I hope my analysis is correct being new and yet to own a DSLR.