DSLR Photo NOOB

While I am a ManBearPig, Im certainly no Phot-HOG and I'm  getting interested in higher quality photography than my little waterproof point and shoots can provide.  The next step for some good outdoor pics seem to be a dslr camera, but where to start??  It seems like canon and Nikon are fairly reasonably priced and well respected but what say you, NCKA?  I'm interested in mostly outdoor and wildlife photos.   

Sarah does some cool stuff. I'll ask her what she uses.

John, I used to have Nikons but now use Canons. Both are good. Whichever line you choose, you should try to stay with one brand, as the lens for either brand are "usually" compatible with future models that You may choose to upgrade to.

As to what you should buy, specifically, depends on your budget and your specific interests. Feel free to PM me anytime with questions, or post here. There are people onboard here who are much better at photography than I am.

Howard

I've been a Canon guy all my life.  Shot pro for like 7 years or so.  Went canon when I switched from film to digi.  Happy with my Canon 60D.  Lenses make the camera IMHO.

Bill

I agree. Try & stick with a brand once you choose one.  Nikon Lenses that date way back work with their new cameras less auto focus & such.  My old film camera (canon) lenses work with my newer DSLR body (canon).  You won't go wrong with either brand once you get familiar with the os.

If you want quality but still compact, check out the sony rx100. DSLR quality in a point and shoot, with a housing is great underwater as well. Very fast with a high IQ, great low light camera. There is also the just released Nikon aw1 which is an interchangeable lend mirrorless camera waterproof to 50ft. dpreview is a great resource as well.

Honestly, there are a lot of "pocket" size DSLR style cameras out that produce quality prints up to 8x10 or larger.  If you want a full size body, id pony up for a canon or Nikon ... assuming this is something you want for the long haul.

There are definitely smaller cameras that can produce excellent photos. Carrying a big bag full of camera gear in the outdoors can be problematic. Even a full size camera by itself can get in the way during outdoor activities. Check out the quality smaller cameras and I think you'll find something that meets your outdoor needs. 

Yep, depending on what you are looking for, DSLR isn't the only option out there.  Do you want a camera that just automatically takes better pictures, or do you want to learn to be a better photographer ( learning about isos, aperatures, etc)?  I've been a DSLR user for years, but since my wife got a Sony NEX, that gets 10x the use my 60D does because it's lighter to carry around, and takes pictures that are as good as if not better than my Canon most of the time.

I'm a Nikon man myself (don't really know why) but honestly go with either Nikon or Cannon and you can't go wrong
As for technique be sure to check out http://froknowsphoto.com also be sure to check out his YouTube channel http://m.youtube.com/user/JaredPolin/featured?desktop_uri=%2Fuser%2FJaredPolin%2Ffeatured

Also while some of the smaller cameras might not have interchangeable lenses, they do have full manual control over the settings. That gives you lots learn and can make for excellent shots.

While I am a ManBearPig, Im certainly no Phot-HOG and I'm  getting interested in higher quality photography than my little waterproof point and shoots can provide.  The next step for some good outdoor pics seem to be a dslr camera, but where to start??  It seems like canon and Nikon are fairly reasonably priced and well respected but what say you, NCKA?  I'm interested in mostly outdoor and wildlife photos.   

Photography is a wonderful hobby that I enjoy very much. I shoot Canon but Nikon is also an excellent choice. Any one of the current models of Canon and Nikon DSLR combos would make a great starter. Set a budget and go from there. Learn how to shoot with your new combo and buy your accessories slowly (tripod, flash, filters, lenses, etc.) as you go along. With practice, you'll learn the limitations of your gear and by then, you'll know exactly what gear you'll need to add or upgrade. 

I shoot Nikon and have numerous lens to support different shooting aspects.

Key is to get the "fastest" camera you can afford for your photography style; the less likely you have to rely on a flash, the more natural a picture will be. And do not worry so much about pixel size; unless you are gonna be printing for publication or larger that 8x10, 5 megapixel will do.

Next would be your choice of lens; if you can afford them, get a "Prime" lens, one with a 2.4 or less 'fixed' aperture. This will allow you to take fastest pictures (action/motion shots).

And lastly, do not get a camera with video mode; if you wanna shoot videos, by a video camera. Shooting video on a DSLR camera heats up the sensor and causes it to time-out....

Right now, Canon, Nikon and Sony are the top leaders in the market; and most use the same sensors made by Sony.  Thou I am partial to Nikon, I still believe Nikon manufactures the best optics for lenses.

I know you're looking for a DSLR, but take a look at the Nikon J1.  It is more of a point n shoot, but I was really impressed with the picture quality.  My sister bought this camera last year for around $500, but you can find them under $200 nowadays.  She took bunch of pictures outdoors at night under very low light conditions and the pictures came out amazing even without the flash.  If you don't want to take the full plunge into DSLR's just yet, check this one out.

Wow! Thanks for the tips fellas, there's a lot to mull over.  Just looking at all the reviews is daunting.  It seems the differences arent many between the entry level cameras of a similar price range.   I think I got to go put hands on plastic and really get a feel for em, just like a kayak I guess, demo, demo, demo!

Here is my wife's photography FB page.  Lots of noobs there.  She uses a Canon EOS T2i.  Not an expensive camera by any means.  I don't know the name of the lens that she prefers but I can find out.  I like her style but I'm sure it is not for everyone.  She likes to shoot people and then make the background blurry and soft.   Here are a few.  Cute models make the pictures better......