If I was starting in photography, what OTHER brand would I choose?

[Tannin]

I was just looking at Snappytom's thread - http://www.ausphotography.net.au/for...ad.php?t=65709 - and thinking about his question - he wants to know what brand we would go for today if we were just starting out in photography.

It's a good question, but I fear he will simply get answers that reflect the prevailing market shares of the major brands - i.e., all the Nikon owners will recommend Nikon, all the Olympus owners will recommend Olympus, and so on.

So my question is a little different. What other brand would you go for? Pick any brand you like, except the brand you shoot.

[Tannin]

Remember, I'm trusting you not to vote for the brand you own. (If you own several brands, use your own judgement as to what is a fair thing.) If you are so pigheaded set in your ways that you wouldn't use any other brand, ever,, don't vote, just go away.

[MarkChap]

I chose Pentax, I would, am quite interested (not to the point of purchasing) in the 645 medium format, so that's where my vote went

[Shelley]

To be totally honest, I would need to research to give an answer. Only because that is what I do when buying something.

But, thinking back to when I first started I was quite taken with Sony, but would go Nikon - cause I know they will be around for a while and have a choice.

Not canon loyal - but I do like my current stuff. Oh, Tony I ordered the 7d today.... my reason - i need a back up camera as I would be totally sad if my 50d died while on a birding trip.

[Tannin]

You won't be sorry. 7D is a grerat camera.

[41jas]

I use canon but I chose Nikon to see what the fuss was all about....

[ricktas]

I chose Sony. I think Sony are working hard to be a progressive player in this market and pushing hard to develop stuff that stands out from the pack. I would be interested in going along on that ride.

And the Pentax 645 does seem rather inviting toooooo.

[Snappytom]

I chose Sony. I think Sony are working hard to be a progressive player in this market and pushing hard to develop stuff that stands out from the pack. I would be interested in going along on that ride.

And the Pentax 645 does seem rather inviting toooooo.

What do you think of the Translucent mirror technology in Sony SLT 55 and Slt 33? do you remember it from when Canon introduced it?. As a new player I am not sure whether to be brave and follow new trends or stay with the tried and tested. It's just that I like the size and weight (from specs) of the SLT and mirrorless/prismless cameras. But are they as versatile as a DSLR?
Cheers

[ricktas]

What do you think of the Translucent mirror technology in Sony SLT 55 and Slt 33? do you remember it from when Canon introduced it?. As a new player I am not sure whether to be brave and follow new trends or stay with the tried and tested. It's just that I like the size and weight (from specs) of the SLT and mirrorless/prismless cameras. But are they as versatile as a DSLR?
Cheers

To be honest I haven't really investigated brands much in recent years, though reading a bit here and there just to get a bit of knowledge.

My thoughts are this. If you see a nice garden in your street, and want a nice garden yourself, what questions do you ask the garden owner? I have yet to hear of someone ever saying "Nice garden, what brand is your spade? I need to get one so I can have a garden like yours". The tools of your 'trade' are just that, it is how you use them that is the key!

[Kym]

Nikon (but don't tell anyone )

[Rattus79]

Canon, just so I can tell that Cannon/tripod joke. As a pentaxian, I'd love that 645 too.

[kiwi]

I chose Canon (made me a little sick in my mouth though)

I firmly believe if you dont choose either Nikon or Canon you've got rocks for brains.

[Lance B]

It's a little tough as I have both Nikon and Pentax gear, so the only other camera brand I can recommend is Canon.

[piXelatedEmpire]

Probably Canon, to get access to that longer focal length L glass (and so I could borrows other peoples lenses!)

[I @ M]

This week it would definitely have to be Pentax as I firmly believe that the K7 is the best bang for buck DSLR on the market with reliability and lens choices to match Nikon. Then there is the "new" 645 that is certainly worth aspiring to for when you progress in your photography.

That said, my choice is based on if I was entering into photography this week --- next week or a month or 2 down the track may well see some very tempting offerings from other manufacturers -----

[Jules]

Well I'm a Canon girl, so if I had to switch I guess I'd go Nikon. Ick.

[HayTay]

When I was considering purchasing my gear it was between PENTAX and NIKON. PENTAX earned my money on that round and, so far, I've been happy with my K-x and assorted lens purchases. If I had to choose another brand for my next camera, I'd obviously pick a NIKON to see what I missed out on. Oh, and it would probably be a D90.

[Culhwch]

I voted Canon, mainly because it seems, when I'm hunting for Pentax stuff, Canon gear seems not only cheaper but far more common. Nikon obviously is up there too in those regards...

[debs]

I've always bought Canon, but have seen some nice photos from Nikon users, so I suppose if i have to pick it would be Nikon.

[ronaldhw]

I use Nikon. If I have to choose different brand, I'll go with canon