Help for a Beginner

[varga2k]

Hello all,
I am currently looking to purchase my first SLR ssytem and would like some help with my decision. I am looking to shoot a lot of nature and wildlife so I am curious to see what everyone would suggest as a good startup camera and lenses for that. I am intrigued by the whole rifle mounted camera setup but wonder if I can just buy a camera and do that myself or if there is a particular camera designed for this.
I don't know a lot about the SLR format because I am a hands on type of learner and I don't as of yet have one so try to keep that in mind when replying.
The only real decisons I have thought about so far is that I would like to stay as manual as I can while still njoying some of the new features a lot of the new SLR's have. I don't really want a digital hybrid but if there is an affordable and effective camera out there I am not closed to the option.
Thanks for your help and I look forward to posting some nice SLR pics soon.

[Outdoorsman]

Your first decision should be whether you want to shoot film or digital. Where you go in the SLR world depends on this decision. Once you have chosen a format, you have to pick a brand. Once you pick a brand, you have to decide how much money you're willing to spend.

[another view]

First off, any 35mm or digital SLR can be mounted to a gun stock. These guys make them: http://www.bushhawk.com/ I've never used one, nor has anyone I know so I can't comment. I'd get a good solid tripod first, though.

Digital photography with an SLR will be very expensive to start out with. Starting at about $1000 and going up from there - plus you will need rechargable batteries, compact flash (memory) cards, imaging software (if it doesn't come with the camera, but that would be just the basics anyway) and maybe a computer upgrade. Gets expensive quick.

I'd recommend starting out on film. Probably sticking with Canon or Nikon would be the best way to go - it's the most common out there so you'll find the equipment easier (and other people that can help you with questions). Go to a store and see which feels best to you, they're both good.

[FREELANCE2004]

buy a nikon or canon kit.35mm with two lenses,usually a 70mm and a 300mm or so.you can spend anywher from 200 to 2000.ebay has a bunch of used film cameras at giveaway prices,people are going digital at alarming rates. a dslr is a way to go if you spend 1500 or so.thats a blast,youll take 100 times the pictures,they are free,put them on disk,print them,email them.thats the way to go,but film is a woderful way to go also,i do both.more digital than film,but for studio work i shoot film also.keep reading this websites info and it will save you years of learning on your on.there is alot more to it than just pushing the button.light meters and flashes are a must also.good luck
freelance1031
mmr1031@aol.com

[adina]

Hello all,
I am currently looking to purchase my first SLR ssytem and would like some help with my decision. I am looking to shoot a lot of nature and wildlife so I am curious to see what everyone would suggest as a good startup camera and lenses for that. I am intrigued by the whole rifle mounted camera setup but wonder if I can just buy a camera and do that myself or if there is a particular camera designed for this.
I don't know a lot about the SLR format because I am a hands on type of learner and I don't as of yet have one so try to keep that in mind when replying.
The only real decisons I have thought about so far is that I would like to stay as manual as I can while still njoying some of the new features a lot of the new SLR's have. I don't really want a digital hybrid but if there is an affordable and effective camera out there I am not closed to the option.
Thanks for your help and I look forward to posting some nice SLR pics soon.

I bought the Canon rebel 2k because the commercial was neat.

If your going with film, Canon and Nikon both have a really good line of products. Both of which can be shot completely auto, or fully manual. Go to the store, hold them both, then decide.

What kind of price range are you looking at?

adina