Which DSLR should I buy?

i felt compiled to write this since theres been more than a few people been asking me (and so happens that they read this blog too- so i don't need to keep repeating myself), what DSLR should they get, which is better, should i get this, should i get that. Well... my answer to them is very simple, just answer the questions below you should be able to guess what you actually need:

1) why do you need a DSLR? (ie:for what function, sports, events, scenery, etc etc)
2) how much is your budget?
3) do you plan for upgrades in the future?
4) are you gonna shoot in automode most of the time? (if yes, don't even bother reading this whole article- just get a P&S camera)

now if you even have trouble getting through the first 3 question, just don't bother getting a DSLR you don't even need it, just get a good P&S camera and you'll thank me one day not for wasting a few grand on one paper weight.

I guess its just a hype nowadays to get a DSLR, every Tom,Dick and Harry is getting one, just for the sake of having one. If you don't believe me, try going to any of those forums.. how many influx people are actually getting one DSLR? ranging from the prosumer (2k range) of cameras to the ultimate shuttermaniac's dream machines (15k to 22k). You wont believe things you'd read from the net, i've seen people complaining the first day they got their cameras - " my camera cannot shoot clear picture", "my picture all dark! lousy", "i got cheated! my D60 cannot use the full range of nikkor lenses", "stupid camera cannot shoot properly", "my D300 under expose"

So does a camera make any difference to how a picture turns out? The answer to that is Yes & No.
Yes - higher end cameras enable you to shoot faster (higher fps), better noise control at high ISO, etc...
No - buying a high end camera does NOT make you a genius at taking wonderful pictures.

now back to the DSLR selection, there are so many DSLR out there in the market to choose from, frankly speaking we can just go on forever talking about it and still wont come to a conclusion on which to buy. So here's a short one to help a few that has been asking (all high end /pro cameras has been removed - budget constraint and begineers class).

1) Pentax (K200D)
- 10.4Mp
- price range about RM3290 (or get a K110D super kit = 2599) - not really sure, price keeps changing.
- in built Image stabilizer (erm, it helps if you have shaky hands)
- problem with sourcing for pro lens (not much range like the canon or Nikon / 3rd party lenses)
- one of the cheapest DSLR with good performance for its price.

2) Sony
- don't even bother... they make TV's.
- P&S on the other hand can be considered

3) Panasonic
- same as Sony.

4) Olympus (E510)
- twin lens package cost about RM3450
- dust reduction, built in image stabilizer (IS)
- 10Mp, "Live view" with 2.5" LCD display
- dual memory card slots

5) Canon (450D)
- 10.1 MP
- no IS (IS is built in lens)
- low noise with high ISO
- pro "L" lens are very expensive
- kit lens can take and make paper weight
- very plastic feel to the camera (very light weight)
- cost about - RM3299
- easy to find 3rd party lens

6) Nikon (D60)
- price ranging from RM2400 -2600 (IF you have the money go for the D80 - almost same price as the 450D)
- good kit lense
- 10.6 MP
- standard nikkor mount (backward compatible)
- pro lens cheaper than Canon "L" lens, accessories are also cheaper than the Canon
- VR (vibration reduction) built on lens and not camera body

These list can go on and on... however, one rule of thumb - try it for yourself which ever camera tickles your fancy, that will be the one for you.

Nibble nibble, taut taut, STRIKE! Fish On!!