Digital SLR: Getting started
If you’re new to digital SLR cameras, and are collecting information for your purchase, there’s a lot to decide.
I’m looking to buy a new digital SLR camera too, and have been collecting information for a couple of weeks. Let’s just say that I’ve managed to confuse myself. 
This article Factors to Consider when Choosing a Digital SLR Camera – photo.net gives an excellent summary of things to take into account when you decide.
One of my big concerns is the expandability of the camera I buy. I know that I’ll be buying more lenses over time, so I want to get the right system, which will grow with me for years to come.
On this point, the article suggests:
“The question of system expandability and support comes up if you intend to get really serious about photography and need (and can afford) exotic lenses or very high performance camera bodies. In that case you’re certainly better off looking at Canon and Nikon cameras. For example, both have 400mm f/2.8, 500mm f/4 and 600mm f/4 lenses (with stabilization), while Sony, Pentax and Olympus do not.”
I’m leaning towards a Nikon, at the moment.
Digital photography: when is it legal to take photographs?
Photographers always carry a camera. However, often it’s confusing to know when you can legally photograph locations and events.
Can you photograph:
* A shop in a mall?
* A fire
* Dogs in your local park?
* Your meal in a restaurant?
This article offers some great information and links so that you know your rights. Your digital camera and the law | Digital Photo | Macworld:
“The most important thing to know about your rights as a photographer: In general, you can photograph anything or anyone as long as you are on public property. Public property includes city streets, municipal parks, and national parks and forests. Nonetheless, Internet photography forums are chock full of tales about people who have been challenged or harassed when using a camera in public. Check out dpreview.com for an example of this sort of thing.”
