Nikon D3000, Pentax K-x, or Canon XS?

I'm about to buy my first DSLR. I am an amateur who has used a Canon A1 for years. I also need to allow for my wife, who is more of a point-and-shooter. I'm trying to decide between the Nikon D3000, the Pentax Kx and the Canon Rebel XS. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Comments

Becky Shipkosky
Pixiq Editor

I'd say you can't go wrong with any of those! All three companies make great cameras and lenses. And, since you can't use those old Canon FD-mount lenses on a new Canon, you don't have to consider your lenses as a factor in your decision.

The Nikon and the Pentax offer slightly larger sensors than the Canon, and the Pentax is the only one with a movie mode. The Pentax also features the highest resolution of the three (12.4 megapixels), but really, don't let that be the deciding factor because, trust me, 10MP is plenty. The Pentax, however, also has the biggest LCD screen of the three, which is great for reviewing images. The Pentax offers the best ISO range (200-12,800!), but while the Canon only goes up to 1600, Canon is particularly known for good image quality at high ISOs. As far as ease of use is concerned, they can all be made to operate like a point-and-shoot camera. Nikon and Pentax DSLRs both allow the use of old lenses, so if you, like me, believe they don't make 'em like they used to, you can use just about any lens from either manufacturer's awesome line (Nikon being the more extensive and widely available of the two).

I am personally a big fan of Pentax. I have owned a mid-range Pentax, a high-end Nikon, and an entry-level Nikon. I LOVE my high-end Nikon, but I'm a little disappointed with the more affordable one I bought a few years ago. My beginner Pentax, however, was such a great camera, and SO easy to use!

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