Expert: Abe - 4/19/2011

Question
I have been using a Pentax MX and ME Super for quite a few years now.  I have come to love these and appreciate their portability and lens availability.  I feel I will always use them, but now want to get a digital camera as well.  The thing is, seeing the menus in digital cameras is almost intimidating since I am used to shooting "manual" all the time.  I need a recommendation as to what digital camera I should transition with and the best place/way to acquire it. I mainly do street and landscape photography, but recently I am exploring portraits.  Thank you!

Answer
I use a Pentax ME Super as well, so I can understand why you plan to keep it.

My suggestion is to stay with Pentax so that you can use all of those wonderful Pentax lenses with your new Pentax digital SLR, assuming you're looking for an SLR and not a point and shoot. The menu systems on all of the major cameras are very similar and generally very intuitive after a few hours of use. The best one for a beginner has everything to do with your personal preference. The best way to determine that is to go to your local camera or electronics store and try out several different systems.

If you're looking for a compact digital camera and not a digital SLR, many people feel that Canon makes the best product in this category. Just as with digital SLR's, the best menu system is a matter of preference.

If you need more specific guidance, please feel free to contact me again.