[garymck (Gary)]

Hi,

I'm thinking about buying a DSLR package. Total price up to $1500.

Primary use will be for daylight "artsy" shots, but also with an occasional astronomical or twilight use (I have a QHY8 which I love for most astro stuff).

It seems that the choice is likely to be between a Nikon or Canon, or perhaps an Olympus. The canon's seem to be not as suitable for astro use these days? What about Nikons?

Thinking about something like a Nikon 3100, 5100...

I have no allegiance to either brand as I have no other non astro imaging stuff except a Canon pocket camera. I guess I'm viewing this as a beginning of journey into an astro related hobby, and an adjunct to my other arty hobby of drawing portraits ........

I am aware that most kit lenses aren't great, but they may be a starting point for a beginner.

Any advice would be most welcome...

cheers
Gary