Entry level DSLR suggestion?

[Harry Marsh]

I need to learn better photography skills.

It would also be nice to have around the house
A zoom lens would be nice.


Does anyone have a suggestion for me?

Features I need? Snap flash or somthing, I've seen referenced?

[Poco]

What is your budget?

Pat recently bought a Nikkon D7000. I am Cannon person, 60D is a good one or they will be coming out with 70D soon.

[Second Hand Pat]

Harry, I just bought a Nikon D7000 (body only). The camera and lens I got was about $1200 but it is a nice beginner combo (my opinion). I have a thread in the Photo Gallery showing my first picture attempt including some tank shots.

[Harry Marsh]

$1200! Your pictures look spectacular, though


I'd like to spend $200 or $300 (plus lens) for a 'beginner' camera. So, maybe $500. Am I way out of the ballpark?
And learn what features I like, etc

I'd be fine with a camera a few models back

[Second Hand Pat]

Thanks Harry, I have barely touched the true capabilities of the camera.

[Poco]

Harry, I doubt you can get any DSLR for $500 may be a good point and shoot digital camera.

[NoMondays]

Harry, I doubt you can get any DSLR for $500 may be a good point and shoot digital camera.

+1
Last May, I bought what many would classify as a "starter DSLR". It's a Canon EOS Rebel T3i w/ 18/55mm Lens for $750. Compared to my "point and shoot" camera's it takes excellent photo's.

Oh! I forgot to say, the Canon T3i also takes quite adequate Digital Video's.

Stan

[Dogvet06]

There has been so many models of dslr, you may be able to find a used or outdated model for that range. I dont think you will be completely satisfied with your choice unless u ger a dslr. Point and shoots can take pretty good shots but u wont be able to expand past the limitations of the camera. With a dslr u can upgrade by saving and buying lenses and flashes. I started with the very first canon rebel 300d and it was great but i wanted hd video and a wider ISO range so i upgraded to canon 7d. I think u could find yourself a rebel model or an earlier nikon model dslr for your price.

[terps]

I need to learn better photography skills.

It would also be nice to have around the house
A zoom lens would be nice.


Does anyone have a suggestion for me?

Features I need? Snap flash or somthing, I've seen referenced?

There should be some excellent deals on entry level DSLR cameras on Black Friday. You probably can get the deals online too, so you can avoid the crowds on Black Friday. Check this site about a week before Black Friday.
http://blackfriday.com/flyers

Check http://www.dpreview.com/camerareviews for camera reviews. Also read their forums.
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums

[Harry Marsh]

There has been so many models of dslr, you may be able to find a used or outdated model for that range. I dont think you will be completely satisfied with your choice unless u ger a dslr. Point and shoots can take pretty good shots but u wont be able to expand past the limitations of the camera. With a dslr u can upgrade by saving and buying lenses and flashes. I started with the very first canon rebel 300d and it was great but i wanted hd video and a wider ISO range so i upgraded to canon 7d. I think u could find yourself a rebel model or an earlier nikon model dslr for your price.


Sorry, I meant to imply 'used'
I buy a lot of stuff off Craig's list. New prices are crazy....

[Harry Marsh]

There should be some excellent deals on entry level DSLR cameras on Black Friday. You probably can get the deals online too, so you can avoid the crowds on Black Friday. Check this site about a week before Black Friday.
http://blackfriday.com/flyers

Check http://www.dpreview.com/camerareviews for camera reviews. Also read their forums.
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums


Also a clever idea, if I want a new one

[TNT77]

You can try the Nikon D3100. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003ZYF3LO/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_1?ie=UTF8&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

[Harry Marsh]

You can try the Nikon D3100. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003ZYF3LO/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_1?ie=UTF8&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Thanks for the suggestion
Given the retail price, that looks like an easy one to find used
example: http://charlotte.craigslist.org/ele/3317267427.html

[Second Hand Pat]

Harry, I checked Craigslist too but found the Craigslist prices so close to new that decided to go new.

[Harry Marsh]

mm.
Warranty would be nice.


But for $1,200, I want it to at least cook dinner, too.


Maybe Black Friday :)

[Second Hand Pat]

mm.
Warranty would be nice.


But for $1,200, I want it to at least cook dinner, too.


Maybe Black Friday :)

and do laundry :)

[Second Hand Pat]

The ad is only $40 cheaper than the amazon link that includes the camera and lens so idk if your getting a better deal.

I saw that Tara after I posted and deleted the post. You quoted faster than I could delete.

[TNT77]

I saw that Tara after I posted and deleted the post. You quoted faster than I could delete.
Lol so did you when I realized you deleted yours and I deleted mine.

[Second Hand Pat]

Lol so did you when I realized you deleted yours and I deleted mine.

Yup :D

[Dogvet06]

Harry i checked charlotte nc craigslist and tere is a nikon d50 and canon 30d which bothcome withenses and would be great choices for u. I think canon is better deal due to lower asking price and two lenses. Newr model than d50 but both great.

[Dogvet06]

On friday there are two nikon d60 listed but ones price sounds too good to be true

[DiscusLoverJeff]

Here are some shots from my Nikon D3100 Harry. Playing around with the settings gave me these photos today.

http://i752.photobucket.com/albums/xx161/DiscusJeff/Discus%20Tank/DSC_0588.jpg

http://i752.photobucket.com/albums/xx161/DiscusJeff/Discus%20Tank/DSC_0589.jpg

http://i752.photobucket.com/albums/xx161/DiscusJeff/Discus%20Tank/DSC_0591.jpg

http://i752.photobucket.com/albums/xx161/DiscusJeff/Discus%20Tank/DSC_0596.jpg

http://i752.photobucket.com/albums/xx161/DiscusJeff/Discus%20Tank/DSC_0598.jpg

HELLO HARRY!

http://i752.photobucket.com/albums/xx161/DiscusJeff/Discus%20Tank/DSC_0601.jpg

[Harry Marsh]

Hah. Nice

And yes, I like the last picture.

Regardless: a hell of a lot better than my phone


I think black friday it is. Others are right: the prices on craig's list aren't cheap enough for me to buy used
I enjoy waking up at 4am to get a deal on something: it's fun sitting in line and talking to people
I'll scope out those deals later

[Discus-n00b]

A Canon Rebel would be perfect for your budget. Good cameras, good to start with and cheap comparibly. Black friday would be good to look for a deal, and I will recommend Canon 10000x before anything else, but I use Canon and have used it since I started.

http://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/subCategory_10051_10051_-1_29252 You might keep an eye out here, not always a better deal but sometimes you find gems. These aren't always really used cameras/equipment. A lot of times stores will send in their store display models and they go through the same inspection that Canon gives when you send in a piece of gear for repair so its basically like getting it serviced and returned like new. I'd keep an eye out at least.

[shoveltrash]

I'm in the same situation Harry - I have a phone for picture taking, but that's it. the options are overwhelming to me (and my budget isn't).
I will be following this with interest.......perhaps asking Santa for a camera! :D

[pcsb23]

I don't see why you cannot get a DSLR for $500 ... personally I would advise handling any camera before buying, how it feels in the hand is important - if you don't like how it feels you will not use it, and it won't matter how good the camera is!

With older DSLR's you can still take great pictures but you need to be aware of their weaknesses compared to more modern DSLRs - the first, and maybe most important is their ability in low light - later DSLR's are better sometimes by more than a stop better too - this means that you can use a faster shutter speed for the same ISO which usually means sharper pics ;) The next is how they handle what is called noise, again newer DSLRs handle it better which allows using higher ISO which again means faster shutter speeds.

Don't get caught up on mega pixels either. More is not always better! In fact too many start to show up issues with technique and lenses so be warned! Nikon's latest entry level DSLR has 24meg sensor which in itself is a brilliant sensor but it will show the weakness in the kit lens in every shot just about - it will also test technique too - not really something you would want for beginners really.

12 to 14 mega pixels gives a nice balance between lots to work with and not too much stress on lenses and technique. Heck I have taken some pretty good pics with just 6meg (even if I say so myself).

These are two to think about, I am a Nikon user so don't get to use Canon gear much and have not used the Rebel T3 so can't comment on ergonomics but I have used the Nikon D3100 it is ok to use, nice and small which suits some. I think the D3100 has a slight edge in IQ over the T3 but it is not enough to worry over imo because if the Canon feels better in the hand you will take better pics with it! Both are new, so have a warranty, both have comparable lenses and both are under $500 - bargain!

Canon Rebel T3 Kit (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/753766-REG/Canon_5757B002_EOS_Rebel_T3_Digital.html)
Nikon D3100 Kit (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/730210-REG/Nikon_25472_D3100_Digital_SLR_Camera.html)

and here is a link comparing sensor performance

DxO Sensor Performance (http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Cameras/Compare-Camera-Sensors/Compare-cameras-side-by-side/%28appareil1%29/693|0/%28brand%29/Canon/%28appareil2%29/664|0/%28brand2%29/Nikon)

[Harry Marsh]

I'm in the same situation Harry - I have a phone for picture taking, but that's it. the options are overwhelming to me (and my budget isn't).
I will be following this with interest.......perhaps asking Santa for a camera! :D

Thanks for the replies. This is also how I feel.
As an uninformed consumer, the options are scary. I don't know what is important, what is not.....what I need, what I don't need
I highly doubt I will ever test the capabilities of a $1,200 camera.

PCS's response is informative: *some* information to go on

[Discus-n00b]

Paul is right on all points. Megapixels is used a lot for print work....like actually printing the photos out and is not always as important for our uses to share on the forum, like he said more is not always better and don't use that as the measuring stick. Don't always just look at the newest options out there. Some stores still have stock of older models that work perfectly well. The good thing about DSLRs is you can change the lens, so it won't be this older body with say a 18mm lens forever. Pretty versatile. Chanes are, whatever you buy brand new will become outdated in a matter of months anyway....you can't keep up with technology lol. My 5D Mk II is now outdated as there is a Mk III but it still shoots great pictures.

I would also highly recommend go to the store and feel the cameras. Generally most of the Nikon line will feel about the same, same with the Canons. So it won't matter THAT much if you are holding a Canon Rebel or a 7D or something. Overall their body styles will be pretty close in feel, a bit different in weight though. When I was first deciding I didn't like how the Nikon cameras felt in my hand, they felt to boxy to me and I couldn't grip them as well, and I didn't like their shutter buttons. Seems picky, but when you will be using it so much its worth it to know what you like and don't. The Canon just felt right, I could carry it around and point it easier. Personal preference really, both make really good cameras.

Another thing you might want to look at Harry is the video capabilities of the camera, I know you do a good bit of video. Most will do full HD video recording, but its something to pay attention to as some of the older models won't.

[Harry Marsh]

Yup: I'd like a nice video mode.

Thanks for all the comments. I need to do some searching.
Black Friday might be a legitimate option

[DiscusLoverJeff]

A website I frequent had the Nikon D5100 for sale today. Is it a good price, not sure but here is the link.

http://1saleaday.com/wireless/

[terps]

If you're getting a DSLR camera, you might want to get Adobe Lightroom 4 software too. It's the software most photographers use to correct their photos. It also helps you catalog and manage all your photos. The software used to cost $300. Adobe lowered the price to $150. On Amazon it costs $120 now. It probably will be cheaper on Black Friday as well.

http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop-lightroom.html

You can download and try out the software for free for 30 days. You need a pretty fast computer to make it run smoothly.

Here's some video tutorials on the software.

https://www.youtube.com/user/AdobeLightroom

https://www.youtube.com/user/SLRlounge/videos?flow=grid&view=1

[no1woogie]

Just looking at woot.com right now they have the canon rebel t3 with lense kit for $399.99. Looks like an early black Friday deal to me.

[terps]

Some of the Black Friday flyers are coming out now. Best Buy, Sam's Club, Staples and Sears have DSLR cameras and/or camera bundles for sale. You have to check to see if they are bargains are not. Remember, not everything is such a great deal on Black Friday.

http://blackfriday.com/flyers

[3dees]

76452no camera will give you great photos unless you learn a little about photography. tank photography can be easy, but for the best shots off camera flash or flashes are best. one shot was taken with tanks lights. it's ok but a little flat. two flashes hung over the tank is more dramatic.76453

[Harry Marsh]

Anyone seen any particularly good deals?

So far, my winner for black friday

Target
http://www.target.com/p/canon-t3-18-55is-dslr-camera-with-ef-75-300-lens-gadget-bag-and-4gb-memory-card-bundle/-/A-14289758

That package will be $499 on black friday (actually, Target opens the night bef0re)
I hear that 75-300 lens is not great. But, I like getting the 'zoom' lens for basically the same price as the camera without

Has anyone seen anything better?

[Dogvet06]

i think u will be very happy with this purchase :)

Anyone seen any particularly good deals?

So far, my winner for black friday

Target
http://www.target.com/p/canon-t3-18-55is-dslr-camera-with-ef-75-300-lens-gadget-bag-and-4gb-memory-card-bundle/-/A-14289758

That package will be $499 on black friday (actually, Target opens the night bef0re)
I hear that 75-300 lens is not great. But, I like getting the 'zoom' lens for basically the same price as the camera without

Has anyone seen anything better?

[terps]

The Nikon D3100 bundle looks to be a good deal if you're a member of Sams Club. It looks like it has 2 instructional DVDs which should help you learn how to use the camera.
http://blackfriday.com/products/11652-nikon-d3100-14-2-megapixel-dslr-camera-bundle-w-18-55mm-vr-lens-55-200mm-vr-lens-dslr-bag-and-16gb-sdhc-card

I like the search feature on blackfriday.com where you can search for an item across all the stores fliers. Saves time looking for stuff. Finds things you might miss.

Listing of DSLR deals for Black Friday. Maybe the Camera experts here on Simply can figure out what's the best deal listed.
http://blackfriday.com/products?utf8=%E2%9C%93&q=dslr

Also check http://www.bhphotovideo.com/ They might have some deals on Black Friday or Cyber Monday shopping.

[shawnhu]

Harry, I doubt you can get any DSLR for $500 may be a good point and shoot digital camera.

Bought my Pentax with 2 lens for around that price.

[Yodalbc]

Get a canon , this coming Black Friday should be best day for you to pick out deals ... ! And just invest in L-series lens for the future... Real glass lens always got the upper hand when it comes to shooting any subjects ... Goodluck!

[monching]

sharing my toy
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k233/monching44/Facebook/My%20new%20toy/13446_409435718366_5197911_n.jpg (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/monching44/media/Facebook/My%20new%20toy/13446_409435718366_5197911_n.jpg.html)
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k233/monching44/Facebook/My%20new%20toy/13446_409435693366_4917848_n.jpg (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/monching44/media/Facebook/My%20new%20toy/13446_409435693366_4917848_n.jpg.html)

[rickztahone]

Very nice. I have owned the newer A005 version of it and I really liked it. I ended up getting a 70-400G lens and it made the Tamron redundant. I sold the Tamron but did so with heavy heart. It was a very light lens with reach that I wish I would have kept.