Bob K. Loc: Indiana

My first post.
Going to purchase my daughter her first DSLR.
Budget limited to $1,500.00.
Which camera would be the best for the money and why?

Thank you for your input.

Bob K.
Southern Indiana

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

How old is your daughter?
How serious is she about photography?
Will she be printing them or just loading to her facebook page?
What type of photography does she like?

dooragdragon Loc: Alma , Arkansas

Damn, do you need a son?????? I'd like a new $1500.00 camera too .

Wabbit Loc: Arizona Desert

Nikon D5100 is a good start with the 18-55 and 55-200 VR lenses then add a SB400 flash ..... approx $1,000

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/936457-REG/nikon_13073_d_5100_slr_camera_with.html

CA_CanonUser Loc: Friendswood, TX

First decide the brand (usually Canon or Nikon); the best way to choose is pick the brand that your or her friends are using. Both Canon and Nikon make excellent products. Then pick a camera and carry-around lens (not the kit lens!!!) that meets your budget. An excellent carry around lens in the Canon line is their 24mm - 105mm f/4; I'm sure Nikon has a similar choice.

By the way, the reason for choosing based on friends is that they can share equipment such as a lens or battery.

traveler90712 Loc: Lake Worth, Fl.

Well dad, perhaps you should consider buying one, for her, that is similar to what you shoot, so you can help her, when and if she needs it.

EstherP

Thanks for the chuckle, Bob.... Your first post, huh?
Below your avatar it indicates your 81st ;-)

As to the camera for your daughter, how old is she? How much does she know about photography? What kind of photography does she like?
Are you looking for a system? (ability to add lenses later on), or a bridge camera? or even a Point & Shoot?

EstherP

jjadeco25 Loc: Alma, AR

I 100% agree with the Wabbit! I would also buy her the book Nikon D5100 From Snapshots to Great Shots by Rob Sylvan. He gives excellent suggestions and each chapter comes with an assignment to email to him. This book has helped me tremendously. You can get it on Amazon for about $20.00.
P.S. Welcome to the Hog
:)

Pepper Loc: Planet Earth Country USA

Hi Esther! I think he meant this was the first topic he started. He's responded to others but this is his first shot at taking the OP role.

EstherP

Nope, it was the second. First one was in June last year.
Oh, I guess that's long enough to have forgotten about it, Lord knows I forget things in much less time than that ;-)
EstherP

Pepper Loc: Planet Earth Country USA

What were we talking about? :shock: I hear ya I've reached that age too :roll:

EstherP

Praise be! someone who understands me ;-)

Jakebrake Loc: Broomfield, Colorado

Now that was funny!:thumbup:

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

I would guess you don't have a lot of camera stores around. Try to contact a local camera club, attend a meeting with your daughter, explain your plans and ask people there to let your daughter see and (if they're really nice) hold different brands and models of cameras.

wierdphotoguy Loc: the snow belt in Michigan

Well Bob, sounds more like a market research question with just three tidbits of info: female, DSLR newbie, price range.

Did you ask your daughter what she wants in a camera? Is she looking for lightweight? Nifty gadgets like tethering and GPS? Dependability? Ease of use?

My suggestion, if this question is in earnest, is buy a digital camera buyer's guide. It will provide a side by side comparison of all makes and models, usually sorted by price category or targeted user market. Comprehensive list of features side by side without bias? Do it.

For $1500 you can get something above entry level, for sure. If you split it up and get her an entry level camera and photography classes with that $1500, it may be a better gift.

Since she is a newbie to DSLR, she might be better off with an entry level DSLR. When she feels she needs more camera, the older one will make a great backup camera.

I personally would recommend Sony. Their SLT line has a lot of good features and you will have about 30 years worth of great Minolta lenses to choose from. And they are reasonably priced. Also their entry level cameras are surprisingly compact; my a37 weighs about one pound and fits my small hands quite well.

Good luck on your hunt. Unless this gift is a surprise, you should take her to the camera shop to "fondle the fujis" so to speak. One of them will feel right to her.