FLYPRP Loc: Tacoma, WA

Hello everyone,

I'm new here so wanted to do a little introduction before I ask for advice. My name is Jorge, born and raised in Puerto Rico until I was 23, then in 1982 I joined the best military force on earth, the US ARMY and was active for almost 9 years. I always loved photography so my very first check bought me a nice Canon AE-1P and I loved it. I met a beautiful lady in Tacoma, WA in 1985 and guess what, I married her :) Then I was sent to Korea for an overseas tour in 1987 and while over there, I sold my camera and all the gear I had :( with the idea of getting a new model after coming back to the states. Got back to the states and no camera. I got out of the military after being sent to Desert Storm; got busy, started a family, got a job and never bought a nice camera again. I stayed in Tacoma where I live and work now. Have a daughter 22, a son 18 and still no camera and I hope I didn't get you all bored to death, sorry if I did.

Now, I still want to buy myself a "nice" camera. Costco has a Nikon D7500 with two lens bundle for $1599.00 which I think might be a nice set up, but I'm not sure about it. Can you please let me know your thoughts and advise. Thank you all in advance.

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jcboy3

You can get the D7500 with an 18-140 lens. I always recommend that over the two lens kit as more practical and better quality. If Costco doesn't have it, you can order it from the online stores (B&H, Adorama). Regular price on the D7500 is over $1200, so you realize the kit lenses are not pushing the quality envelope.

Then explore some fast primes after you decide what focal length you like to shoot.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

That is a very good camera kit. What part of it makes you unsure?

SS319

If you had an AE1 and loved it, why would you go to the Dark side?

LaurenT Loc: Northern California

If you choose to stay with the Canon format, the Canon 80D is also a nice camera. It is also sold at Costco, and once you get familiar with the "touch screen" for settings, you'll wonder how you ever did without it. I have a friend who just upgraded to the new Canon 5D Mark IV (which is a beautiful full frame, but lots of $$$ more), and it has the touch screen, she is so over the moon with it, she said she would never go back to dials. (Neither would I :-) )

FLYPRP Loc: Tacoma, WA

Thank you jcboy3, I hear and understand your point so I might buy that lens too after I get more familiar with the set.

Bill, I was not sure about everything, once again, this will be my new "nice" camera, I might as well call it my first camera, so ease of operation and will it be too complicated for me to get back into the photo action?

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Jorge, Welcome to UHH. Thanks for your service. I served for 6 years. I think the Nikon D7500 two lens bundle is a great start. I am a Nikon guy. Best luck whatever you decide.

FLYPRP Loc: Tacoma, WA

SS319, that was such a long time ago and now with all the new technology, they are all good cameras to me. So I just want something that will be confortable for me to learn. It just happens that costco had that bundle and it looks good and interesting to me.

FLYPRP Loc: Tacoma, WA

Thanks and I will make sure to let you know wich one will be my next baby :)

FLYPRP Loc: Tacoma, WA

Thank you, I will have to look at that one too.

BebuLamar

Because when I walked into the largest camera store in Dallas asking to buy film they laughed at me. I guess the OP has similar reason not using his AE-1P any more. A lot of us don't want digital but thanks to the overwhelming public that switched to digital, film has become expensive and difficult to get as well as getting it processed let alone quality processing. Your question is an insult to us.

FLYPRP Loc: Tacoma, WA

BTW, TY for your service also. After 16 out, I decided to join the reserve, and I have 1 1/2 more years to go now. It's been awesome but can not wait to retire to go and make photography my full time fun job and hobby.

ralphfr Loc: Long Island, NY

I could be wrong but I think the poster, SS319, was referring to Canon vs Nikon, not film vs digital. Again I could be wrong.

BebuLamar

The dark side is Nikon? I don't think so. Also the Canon AE-1P has nothing in common with current Canon offerings except the name.

SS319

Looks good? LOOKS good?

May I suggest you get your hands on several different cameras at your local camera shop - operate the controls see where the information is that you are used to seeing. Then go to many many review sites on line where the reviewer compares equivalent Canon and Nikon cameras. The camera that you buy must be an extension of you; it is your third eye, and it must deliver what your mind conceives. The control technology of every Canon and every Nikon traces their history back to the classic film bodies.