dpsteele92

I am posting this question not only for myself but for my 18 y/o son as well. He would like a new camera for his birthday, there are so many different makes, models, and options out there I have no idea where to begin. Any suggestions for a a good camera that both my son & I can use that won't become obsolete as our picture taking skills advance?

deer2ker Loc: Nashville, TN

It all depends on your budget, your use, etc.. but if he is serious about photography (and since he probably has larger hands), I would suggest a Nikon D7100 or D7200. I am sure there are equivalent Canon users out there. You can get some real quality used ones for a decent price and the variety of lens available for it is a real plus and he/you won't outgrow it anytime soon. (look at "Flickr" and search Nikon D7200 to see the quality pics) Of course a lot of people are going to suggest mirrorless, Sony etc.. but I think the lens' are a budget buster. This is of course my own opinion. I think the best thing to do is go to the store and handle the cameras as that is just as important - you need to enjoy taking pics with it!

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

As an entry-level level camera, I would suggest a Nikon D3300/D3400 with two kit lenses. You can buy these brand new for under $600. Or a Canon T6/T6i DSLR. If you want Canon. Good luck.

cybercord Loc: Ga, USA

Ok I'll take the first shot at this. There are lots of good cameras out there, of many mfg also. So not knowing your present situation like existing cameras and skill set, it would be hard to make specific recommendations. Do you want a DSLR (like old 35 mm Film), Prosumer (Good all in one point and shoot) or Mirrorless lens (fairly new on market). Also budget will have much to do with suggestions from all who post. Low budget, we would point you to used cameras, and there are many great used cameras and lens out there. I do buy used and shot professionally, so you just have to be cautious on that. Budget not a concert, to some extent, then the the options are your desert. What type of photography is your interest? People/Nature/Low action could be one catagory, fast action sports and nature shots could be another, then there is the everything category. We most cameras will do ok in all areas, but the lens is what will be more important. The best shots are usually gotten with better lens. Not to say you cannot get a great shot with low end lenses, just that with more expensive lens, better pictures will come. Higher priced lenses are made of better glass, should have better seals around the device to keep dirt and moisture out. Very important. And less distortion of color and depth in the photo. GL

Al

So here goes.1 Figure on a budget;,2 Get the same mfg camera body so lens can be interchanged,3 Put 60% or more of the budget in lenses,4. Plan on a tripod and maybe a monopod, a flash , some Cir Polarizer and UV filters, a camera case, extra batteries to start add to the budget. And last do you want a DSLR, a mirrorless cameras or just a Prosummer that might have everything together in 1 device. Nothing wrong with Prosumer camera, I used on for Diving for years and some car racing. Come back to all of use with more information, and we can get more specific. And remember, you only get what you pay for, but good used equipment cost much less.

JMCPHD Loc: Maine

I think everybody has their favorites, but a lot depends on your budget. I suggest you look at a digital single lens reflex camera (SLR). You want something that will be able to use different lenses as over time you will probably want to photograph lots of different things in different situations. As your skills and interests grow you will move from using built in point and shoot capacity to controlling most of the variables that will get you the images you will be proud of. The major brands such as Cannon and Nikon make many different models in different price ranges. I think it is hard to decide but also hard to go wrong with a name brand mid range SLR.

Joe Blow

I would also suggest you name your total budget. It's like buying a car or house, it is never the first posted price you see. Everyone wants you to pay for the extras.

Once we know what you are willing to spend, we can make more appropriate suggestions to get you on your way. Also, tell us your experience level and what you intend to use it for. Do any of your relatives or friends shoot and what systems do they use?

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

For the Nikon and Canon DLSR models, use the respective wiki pages below. Each reference page includes a chart of the technical attributes of each model. At the bottom of each page is a graphic showing the hierarchy of the camera models within the two product lines.

The entry-level models are "good" cameras. However, they tend to be kitted with 1 or 2 lenses that maybe are not the best selections, all things considered. A mid-level camera in either of these lines might be your thinking for "good", examples, Nikon - D7xxx, Canon - Dxx.

Where to begin? Visit a big box store like Best Buy in your local area and physically handle a few candidate models. Consider lenses that have IS (Canon) or VR (Nikon) for any models you consider. Or, in-camera stabilization (Sony). Coming new to digital photography, you'll greatly appreciate this feature.

Canon - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_Canon_EOS_digital_cameras
Nikon - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_Nikon_DSLR_cameras

joehel2 Loc: Cherry Hill, NJ

Welcome to the forum.

MikeMck Loc: Southern Maryland on the Bay

Welcome to the forum!

ebbote Loc: Hockley, Texas

Welcome to the Hog, enjoy.

ReFlections Loc: From LA to AL

Welcome to the forum. I echo to you what CHG CANON wrote. Good advice.

kdogg Loc: Gallipolis Ferry WV

Welcome to UHH. If you have friends into photography you might check their gear out and see if it is a fit for you.

jackpinoh Loc: Kettering, OH 45419

I have owned both top level DSLRs and top level mirrorless. It is nearly impossible to buy a camera today that won't take superb pictures in the hands of someone that understands the basics of exposure, composition and lighting. I suggest you consider a micro 4/3s or APS-C camera such as Olympus, Panasonic, Sony, and Fuji. The electronic viewfinder in a mirrorless camera will enable you to see the image and histogram before you take the photo, allowing you to adjust exposure to get what you intend. With a DSLR you won't know until you check the result afterwards. Also, most mirrorless cameras also offer in-body image stabilization--the micro 4/3s cameras have the best.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

Yes. Go mirrorless. You won’t be disappointed.

insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida

Hey, dp, can you give us a budget range?? Would be a big help!