New to game.
Nov 19, 2011 11:55:35 #
I've always had a camera around somewhere. But I've never had an actual "camera-camera", always a point-and-shoot. I want to get a DSLR, but I have no idea of what kind, where, how much, etc. Anyone want to enlighten a 40 year old newbie? Please? lol
Nov 19, 2011 12:05:41 #
It all depends on HOW MUCH you want to spend. You can get an entry level DSLR for around $400.00 to $500.00, or you can go high end and spend several thousand.
Nov 19, 2011 12:09:49 #
Thank you for the reply. I'm thinking $600-1,000 range. I tend to lean towards landscapes and portraits at the moment, but want to expand to any genre I can get into. Maybe a low to midrange Nikon or Cannon?
Nov 19, 2011 12:29:15 #
Head over to the camera shop and speak to salesman. Tell him your needs/wants and your budget. They will give you some options that should fit what you are looking for. The next step is handle each of the cameras and find out which one feels the most natural in your hands.
There really isn't a right or wrong answer. Just don't buy more than you can afford (Don't go into debt for a camera).
There really isn't a right or wrong answer. Just don't buy more than you can afford (Don't go into debt for a camera).
Nov 19, 2011 17:55:09 #
Thank you as well, I never would have thought about actually feeling the camera in my hands! Something as simple as that didn't even occur to me! Thank you all for your insights, I cannot wait to hit some stores now!
Nov 20, 2011 11:18:34 #
with that price range the nikon d7000 it top line the d5100 more towards the middle part and canon chimes in with the T3i in your price range
Nov 20, 2011 11:27:47 #
If you look at some of the posts about landscapes and portraits, you will get an idea of lenses you may want too. Check the prices of those and plan on a lens purchase very soon if you buy the camera/lens kit. Either Canon or Nikon, but you may want to buy the camera and lens separate so you can match the camera to the lens you want instead of getting the kit lens. That may dictate a less expensive camera body so you have the cash for the lens. Sorry, just woke up and not very eloquent before my coffee.
Nov 20, 2011 11:28:24 #
Spend around $900.00 for a Canon, Nikon, Sony; all are great cameras and there are a few other greats. You can spend $200.00- $300.00 less and just buy the body and purchase the lens separately, recommended. The so called "kit lens" is not known for its' photo capability or construction. I only speak to the Canon kit lens, I have no hands on with other kit lens.
Nov 20, 2011 11:44:51 #
After looking in the camera shops think about looking at Sams Club as well, sometimes they have cameras and lenses packaged together cheaper and are new not refurb. Make sure items on your list include a tripod and filters these can be purchased through amazon.com and shipping can be free.
I have a Nikon D3100 but the controls are small I believe some of the men on this site like the D5100 or D7000 worth checking those out too.
I also heard Olympus had a new camera package out with 2 lenses for $800.00 but I would look for reviews online.
Good Luck and have FUN, I know I enjoy my hobby...
I have a Nikon D3100 but the controls are small I believe some of the men on this site like the D5100 or D7000 worth checking those out too.
I also heard Olympus had a new camera package out with 2 lenses for $800.00 but I would look for reviews online.
Good Luck and have FUN, I know I enjoy my hobby...
Nov 20, 2011 11:55:45 #
Use camera review sites like http://www.dpreview.com/ many will give you different approach to buy but finding a neutral approach to recommendation is hard.
Do a search on amazon using your budget as criteria, that will show you almost every creation on the planet.
Use that list as a base to look for features you would like to have.
Do a side/side review (as done in the site above)
Select the top three cameras that answer your needs
Ask for folks that have these cameras for their input.
Finally go to a store that will let you try hands-on before buying.
Complicated way to look at it but not so as time consuming as it seems (AND unbiased).
Best of all you will end-up with the camera you really want, not some 'recommend' hybrid that will let you down.
Do a search on amazon using your budget as criteria, that will show you almost every creation on the planet.
Use that list as a base to look for features you would like to have.
Do a side/side review (as done in the site above)
Select the top three cameras that answer your needs
Ask for folks that have these cameras for their input.
Finally go to a store that will let you try hands-on before buying.
Complicated way to look at it but not so as time consuming as it seems (AND unbiased).
Best of all you will end-up with the camera you really want, not some 'recommend' hybrid that will let you down.
Nov 20, 2011 12:18:04 #
Costo also has bundled "deals" on Nikon and Canon 60D. Compare prices with Amazon, B&H & Adorama; then you will know the "deal" translated to $$
Nov 20, 2011 13:00:20 #
naturalite
Loc: Up state NY
Hi Mike, I assume its Mike. Anyway, In my opinion, to get the biggest bang for the buck. Find the one you like. Buy just the body, forget the cheap "kit" lens it comes with. Then go looking for a good quality mid priced lens that will cover most the ranges you want to shoot. Avoid bundles that have a lot of stuff you probably won't need. You can buy the things you really need along the way. Put your doe into hardware first.
My 2 cents worth.
My 2 cents worth.
Nov 20, 2011 13:22:57 #
BigMik! I would recommend the kit, mainly to learn on. If you don't buy this way first, you'll probably be at the mercy of a camera salesman, and end up blowing the whole budget on a lens. Keep it simple! I'd spend some of your budget on a good beginners' book, or maybe on one for whatever camera you buy. Most of these books are better at explaining how to use the cmaera, which is what you want!
Nov 20, 2011 13:40:10 #
KimParks wrote:
After looking in the camera shops think about looking at Sams Club as well, sometimes they have cameras and lenses packaged together cheaper and are new not refurb.
look for reviews online.
Good Luck and have FUN, I know I enjoy my hobby...
look for reviews online.
Good Luck and have FUN, I know I enjoy my hobby...
most often a "factory" refurb. will be okay..not only do they correct problems causeing it to be sent back,they also check everthing else..only 1 in ???? are checked when on the assembly line..
so sometimes refurb means you got a better camera..---joe
Nov 20, 2011 18:21:22 #
Amen! My megazoom is a factory refurb and I've never had a touch of trouble with it. The price was good, too! I bought it on eBay from a company that was from Canada, but shipped from the U.S. It's a FinePix S8100fd, and has been a darned good camera ever since I've had it!
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