lesdmd Loc: Middleton Wi via N.Y.C. & Cleveland

First off you have a warranty period during which problems will be fixed.

Second, maybe you should have a good idea of what you want the camera to do, so you can test it out to be certain it fulfills your requirements, before you make the purchase. You can learn the basics of photography on virtually any camera, including a point and shoot. The great pictures will come from you, not the camera.

EstherP

I am intrigued by this statement. "Fine tuning" - in cameras I take this to mean "setting your personal preferences."
When I was taking photos with a camera with "real film" inside, I only had to make three decisions:
1. What ASA number film to buy (and then not forget to the wheel on the camera to that number).
2. What length of exposure to use.
3. What f/stop to use.

Now, there are so many decisions to make beyond those three, also so many different people with different likes and dislikes, to use those settings, it is impossible for the camera manufacturer to make the default settings the way YOU like them - so fine-tuning is needed.

Just one example, on my camera there are several different "picture modes" - from memory, they include neutral, muted, vivid. When I got the camera, of course I went to take some pictures without reading the manual first, I wanted to play with my new toy. And after everything I had read about these fantastic colours taken by the Olympus camera, I was sorely disappointed.
Turned it took about 2 seconds to change all that: The camera default was, I think, neutral. When I changed that to vivid, I got the colours I had read about.

This way there are many other decisions you will have to make. This is one of the reasons I keep hammering on people reading the manuals that came with their camera, not necessarily cover-to-cover, but flip through it till you see something that seems interesting, then try it out.
Or if you hear about something that you don't know how to do, get the manual and look it up!

If the manual, like mine, is too small for your eyes, print it out from the digital version, have it bound with a spiral coil so that if you are right-handed, the pages are on the left, if you're left-handed on the right, and leave the opposing page blank. You can then make notes on the blank pages without the coil interfering with your writing!

Happy shooting - after you fine-tune your camera. I'm looking forward to see some of your photos!
EstherP

Brenda IS Scottish Loc: GOLDEN Colorado

Go rent a camera to try it out first, and ask if they have had any warranty issues with it. My 7100 Nikon worked perfectly out of the box.

Redron Loc: Fairfield. California

Most camera manuals can be downloaded to the computer free from the manufacturer or to the tablet then you can magnify the print
I use Dropbox or Evernote on my phone so the manual is always with me
Or buy it on Kindle for the computer and it gets attached to all the other devices Kindle is amazing You can bookmark Highlight Send pages and it applies to all your devices

guy145 Loc: Norridge IL

no problems with the 7D

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

Breck has identified 99% of my camera issues. The other 1% is an eternal mystery.

haroldross Loc: Walthill, Nebraska

Having purchased a number of new and refurbs over the years for the non-profits I have worked for, I have yet to be stuck with a lemon. Buy from a reputable source and you should be fine.

mooseeyes Loc: Sonora, California

Here is a link to the Canon Direct store, for their refurbished cameras, lens, etc. Every once and awhile they take the already low prices and run a sale.

Somewhere I have a direct phone number for the lady who sort of runs this, she is very nice.

http://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/home_10051_10051_-1

I have used the Canon direct store for refurbished, as well as B&H in New York. The way you can tell a factory refurbished item with B&H is where they give the condition in their used area. . .instead of a number (e.g. 8 or 9+) it will say click here, and you will get an immediate email back telling you that the item is a factory refurbished item.

I have no idea if Nikon has anthing like this? But I sure do like what Canon does, their prices, and the way they back their equipment.

I currently have four Canon DSLR bodies. Two crop frames (one converted to infrared), and two full frame. I still have three Canon EOS film bodies. Before the EOS and EF lenses, I used two Canon F1 and an A1 body. In the almost 50 years of shooting and using Canon, I only ever had one problem. . .and that was my fault, as I should have known better to buy their 500mm mirror fixed f/8 (actually shot at a fixed f/5.6) lens. It just was not something that worked for my intended use. So I sold it and problem fixed.

I can only speak to Canon; however, on a larger view, I would look to who has all the lens and other accessories that you might want to move into later down the road. Using this criteria, there really are only two choices. . .Canon or Nikon.

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

I own four Canon DSLR's and have had no issues with any of them. Also, I have read of very few issues with any camera body, no matter what manufacture.

I have read of many personal issues where the camera did not process a photo as the owner may have expected. Most of the time it is because the owner did not have some of the setting right. Just because the camera did not give you what you expected does not mean there is a problem with the camera body. We all have to learn our cameras before complaining about them.

So often it is "operator error" that causes the problems!

If you are looking for a "mid level" DSLR camera body you will be looking at a used or refurbished body. Make sure you stick with B&H, Adorama or HEH. These three all have good reputations in this area and allow for a good return policy. Also keep in mind you will need to buy a good lens for a DSLR.

So often the complaints I read about come from cheap, or poorly selected, lenses. For $1,000.00 I hope you are not trying to buy a 'mid level' camera body and lens, it is not likely to happen.

Jim D

Jakebrake Loc: Broomfield, Colorado

I completely agree with DOOK! I have purchased 3 Canons, (EOS 60D, 7D and a 5D Mk II) and I likewise still have all three. I have never had a technical issue with any of my cameras with the exception of operator error. And as previously stated, "Buy the brand of your choice & enjoy".

Brenda IS Scottish Loc: GOLDEN Colorado

I'm going to make a suggestion here.... go to a camera shop and rent both a Nikon and a canon. Try them both out. They are both great cameras, imho, however, it comes down to which camera feels best in your hands, then decide which camera to buy. I bought a Nikon sight unseen, and come to find out I like the feel of the canon better, , but I'm Nikon. my husband would throw a fit if I sold everything to switch over to canon. do your research in the front.

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

Very good advice about getting a camera that feels good in your hands. If you do not have a store near you look for a a camera club, or a bird club. Most people will not mind letting you hold their camera for a few minutes.



It is easy to spend a small fortion on lenses and then find out you don't like the camera they fit. You will wish your name was Trump if you have to replace everything! Maybe you can just find a small body you like and can use?

Jim D

wierdphotoguy Loc: the snow belt in Michigan

I had a lot of trouble deciding between a Canon or Nikon for my first DSLR purchase. I looked at the features, the cost of the lenses, reported problems, feedback on the customer service experience; as much as I could find.

I went to an electronics store that carried all the major brands (if not every single model) to try a hands on comparison. I had planned one making two trips; that day then some more research, then another hands on day to finalize the decision.

I walked out of the store that day with a brand new Sony a37. I know it is an entry level camera, but it had all the features I needed, the price was fantastic, it was compact and lightweight. The only feature that I wish it had was tethering, but that feature is not a neccesity when you can get an eye-fi card under $100.

I now own-literally-dozens of old Minolta lenses, along with some Sony and third party lenses and have never regretted my purchase. Try finding a refurb or used recent model Sony and you will get a feeling of how infrequently people let them go.

TripleT Loc: Louisville,Ky

Many thanks for all of the positive feedback.I guess that there have been too many empty drums banging about negative performance that I may have been too paranoid to look beyond a couple of naysayers. I am currently caught between the Canon T4 & Nikon d7100. both seem to be about on the same playing field.

Brenda IS Scottish Loc: GOLDEN Colorado

I just bought the 7100 and have only used the auto feature on it so far, (haven't read the manual at all yet) and the pictures are AMAZING. Its a lot lighter than it looks.