jouster Loc: Witlesss Protection Program

I agree with Old Timer.

A high percentage of DSLR purchasers give up on them for various reasons. e.g., big and heavy compared to the iPhone, complicated or lack of interest. I know of several who do not use the DSLR kit they impulsively bought or received as a gift. An "entry-level" DSLR is only "entry-level" when compared to the advanced DSLR models. Both Nikon and Canon have excellent entry-level DSLR models with features that would have seemed fantastic just a couple years ago.

Many of us have GAS (gear acquisition syndrome or sickness), regularly upgrade and produce a lot of good used cameras. You'll get good suggestions here about vendors for used equipment.

Another good idea is refurbished cameras from the manufacturer. Most are little used and look like new. Good entry-level DSLR cameras are available between $300 and $400.

Check these. (chance the sort to low to high or the prices will scare you since high end pro cameras are included)
http://www.nikonusa.com/en/Nikon-Store/Refurbished-Cameras.page#!/tag:8ps:Digital SLR Cameras
and
https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/cameras/refurbished-eos-digital-slr-cameras

I believe you'll learn more by using just one camera and one lens for a while. After a year you'll have a much better idea about how you use the camera and what features are important to you.

One thing there's no shortage of here is advice :-)

rvhowdy

Great reply. why waste money on new cameras when you can learn on less expensive gear?

hassighedgehog Loc: Corona, CA

Suggest joining a local Photo club or take lessons from local school. Start out with a simple point and shoot. Get an idea of type of photography you want to do first. Can learn composition, lighting etc with a simple camera. When you feel ready to go to a better camera you won't be locked into a particular brand or system (because of the amount of glass purchased). Then rent a few different ones for a week or so to find out differences and what is comfortable.

AlfredU Loc: Mooresville, NC

Great advice. What he said.

dhunley

I agree...I have always own canons and the rebel line is an excellent place to start

topcat Loc: Alameda, CA

I agree with this post. I use Nikon, and I am very happy, but I recently got a Sony, and I really like it. The sensors are great. They used to make most of the sensors for Nikon, but that amount has been going down due to the problems at the Sony factory in Japan after the earthquake.

But the bottom line is that there is that the only real difference is in the ergonomics in the brand line. Try them out and see what feels comfortable.

I.A.Teacher

On another note; buy whichever camera you can afford and take your chances; however, I would strongly suggest that YOU read the manual thoroughly.

toxdoc42

I have found that almost everyone sells Nikon and Canon cameras at the same price. Some packages may include a few more items, but are mostly "add ons" which are not name branded equipment and can be purchased relatively cheaply, if you want them. I always used Nikon equipment in the film world, and grew accustomed to their feel. The digital ones feel the same in my hands and that is why I went to the entry level Nikon D3400. At the time I purchased it, I was able to buy one with 2 "kit" zoom lenses, a case, an extra battery, an extra card and lens cap holders.

I have been struggling a bit with the change in paradigm, the manual is a good place to start, but is very preliminary, unless all you want to do is use the camera almost like a point and shoot. With the help of one course from the photo store I purchased the camera at (an advantage to buying from a store and not a big box, or mail order store), the book Nikon D3400 for dummies, and much trial and error, I am beginning to feel someone confident in my abilities with this new camera.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

I'm not sure about your "change of paradigm" comment. In 2007 I went from a Canon Elan film camera to a Canon Digital Rebel, and I remember the change as being almost seamless. Composition was the same process, modes were the same, burst mode is like motor drive, controls were very similar. The main thing changed was that I no longer had to make regular trips to buy film or to mail film to a processor.

toxdoc42

No, not seamless, the photos I take are framed, and exposed for detail in the camera. There are more controls available. I can vary the ISO, use aperture preferred, back focus(auto), a new set of things that I never used in my Nikon F2 and in the darkroom. I haven't ventured into Lightroom yet, using polarizing filters to help with color clarity and providing some control over the clouds in landscapes.

As I adapt and adopt, I am enjoying photography again in a different way.

aellman Loc: Boston MA

I'm sure there must be tons of online resources for learning more about your camera. As with everything in the world, just GOOGLE!

toxdoc42

Yes, there a bunch of you tube videos that have really been a great help!

jmvaugh Loc: Albuquerque

Since you don't already have lenses or other branded equipment: go to a local camera store or even a big box store and try both DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. Pick them up and get the feel. Check the pricing. Pick the top 3 to 5 cameras with a standard kit lens that feel good and which you wouldn't mind walking around with for hours. Then do your required research. Generally the entry level cameras from all the brands are excellent and very competitive. Once you select what you want, do as many of the experts here advised, and buy used or refurbished from either one of the recommended dealers or at your local trusted camera store. Buy or borrow one of several books on the camera model you picked and read it fully along with the owners manual. Take a photography course at your local college or photo club.If you just love photography and want to continue, you can buy better glass and a better camera. If it's a passing interest, you haven't spent a fortune which will just gather dust in the closet.

Best of luck!

RCJets Loc: Virginia

I have a Nikon D5000 that I am no longer using as I now have a later model. It has two lenses, filters, as close up lens set, extra battery and charger, and the case is included. $350.00 for the lot.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

There are 2 major makers of DSLRs that offer a huge selection of lenses, Canon and Nikon. It is important to chose between them carefully at the start, since you quickly accumulate brand specific accessories (lenses, strobe) making it harder to change. The best way to choose is to go to a store that has both on display. Hold them. Which feels better? Look at the menus. Which is easier to understand? Preferences are a personal decision. Renting is a way to make sure.

To stretch your dollars I recommend reconditioned. Purchase from a reliable company (the manufacturer, one of the ABCs (Adorama, B&H, Cameta) or KEH). Beware of stores that don't make it obvious that they offer gray market items. If the price of a new camera is too good to be true, it isn't. For Canon https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/cameras/refurbished-eos-digital-slr-cameras?cm_mmc=GA-_-CameraGroup-_-140911Brand%20Paid%20Search-_-canon%20refurbished%20cameras&Ap=EOS%20Cameras&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_ebegeLZ1wIVSY1-Ch1ReAWSEAAYASAAEgJahPD_BwE#

I can speak about Canon, so I would recommend the entry level DSLR T7i (the T7 is a stripped down model) and (though it costs more than the 18-55mm) either of the 2 later versions of the 18-135 mm zoom or the 18-200mm. These are general purpose "walk around" lenses. A higher body is the 80D which I own and recommend.