Starlet Loc: Las Cruces, New Mexico

* 600.00 t0 700.00 dollars to invest in camera
* looking for best camera for the bucks.
*Enjoy taking wildlife pic. and close ups
* Enjoy taking family pic. at parties and family get togethers.
*Just learning about shutter speed and light and ect.
*Have been looking at Sams Club at the T2i and the T3i
Cannon.
*I there better camera and bundle package for the money.
please help. I have been saving and saving and my husband and daughter both gave me money for Christmas and I want to use what I have with wisdom. Thanks, Star

EdAnderson Loc: Hanover, PA

What is your level of photographic experience? I think that has to weigh strongly on the choice of equipment. I also think that a good camera store is a much better place to start than a big box store. In a camera store you should have the opportunity to handle a wider variety of camera/lens combinations and to gain the insight of a sales person whose only job is selling cameras. Good Luck.

LittleRedFish Loc: Naw'lens (New Orleans)

The T3i is a great camera for the money. Just understand that you must buy at least one filter (UV), a camera bag (with room to grow) and maybe a tri-pod. You may also want to take some photography corses. You need to factor all the above into your cost.

Photography is very expensive, time consuming to learn and full of ups and downs. You will also most likely want to get a better lens then the nifty fifty that comes with the t3i, which will run another $500.00.

LittleRedFish Loc: Naw'lens (New Orleans)

So please factor all of the above into your price. It is a very expensive hobby, and if your really serious, it will cost you more then $600-800.00

EdAnderson Loc: Hanover, PA

Cost is one of the reasons I asked about the poster's level of experience. Rather than invest a bunch of money right off the bat, there may be a less expensive initial alternative.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

I strongly recommend either a Nikon D3100 kit, or a Nikon D5100 kit. Take a look at this: http://www.ritzcamera.com/product/RI541538918.htm?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=BingSearch&utm_term=best+price+of+nikon+d3100

I found this via Bing search, typing in: "best price for Nikon D3100"

http://www.bing.com/search?q=best+price+of+Nikon+D3100&form=MOZSBR&pc=MOZI

LittleRedFish Loc: Naw'lens (New Orleans)

Nikon makes a great camera, at least when it's working. You'll see 7 nikon out for repair over one Canon. (This comes from two local camera stores). Nikon also almost never covers thier warrenty. (also directly experience and from the camera stores) So as great as a camera as it is (when working) ,and I have had very bad experiences with it, Along with almost eight other serious photography I know, I recommend staying away from Nikon. The life of the camera is almost half that of a Canon. Which will cost you more when you must repair or replace it.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Is this from a Canon salesperson or what???? Nikons warranty work is the best in the business. I have had Nikons repaired (from damage, never failure) and the turn-around time is always a week or less, and many times Nikon has not even charged me for the repair, only parts and shipping. There are 3 Canon shooters in our photography club of 50+ right now, last year there were 8, four of the 5 converts did so because of Canon warranty, quality and repair problems, the fifth did so because he had been using Nikon lenses on his Canon 60D anyway because of the better quality glass, so he decided to upgrade to a Nikon body so he didn't have to use so many adapters. Oh, and we have one Minolta, 1 Olympus, 1 Fiji, 3 Pentax and 4 Sony shooters too, but the majority, over 40 members, are Nikon shooters and not a one of them has ever, or would ever, consider switching to Canon. Sony maybe, but never Canon.

So it is that you need to take comments here with a grain of salt and consider the source and their intent in those statements.

My personal belief is that they are both quality manufacturers and both have their strong points and both have their downsides. I have personally shot with nothing but Nikon for 35mm and DSLR for over 35 years and my Nikons have never let me down, bodies or lenses. I started my SLR experience with an Olympus OM-1, but switched as soon as I saw the amazing difference the Nikon lenses made over my Zuiko glass. Everyone has the right to make their own choice and should express their choice with their checkbook.

Nuf Said

1eyedjack

There are other makes of cameras besides Canon/Nikon that
are very good in the features and hi IQ photos..

Bruce with a Canon Loc: Islip

Couple tips, you might consider lightly used gear, You may think about buying Factory refurbs, KEH camera has exscellent gear used as does B&H and Adorama.
I find it useful to go to a store and handle the gear, what FEELS most comfy, your hands should fall on the controls naturally. Do you need 18 MP or will 10 or 8 do? for casual shooting you dont need the latest greatest bells and whistles, You might do well to purchase a 40D kit from someone upgrading. Ebay has deals, BUT scrutinize the sellers feedback carefully. No need to buy retail foier brandy new gear. Well card for cameras last a LONG time.
I still use my 1972 Minolta 35 mm SRT msanual camera and it still takes flawless images.
Hope this was of some help.
Good Luck

Oh and as to brand, Canon vs Nikon wont matter a whit to a casual shooter, when you shoot full frame 20 plus MP witjh 20,000 dollards in glass, then you can for an opinion on which is better for you. Sticking to basics ther quality and features arre comparable. and therre are a ton of superb camera's other than N & C

Starlet Loc: Las Cruces, New Mexico

Thanks for the advice. I think I am going to get a D3100 but will go to camera store and check it out. star

ShakyShutter Loc: Arizona

If that shop you referred to in New Orleans is actually having that level of failures they are either selling flood damaged goods or they don't sell Nikon at all. Likely not a legit dealer for Nikon probably selling gray market or two stepping Nikon brand from another dealer.

There is no way any of those statements are true. You should not repeat that unless don't care about your own reputation.

The survivors in the digital camera wars today are survivors precisely because they produce quality equipment. Nikon, Canon and the other survivors you can name could not survive if any of their models had failure rates like you mentioned.

SQUIRL033 Loc: Chehalis, WA

Nikon, Canon, Ford, Chevy... for 99.9% of photographers and purposes, not a nickel's worth of difference between 'em. both companies make excellent cameras, both offer superb lenses. used to be Canon had an edge in image quality, but Nikon has closed the gap, and at the moment, Nikon actually offers better high-ISO performance with their top models than Canon does. bottom line, it won't make a bit of difference. i can take a shot with my Canon 5D, and take the same shot with a Nikon D700, and print 'em both at 12x18, and you won't be able to tell them apart. where you get prints made will have more effect than what camera you shot the image with.

Danilo Loc: Las Vegas

Hi Starlet!
The Canon/Nikon debate rages on, as it always will. My choice was simple, as I have 8 Nikon lenses from "back in the day" and now that I just got a Nikon D5100, I'll be able to dust them off and enjoy them once again.
Your choice of a Nikon D3100 is a great way to start, you'll love it. Or if you change your mind and get a Canon, you'll love that, too!
The important thing is to get a camera that can grow as you do, in your learning experience. Don't forget part of your learning experience will be making mistakes to learn from, and reading some books on the subject to balance with your mistakes.
Have fun! Good luck! Post lots of photos as you learn!

iresq Loc: Annapolis MD

PS - you don't need a UV filter.

If you have some funds left over, I'd start with a circular polarizing (CP) filter.