Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

Since the OP posted in another thread he is a 59 year old rookie looking to do more than shoot in automatic mode, why not go all the way like I did a few months ago with my first DSLR, which was a used Nikon D3100 body I got on ebay for $170. It's beat up and the flash doesn't work but takes beautiful pics with the right lenses. When I say the right lenses I am talking about 30 year old Nikkor film lenses. So far I have bought 7 of them, 6 of them primes for between $23 and $89 each on ebay. Focus and f-stop is manual (just like in the olden film days). ISO and shutter speed is set on the camera. Although you can't meter with the camera you can take a couple of test shots and view them instantly to adjust your f-stop or shutter speed. It just takes a few seconds. And although the camera doesn't have a split viewfinder for focusing, it does have live view with 6x magnification on the lcd that let's you focus perfectly.
That's my recommendation. It worked great for me and after having used a Sony S-85 3MP for many years and a Lumix LX5 10MP for a couple of years, this 14 MP D3100 with prime lenses pretty much blows them away.
Plus it takes great HD 24p video as well, although you will need a separate recorder to get really decent audio if video is your thing. The D3100 audio track is basically good for syncing your separately recorded track in editing.

aqua

I have just went through this process. I will tell you my experience. I bought a bridge camera ($500.00) and within a month was wanting something more. I liked the ti and the 60d from Canon. I chose the 60d because it was simple to operate. Setting the F-stop and shutter speed are one function controls. With many other cameras you have to push this while you turn that. I wanted simple so I could change my setting quickly, because of this, I used my camera about a month in auto. Ever since, I have used it in complete manual. I am still learning but I LOVE my camera. Like the other comments, go to the store have them show you how each camera functions and hold it for the feel. Next ask about the available lens for the camera that you are considering. My friend bought the Nikon 5200 and she is very happy with it. I hope this helps.

garwig

Thank you folks for all the help. This is an awesome forum and I am glad I found it. I will be using it quite a bit in the future. I purchased the Canon 70D and now beginning to learn the camera. Wish me luck in my endeavor and if any of you have any comments, I will be glad to read!! Thanks again!!

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

Let me tell you how I handled the same problem. About 2 months ago I finally pulled the trigger and bought a 7D and an 18-200 zoom. I bought a refurb from B&H for about $1200. I was also looking at the Nikon d7100. I chose the Canon because it fit my large hands better. The 70D was just too small for me. I didn't care that Canon was going to upgrade to a Mark ll version. The 7d met all my needs and I couldn't resist the price. As has been said on other posts to to a store and hold each camera. At this level fit is the most important factor. The truth is I don't think that there is a spit worth of difference in the quality of photos that these choices would make.. Thats just my opinion for whatever it's worth.

amehta Loc: Boston

:thumbup:
Enjoy!

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

Good Luck! Have fun!

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Garwig, congrats and good luck with your new 70d.
What where the deciding factors in the 70d?
And welcome to the Canon family, where big white lenses are the norm, not the exception. ;-)
SS

mikedidi46 Loc: WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA

Garwig,
Excellent choice and welcome to the Canon family. I am a proud owner of the 70D also and find it an excellent DSLR. But then, there are many excellent DSLR's out there.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Yes, but they're all Canons! :lol:
SS

digit-up Loc: Flushing, Michigan

so often, members recommend that "newbies" should buy "what seems to fit in their hands or what feels right for you, what you like aesthetically, and that to me seems to imply that there's little to no difference in the differing camera's ability to perform. Would most of you agree that it's hardly worth considering what name brand to buy, just get the most expensive camera you can that fits your hand or mood????? I'm just curious... Or is it about AVOIDING ARGUMENTS, do you all suppose???

digit-up Loc: Flushing, Michigan

certainly, BOBERIC could be "on to something" Everything in cameras has gotten so good