lajacks

Don't laugh, my current camera is an Olympus point & shoot, 2.1mp (C-2100). In 14+ years, the pictures have never disappointed me. I would like to upgrade to a DSLR. Primarily, I take pictures of wildlife in my backyard, scenery, and my dog (indoors & out). The wildlife come at various times so I would like to be able to capture them in all light. I do like to experiment with features. I would appreciate some input. I am currently considering the Canon 60D or 70D but am open to options. Also, what is the general consensus on "bundle" purchases?

jfn007 Loc: Close to the middle of nowhere.

Whatever camera you pick, go to B&H Photo or Adorama for good service and good prices. Check out the reviews on Nikon D5300.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Since you are not already "invested" in a system yet, I like the Sony A77 II or the first version also ( much cheaper now) Some of the Minolta legacy lenses are very good in the used market. For used equipment go to KEH. Bundles are OK -IF- you get exactly what you want......

luvmypets Loc: Born & raised Texan living in Fayetteville NC

I was going to suggest the Nikon D7100. I currently have a D7000 that I really like. The 7100 is an upgraded version of the 7000. This camera is DX fomrat. I am looking at a future purchase of a full frame camera but will keep the 7000 for my second camera. There are a lot of choices and you will have to do your research and decide. Check out the features for the ones people suggest and see what you feel suits your needs. I will say that the D7000 will shoot video as will most of the others but I have never used this feature. I looked for the features I wanted for still photography. Sometimes you have to get a little extra to get what you want.

Best of luck with your choice.

tsilva Loc: Arizona

First, figure out what features you want the most and make a list of the cameras that meet your criteria. Then go to a store that carries the different cameras and pick each one up and find the one that is most comfortable to YOU. If it doesn't feel good in your hands with easy to use controls, it doesn't matter how great the camera is, you will NOT enjoy using it. Only YOU can decide what feels the best and will be something that becomes an extension of you that you will use to get the shots you want.

rbfanman

Any of the big brands should serve your general uses, so Nikon, Sony, Canon, etc, would work. If you have something special you want to do-in camera panoramas, image overlays in camera, etc-that can limit your choices. Generally, buy as much camera as you can afford...whether that means getting a Nikon D-3300, or a Canon T5i, or a Nikon D3X, or whatever. Study the features, and specs, and be sure that the camera you get can do what you want it to do. Then buy it.

Some Sonys claims to let you take 3D pix. If that appeals to you, give it a go. If you aren't interested in that, or don't think current 3D tech is worth as much as is being asked for it, try something else. The Nikon cameras come in several basic formats, image sensor wise. The FX sensor is larger, but cameras with it cost more.

The person behind the camera is more important than the camera itself. Features which allow more automation, etc, can make learning a bit easier, or shooting more convenient. Manual exposure, focusing, etc, is nice when you know more about what you are doing. Built in Wi-Fi can let you send images in to editors if you happen to be a working pro on assignment in the field. Research a lot, and then choose a system which suits your needs. Only you know what those are.

amehta Loc: Boston

In the general price range you are talking about, I think there are 4 really good current options:
1. Canon 70D, $1100
2. Nikon D7100, $1100
3. Olympus E-M1, $1300
4. Sony A77 II, $1050
All but the Olympus have older versions: 60D, D7000, A77. They are all good, but the current versions are better for a variety of reasons, especially video. Some people declare, "I don't care about video," but you should at least try it and see how it looks before you decide. :-)

Back to #1-4, the Olympus has the advantage of being the smallest and lightest, while the other three are all about the same size and weight, and the lenses for it are smaller. It also has the smallest sensor, which affects high ISO noise and overall image quality.

Before the A77 II came out earlier this year, if #4 was the older A77, I would have said the 70D was the best of the four for video and the D7100 was the best for still images. The A77 II has closed the gap on both, and even if it is not better than the 70D for video or the D7100 for stills, it might be the best overall for stills and video. I really do not expect a 80D this year, and the odds are somewhere near or below 50/50 for a D7200, so the A77 II might end the year at the top of the category.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

La, welcome to the Hog.
Man, this getting really complicated.
The 70d is a great camera, and you wouldn't go wrong with it.
In gonna suggest an alternative. A used Canon 7d for about $600.
The 70 is a very nice consumer camera. The 7d is a very good semi-pro camera for less money. Yes it's getting along in years but it's still the same camera that took the crop nature scene by storm 5 years ago. The 7 has a focus system designed specifically for the birds you want to shot, or anything else that that moves fast.
There are lots of 7d's on the used market. There are also some pretty good refurb deals on new ones with complete warranties. I suggest you try one, then figure out if you want to go further in the wildlife direction.
Take a close look at the 7d. I'm sure I won't be the last one to suggest and recommend it.
Again, welcome and good luck. ;-)
SS

amehta Loc: Boston

Yes, if going for an older camera, the Canon 7D and the Nikon D300s should be considered.

jayro Loc: Fort Worth Tx

I bought a refurb 60Dw/18-135 IS USM FOR 767.00 from Canon online store in Jan. Completely satisfied.

Timmish Loc: Central Wisconsin

Hi lajacks. I am new to DSLR and to this forum. While I would certainly agree to buy the best camera you can afford, if you are on a tighter budget, Best Buy bundles a Nikon D3200 with the stock 18-55 lens as well as a 50-200 and a Nikon case for 549.00 which is a great deal. My photos have been nothing short of phenomenal.....for me anyways. Lol The D3200 came highly recommended as a great entry DSLR.

JRosen

I had a Nikon D5100 but felt a need to upgrade. I looked at the Nikon D7100 and the Canon 70D. Both of these are billed by their respective manufacturers as mid-level, small (CMOS) sensor cameras. I did extensive research as I have a few lenses for the D5100 and really didn't want to start from scratch.

Cut to the chase, I purchased the Canon 70D (even over the 7D), and here's what made my decision... the 70D has an articulated screen--very helpful if taking video and shooting live view shots. Also the Canon has touch screen settings, which after owning a smartphone for over seven years, I am very aware of using touch screens, and this is VERY helpful. The 70D has stereo mics **AND** WIFI!!! Plus, Canon has an app for iPhone that I can shoot from my phone, and the images I shoot can go directly to my phone.

The Canon is fast, sharp, and takes great pictures.

Nikon seems to be lagging behind in the wifi department. Yes, I could have gone with the D5300, but I wanted a little more than that.

Am I sorry I switched? Not at all. The Canon is super-easy to use with the touch-screen controls, and in live view, you can see the adjustments to what you are about to shoot in real time as you make the adjustments on the screen.

Check out DPReview.com for side-by-side comparisons of the D7100, 7D, and the 70D. The 7D markII just came out this week, but again... I'll keep my 70D.

So I am selling the D5100 and all my glass to try to replace everything on the Canon. Kind of a pain, but well worth it. I'm glad I switched!

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Seriously look at the em1. Keep an eye out on Olympus's refurbished website for the em1 and the 12-40 lens. From the go big with the new 40-150 pro or 75-300. Add a fast prime to round the kit off

nicksr1125 Loc: Mesa, AZ

Make sure which ever system you decided on, you're comfortable with how it handles. If a button or dial isn't in a "natural" location, you'll regret your purchase decision. Handle as many as you can at Costco, Sam's Club, Best Buy, and local camera stores. Check the B&H used department if you want to save some money. Their customer service & used warranties can't be beat.

warrior Loc: Paso Robles CA

For indoor you want one with pretty high ISO.