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Aug 15, 2011 12:02:19   #
ap175 Loc: Van Nuys California
 
Been reading camera reviews 'til I'm dreaming about them in my sleep! I've narrowed it down to the following:
Canon T3i
Nikon D5100
Pentax kr
Panasonic G3
I currently own a Panasonic FZ35 point and shoot and am pretty happy with it but I want something that will give me sharper pictures with less noise. I do not intend (at this time) to go beyond the kit lense that comes with the camera. I never print larger than 8-1/2 x 11,
Thanks

Taken in 2001 with an Olympus C-2020
Taken in 2001 with an Olympus C-2020...

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Aug 15, 2011 14:36:27   #
photomandan Loc: Paso Robles, CA
 
First, the obvious.... what a gorgeous little girl!!

I use a Canon T3i. No problems with noise yet, but haven't shot above 800. This model also offers you the feature of HD Video and an articulating screen. I can't really offer much in the way of a comparison with those other models, but I've been delighted with the T3i and I've used nothing but Canon (and mostly Tamron lenses) for more than 20 years. During my professional career I've shot more than 500 weddings. Hope this helps a little!! Dan

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Aug 15, 2011 14:48:35   #
Randyb1969 Loc: Armpit of California
 
I would go with either the Canon or the Nikon. Your options for future lenses are much greater with these two brands. I have a friend that has a Nikon d40 and she is very happy with it. I have a Canon 400D and have been very happy with it also. I've heard the T3i is an awesome camera and being a Canon guy, I would lean that way.

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Aug 15, 2011 14:55:32   #
photomandan Loc: Paso Robles, CA
 
The T3i is touted as having most of the bells and whistles of the 60D, I believe, with the only drawback being that it just isn't built to do 70 weddings a year. But for light to average use, I'd go for it.

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Aug 15, 2011 15:00:04   #
photomandan Loc: Paso Robles, CA
 
The T3i is touted as having most of the bells and whistles of the 60D, I believe, with the only drawback being that it just isn't built to do 70 weddings a year. But for light to average use, I'd go for it.

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Aug 15, 2011 16:17:01   #
swimbob Loc: Columbia, S.C.
 
I bought the t3i back in may and love it. It's very easy to learn how to use and seems to be built for beginners like you and me. I found a book that's called something like "Cannon Rebel T2i for Dummies" that has been a big help too as the two cameras are essentially the same. The only drawback I've found is the 18 megapixel files are huge and eat up lots of computer memory.

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Aug 15, 2011 16:48:02   #
sinatraman Loc: Vero Beach Florida, Earth,alpha quaudrant
 
I would stick with a camera that comes from a company whose primary business is cameras. Either cannon,nikon, or pentax. They will be around for a while and will be there to support your camera. You said that all you wanted was the kit lens. Things change and the photo bug can and does strike often. Their is a whole lot more lenses flashguns and other accesoroies out there for the three camera companies than for the huge electronic comglomerate that is panasonic where cameras have to compete with dvd players and microwave ovens for corporate support. I am a Nikonian but if I was just starting out I would have to really consider pentax They are really doing some interesting things with their cameras

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Aug 15, 2011 20:15:09   #
ap175 Loc: Van Nuys California
 
Thanks to everyone for your thoughtful and insightful replies. I'm now leaning heavily toward the Canon or Nikon.

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Aug 17, 2011 11:41:03   #
stina3246 Loc: Orlando
 
I'm a Nikon girl all the way. My husband is a Canon guy. (Imagine the agruments in our house! LOL) Both brands are very good and user friendly. I was using a Nikon D50 for weddings which took good pictures but not great in low light so I had to do a lot of post processing but GREAT for shooting outdoor events and fast enough to get good shots of moving targets! I recently upgraded to a Nikon D90 and LOVE it. It's great in low light, great at action shots AND has video capability. The pictures are crisp and bright. I got it on Craig's List for $850 including a 50mm prime lens and the battery grip. Nikon and Canon have a huge selection of lenses too. These shots were all done with the D50 with no post processing.







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Aug 17, 2011 12:03:13   #
notnoBuddha
 
" I'm dreaming about them in my sleep!"

Assuming the price of any is not a factor then I would say for usage that you stated you are overthinking this. All of these are nice cameras that will last for years. I would go to a camera store, pick each one up, mess with the controls - does it feel comfortable in your hands? Are the controls easy to reach. Okay - done then, you've decided. Now go take some pictures.



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Aug 17, 2011 12:39:36   #
stina3246 Loc: Orlando
 
notnoBuddha wrote:
" I'm dreaming about them in my sleep!"

Assuming the price of any is not a factor then I would say for usage that you stated you are overthinking this. All of these are nice cameras that will last for years. I would go to a camera store, pick each one up, mess with the controls - does it feel comfortable in your hands? Are the controls easy to reach. Okay - done then, you've decided. Now go take some pictures.


Good advise!

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Aug 17, 2011 12:54:57   #
ap175 Loc: Van Nuys California
 
Those are terrific pictures. You know what you're doing!

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Aug 17, 2011 13:05:52   #
usmc1063 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA Area
 
It actually depends on what you want to do with the camera The average point and shoot will give you great pictures and will develope out well to 8x10 nicely. But if your intrested in furthering your abilities your best bet is to talk with a pro at a good camera shop. They can give you some great advice and steer you in the right direction. As for myself I own and use a Canon EOS 60D. Since I'm a serious hobbiest I wanted something on the pro-side



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Aug 17, 2011 14:57:49   #
millervito
 
notnoBuddha wrote:
" I'm dreaming about them in my sleep!"

Assuming the price of any is not a factor then I would say for usage that you stated you are overthinking this. All of these are nice cameras that will last for years. I would go to a camera store, pick each one up, mess with the controls - does it feel comfortable in your hands? Are the controls easy to reach. Okay - done then, you've decided. Now go take some pictures.


+1

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Aug 18, 2011 13:01:50   #
Ugly Jake Loc: Sub-Rural Vermont
 
millervito wrote:
notnoBuddha wrote:
" I'm dreaming about them in my sleep!"

Assuming the price of any is not a factor then I would say for usage that you stated you are overthinking this. All of these are nice cameras that will last for years. I would go to a camera store, pick each one up, mess with the controls - does it feel comfortable in your hands? Are the controls easy to reach. Okay - done then, you've decided. Now go take some pictures.


+2 I have a partially amputated left thumb, so my camera had to have all right-hand back buttons - Canon it is!
quote=notnoBuddha " I'm dreaming about them ... (show quote)

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