New to DSLR & need help deciding on what camera to buy: Hello, I have shot 35mm film many years ago & now want to buy my 1st DSLR. I have read alot of reviews and posts on UHH and I am...

Ron Christ

Hello, I have shot 35mm film many years ago & now want to buy my 1st DSLR. I have read alot of reviews and posts on UHH and I am leaning towards Nikon D3200, D3300 or Canon T3i, T5i.
I have limited funds and need to stay under $600.

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks

I

amehta Loc: Boston

Ron Christ wrote:

Hello, I have shot 35mm film many years ago & now want to buy my 1st DSLR. I have read alot of reviews and posts on UHH and I am leaning towards Nikon D3200, D3300 or Canon T3i, T5i.
I have limited funds and need to stay under $600.

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks

I

I think a very complete package would be the Nikon D3200 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm and 55-200mm Lenses for $550.

The advantage of the Nikon D3300 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens, also $550, is that the lens has VR.

The Canon T3i and T5i would be better compared to the D5100 and D5300.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Ron Christ wrote:

Hello, I have shot 35mm film many years ago & now want to buy my 1st DSLR. I have read alot of reviews and posts on UHH and I am leaning towards Nikon D3200, D3300 or Canon T3i, T5i.
I have limited funds and need to stay under $600.
Any advice is appreciated. ThanksI

Ron, welcome to the Hog.
If you don't have to have new, you can always get more bang for your buck if you can consider something used.
At the Canon website you can also get a refurbished kit. Those units have full warranties but have been returned in like new condition. It's how I buy most of my gear.
For used, look at the classified here. Some are new members and just selling, others are long time members that are somewhat well known and trustworthy, just ask.
Personally I prefer Canons, but all cameras are good.
Also look at the kits at places like Costco.
Good luck

amehta Loc: Boston

SharpShooter wrote:

Ron, welcome to the Hog. br If you don't have to h... (show quote)

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

I too prefer Canon, but have found the D3x00 series from Nikon gives more bang for the buck at the entry level.

ahzwizerd2 Loc: Willowbrook, ca

Ron Christ wrote:

Hello, I have shot 35mm film many years ago & now want to buy my 1st DSLR. I have read alot of reviews and posts on UHH and I am leaning towards Nikon D3200, D3300 or Canon T3i, T5i.
I have limited funds and need to stay under $600.

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks

I

Personally I would save up for a better camera. Theres alot to learn on these DSLR's when you learn it all you want too upgrade to a better camera.
then you will have to spend again either on lens or body's I have several Upline Nikons and it sets you in the thousands any pro will tell you.

nicksr1125 Loc: Mesa, AZ

Welcome to the Hog, Ron. You'll find lots of friends & plenty of good advice here. Whatever you buy, make sure you handle a lot of bodies before you buy. If it doesn't feel natural in your hands, you'll never be happy shooting with it.

Nikon_DonB Loc: Chicago

nicksr1125 wrote:

Welcome to the Hog, Ron. You'll find lots of friends & plenty of good advice here. Whatever you buy, make sure you handle a lot of bodies before you buy. If it doesn't feel natural in your hands, you'll never be happy shooting with it.

Great point, nicksr1125.....Be sure to get the VR for Nikon's Vibration Reduction or IS for Canon's Image Stabilization lenses. Otherwise you are getting "old" technology lenses with new bodies.

singleviking Loc: Lake Sebu Eco Park, Philippines

Nikon_DonB wrote:

Great point, nicksr1125.....Be sure to get the VR for Nikon's Vibration Reduction or IS for Canon's Image Stabilization lenses. Otherwise you are getting "old" technology lenses with new bodies.

Don's point here is especially important since you can always upgrade the camera body, but the lenses stay with you for years. Good glass is paramount as long as you stay in the same format.

insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida

You mention having shot film but you mention many years ago. So if I understand you have not done much with a camera in the interim? Might I suggest, with your price point, that you select a good point and shoot (one with a view finder) as your starter Digital camera? Then it can become your backup camera when you are ready to get into a really great DSLR. In the meantime you will have had a lot of fun and you can buy new, not used.

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

ahzwizerd2 wrote:

Personally I would save up for a better camera. Theres alot to learn on these DSLR's when you learn it all you want too upgrade to a better camera.
then you will have to spend again either on lens or body's I have several Upline Nikons and it sets you in the thousands any pro will tell you.

I couldn't disagree with you more. When I went to digital, I started with a point and shoot Olympus ($300), then a Nikon D3100 ($550), then D7100 ($1000 refurb), then D800 ($2300 used). Each time, the upgrade was based on what additional features interested me, and I have not regretted any of them.

Had I started with the best available at the time, I would have been overwhelmed by the complexity of the machine. The D800 doesn't even have an auto mode! Had my interest gravitated to action sports or birds in flight, the D800 would have been the wrong choice, and I would be out thousands for a camera that doesn't do what I want.

I don't think it's reasonable to expect anyone with no digital experience to intuitively know whether a D610, or D810, SX50, or 7dMkII is what will eventually be their best choice.

DrPhrogg Loc: NJ

You noted that you shot film. What brand did you use and do you have lenses from that camera? IF you can use the same lenses, it may be a factor.
A good entry point is a bridge camera. The Canon SX60 was just released, so you may be able to find a deal on the SX50. Good learning camera without a huge outlay of cash. I have a Canon 70D & 3Ti, and still bought an sx50. It has its uses over better grade cameras sometimes. That makes it a good starting point, until it becomes your backup.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

ahzwizerd2 wrote:

Personally I would save up for a better camera. Theres alot to learn on these DSLR's when you learn it all you want too upgrade to a better camera.
then you will have to spend again either on lens or body's I have several Upline Nikons and it sets you in the thousands any pro will tell you.

I'm in this camp... unless the goal is to get the best deal and the focus on "snap shots". I don't mean this as a denigrating comment-- but it really depends on the long-term goals

Reinaldokool Loc: San Rafael, CA

amehta wrote:

I think a very complete package would be the Nikon D3200 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm and 55-200mm Lenses for $550.

The advantage of the Nikon D3300 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens, also $550, is that the lens has VR.

The Canon T3i and T5i would be better compared to the D5100 and D5300.

Costco sells the Pentax K50 for < $600. As good as the Nikons and Canons are, the Pentax is a very good option. Better weatherproofing, lighter and bit more rugged.

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

Welcome to UHH. Stick within your budget. There is no reason to exceed your funds. The D3200 or D3300 are good choices. Shop around and check out B&H Photo. They are a great company to work with.

Ron Christ wrote:

Hello, I have shot 35mm film many years ago & now want to buy my 1st DSLR. I have read alot of reviews and posts on UHH and I am leaning towards Nikon D3200, D3300 or Canon T3i, T5i.
I have limited funds and need to stay under $600.

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks

I