the question that has been asked a 1000 times (Page 2): I would agree with a couple of other posters here and say that you would never regret getting either the Nikon 5100 or the 3100!

richnash46 Loc: Texas

ggttc wrote:

I have been shooting film for most of my life...but ready to try DSLR...I have 4 p&s cameras...but looking for an entry level DSLR...looking for manual settings ...same as my AE1

Excuse me for boring you to death...but everytime I look online...I hug my old canon.

And keep in mind I have to trick my charming wife into buying this for my birthday...so price is a factor...

Thanks for your patience

I would agree with a couple of other posters here and say that you would never regret getting either the Nikon 5100 or the 3100!

prestonphoto Loc: Bath, NY

I got the Canon XTi about 4 years ago, have taken more than 5,000 photos with it and it has served me very well.

RixPix Loc: Miami, Florida

ggttc wrote:

I have been shooting film for most of my life...but ready to try DSLR...I have 4 p&s cameras...but looking for an entry level DSLR...looking for manual settings ...same as my AE1

Excuse me for boring you to death...but everytime I look online...I hug my old canon.

And keep in mind I have to trick my charming wife into buying this for my birthday...so price is a factor...

Thanks for your patience

It depends on what you are prepared to spend. If you can spend the money the Canon T2i is a very good choice. Click here http://www.amazon.com/Canon-T2i-Digital-3-0-Inch-18-55mm/dp/B0035FZJHQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1329494970&sr=1-1

If that is over your budget then the Canon T3 Like this one here: http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Rebel-T3-Digital-18-55mm/dp/B004J3Y9U6/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1329495022&sr=1-1

Canon offers excellent performance at a good price. I have been shooting Canon EOS since 1987. Their lens mount is perhaps the best in the industry.

Vero Beach Bum Loc: Vero Beach, FL

Look at used equipment from KEH, All Brands. I just bought a Nikon refurbished D5000. Great camera and having a blast and feel like I have a few dollars left over to invest in filters, bags, lens and the myriad of other items a fotographer needs

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

Just curious..How are you going to "trick" her into buying you a new camera? Let me know what you did and weather or not it worked. A new entry level DSLR will be roughly $550. You can get a used or refurbished one for about $50. less.

Nikon_DonB Loc: Chicago

I have the Nikon D3100. It is a nice camera and does manual settings well. The 18-55VR(vibration reduction) kit lens is a nice clear lens. The camera also has a guide mode that really gets you started quickly. You'll be popping off great shots in no time.
Plus with the savings, maybe you can trick her into getting you a 55-300VR zoom lens. Also a good choice. There are some nice packages available on-line at Cameta(camera).com They as well as B&H and Adorama are some reputable dealers. Good Luck.

Dietxanadu

adshutch417 wrote:

I have a Canon T2i and love it. Also shoots great video. I too am a life long Canon fan, my first slr was a Canon EX Auto back in the mid 70's when I was a teenager.

Hey I have been looking for you for 20 years and now I find you on UHH

Dietxanadu

cjkorb wrote:

Just curious..How are you going to "trick" her into buying you a new camera? Let me know what you did and weather or not it worked. A new entry level DSLR will be roughly $550. You can get a used or refurbished one for about $50. less.

Yes you must post the "Trick".

Bamagirl Loc: Alabama

I have had my Canon Rebel for 6 years and it is still going strong. I love it. I recently got my first new lens other than the kit lenses that came with the camera. I got a 50mm 1.8. I'm still taking shots and figuring out how to set it, but it's fun.

Steve Byland Loc: New Jersey

The biggest difference between the Rebel and the 30/40/50/60d is that the settings are easier to change on the higher end cameras. Otherwise, the Rebel/XTI will take pretty much the same quality of photos as the more expensive semi-pro models. Maybe just a little slower and harder to change setting while you are actually taking a burst of photos. The bigger brothers have more wheels on them that allow you to change things like exposure with one finger rather than two so you can react more quickly.

Refurbished or lightly used 40d would be my choice if you want to go used, otherwise, get the Rebel/XTI

Wabbit Loc: Arizona Desert

cjkorb wrote:

Just curious..How are you going to "trick" her into buying you a new camera? Let me know what you did and weather or not it worked. A new entry level DSLR will be roughly $550. You can get a used or refurbished one for about $50. less.

Alcohol, he's gonna get her drunk

Dun1 Loc: Atlanta, GA

Assuming that you wish to be able to use some of the Canon lenses. You did not mention how fond your wife is of you the price or how fond of you will govern your camera budget. The Canon t3i seems to be one of the hottest body offerings. If you think you want to spend a little more on a body you can talk a look at the Canon 7D. The trick here is to go to a store that sells Canon bodies and get the feel of the bodies in your hand. If you decide on a new body you know the usual suspects as far as purchasing B&H, Adorama, Amazon (because you can compare their prices and shipping is quick. You can also stretch you budget by checking bodies at KEH, www.keh.com. They are refuted to be one of the largest used equipment sellers.
Good luck on your choice and happy birthday

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

I also agree with Steve's picks. I did just that. Picked up a gently used 40d for slightly under $400. Older technology, but it works great for me. Assuming canon lenses are preferred, the xti should be available for about same money or less.

drdr Loc: Tennessee

Yes...I am a canon fan...my AE1 has served me well for many years...

As for the trickery...and many of you seem WAY to interested in this...2 glasses of wine and takeout egg foo young put her in a trance...I could steal her credit card go out and buy the camera...

But then I would have to fake my own death and assume a new
identity...

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

Hmmmm...your a Canon fan, that's ok, we won't hold that against you. Mabe think twice before taking the credit card. It'll be found out sooner or later.