Camera for beginner (Page 3): Parent with young children might want to consider the Sony a6000. One of the fastest auto focuses around. It keeps up with children. Quality on par with...

Impressionist

Parent with young children might want to consider the Sony a6000. One of the fastest auto focuses around. It keeps up with children. Quality on par with mid range DSLRs. Will fit in big pocket, travel bag one has with small children, or big cup holder. Like his iPhone, he would have it near him. Have several Nikons myself and other gear. Still use all, but the a6000 is always near me like my iPhone.

Busch Loc: San Diego

Nikon_DonB wrote:

The Nikon D3300(or 3200) is a fantastic starter camera. Check out Cameta Camera. They usually have some great starter packages.

I agree.

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

If you have Nikon lenses, I would agree that the D3300 is a great place to start.
Costco had the two lens kit, with card, bag, etc. for $499.
If you are happy with your lenses, Cameta Camera is selling a refurbished body only for $269. IMO, I have used Cameta and consider them reputable.

Paul Buckhiester Loc: Columbus, GA USA

ABJanes wrote:

I like the idea of the refurbished models noted but would suggest the 18-140MM f3.5-5.6 (a great kit lens) offered on the D7100 & D7200 bundles.
Shoot on auto during the learning stages and when the camera calls for flash, step back a bit, use the telephoto and adjust with the flash exposure control. Lens swapping with little ones can be frustrating when you can move in quickly with an 18-140MM no matter what is happening.

shoot on auto? I have no Nikon experience but my experience w Rebels and 70d is that shooting on auto when trying to capture special moments of the kids will likely yield a lot of missed focus shots. Somethings will be in focus but hardly ever the right things.

Papa j Loc: Cary NC

sirlensalot wrote:

If you have Nikon lenses, I would agree that the D3300 is a great place to start.
Costco had the two lens kit, with card, bag, etc. for $499.
If you are happy with your lenses, Cameta Camera is selling a refurbished body only for $269. IMO, I have used Cameta and consider them reputable.

Thanks I have used cameta as well

J

Papa j Loc: Cary NC

Paul Buckhiester wrote:

shoot on auto? I have no Nikon experience but my experience w Rebels and 70d is that shooting on auto when trying to capture special moments of the kids will likely yield a lot of missed focus shots. Somethings will be in focus but hardly ever the right things.

Thx

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Paul Buckhiester wrote:

shoot on auto? I have no Nikon experience but my experience w Rebels and 70d is that shooting on auto when trying to capture special moments of the kids will likely yield a lot of missed focus shots. Somethings will be in focus but hardly ever the right things.

To build on that comment I would recommend avoiding auto if at all possible. Perhaps start in 'P' mode, auto white balance, auto ISO, but consider using just the central focus point so that some thought is required about what part of any scene most needs to be in focus. It does take a little more practice initially, but should also start the process of thinking about how to improve any image and what other controls can be used to do so.

I would expect that capability to be available on any reasonable camera in consideration, DSLR or mirrorless, regardless of brand.

Papa j Loc: Cary NC

Peterff wrote:

To build on that comment I would recommend avoidin... (show quote)

I sent him Bryan Petersons understanding exposure to help him get started

Thx

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Papa j wrote:

I sent him Bryan Petersons understanding exposure to help him get started

Thx

That is an excellent thing to do. I was trying to suggest something in addition. When photographing people or creatures, having the eyes in focus is frequently desirable. If there are multiple focus points being used by the camera then the camera may focus on something that is not the intended subject of the photograph, or on a child's nose instead of the eyes.

Full auto mode frequently doesn't allow that selection, but P, Aperture priority and shutter priority do. Clearly exposure is one important component of getting a good photograph, but focus is also, and if automated it can be good to have some thought and control over the preferred focus points.

Composition is also important of course, but not too many cameras have an auto compose mode yet!

Murray Loc: New Westminster

Nikon for sure...then he can mooch your gear. :(

Murray Loc: New Westminster

Murray wrote:

Nikon for sure...then he can mooch your gear. :(

Oops! Wrong face :-D

Blasthoff Loc: Life halved NY and IN

Papa j wrote:

My son has been an iPhone guy for years, now a new father waiting for number two. He wants to buy a DSLR for typical family photos. He is looking at Canan eos series budget is 500-600. I do not know Canan at all. I sugested Nikon he is looking at that also. I have multiple lens and several duplicates. Can anyone make recommendations for either Nikon or Canon ? He will mainly shoot family and summers at Sea Isle. I sent him Bryan P book on exposure

Thanks
Joe

Starting from scratch with a blank slate the choice is a toss up. However, if you have Nikon lenses that he could use, it's a game changer, by ALL means he should go Nikon. I don't like the brand pi**ing contests that go on. Either brand will serve equally well for your sons needs.

I am a Nikon user because I WAS a Nikon user 30+ years ago. I had a collection of lenses and I wanted to use some of my favorites, so I had a definite reason for choosing a digital Nikon and I have no regrets.

Papa j Loc: Cary NC

Blasthoff wrote:

Starting from scratch with a blank slate the choic... (show quote)

Thanks my thoughts also

vogt

I have the Nikon D7100, it's not bad, picture quality is fine

http://thedigitalcamera.net/nikon-d7100-vs-d7200-whats-the-difference/