Hank51

If you could have only one camera and three lenses to do all your photography. Which brand of DLSR would you choose and what lenses would you use?

I am sure there are other discussions on this topic, but I haven't figured out yet how to effectively locate them. I have searched else where online and Nikon or Canon come up often in the category of best entry level DLSR.

The lens question may be harder to answer because I suppose it depends on the kind of photography that you like to do. I take landscape pictures and vacation photos mostly. I'd like to try my hand at portrait photography and I do value a good telephoto lens, but I am not sure the best range is. I assume that I would have zoom lenses with at least one having macro capability.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

From my experience, my Nikon D800e, 20mm f/2.8, 28~300 f/4.5-5.6, Zeiss 80mm f/2.8 w/adapter.
--Bob

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Yes, your question pops-up once in a while. A good search should yield lots of useful information.
Camera and lenses are tools. Select a camera, regardless of manufacturer that makes you feel comfortable and has the features you will be using in your photography. I am clearly saying that you should go to a camera store and have the "feeling" of the camera or cameras in your hand and they are usually good enough when it comes to recommending gear. I am sure there will be one or more cameras that will fit your purpose.
Regarding lenses I would say an all purpose or walk around lens will fit your needs till you have more experience. 85mm lenses are today the gold standard for portrait photography.

BebuLamar

I would use a full frame Nikon and their 3 popular zoom.

photoman022 Loc: Manchester CT USA

I'm a Nikon shooter, so my experience is with Nikons. If I were starting out, I would get a Nikon D3200 or D3300 (you can get them on sale now as Nikon is bringing out its D3400). I would get the kit lenses that come with the camera and learn to use the gear to its fullest potential before thinking about buying another lens. From all I've read, the Nikon D3200 and D3300 are excellent cameras that will more than meet the needs of an entry level photographer.

phlash46 Loc: Westchester County, New York

The D800e is entry level? For whom?

BebuLamar

any camera can be entry level. Some cost a lot but if the buyer has money there isn't any problem. More expensive cameras are more suited for beginner although it's expensive if the beginner decided to abandon photography after a short time.

Jim Bob

Great question. I sure appreciate someone who reads with comprehension.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

There was another discussion recently of the favorite 3 lenses, but, it did not directly address your types of shooting.
An entry level DSLR would, for most people, be an APS-C camera, although nothing says you couldn't start out with a full frame, such as Canon's 6D. A lot of people end up with full frame anyway, or, such as myself, with both. Your best bet is to learn as much as possible about both before buying. Both have strong points and weaknesses, depending on your style and preference of shooting. It helps if you can visualize where you want to be in five years with your photography. I prefer Canon, but Nikon and others offer excellent products also. You may also want to look at mirrorless.
For landscape and vacation shots something like an 18-300mm lens is a good all-around choice. For portraits 85mm prime is a popular length. The bokeh, or background blur (my technical term!) is important for portraits. As far as a macro zoom, so far as I know, they don't exist. Some zooms, such as my EF 24-70 f/4 L, have a "Macro" feature, but it is actually more of a close up capability. True macro is considered by most to be a 1:1 ratio. On a full frame a 1" high subject would completely fill the sensor from top to bottom, since a full frame sensor is 1" high.
In Canon, something like a T6i, or even an 80D would be a good starting point for a DSLR. So would the 6D if you think full frame is where you want to go. There is really little difference in learning how to use any of them, so there is no need to be afraid that a particular model may be too advanced. They all have automatic settings to help ease the learning curve. It's not until you get into the upper fringes of the pro and semi-pro full frames that you lose the ability to just set it on auto as you go about learning the camera.
The Canon Rebels are a good starting point for the casual photographer, but if you think you will want to go beyond that then take a good look at where you think you want to end up. If your interest in photography supports it you can save money by reaching a bit higher from the start. Same with lenses. You often can buy two of Canon's EF-S lenses for the price of one L lens. Sometimes less is more. EF-S lenses will only work on APS-C bodies and are generally of consumer quality. EF lenses, which includes the L's, will work on both APS-C and full frame. The L's are of the highest quality, as well as the highest price. For casual use an L is overkill. For serious work they are preferred in most cases.
What you buy depends on your budget and level of interest. The gist of what I have to say is that, depending on your level of interest, starting at the bottom is not always the most cost effective method. Don't buy more then what you need, but buy the best you can afford for what your future needs will be.
Welcome to the Hog!

Jim Bob

WTF? I hate this relativist crap. It's like saying any car can be a luxury model.

anotherview Loc: California

Good morning. No matter which camera and lens you acquire, study Composition and the Exposure Triangle, along with the importance of Subject.

Concentrate on taking worthy photographs with the gear you have.

Bear in mind, too, that as a craft, photography requires years to learn its ins-and-outs. So take many photographs, and learn from both your mistakes and your successes.

You may speed your learning and gain confidence by attending a workshop or two covering basic camera operation and photo editing.

Good luck.

bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

entry level usually equates with simple and cheap. one of the big three . KEH, Adorama, or B&H can set you up with a used camera/ lens combo at a good price. contact them by phone, ask direct questions. some of the guys here are already pointing you toward the expensive stuff.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

Here is my shot. A Canon 80d and a 16-300 tamron lens. As a "beginner" that will fill 90% of your needs for a reasonable price. Is the Tamron the absolute best. No, but it is pretty damn good. The Nikon d7200 is also a good choice.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

I categorize the Nikon D3xxx series as entry level cameras, as well as Canon's Rebel Series. I consider the Nikon D610 as an entry level full frame camera. I would use the DX 18-55mm and 55-200mm/70-300mm. All VR of course. Preference over the last two lenses mentioned would be the FX 28-300mm. A very good lens too.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

To find previous discussions on a subject, use the "Search" function at the top of the page.
In answer to your question, for me it's the Nikon Df camera, and the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G, Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR, and Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR lenses.