Good Entry-Level Camera
Jun 8, 2017 08:35:08 #
jim in TC wrote:
It will be really valuable for her to get out to a camera shop (preferably) or if none nearby a big box that features cameras prominently (Best Buy comes to mind) and handle a few cameras. <snip>
Good advice with a caution. If you end up at Best Buy be careful when listening to the store staff. The Best Buy staff are not former professional or advanced amateur photogs. They have no idea what they are talking about.
Unfortunately, the same has to be said about many local camera stores. Competition has made some hire less than knowledgeable staff.
You might want to post a new topic looking for good camera stores near you. For instance a post titled "Looking for a good camera store in the Philadelphia area" would quickly get you responses naming Allen's Camera and Video.
I am sure someone here would know the best Camera Store near you.
Jun 8, 2017 09:14:27 #
wesm wrote:
... A friend wants to get a good entry-level camera ...
Canon SX60 HS ... !
Jun 8, 2017 10:00:20 #
jackpi
Loc: Southwest Ohio
wesm wrote:
First of all, I did use the search function, and t... (show quote)
http://thewirecutter.com/leaderboard/cameras/
Jun 8, 2017 10:38:27 #
Jun 8, 2017 11:05:14 #
gvarner
Loc: Central Oregon Coast
For such a person, I'd look for a pocket camera, fixed moderate zoom lens, capable of Manual mode along with all the other common modes. Then trade up when they're ready if necessary.
Jun 8, 2017 11:46:33 #
photoman022
Loc: Manchester CT USA
mas24 wrote:
Nikon has a D3400, 24 megapixels, with a 2 lens kit, a 18-55mm and a non VR 70-300mm lens for $497 from B&H. My preference would be the D3300, with 24 megapixels, with a 2 lens kit, the 18-55mm and a 55-200mm lens for $547. B&H has both camera packages, but the D3300 is on backorder. The D3400 package is within your $500 budget. Or you could get a good Bridge Camera within that $500 budget too. Good luck.
Jun 8, 2017 12:00:31 #
Lots of good suggestions here, but a big question for her is what style of camera is she interested in, then go from there. I'd have to say that if she is just looking to move up from a cell phone camera to a real camera so she can further her photographic skills but not get to sophisticated, then the suggestion of a compact camera is a good one. It'll be light and compact, have all the controls of a bigger camera, but easy to use without having to deal with the daunting task of trying to choose which lenses she needs. As an alternative, a good bridge camera would be another good choice. While still fairly easy to use and learn, it also gives the convenience of a decent zoom range as well. If, after awhile she decides that she's hooked on photography, then that would be the time to start looking at more sophisticated equipment.
Jun 8, 2017 12:13:46 #
jim in TC
Loc: Traverse City, Michigan
[quote=dsmeltz]Good advice with a caution. If you end up at Best Buy be careful when listening to the store staff. The Best Buy staff are not former professional or advanced amateur photogs. They have no idea what they are talking about.
No doubt it is good to assume that the staff is clueless, though I have found on occasion the BB staff in various departments (including at least on one visit to their camera section) to actually be knowledgeable and/or enthusiasts. That said, advice from a (good) camera shop is likely to be far better. I patronize our local camera shop even in the face of (sometimes, not always) better prices elsewhere because I value their advice. Though even there, during busy times (Christmas, summer in this touristy area) one has to be a bit more cautious if someone new is behind the counter.
No doubt it is good to assume that the staff is clueless, though I have found on occasion the BB staff in various departments (including at least on one visit to their camera section) to actually be knowledgeable and/or enthusiasts. That said, advice from a (good) camera shop is likely to be far better. I patronize our local camera shop even in the face of (sometimes, not always) better prices elsewhere because I value their advice. Though even there, during busy times (Christmas, summer in this touristy area) one has to be a bit more cautious if someone new is behind the counter.
Jun 8, 2017 12:30:21 #
RLSeipleSr wrote:
Canon SX60 HS ... !
I fully second that choice, especially since The Canon website offers Factory Referbished SX60. Most people buy more than they will use or need. If the person is still interested in getting more into photography at a later time the the SX60 will become the backup, travel, animal/bird photography go to camera. But buying a DSLR , like cel phones, becomes somewhat obsolete as time marches on, more features for the same or less $$$$ will be what you find in a year or so. You would not go out and buy a BMW as your 1st car. Happy shooting
Jun 8, 2017 12:33:45 #
Wingpilot wrote:
Lots of good suggestions here, but a big question ... (show quote)
I was thing long the same line. A bridge camera is a good way to start. An y of the manufacturers cameras will do just fine. A used Canon sx50 is a good possibility. Some of the members here have posted amazing photos with that camera.
Jun 8, 2017 12:34:59 #
Small, lightweight, non-obtrusive, and best of all, it's mirrorless.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1238281-REG/olympus_v207051bu000_om_d_e_m10_mark_ii.html
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1238281-REG/olympus_v207051bu000_om_d_e_m10_mark_ii.html
Jun 8, 2017 12:38:38 #
Cdouthitt wrote:
Small, lightweight, non-obtrusive, and best of all, it's mirrorless.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1238281-REG/olympus_v207051bu000_om_d_e_m10_mark_ii.html
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1238281-REG/olympus_v207051bu000_om_d_e_m10_mark_ii.html
Looks nice. Starting over I would seriously go mirrorless.
Jun 8, 2017 12:44:10 #
dsmeltz wrote:
Looks nice. Starting over I would seriously go mirrorless.
and the lenses to go with it.
http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/outlet/reconditioned-lenses/m-zuiko-digital-17mm-f1-8-black-reconditioned.html
http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/outlet/reconditioned-lenses/m-zuiko-25mm-f1-8-black-reconditioned.html
http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/outlet/reconditioned-lenses/m-zuiko-digital-ed-45mm-f1-8-black-reconditioned.html
or
http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/outlet/reconditioned-lenses/m-zuiko-ed-12-40mm-f2-8-pro-reconditioned.html
Jun 8, 2017 12:53:13 #
jim in TC wrote:
No doubt it is good to assume that the staff is cl... (show quote)
To be fair, BB's computer staff is usually better than the staff in other departments. Even the computer sales staff seems either competent themselves or quite willing to find the staffer who does know. But I have never found anyone in a BB camera section who seemed to know anything reliable.
Jun 8, 2017 12:58:18 #
dsmeltz wrote:
To be fair, BB's computer staff is usually better than the staff in other departments. Even the computer sales staff seems either competent themselves or quite willing to find the staffer who does know. But I have never found anyone in a BB camera section who seemed to know anything reliable.
We have 2 BB's here in Anchorage. One of them doesn't have anyone in the camera department that knows anything. If you ask them about a camera, they will say that it's a good one, for sure. And that's about it for knowledge. At the other store, the camera department manager, himself, is very knowledgeable, and I think, is or has been a pro. He was very helpful when I bought my D7200 there. He knew about all the different cameras, lenses, etc. So not all BB's camera department sales reps are clueless. It does help to arm oneself with some knowledge before going shopping there, though.
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