Best Beginner DSLR - a Nikon, a Canon, or a Pentax? (Page 5): my D300 has the auto sensor clean , never used it , a vacuum cleaner does the job just fine .

agillot

my D300 has the auto sensor clean , never used it , a vacuum cleaner does the job just fine .

Burtzy Loc: Bronx N.Y. & Simi Valley, CA

Chris T wrote:

Of the following models, which would you consider to be the best, overall - for a relative newbie, to photography? ... Canon EOS Rebel T7, Nikon D3400, Canon EOS Rebel SL2, or a Pentax K-70? ... Please bear in mind, relative cost, and, of course - convenience of included features. Thanks so much!

Go to a reputable dealer. Handle them all. Consider which one you like the feel of best and unless it is way out of your price range, get that one. They're all going to be good.

chrisg-optical Loc: New York, NY

Chris T wrote:

Of the following models, which would you consider to be the best, overall - for a relative newbie, to photography? ... Canon EOS Rebel T7, Nikon D3400, Canon EOS Rebel SL2, or a Pentax K-70? ... Please bear in mind, relative cost, and, of course - convenience of included features. Thanks so much!

I think that question is like asking "What's a good beginner car to learn how to drive? A Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra or Hyundai Elantra? All of them have great beginner cameras (and great advanced models as well), but the real question is whose system do you want to be married to since the lenses between those three are not interchangeable. If you can try out all three models in a store (or with the person who is considering the purchase) that would probably answer your question, as well as a review of reviews online. I am biased a bit towards Nikon but have been tempted by the offerings of Olympus M43 and Pentax's K system as well. If you go with Nikon avoid the 3400 - the 3300 or new 3500 are better - the 3400 dispensed with the sensor cleaner to reduce costs but it's an absolute necessary for an ILC. The 3xxx models have a beginner "guide" mode, as well as the more advanced PASM modes with exp comp/bracketing, so they are excellent models to start with in the Nikon family.

dixiebeachboy

If you don't look at Sony you are not looking for the best for newbe or a pro! What ever you choose learn what that piece of equipment can do in your hands.

Al Freeedman

The Canon T6i is full featured and easy to learn. Go with the T7 if you are more interested in movies.

Captain Al

PhotogHobbyist Loc: Bradford, PA

I am a Pentaxian from many years experience. My personal opinion is the Pentax is less cost, has essentially the same controls and functions as canon or Nikon and has great reputation for its glass. I started my SLR photography In a rebellious manner of speaking by purchasing an off brand of camera because I didn't want the pay the higher price for the Mamiya, Nikon, Minolta or any other of the well known brands. I bought a Petri. Years later the company went out of business but the camera lasted for many years and I still have a Petri camera and accessories. However, it is not a digital so again I opted for the lesser expensive camera and went with Pentax. I've had no problems with my Pentax and I believe it provides me with the photos I want and is a very durable and easy to use. IMHO and my $0.02 worth.

bnsf

Sony RX10 IV all in 1 camera 28 - 600 Zeiess lenes. All you need. Takes 4k videos also. Sells for $1700.00.

Selene03

You will get a lot of answers here depending on what cameras people have owned and used. If you have friends who do photography, I would get the same camera they use. Otherwise, I would probably argue for the Canon sl2 or the Nikon 3400 (or new 3500). The sl2 is a nifty little camera that produces good results; Canon offers a pretty good set of lenses for their crop-sensor cameras and their L lenses work well on the body. I haven't used the 3400, but I did have a 3200, which was a great little camera with lots of lens choice like the Canon. Both have instructor guides built into the camera if you need/want it. Pentex makes a great camera--you can't go wrong there either, but Pentax doesn't have the lens selection Canon and Nikon have. Basically, you can't go wrong with any of them.

Kuzano

Bag the Pentax. Not that it's not a good camera, but when she takes a class and sees all those Nikons, she's gonna wonder why you "cheaped" out on her. Do you want this relationship to last? Would you buy her cubic zirconium instead of diamonds and pearls. Do yourself a favor, while doing her one.

PhotogHobbyist Loc: Bradford, PA

Kuzano wrote:

Bag the Pentax. Not that it's not a good camera, but when she takes a class and sees all those Nikons, she's gonna wonder why you "cheaped" out on her. Do you want this relationship to last? Would you buy her cubic zirconium instead of diamonds and pearls. Do yourself a favor, while doing her one.

It is a camera, it has no feelings or thoughts, it only does what the person holding it makes it.

Al Freeedman

I might add that my T6i came from KEH which was a referb from Canon, at a very reasonable price, and the camera was flawless.
Looked brand new. Which ever camera you choose, check with KEH Great company to deal with.

Captain Al

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

wdross wrote:

Of those mentioned, Pentax K-70. Two not mentioned would be the Olympus E-M10 mrII and E-M10 mrIII.

Thanks for that recommendation, WD ... on the K-70 ... a fine camera, indeed ... and a fully articulating LCD, to boot ... nice!!!!

The two Olympus models you mentioned weren't listed, as they are not DSLRs, technically ... they are Micro Four Thirds MILCs ...

They may be fine for a beginner, just starting out, but - this is for a friend, and I already have plenty of glass she can use (for those four itemized.)

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

dcampbell52 wrote:

Of the cameras brands listed (I'm not sure about s... (show quote)

David ... as can be seen in my signature, I already have both the D7000 and D7100 ... so, I do have the ability to use just about any lens (on the 7100) - but this isn't for me - it's for a friend, and I'm looking to stay at $600 or less, for one thing ... and want her to have the ultimate, in - not only ease, but also - the latest in innovation ... which is why I focused on just the Nikon D3400/D3500, Canon EOS Rebel SL2, Pentax K-70, or Canon EOS Rebel T7 ...

My D3200 would be perfect to pass on to her, but - it's a little long in the tooth, right now ... want her to have the "latest and greatest" ...

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

jerryc41 wrote:

Nikon. Why not? : )

There is a new D3500 just announced.

Yes, Jerry ... another UHHer just informed me, yesterday - on this thread. Looked it up, but the feed dropped. Do YOU know, if it has auto-sensor clean?

Toment Loc: FL, IL

Chris T wrote:

Of the following models, which would you consider to be the best, overall - for a relative newbie, to photography? ... Canon EOS Rebel T7, Nikon D3400, Canon EOS Rebel SL2, or a Pentax K-70? ... Please bear in mind, relative cost, and, of course - convenience of included features. Thanks so much!

Take your pick
If possible get your hands on them first
All good