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Apr 25, 2019 15:29:15   #
Jerry Serwalt
 
New here again after a long layoff. Sorry if this has been asked dozens of times but I want to buy a new camera. Price range is only about $500 or $600 at the moment. Want a DSLR, probably Canon T5, 6, or 7 or Nikon 3500. Any thoughts please? Also I see plenty of "kits" being sold with these two cameras, are they worth it?
Jerry Serwalt

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Apr 25, 2019 15:35:02   #
Photocraig
 
Jerry Serwalt wrote:
New here again after a long layoff. Sorry if this has been asked dozens of times but I want to buy a new camera. Price range is only about $500 or $600 at the moment. Want a DSLR, probably Canon T5, 6, or 7 or Nikon 3500. Any thoughts please? Also I see plenty of "kits" being sold with these two cameras, are they worth it?
Jerry Serwalt


Check out the EOS 77D. I found it had a better button layout and a real rear command dial and top deck LCD that lhe Rebels didn't. Since I was used to that from years of OES back to film, It was a better choice. Still light and uses the penta mirror and lighter smaller battery. Your price will be lower than mine was last year. Also check the SL3.

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Apr 25, 2019 15:42:36   #
LarryFB Loc: Depends where our RV is parked
 
In short, they are worth it. I can't speak for Canon but I'm sure others will. The Nikon D3500 is an excellent camera and the package usually comes with two lenses (18-55mm and something around 55-200, 55-300, 0r 70-300mm), a camera bag, a battery, and a battery charger. I'm sure the Canon kits are similar.

These cameras can certainly take excellent photos, the lenses are not the fastest in the world but are very functional.

I would suggest visiting a store that has the cameras that interest you, handle them, and determine what feels right for you. You might also want to go to Canon's and Nikon's web site and download and read the manuals (I know that's boring but it could be worth while).

Just remember, when you choose a camera brand, you will be sort of locked into that brand.

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Apr 25, 2019 15:52:21   #
CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City
 
Get the kit that has just a single IS or VR enabled lenses. Those that come with two lenses, usually that second lens is of margin quality, and unless you have a tripod for support, is a more difficult lens to use.

Have you thought about a used or refurbished camera? You can stretch your budget further buying used, many times of a camera that is virtually brand new.

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Apr 25, 2019 16:42:50   #
ragon Loc: Wisconsin
 
Rather than the Nikon D3500 why not look at the refurbished Nikon D5600 at Adorama for $500?
Nikon D5600 DSLR with AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens - Refurbished by Nikon

https://www.adorama.com/inkd5600bkr.html?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=adl-gbase

I have the D5600 and am very pleased with it.

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Apr 25, 2019 16:45:03   #
BebuLamar
 
Jerry Serwalt wrote:
New here again after a long layoff. Sorry if this has been asked dozens of times but I want to buy a new camera. Price range is only about $500 or $600 at the moment. Want a DSLR, probably Canon T5, 6, or 7 or Nikon 3500. Any thoughts please? Also I see plenty of "kits" being sold with these two cameras, are they worth it?
Jerry Serwalt


I think they are fine and worth it if you plan to keep any of them for like 5 years or more. If you plan to upgrade to a better one in a year or two then I don't think so.

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Apr 25, 2019 16:45:38   #
AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire
 
CHG_CANON wrote:
Get the kit that has just a single IS or VR enabled lenses. Those that come with two lenses, usually that second lens is of margin quality, and unless you have a tripod for support, is a more difficult lens to use.

Have you thought about a used or refurbished camera? You can stretch your budget further buying used, many times of a camera that is virtually brand new.




Excellent advice! Most people I know who are entering the digital world wind up wishing for better glass before they feel any need to upgrade their bodies. The lower end kit lenses are okay, but I'd much rather start the way Paul suggests here. Refurbished and even used gear can be a bargain - eBay warranties provide a lot more protection than buying stuff "in the wild". If you go with a new or refurb camera body, you will save enough to have a good start on a second lens when you're ready to add onto your kit.

I strongly recommend against the kits that come with filters, tripods, and other frou frou…. Most of the add ons are just junk and you'll be wanting to replace them before your shutter count hits four digits.


YMMV, and don't worry about Canon, Nikon, or whatever other brands you are considering. Compare for features and feel. They all make excellent products today.


Andy

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Apr 25, 2019 17:26:58   #
Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA
 
What do you want to shoot? The type of photography you want to do should dictate the camera and lenses you choose. Cameras and lenses are tools. You ought to get the right tools for the job.

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Apr 25, 2019 18:02:38   #
woodfrog Loc: Tennessee
 
With a budget of 500-600 dollars I would suggest checking used cameras with lenses from B&H, KEH, or Cameta. Personally, I have bought many used items from Cameta and have been 100% satisfied.

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Apr 26, 2019 05:37:52   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
Jerry Serwalt wrote:
New here again after a long layoff. Sorry if this has been asked dozens of times but I want to buy a new camera. Price range is only about $500 or $600 at the moment. Want a DSLR, probably Canon T5, 6, or 7 or Nikon 3500. Any thoughts please? Also I see plenty of "kits" being sold with these two cameras, are they worth it?
Jerry Serwalt


Welcome back!

I'll give you my list of comparison sites. I would look for a refurbished or used body. You get more for your money. As for the lens, kit lenses are not bad. They don't cost $2,500, but they're good quality, and they cover a usable focal range. The first link below, from dpreview is very good because it shows images from the cameras, side by side.

Read comparisons and specs, and decide what features are important to you.
Comparison sites -
(Reviews) https://www.youtube.com/user/TheCameraStoreTV/videos

https://www.dpreview.com/articles/7774764205/fujifilm-x-t30-sony-a6400-added-to-studio-test-scene

http://www.cameradecision.com/
https://www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Compare
http://camerasize.com/
http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM
http://snapsort.com/compare
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/cameras?utm_campaign=internal-link&utm_source=mainmenu&utm_medium=text&ref=mainmenu

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Apr 26, 2019 05:56:13   #
Flickwet Loc: NEOhio
 
Jerry Serwalt wrote:
New here again after a long layoff. Sorry if this has been asked dozens of times but I want to buy a new camera. Price range is only about $500 or $600 at the moment. Want a DSLR, probably Canon T5, 6, or 7 or Nikon 3500. Any thoughts please? Also I see plenty of "kits" being sold with these two cameras, are they worth it?
Jerry Serwalt


I would strongly rethink, you can get a used Pentax K5 on EBay for less than $200, no comparison between the cameras.

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Apr 26, 2019 08:00:38   #
Nikon1201
 
Find the camera you like in your price range . Then go to KEH , Adorama then you can upgrade to a excellent plus and get a 5300 model for the same price.

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Apr 26, 2019 08:33:45   #
BuckeyeBilly Loc: St. Petersburg, FL
 
Jerry Serwalt wrote:
New here again after a long layoff. Sorry if this has been asked dozens of times but I want to buy a new camera. Price range is only about $500 or $600 at the moment. Want a DSLR, probably Canon T5, 6, or 7 or Nikon 3500. Any thoughts please? Also I see plenty of "kits" being sold with these two cameras, are they worth it?
Jerry Serwalt


Jerry, I strongly encourage you to get this Canon refurbished T6i with the excellent 18-55mm STM kit lens. Refurbished simply means the camera was returned for any number of reasons but that Canon's own technicians have reconditioned it to like new status and you'll get a 1-year warranty to boot. The T6i is an excellent camera. Don't let this one go. $549.99.

https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/eos-rebel-t6i-ef-s-18-55mm-f-35-56-is-stm-kit-refurbished

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Apr 26, 2019 08:37:13   #
Flickwet Loc: NEOhio
 
If I were starting from ground zero I would take a long hard look at Pentax, the K3 is a wonder camera, IS, Weather proof, big finder, high ISO, steel and magnesium construction.
I’m a Nikon guy from way back, and still, Pentax gets over looked as far as I’m concerned

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Apr 26, 2019 08:50:39   #
olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida
 
CHG_CANON wrote:
Get the kit that has just a single IS or VR enabled lenses. Those that come with two lenses, usually that second lens is of margin quality, and unless you have a tripod for support, is a more difficult lens to use.

Have you thought about a used or refurbished camera? You can stretch your budget further buying used, many times of a camera that is virtually brand new.



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