Shantoon

Im new to all of this, with that being said, I need HELP, picking out a camera that would be good for someone that has never owned a professional camera. I have only had a point and shoot kind. Im looking to taking some classes and could use some good advice from others, that are willing to give some pros and cons on a good starter camera. Nikon, Canon etc.....

ebbote Loc: Hockley, Texas

Welcome to the Hog Shantoon, good luck finding the right
camera for yourself.

Shantoon

should I go right for the Nikon d7100 or Nikon d5300 or a canon rebel, won't really know unless I take a few classes and try it out. Any advice would be helpful

ebbote Loc: Hockley, Texas

Of the two, I would go for the D7100 hands down, I have a
D7000 and I love it.

Shantoon

thank you-I have been leaning toward that one, and wasn't to sure if it would be over kill for someone like me that is just starting out, but could grow into all the possibilities of it.

Nightski

Shantoon, you probably don't realize it but the questions you asked could not be answered even in a whole book .. maybe not several books. So let's start some questions for you.

What type of photography are you interested in?

How much can you spend on a DSLR?

What has made you want to move to a DSLR from a point & shoot?

Do you understand the difference between a full frame DSLR and a cropped sensor DSLR?

Do you understand that if you are serious about this you will want to purchase more lenses for your DSLR down the road? One lens does not do it all on a DSLR.

Fill us in. :-)

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Welcome to UHH, Shantoon. People will be very helpful here if they have some understanding of what you are after.

Nightski

Shantoon, this might be a good read for you since you are just starting out.

http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/the-3-most-important-camera-settings-for-beginners-2/

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

You don't need to go to photography classes to find out what camera you should buy. Any of those cameras you mentioned are good cameras...the D7100 is for a more advanced shooter. You left out a important item...what is your budget?

Shellback Loc: North of Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands - Kansas

Welcome to the forum...

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Looking forward to seeing some photos.

Mr PC Loc: Austin, TX

You can't go wrong with a DSLR by any major manufacturer and you will find champions here for every one of them. I would recommend a basic kit from Canon or Nikon (I'm a Nikon shooter). Get proficient with that, buy better lenses than the kit lenses as you advance beyond their capabilities and eventually move up to a better body. I've been happy with a D5200 and will move to a D7100 or it's replacement eventually. I echo the others, your budget will determine a lot. Welcome to the Hog.

MikeMck Loc: Southern Maryland on the Bay

Welcome. You picked the right place. This site is full of folks with years of photographic experience who are more than willing to share their knowledge. Good luck.

jpgto Loc: North East Tennessee

Welcome aboard, enjoy the journey. Good luck with your choice of camera.

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

I'd say we don't know you well enough yet, advice, go to a camera store and hold a few, in my area it would be B&H or Adorama, other areas you may have to rely on others even visit several stores before making a decision, personally I'm very happy with my Canons , a T1i and a T4i, if I had the budget I'd be getting the T6i that 's coming out, Bob.

JoAnneK01 Loc: Lahaina, Hawaii

Aloha Shantoon and welcome to UHH. Before you decide whether you want to purchase a Cannon, Nikon or any other camera go to a nearby camera store and hold the camera. Which ones feel good in your hands. Are the different buttons and controls in a position that are comfortable for you. Is the weight of the camera with lens comfortable or is it heavy. Remember you'll be carrying it around for many hours. The camera may seem light but after a little while it can become very heavy. From there, you will need to decide what kind of photography you want to do. This will decide what lens(es) you will need. But, the main thing is that you have fun and enjoy.

DickC Loc: NE Washington state

Welcome to the forum!! :-D :-D