Camera for beginner (Page 2): Thanks for the tip and the correction. J...

Papa j Loc: Cary NC

jimmya wrote:

Well actually Joe it's "Canon" but that's alright.

I've a Canon shooter and have had three of their dslr cameras, upgrading as I went, and I love these cameras.

There are several really good models available right now. I shoot the t3i which is excellent for both stills and full 1080 HD video. It's discontinued but there are still many available for excellent prices probably closer to $400.

If he's serious about Canon I highly recommend this model.

Thanks for the tip and the correction.

J

MarkD Loc: NYC

$500-600 is not a lot in the world of DSLR's. Since you have Nikon and I'm most familiar with Nikon I'll stick with them. You might be able get a kit with new D3300 with an 18-55 VR and a 55-200 VR.

Another option is a used or refurbished D3200 or D5200 with a used all-in-one lens. These lenses zoom from wide-angle to telephoto. They are somewhat less sharp than shorter ratio zooms like the ones above, but many find them to be sharp enough and like being able to use one lens instead of changing between two or three lenses. Some all-in-one lenses I recommend are the Sigma 18-200 Macro and 18-250 Macro and the Tamron 18-200 VC ( a brand new lens but only $250) and 18-270 VC PZD. There are older versions of these lenses, but stick to the ones I named. Try keh.com, B&H, and Adorama for new and used gear.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I've had a T1i for years now. I really like it. I think a T5i or T6i would do well for him. I believe I'd stay with the "i" suffix though.

Papa j Loc: Cary NC

MarkD wrote:

$500-600 is not a lot in the world of DSLR's. Sinc... (show quote)

Thanks Mark

Papa j Loc: Cary NC

Longshadow wrote:

I've had a T1i for years now. I really like it. I think a T5i or T6i would do well for him. I believe I'd stay with the "i" suffix though.

Thx

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Papa j wrote:

My son has been an iPhone guy for years, now a new father waiting for number two. He wants to buy a DSLR for typical family photos. He is looking at Canan eos series budget is 500-600. I do not know Canan at all. I sugested Nikon he is looking at that also. I have multiple lens and several duplicates. Can anyone make recommendations for either Nikon or Canon ? He will mainly shoot family and summers at Sea Isle. I sent him Bryan P book on exposure

Thanks
Joe

Another vote for the Nikon D3300 kit... Add lenses and peripherals as needed. My wife has one, and for the price, I'm impressed.

Canon competition is good, but you're a Nikon guy, so he can borrow your gear at family outings.

iPhones are damned hard to beat for everyday grab shots. Pulling out a dSLR takes conscious thought, time, patience, etc.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

burkphoto wrote:

Another vote for the Nikon D3300 kit... Add lenses and peripherals as needed. My wife has one, and for the price, I'm impressed.

Canon competition is good, but you're a Nikon guy, so he can borrow your gear at family outings.

iPhones are damned hard to beat for everyday grab shots. Pulling out a dSLR takes conscious thought, time, patience, etc.

:thumbup: :thumbup: As a Canon user, I can't think of a good reason to buy Canon in this scenario unless your son has set his heart on Canon for some reason. If so, his wishes should be honored.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Peterff wrote:

:thumbup: :thumbup: As a Canon user, I can't think of a good reason to buy Canon in this scenario unless your son has set his heart on Canon for some reason. If so, his wishes should be honored.

Both brands are fine, and I've used them both for decades.

Bryan Peterson's book will be more important in the short run than the differences between the two brands of camera. After a few years of use, the entry-level dSLR kit will be old news, and he'll want something else, anyway. Camera lineups change every 12-36 months now!

Papa j Loc: Cary NC

burkphoto wrote:

Both brands are fine, and I've used them both for decades.

Bryan Peterson's book will be more important in the short run than the differences between the two brands of camera. After a few years of use, the entry-level dSLR kit will be old news, and he'll want something else, anyway. Camera lineups change every 12-36 months now!

I agree thanks

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Papa j wrote:

My son has been an iPhone guy for years, now a new father waiting for number two. He <THINKS HE> wants to buy a DSLR for typical family photos. ... Joe

The reason I added <THINKS HE> is because you state that he is an "iPhone guy" a quick, small, shoot from the hip and easy to use photo tool. DSLR are bulky, never with you when the once called "Kodak moment" occurs. That soon to be father of a second child will have his hands full, little room left over for a bulky DSLR with multi lenses.

Suggestion: Check into a hi quality pocket camera, there are many. Better that he take those spontaneous moments with the camera on his belt or in a pocket. vs "Gee, with I had the (DSLR) camera with me... it's home... well, at least I have my iPhone."

Leave the pocket camera on Auto and learn composition first. Later when the kids are walking and diaper bag is not needed, replace it with a Bag with a DSLR.

insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida

Ha Ha! Give him your Nikon and then you will have an excuse, acceptable to the wife, to buy a new camera!!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Nikon_DonB wrote:

The Nikon D3300(or 3200) is a fantastic starter camera. Check out Cameta Camera. They usually have some great starter packages.

I agree, and Cameta has good prices on refurbs, and they offer a good warranty.

ABJanes Loc: Jersey Boy now Virginia

I like the idea of the refurbished models noted but would suggest the 18-140MM f3.5-5.6 (a great kit lens) offered on the D7100 & D7200 bundles. Shoot on auto during the learning stages and when the camera calls for flash, step back a bit, use the telephoto and adjust with the flash exposure control. Lens swapping with little ones can be frustrating when you can move in quickly with an 18-140MM no matter what is happening.

MarkD wrote:

$500-600 is not a lot in the world of DSLR's. Sinc... (show quote)

orrie smith Loc: Kansas

Nikon d7100 is currently selling cheap for a refurbished body at b&h photo or adorama. if you have Nikon lenses you are willing to share with him, that will save a lot of cost. whatever you purchase, buy quality FX lenses. they will work as well on a dx camera as they will on a full frame camera and if you stay with FX lenses then you will not need to reinvest in lenses if you ever decide to upgrade to a full frame camera. the d3200 and d5300 are good cameras also, but you will soon get tired of searching through the menus to make settings that are much simpler on a d7100 or d7200. happy shooting.

Papa j Loc: Cary NC

dpullum wrote:

The reason I added b <THINKS HE> /b is b... (show quote)

We have had that discussion luminous L 7 refurb A6000 he is still thinking and looking it's the old story you can lead the horse to water but you can not make him drink thanks for some great suggestions

Joe