Entry level DSLR cameras???

[STRONGBADF1]

Wife wants a DSLR package... I know quite a few AHer's are into cameras so here I am to ask, what are your preferences?

Wife currently uses a Canon SX110IS that is making noises...she has upgradeitus!

We bought a Nikon Coolpix P520 and on paper it was what we needed...it just took so long to auto focus that you couldn't get the shot you wanted it the subject was moving, especially in lower light. We returned it.

Been looking at the Nikons (D3100/D3200/D5100/D5200) but were not locked into that brand. We have a Nikon N75 film SLR that is nice but don't want to mess with film anymore. (haven't for years...) Sucks that the lenses won't auto focus on the Nikon DSLR's or we would definitely just buy a Nikon body. I've got paralysis from analyses...

So, same a speakers, I want as much as I can get for as little money as I can get away with. I don't want to spend $1500 if I can do 98% with a $500 camera package.

She likes scenery pictures, close ups, color effects and B&W. I want to be able to get good photos of the boy playing sports.(Baseball & Basketball) ...and, of course, a good zoom is needed.

Thanks in advance peeps!



(mikec will have me in $10,000 worth of equipment in no time flat!)

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Been looking at the Nikons (D3100/D3200/D5100/D5200) but were not locked into that brand. We have a Nikon N75 film SLR that is nice but don't want to mess with film anymore. (haven't for years...) Sucks that the lenses won't auto focus on the Nikon DSLR's or we would definitely just buy a Nikon body. I've got paralysis from analyses...

Not exactly true, older Nikon Lens will autofocus on newer Nikon Bodies which do have motor in the body, unfortunately thats not cover any D3xxx or D5xxxx series
Why not try to shop for D90 in good condition?
Nikon Store - D90 (Refurbished)

The choice of body heavily depends on lenses - these will get expensive and will only be compatible within same brand. If you have some nice lens already for your older nikon and are still in good shape it's maybe worth looking into D90

 

[tmurnin]

D5100 is a nice camera for the money. If you want to go the Canon route, look for a used Rebel T3i. Nice camera that does a great job with video as well.

 

[avnetguy]

If you're looking to save cash buy slightly older model bodies or even used, whether it be Nikon or Canon.
Before buying into either system look at the lense offerings as depending on your needs/wants/uses, the glass can cost you much more than the body itself. The only thing you've mentioned so far that might cost you a bit is indoor sports photos (basketball). You'll need either a fast zoom or prime lense, a fixed f/2.8 (or faster) should be good if the indoor lighting is reasonable.

 

[afterlife2]

Get a used Canon 30D or 40D on Canon forums it's older, but a great camera can be had for about $300 or less and spend the rest on glass. I got a 30D used in 2008 used and it's a great camera.

 

[STRONGBADF1]

Thanks guys.

Any Pentex love out there... they seem very nice on paper.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Thanks guys.

Any Pentex love out there... they seem very nice on paper.

Nah, stick with either Nikon or Canon
Imo you would quickly run in very limited lens selection.

Checkout Digital Photography Review for buying guides and reviews

 

[darien87]

Thanks for the info guys. I've wanted a DSLR for years now but just can't get myself to spend the $800 to get one! Geez, why are they so damn expensive? I have a perfectly good Canon EOS that just sits in the camera bag.

 

[Pyrrho]

If I were buying a DSLR on a tight budget, I would go with an inexpensive Canon. Probably, the bottom of the current line, or a closeout on a discontinued model. (A higher model if I got a great package deal with a decent kit lens, like the one below.) What is going to cost you, though, will be good lenses. What lenses are needed depend entirely on the kinds of pictures your wife will be taking, and what sort of effect she is going for.

Here is a pretty decent lens for most occasions:

Canon U.S.A. : Consumer & Home Office : EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

Notice, it will cost about as much as an entry level DSLR. And obviously, it is not the last word in quality for lenses, but it is good for its price point and flexibility.

One thing to remember is that a bottom of the line DSLR with a good lens will give better results than a top of the line DSLR with a lesser lens.

If your needs are very modest, you can likely get away with spending about $500, but if you want versatility and significantly better quality, you should expect to spend at least twice that much for camera and lens(es).

 

[darien87]

Will the lenses I already have for my Canon EOS work with the DSLR bodies?

 

[jliedeka]

If you go the Canon route, you can also get refurbished bodies and body/lens combos from Canon's site.

Also, you can get decent, if not outstanding, glass from third party lens makers for Canon and Nikon. I have a Canon 20D with a Tamron zoom lens that serves me pretty well.

Jim

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Will the lenses I already have for my Canon EOS work with the DSLR bodies?

Yes, Canon Eos film camera should have the same "EF" mount as modern Canon DSLRs

If you already have some some good Canon glass - just get digital body

 

[Pyrrho]

Will the lenses I already have for my Canon EOS work with the DSLR bodies?

Yes, Canon Eos film camera should have the same "EF" mount as modern Canon DSLRs

If you already have some some good Canon glass - just get digital body

Yes, a Canon EOS film camera uses the same mount as the digital Canon EOS EF mount. If you had an older film camera from Canon, then the mount would be different. If in doubt about your specific Canon, either contact Canon directly, or, better, go to your local Canon store with your 35mm camera with a lens. That way, you can have a salesperson show you that it does fit, or doesn't, in the case of an older type Canon.

If you already have a good lens that will work, that can save a lot of money. And if you are trying to spend as little as possible, take a look at Canon's web site and look at the various features of the different models, and you can buy the cheapest one that has everything you require. The biggest jump in quality from the camera comes with jumping to a full size sensor (which used to mean going with the 5D, but I see they have added a new model 6D with a full sized sensor). But you should have some really nice lenses if you are going to go with such an expensive camera. Basically, you should expect to have more money in a couple of lenses than in the body, or you are probably wasting money on the body.

 

[STRONGBADF1]

Interesting site... Camera Comparison - Snapsort


I don't see us buying lots of lenses. Something like: 18-55 & 55-200 or 300 and then maybe a macro tops.


Our with Nikon n75 we have Quantaray lenses. 28-90 & 70-300. We are looking to see if we like the Nikons with the AF motor built into the body.

 

[afterlife2]

If you are interested I have a mint 55-250 that I'm willing to sell.

 

[mike c]

i'm fully commited to Canon DSLR systems ... but for people just about to start ...

consider this:

Olympus E-M5 or the lower models (with kit lens)
+
17mm 1.8 lens

it's not gonna compare to DSLR images, but you get about 90% there ... plus the ease of use (the program mode is great)

-0-

if DSLR is a must ...

if you plan on buying many lenses, go Canon. simply because equivalent nikon lenses are expensive.

 

[darien87]

Also, you can get decent, if not outstanding, glass from third party lens makers for Canon and Nikon. I have a Canon 20D with a Tamron zoom lens that serves me pretty well.

Jim

Yeah Tamron lenses are what I have. Looks like I'll shop around for a deal on a good refurbished/used digital body.

Thanks for the help guys!

 

[STRONGBADF1]

Thanks for the thoughts guys. she has decided to hold off on the DLSR and get something that will fit in her pocket book. (a DSLR will fit in her pocket book/mailbag...I'm just not saying anything)

Maybe I'll get her one for Christmas...

 

[darien87]

I ended up getting a Canon 60D. My lenses from my old Canon Rebel 2000 do indeed fit. Thanks for the info guys.

Now I just gotta figure out how to work the dang thing.

 

[STRONGBADF1]

I ended up getting a Canon 60D. My lenses from my old Canon Rebel 2000 do indeed fit. Thanks for the info guys.

Now I just gotta figure out how to work the dang thing.

The 60D looks like a nice camera...let us know when you figure it out how you like it.