Advanced Beginners Cameras

[Dylan96]

Hello, Everyone
I am looking to buy my first DSLR/SLR Camera, I love taking pictures of things such as Sneakers, Cars, Vacations, sports and other things like that. I Have about $800 USD to spend on a camera. I was really looking into the Cannon EOS 60D. D7000, D51000. Ive used other DSLR's and I really like them. I was hoping I can get a general idea on which Camera i should start with and why.
Thanks!

 

[Dylan96]

I have more then 800, but I would like to spend close to that range

 

[fjrabon]

I'm nto a big fan of the 60D. I've just never liked shooting with it the times I've had to. I got my D7000 used, body only for $750, and I think that's the normal going rate for them. For purely starting out, I think the D7000 with either a 35mm prime or the 18-105 kit lens is about the perfect setup.

The D5100 is a fine camera, but it's more prone to being outgrown (ie wanting dual command wheels and other more 'pro' features), whereas the D7000 will last you if/when you want to move to full frame.

 

[TCampbell]

You can buy a DSLR in a "body only" configuration (no lens) or you can get them as a "kit" (a starter lens is bundled with the body.)

For $800 you could get a Nikon D5100 with kit lens or a Canon T3i.

But a new 60D "body only" is about $850 and a new D7000 "body only" is closer to $1000 and you still wouldn't have a lens.

They're all great cameras, and of course the 60D and D7000 are a little nicer, but you'd probably have to spend a little more to get into one of those bodies.

 

[swiftparkour94]

Costco has the T3i with kit and 55-250mm lenses around that price range. It's perfect for your budget and comes with a bag and SD card. You can order them online or locally

 

[JaronRH]

Of the camera's you listed, I think I would go with the D7000 if you're serious about photography. The 5100 is nice but it uses the previous generation of sensors and AF while it doesn't offer commander mode (to fire remote flashes via Nikon's AWS/CLS). The D7000 has a much better sensor and AF (39 points vs 11!) as well as better build and some very useful features (custom shooting modes, built-in AF motor, dual card support, better button layout for controls) that you may wish you had. If none of that interests you though, the 5100 is a fine camera!

(Sorry but I have no experience with the Canon you mentioned so I cannot comment on it)

 

[fjrabon]

The D7000 has a much better sensor

nope. same exact sensor as the d5100.

 

[StandingBear1983]

i would go with the d5100 if you want to get nice lenses with it like a 35mm prime 1.8G or 50 1.8G as well as the kit lens, and upgrade the body after 1-2 years when you outgrow it...if you want a body to grow more into, get the D7000 with 18-105 kit lens, then you'll get a better body but lens wise i don't think you'll have enough for a prime lens as well BUT the 18-105 is a very nice kit lens that is much better then the 18-55 kit lens...some pepole say its the best kit lens one can get today. - i had exactly this "problem" when i had to choose..i went with the d5100 with prime lenses instead of the kit 18-55 i bought the 35 and the 50, this is not standard maybe its better to get the normal kit lens...up to you and your needs. - now almost 2 years have gone by, and i feel that i outgrew the d5100 and i'll probably buy a body sometime next year. so do your calculations yourself and go for it! - good luck