Advice/Recommendations for a new camera please

[smd1236]

I'll preface this by saying I really don't know anything about cameras or photography. My wife has taken a few courses, and enjoys photography. That being said, I'd like to get her a nice camera for her birthday.

I'm looking in the $500-$800 range and would like to get a quality camera that has a good zoom lens.

Any advice or recommendations would be much appreciated.

For what it's worth she also does a little work with Adobe Lightroom (not sure if that makes any difference when selecting a device).

Thanks in advance!

 

[Braineack]

does she have anythign currently?

 

[smd1236]

I'm almost positive it was this Sony. It was broken by one of our little ones. Definitely looking to step up to the next level. Her old camera was pretty limited on features.

Sony DSCWX220/B 18.2 MP Digital Camera with 2.7-Inch LCD (Black)

 

[waday]

Nikon D3300 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm and 55-200mm Lenses 13473

Right in the middle at $600.

 

[bribrius]

Once you start investing in dslr gear it becomes sort of a regular thing. If your budget is fixed there long term, you may want to consider a fixed lens camera. Some of them are exceptionally nice with much less long term investment/headache involved. Just for your consideration.

 

[smd1236]

Nikon D3300 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm and 55-200mm Lenses 13473

Right in the middle at $600.

I'll check that out. Thanks for the feedback.

 

[smd1236]

Once you start investing in dslr gear it becomes sort of a regular thing. If your budget is fixed there long term, you may want to consider a fixed lens camera. Some of them are exceptionally nice with much less long term investment/headache involved. Just for your consideration.

What are the added benefits of having a DSLR camera?

 

[waday]

Once you start investing in dslr gear it becomes sort of a regular thing. If your budget is fixed there long term, you may want to consider a fixed lens camera. Some of them are exceptionally nice with much less long term investment/headache involved. Just for your consideration.

What are the added benefits of having a DSLR camera?

Some questions to think about that may help us answer better:

• Do you know what type of photography she likes?
  • Does she plan on doing any action/sports/children running around sorts of things?
  • Flowers/landscape?
  • People?
• Is portability a concern? Will she mind carrying around a larger camera or does she want something a little slimmer for a purse or pocket?
• Does she complain about pictures being too dark or not being able to take pictures at night or in darker rooms?

There are several nice advanced point and shoots that would be a step up from the Sony P&S, but not exactly be as big as a DSLR.

 

[bribrius]

Once you start investing in dslr gear it becomes sort of a regular thing. If your budget is fixed there long term, you may want to consider a fixed lens camera. Some of them are exceptionally nice with much less long term investment/headache involved. Just for your consideration.

What are the added benefits of having a DSLR camera?

usually a little better iq, clarity, better sensor for dynamic range. Ability to change lenses (if you buy them). How much that would matter to her or if it worth the budget is really up to you and how she shoots. Negatives, carrying more lenses, buying more lenses, less compact, more headache. If this is going to be a everyday or regular use camera for her to carry around i wouldn't suggest a dslr.

 

[smd1236]

Once you start investing in dslr gear it becomes sort of a regular thing. If your budget is fixed there long term, you may want to consider a fixed lens camera. Some of them are exceptionally nice with much less long term investment/headache involved. Just for your consideration.

What are the added benefits of having a DSLR camera?

Some questions to think about that may help us answer better:

• Do you know what type of photography she likes?
  • Does she plan on doing any action/sports/children running around sorts of things?
  • Flowers/landscape?
  • People?
• Is portability a concern? Will she mind carrying around a larger camera or does she want something a little slimmer for a purse or pocket?
• Does she complain about pictures being too dark or not being able to take pictures at night or in darker rooms?

There are several nice advanced point and shoots that would be a step up from the Sony P&S, but not exactly be as big as a DSLR.

Actually, it will be used for everything you mentioned. The majority will be for athletic events, play, recitals, etc. But, she will definitely used it for other things too. I've never really heard any mention of pictures not being as clear in certain scenarios, so I'm not entirely sure on that.

Portability is not a concern at all.

 

[smd1236]

Once you start investing in dslr gear it becomes sort of a regular thing. If your budget is fixed there long term, you may want to consider a fixed lens camera. Some of them are exceptionally nice with much less long term investment/headache involved. Just for your consideration.

What are the added benefits of having a DSLR camera?

usually a little better iq, clarity, better sensor for dynamic range. Ability to change lenses (if you buy them). How much that would matter to her or if it worth the budget is really up to you and how she shoots. Negatives, carrying more lenses, buying more lenses, less compact, more headache. If this is going to be a everyday or regular use camera for her to carry around i wouldn't suggest a dslr.

It's not something she will carry everywhere. Her phone suffices for spur of the moment type stuff. Most of the photos she wants to capture will be planned out to some extent.

I don't really know the added benefits of different lenses either, but I'm sure it's good to have the capability/customization.

 

[bribrius]

plays, recitals, sounds like flip screen

 

[bribrius]

Camera feature search Digital Photography Review

articulating screen cameras apc (not including lens)

 

[waday]

Once you start investing in dslr gear it becomes sort of a regular thing. If your budget is fixed there long term, you may want to consider a fixed lens camera. Some of them are exceptionally nice with much less long term investment/headache involved. Just for your consideration.

What are the added benefits of having a DSLR camera?

Some questions to think about that may help us answer better:

• Do you know what type of photography she likes?
  • Does she plan on doing any action/sports/children running around sorts of things?
  • Flowers/landscape?
  • People?
• Is portability a concern? Will she mind carrying around a larger camera or does she want something a little slimmer for a purse or pocket?
• Does she complain about pictures being too dark or not being able to take pictures at night or in darker rooms?

There are several nice advanced point and shoots that would be a step up from the Sony P&S, but not exactly be as big as a DSLR.

Actually, it will be used for everything you mentioned. The majority will be for athletic events, play, recitals, etc. But, she will definitely used it for other things too. I've never really heard any mention of pictures not being as clear in certain scenarios, so I'm not entirely sure on that.

Portability is not a concern at all.

Once you start investing in dslr gear it becomes sort of a regular thing. If your budget is fixed there long term, you may want to consider a fixed lens camera. Some of them are exceptionally nice with much less long term investment/headache involved. Just for your consideration.

What are the added benefits of having a DSLR camera?

usually a little better iq, clarity, better sensor for dynamic range. Ability to change lenses (if you buy them). How much that would matter to her or if it worth the budget is really up to you and how she shoots. Negatives, carrying more lenses, buying more lenses, less compact, more headache. If this is going to be a everyday or regular use camera for her to carry around i wouldn't suggest a dslr.

It's not something she will carry everywhere. Her phone suffices for spur of the moment type stuff. Most of the photos she wants to capture will be planned out to some extent.

I don't really know the added benefits of different lenses either, but I'm sure it's good to have the capability/customization.

Based on what you're saying, I still think I'd go the DSLR/mirrorless route (search this site for mirrorless cameras--there are a bunch of threads), especially if she's editing the images in Lightroom. I don't think I'd go back to a P&S.

I know you want to make it a surprise, but what do you think about including her in on the decision-making process? My wife knows not to buy anything for my hobby without consulting my wish list on Amazon, B&H, or me directly, haha. I'm the same way with her hobbies!

 

[raventepes]

I know you want to make it a surprise, but what do you think about including her in on the decision-making process? My wife knows not to buy anything for my hobby without consulting my wish list on Amazon, B&H, or me directly, haha. I'm the same way with her hobbies!

I couldn't agree more with this.

The thing is, a camera is surprisingly a very personal thing. It has to feel right to its user. Different camera companies put buttons in different places, have different ergonomics, have different menu systems, etc. This isn't even the start though. While yes, a camera is just a tool to get a job done, the various companies' products record slightly differently. The camera's user has to like the final images that the camera and lenses produce. Granted, not all pictures are "keepers", but at its best, the user has to like the output.

To take me for example, I used to shoot on Canon cameras. I like the system and all, but I don't like its button and wheel layout. Often, my hand would get cramps after shooting for a couple hours. Eventually, I made a switch to Nikon because its buttons, wheels, and ergonomics felt better to me. The image quality is about the same, but there are some differences, especially in JPEG output. To be upfront about it, I've never looked back on making the switch. Oddly enough though, I'll still use Canon point and shoots.

This is just my example. Experiences differ between people. Some people choose a system for one reason or another. My wife choose to go with Nikon because its what I use. I tried getting her to try different cameras out, but she was adamant about sticking with Nikon so we could share lenses. Fair enough, I think.

Personally, I'd take her to somewhere so she can basically take her pick. I'd do it as a surprise! That way, you have the best of both worlds. But a word from experience...it's expensive to switch systems, so I'd be really sure that whatever she picks out is what she wants.