Beginner DSLR

[runge_24]

Hi everyone. I am new to this forum and becoming more interested in photography. I enjoy taking pictures of different things but have never been really serious about it and just use point and shoot models. Right now I have a small Canon Powersht A model, and have began to play around more with the Canon SX130 my mom has. Eventually I would like to upgrade to a DSLR model. I am an avid hunter and fisherman and love the outdoors. I would like to get into taking wildlife pictures. The stuff I would be shooting around me would be animals like deer and turkey that would be stand still, but would also like to try waterfowl and other birds. I was wondering if you guys could give me some pointers and advice in choosing a model that would best suit my needs. I would also like it to be a good general use camera as well, not just wildlife specific. I would appreciate any help that you guys can spare. This will help me figure out what to look at and what I need to save for. I am looking to stay on the less expensive end . A couple that I have seen and looked at are the NIkon D3100 and Canon 600D.

Thanks for the help!!

 

[jrizal]

There are actually several good entry level models out there. One thing to consider is your budget and the system you want to "marry" into.

For Canon you have

T3 - most basic model
T2i
T3i

Nikon

D3100
D3200
D5100

Pentax K series

Between the D3100 (which I own) and the T3i, I'd choose the T3i as it is step or two above the D3100. The Nikon D5100 is the direct competitor of the T3i. Given this your choice will primarily be driven by price. Consider also the additional investments in lenses and flashes. The Pentax K series according to reviews are arguably the best entry level DSLR but its lens availability may be a dealbreaker if you live in the US. Canon and Nikon are simply more popular. Also, note that Nikon's entry level models do not have in-body focus motors meaning that Nikon's lenses are more expensive compared to Canon's and you cannot use AF in older lens models.

Assuming you have a budget or around $1,000, the best deal I can find right now for a newbie would be a deal from Costco for the Canon T3i for $880. It includes the kit 18-55mm kit lens and a 55-250mm telephoto lens plus bag with instructional video for newbies. Later on you can add a Canon 50mm prime lens for roughly $120 (Nikon equivalent is $220) for stunning portraits and an inexpensive e-TTL flash like the Bower SFD-728C ($47 at Walmart) to kickstart you in bounce flash photography. It need not be elaborated further but photography is an expensive hobby, so do your research well as it not only an investment to your initial kit but to other accessories (particularly lenses) as well.

 

[runge_24]

Thanks for that information. It sounds like the main decision would be more of buying lenses and the camera to go with it and not a camera and then lenses? In a sense...

From what I have seen in videos and read the T3i is a really good camera and seems to be a touch above the Nikon even though it is a little bit more. How do you feel about a used camera versus a new one? There are some people around me who are selling T3i's with the two lenses you mentioned for around 675 to 700. The ones I have seen are at most six months old and not used much. Thoughts?

 

[jrizal]

Main decision for me would be more into what system you'll go for in this case Canon or Nikon. Arguably, Nikon has better optics, performs better in low light and has a better lighting system. This does not mean Canon doesn't perform well. Main advantage of Canon is in video which is an added plus. So overall you cannot go wrong with any of the two. With regard to the T3i, it is ok to look for a used camera. Just inquire about the general condition and shutter count. Also, you may consider factory refurbs. Cameta.com sells refurbs at a good price. Lastly do note that the T4i (650D) is rumored to come out next month. Prices may go down further. In fact Costco has already lowered the T3i's price as mentioned earlier.

 

[KmH]

The complete Nikon entry-level line up includes the non-compact D90 and the D7000.

The complete Canon entry-level lineup includes the 60D.

Also, note that Nikon's entry level models do not have in-body focus motors meaning that Nikon's lenses are more expensive compared to Canon's and you cannot use AF in older lens models.

While Nikon's compact DSLR's don't have an auto focus motor in them, that is not why some Nikon lenses cost more than their Canon equivelent.
Note than none of Canon's camera bodies have an in-the-body auto focus motor, and haven't since 1987 when their EF -mount and EOS system was launched.
The lens cost differences have to be compared by build and optical quality. A lens focus motor is not a significant cost factor.

You can indeed use Nikon's older AF lenses on Nikon's compact DSLRs - D40, D40x, D60, D3000, D3100, D3200, D5000, and D5100 - but you would have to manually focus the lens. Those cameras will still light the in-focus indictor in the camera viewfinder when focus has been manually achieved. The only part of the auto focus system missing is a motor to turn the auto focus mechanism in the lens.

 

[chuasam]

I would consider the D90 a compact SLR. Heck...everything smaller than the D4 sized are technically "compact" just like my F100 was the "compact" range.

 

[imagemaker46]

I bought a T2i as my happy snap camera, kit lens isn't very good, but the body and inner guts are great, and it's not too expensive. I would invest in a better lens though.

 

[jrizal]

The complete Nikon entry-level line up includes the non-compact D90 and the D7000.

The complete Canon entry-level lineup includes the 60D.

Also, note that Nikon's entry level models do not have in-body focus motors meaning that Nikon's lenses are more expensive compared to Canon's and you cannot use AF in older lens models.

While Nikon's compact DSLR's don't have an auto focus motor in them, that is not why some Nikon lenses cost more than their Canon equivelent.
Note than none of Canon's camera bodies have an in-the-body auto focus motor, and haven't since 1987 when their EF -mount and EOS system was launched.
The lens cost differences have to be compared by build and optical quality. A lens focus motor is not a significant cost factor.

You can indeed use Nikon's older AF lenses on Nikon's compact DSLRs - D40, D40x, D60, D3000, D3100, D3200, D5000, and D5100 - but you would have to manually focus the lens. Those cameras will still light the in-focus indictor in the camera viewfinder when focus has been manually achieved. The only part of the auto focus system missing is a motor to turn the auto focus mechanism in the lens.

Excluded higher end /prosumer models in discussion as price as main reason. OP intended to be on a low budget. Discussing the whole range of entry-level/prosumer lines will make the discussion more complicated. Same reason why I did not consider the D7000 or 60D and top a certain extent the 7D. Same reason applies to older Nikon models such as the D90 which a lot consider still a good and up-to-date model. And include the discontinued Canon 50D if you wish. Without a more than modest budget, OP like me cannot in spite of reviews, recommendations, research can never obtain without having a budget. From a noob perspective, these models are moot for the time being. Nice to know and be familiar with. But with a limited budget, it will never happen even for a second hand one. There are some noobs here asking for advice and the gamut of options oft confuse them. One responder even called a noob some with GAS (Gadget Acquisition Syndrome) simply he got overwhelmed with all the options. Another poster after seven months have not made a decision and is still deciding what to buy making one respond that if he had done so already, he would have already learned and experienced DSLR photography. Same thing applies to the lens comments. I'm generally referring to kit lenses of the 18-55mm variety, telephotos from 55-200/250/300mm and the 35/50mm f/1.8 primes and not L class lenses or f/1.2 primes. These lenses I am referring to are neither bad and exceptional but mainly fair in performance being the motor as the main difference. The tech specs of these lenses do go quirte a bit. I do hope that you understand my reasoning for omitting some models and making things simple. Lastly, there is this one noob here who actually complained that the responders are making his decision more difficult. He wanted to know if a used 50D is worth it and got confused with all the buying options. While I do not contest your experience nor anyone's experience for that matter, again I do hope you see the point. being a moderator, I am assuming you have encountered all sorts of replies from camera snobs total noobs. My experience here and most everywhere else is that if you make things too complicated, nothing will happen. And in this case, if all I can afford is the T3 with kit lens recently on sale for $399 that's all I'm gonna get and couldn't care less for the 5D MlIIIs and D800s out there.

 

[Solarflare]

Thanks for that information. It sounds like the main decision would be more of buying lenses and the camera to go with it and not a camera and then lenses? In a sense...

Yes, definitely. Digital bodies will be replaced in a couple years, because they will improve so fast. Lenses can stay for decades, since they dont really improve that much over time, especially if you use Canon or Nikon, i.e. probably dont need to change systems.

Also, the lens has more influence on the picture quality than any other part of the camera.

Main decision for me would be more into what system you'll go for in this case Canon or Nikon. Arguably, Nikon has better optics, performs better in low light and has a better lighting system. This does not mean Canon doesn't perform well. Main advantage of Canon is in video which is an added plus. [...]

Whow, this sounds awful. Only field where Canon can still compete is movie ? But its a picture camera. Personally I am not planning to ever use the movie feature of my camera at all. Its limited to just 20 min anyway.

 

[jrizal]

For some, the video edge makes it a worthwhile investment to go Canon. But generally speaking, both brands perform well.

 

[kevinkt]

I'll add in my 0.02 and say that a 550d is probably good enough for you. It's pretty cheap now too, and better value in my opinion than the 600d. Check Craigslist/Ebay.