Camera recommendations?

motherdear · Jan 6, 2011

Hello all!
I’d like to purchase a dslr under $1,000. I have a small interest in photography and would like to learn a few things but no interest in becoming a professional. I am a little familiar with basic photography. I worked at a photo lab for many years and actually shot a few weddings. I own an old Canon T50.

I mainly shoot a lot of inside pictures with kids in motion. I am somewhat interested in basic personal family portraits. So, I’d like a camera that does exceptional in low light and with moving objects. One that produces excellent image quality is essential. I will probably use auto features a lot until I can learn more about the camera.

I have researched the Canon T1i and some of the Nikons (D5000 and tD90 - although this one seems a little more advanced for what I need ??). I have only owned Canons but willing to switch to Nikon if it will suit me better. And I am not stuck on these two brands but they are the higher rated in my price range.

Can anyone recommend a camera for me based on my preferences?

[FONT=&quot]Amy[/FONT]

Restomage · Jan 6, 2011

I would definitely recommend the D3100, it's a good entry level DSLR that will yield good results for you. If you're willing to cough up a little more cash, the D7000 is superb in low light.

motherdear · Jan 6, 2011

Thanks for the recommendation! Can you tell me how the Nikon D3100 and the D5000 differ?

Ken Rockwell Fan · Jan 6, 2011

For low light photography around $1000 I'd recommend a Nikon D90, Nikon 35mm f/1.8 lens and a Nikon SB600 Flash.

orb9220 · Jan 6, 2011

Yep the problem many find with the entry camera's like the D3000,D5000 is lack of dedicated controls and much needed features like built-in motor for a lot of lenses options. More dedicated controls for less menu digging and missing the shot. Bigger Brighter viewfinder to see what you are composing.

Many like myself grew out of entry cams within the first year. I believe to pay a tad more for a camera I can grow into instead of grow out of. Only you can decide if the entry camera's will carry you for the next two years or so.

But right now in my opinion the D90 is at a great sweet spot price-wise. And is a camera I know for a fact that most will not grow out of the first year owning it.
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djacobox372 · Jan 6, 2011

You might want to consider a used nikon d80; they are a steal on eBay right now, only $300-350 in great condition.

This will give you more $$ to spend on lenses, which are more important.

KmH · Jan 6, 2011

The need for "a camera that does exceptional in low light" and your budget narrows the field substantially.

The Nikon D90 12.3MP DX-Format CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S VR DX Nikkor Zoom Lens

has a slight low-light advantage over the

Nikon D3100 14.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens

The D90 also has some strobed (flash) light control features (CLS Commander Mode) the D3100 lacks so with much of your use being inside, the D90 may be the better choice.

motherdear · Jan 7, 2011

Thank you for your suggestions. May I ask what makes a camera good in low light? Is it just the ISO range or does the lens have anything to do with it? Would I get good results with the D3100 and a good lens?
Thank your for sharing your insight!

Bram · Jan 7, 2011

First of all I would be ripping you apart on all this because google.ca has some excellent information about all this.

Secondly, you stated you don't want to become a professional and you have a small interest in photography, yet you want to spend $1,000.00 on a camera?

Alright now I can give you a couple suggestions. If you ever want to advance in this hobby/profession, i'd recommend a D90 since it has an AF motor built into the body which mean you can buy a wider variety of lenses and still be able to AF with them, if you buy the lower end DSLR's (d40, d40x, d50, d60, d70 or d3000 and d5000) They don't have AF motors built in, therefore only lenses that have AF-S and AF-I on them will AF with your camera.
That being said any DSLR is a great start, I would recommend going to the store and holding some entry level cameras, ask them what they would recommend then go to a different one. Ask them why the say what they say.

Now to stay under your $1,000.00 limit. I would go with a D3000 Amazon.com: Nikon D3000 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens: Camera & Photo

or a D5000, Amazon.com: Nikon D5000 12.3 MP DX Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens and 2.7-inch Vari-angle LCD: Electronics

Take a look at the specs and see what you like. Both of these come with standrd all around simple starter kit lenses, 18-55mm f/3.5- f/5.6 VR. Great all around simple lens

If you want to get more technical take a look at the D90 kit with the 18-105mm lens. Then maybe an external flash to go with that.

Hope this helps and welcome to the forum.
Happy Shooting!