Canon T3, Nikon D5000, or Nikon D3100? Please help me !!

[Drumbum27]

tmL --- I took your advice man. Hit up ebay. Found a guy who had a t2i with under 200 exposures and needed to get some fast cash. Talked him into the camera, lens, lens cover, battery, and charger for $599 with free shipping

 

[Drumbum27]

I just picked up a DSLR myself (as a beginner) and would suggest shopping around. I bet you could find a T2i kit (18-55mm IS lens) within your budget. From there you can develop your photography by working on the basics and when you have a larger budget you can start upgrading your lenses. That's my plan anyway, I picked up a refurbished T2i kit for $550 (great sale through Canon direct!) and the 'nifty fifty' (50mm F/1.8) lens and I think its a great beginner set. It's easy to dream about getting L lenses and upgrading to a $1000+ body but keep in mind that you are a beginner still and have a very limited budget. Good luck!

tmL --- I took your advice man. Hit up ebay. Found a guy who had a t2i with under 200 exposures and needed to get some fast cash. Talked him into the camera, lens, lens cover, battery, and charger for $599 with free shipping
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[Drumbum27]

Thank you everyone !!

 

[KmH]

then there is the AF-S 35mm f/1.4G for $1,600 upwards.

Yes, but it is $1600 because it is a newly released lens that has top quality optics, and has a f/1.4 maximum aperture. It is not $1600 because it is AF-S and has a focus motor in it.

 

[jgooz]

thats great drum, sounds like you got a great deal, can't wait to see some pics soon.

 

[tmL]

I just picked up a DSLR myself (as a beginner) and would suggest shopping around. I bet you could find a T2i kit (18-55mm IS lens) within your budget. From there you can develop your photography by working on the basics and when you have a larger budget you can start upgrading your lenses. That's my plan anyway, I picked up a refurbished T2i kit for $550 (great sale through Canon direct!) and the 'nifty fifty' (50mm F/1.8) lens and I think its a great beginner set. It's easy to dream about getting L lenses and upgrading to a $1000+ body but keep in mind that you are a beginner still and have a very limited budget. Good luck!

tmL --- I took your advice man. Hit up ebay. Found a guy who had a t2i with under 200 exposures and needed to get some fast cash. Talked him into the camera, lens, lens cover, battery, and charger for $599 with free shipping
​

Awesome! I'm really loving my T2i so far, enjoy!

 

[elifant]

Just adding my 2 cents to the original question I bought the D5000 over the D3100 because I felt that the only real advantage the D3100 had was the HD video, and I don't plan to use my primary camera as a video camera as well. I have had my D5000 for several months, and I use the kit lens. I am just beginning to learn about photography, and I think this has been a great camera to learn on. I don't feel too intimidated by it, but I also don't feel restrained in trying new things.