Decent Camera Recommendations

[aguerra.1993]

Hey guys, I have been looking to getting into photography for quite some time now but I haven't really had money to get a decent DSLR. I'm really looking for advice on what camera I should get. My budget is around $400 or so. I'm looking for more of an all around thing, don't need too much for now as I'm only just starting. I like taking nature pictures but I am also into a few action sports that would require fast shots, and I definitely want HD video. Should I save up for a while, is there a decent camera I could get used for around my budget? Thanks for any help.

And even if it's a bit out of my price range, go ahead and tell me so I can look into them.

 

[pixmedic1 1]

for around $500 you can get a used D90, and that is probably the best bang for the buck right now. I would pick a D90 over the D3200 or D5100 just based on the features the D90 has, but your needs might be different. I wont get a camera without a built in focus motor so I can autofocus any nikon AF lens. lets me get older pro glass cheaper and still have it fully functional.

 

[PhotoWrangler]

If you are wanting something new, with your budget of $400, you'll likely only be able to afford something that is very basic, and entry level. If you are open to buying something used, you can probably get something a little more advanced like a D90 or something.

 

[pixmedic1 1]

If you are wanting something new, with your budget of $400, you'll likely only be able to afford something that is very basic, and entry level. If you are open to buying something used, you can probably get something a little more advanced like a D90 or something.

yea, $400 is not a great budget for anything new..not really sure if you can get any DSLR new for $400. you can get plenty of entry level cameras used for $400, but I would put away a little more money and get a more mid range camera if you think you might get more serious with your photography since your pretty close right now money wise.
for nikon i would shoot for a used D90, for canon maybe a T2i, sony maybe an a55 or a390. not sure about other models.

 

[aguerra.1993]

Yea, I'm definitely going with a used one. I actually was able to use a T2i and I really liked it; I've never used a Nikon before.

 

[pixmedic1 1]

Yea, I'm definitely going with a used one. I actually was able to use a T2i and I really liked it; I've never used a Nikon before.

its really just personal preference. you cant go "wrong" getting either nikon or canon. or any other brand really, if you like using it, and it does what you need it to do. we shoot nikon because the photographer my wife worked under shot nikon. if he had used canon, or pentax , or sony..thats what we would be using right now. but its easy enough to go do down to a camera store, or a best buy or something and try out a few different types of cameras to see which one you like the most. the most important piece of advice I can give you is...dont buy a camera just because some online people told you it was the one to get...research them yourself. go try some out. go look at them in person and compare for yourself.

 

[PhotoWrangler]

Yea, I'm definitely going with a used one.

There are a few D90's on fredmiranda.com right now for about $425 I think, and at 16K actuations, they still have LOTS of life left. You could start there, and save up another $60 and buy a 50mm 1.8 D. That one lens and camera could carry you a long way while you learn.

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1148275

 

[aguerra.1993]

Alright sweet dude, thanks. A question about that lens you said, i saw that it's auto focus. Can auto focus lenses be put to manual focus too?

 

[PhotoWrangler]

Can auto focus lenses be put to manual focus too?

yes.

 

[aguerra.1993]

Alright cool, thanks again guys.

Edit- So let's say I had that 50mm lens, is that a fixed lens at 50mm? I've been watching a few videos on lenses and there's just so much info on them. Still trying to remember it and understand it.

 

[Tony S]

Do any new people ever read through the message threads to see if the question they are seeking an answer to has recently popped up on the message board?

 

[pixmedic1 1]

no. but neither does anyone else. hence the 95 D600 threads.