First camera

[petrochemist]

If you want a silent shutter then you're probably better off with a mirrorless camera. The movement of the mirror in DSLRs being responsible for much of the noise. Some mirrorless cameras have a silent electronic shutter, but all are fairly quiet. These also have interchangable lenses, and usually reasonably big sensors instead of an optical viewfinder with a mechanical moving mirror they generally have an electronic viewfinder (some models are rear screen only)

The Panasonic GH4 is highly regarded for video, yet also performs well for stills. It's Micro four thirds so sensor is sligtly smaller than most DSLRs. Even my older panasonic G5 (now available used for ~£150) performs quite well for both video & stills.
Like DSLRs most mirrorless cameras are APS-C sensors, Sony A7 series & some others have a full frame sensor. IMO 4/3 is adequate for most users and lighter to carry.

Many mirrorless cameras look like a DSLR & most non-photographers wouldn't know the difference. Some of the smaller units without viewfinders will get confused with compact cameras if they have a pancake lens fitted.

 

[Ido]

What differentiates DSLRs from other types of cameras is the mirror. It directs most of the light coming in from the lens to the viewfinder, and some of it to a dedicated autofocus sensor. This typically makes them the best cameras to photograph moving subjects, but has two side-effects that may not suit you:

1. they’re loud, because the entire mirror has to flip up and back down for each shot; and
2. the ergonomics of shooting video handheld are terrible, because you have to hold the camera away from your eye and use the rear LCD (the viewfinder is blocked by the mirror when switched to the video-enabled Live View mode)—and because they’re rather big and heavy cameras, it’s difficult to hold steadily.

I think other types of cameras, which do not have such mirror mechanism, are better options for you. The first one to consider is the Panasonic FZ1000, which combines a fairly big sensor (1"-type) with a long-zoom fixed lens, which replaces at least two lenses in a DSLR kit. This, I believe, is your very best option.

If your fiance is insistent on a DSLR-class camera, look for decent mirrorless (interchangeable-lens) cameras in your price range. I’d pick the Panasonic G7, if budget allows, as it combines great stills capabilities with excellent video capabilities and features, as well.

 

[stx.dead.I]

She wants a dslr camera.

What kind of photography would she be doing?

You can get an entry-level DSLR with one lens for considerably under your budget. Or you can get an "enthsiast" level camera with one lens for about the amount of your budget.

In case you think I forgot about the video part; no, I have not. The video is apparently for you, so find a way to get both kinds of camera, but let your fiancé have her DSLR. Otherwise, it's not a "gift for her".

Well the video feature is a secondary desire. If there are several models that can handle the other features then video quality would be a good feature to help narrow it down.

 

[stx.dead.I]

Ok guys hpw about the 70d over the 7d? I have a friend that recommended it

 

[Ido]

Ok guys hpw about the 70d over the 7d? I have a friend that recommended it

If it is the original Canon EOS 7D, as opposed to the Canon EOS 7D Mark II that was released a couple of years ago, then the 70D is certainly superior in most ways. But are you sure you need a DSLR? I still believe you’d be better suited with a camera such as the Panasonic FZ1000, or a Panasonic G7 if interchangeable-lenses is paramount.

 

[Dave442]

More important than the camera body is the lens you plan to use. If you are hunting and want to see game up close like you might with a pair of binoculars or rifle scope then you probably will want a lens in the 400mm to 500mm range. I have a 300mm lens and you have to be close to a deer to start filling the frame.

 

[stx.dead.I]

I really like the feel of dslr and viewfinder is a must as well. Plus dslr cams are more fun than the others we played with

 

[stx.dead.I]

And by I, I mean we

 

[nathan cox]

Just do as I said at the start but get the 70d because it is great at video get a 70d with 18-55 and 70-300 and that should be a good start

 

[stx.dead.I]

Just bought a gently used 70d came with an 18-135!

 

[wyogirl]

congrats on the purchase... I was confused by your original post when you stated "Auto Zoom".... but now you have a camera to play with so enjoy!

 

[stx.dead.I]

congrats on the purchase... I was confused by your original post when you stated "Auto Zoom".... but now you have a camera to play with so enjoy!

New new new to photography. Meant to say auto focus for video ha

 

[beagle100]

Just bought a gently used 70d came with an 18-135!

that works
( the 18-135 STM is nice)

 

[nathan cox]

Just bought a gently used 70d came with an 18-135!

Great to hear

 

[stx.dead.I]

Now I'm looking for a tripod