getting my first DSLR...need some advices...

noobtophoto · Sep 9, 2012

Hello, I am new to the forum. I am looking into getting my first DSLR and I am willing to spend around $700 at most.

I am looking for well rounded camera for a beginner photographer. I have been using Canon point and shoot camera before, so I am not very experienced in photography.

Is Canon T3i my best option here?

Any good feedback/tips would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Danmunro_nz · Sep 9, 2012

Hi. I think the Canon T3i (600D in NZ) would make a great first DSLR, my first was a 1000D (Rebel XS) I still have it and have learnt so much in the 2 years I have owned it. Still don't feel the need to upgrade, I am taking pictures just as good as my friend who owns a 7D.

Whichever camera you buy just get out and shoot shoot shoot, have fun and enjoy it.

tirediron · Sep 9, 2012

Canon, Nikon, Pentax and Sony all make excellent entry-level bodies. Do plenty of research before committing to a brand; it gets expensive to change later on.

KmH · Sep 9, 2012

Pretty much any new DSLR in the $700 price point range will make a fine first DSLR. They are all pretty much the same. No doubt there are some minor differences, but only minor.

Most of the recommendations you get will be like the one above - "I have (insert camera make/model) and it's a great camera." - and they are all absolutely correct.

Now for some back story.

Nikon introduced their D90 on August 27, 2008. Canon introduced their T1i March 25 2009.

Nikon sales of the D90 went through the roof, and the D90 is still made today since it is Nikon's best ever selling DSLR.
In quick succession Canon introduced the T2i and then the T3i. There is now a T4i. You might wonder why Canon felt the need to release so many just slightly better than the previous Canon model in the same market segment as Nikon's D90.

Take a look at Nikon's D90 if you want the best bang for your buck. Used/refurbished D90's are available at your price point.
Nikon D90 12.3MP DX-Format CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD (Body Only)

pixmedic · Sep 9, 2012

KmH said:
Pretty much any new DSLR in the $700 price point range will make a fine first DSLR. They are all pretty much the same. No doubt there are some minor differences, but only minor.

Most of the recommendations you get will be like the one above - "I have (insert camera make/model) and it's a great camera." - and they are all absolutely correct.

Now for some back story.

Nikon introduced their D90 on August 27, 2008. Canon introduced their T1i March 25 2009.

Nikon sales of the D90 went through the roof, and the D90 is still made today since it is Nikon's best ever selling DSLR.
In quick succession Canon introduced the T2i and then the T3i. There is now a T4i. You might wonder why Canon felt the need to release so many just slightly better models in the same market segment as Nikon's D90.

Take a look at Nikon's D90 if you want the best bang for your buck. Used/refurbished D90's are available at your price point.
Nikon D90 12.3MP DX-Format CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD (Body Only)

^^^THIS^^^
we have a D90 and love it. used D90's go for around $550ish (give or take a little) its a great camera with a lot more features than the entry level cameras have. built in focus motor, flash commander, dual command wheels, top LCD screen...look it up and see what all it offers. I dont know much about Canon, but if you decide to go Nikon, a used D90 is a GREAT way to go. I would take a D90 over nikons D3200 or D5100. Built in focus motor will let you take advantage of older auto-focus lenses..HUGE money saver over having to buy brand new G lenses.

TCampbell · Sep 9, 2012

KmH said:
Pretty much any new DSLR in the $700 price point range will make a fine first DSLR. They are all pretty much the same. No doubt there are some minor differences, but only minor.

Most of the recommendations you get will be like the one above - "I have (insert camera make/model) and it's a great camera." - and they are all absolutely correct.

Now for some back story.

Nikon introduced their D90 on August 27, 2008. Canon introduced their T1i March 25 2009.

Nikon sales of the D90 went through the roof, and the D90 is still made today since it is Nikon's best ever selling DSLR.
In quick succession Canon introduced the T2i and then the T3i. There is now a T4i. You might wonder why Canon felt the need to release so many just slightly better than the previous Canon model in the same market segment as Nikon's D90.

Take a look at Nikon's D90 if you want the best bang for your buck. Used/refurbished D90's are available at your price point.
Nikon D90 12.3MP DX-Format CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD (Body Only)

Wait a minute. I have to keep you honest on this one.

The Nikon D90 is absolutely NOT in the same market segment as the Canon Rebel series. The Canon Rebel series compares more closely to Nikon's various D3000 & D5000 series bodies.

This is like me asking why Nikon felt the need to release a D5000, a D3000, a D5100, a D3100, and a D3200 in the "same market segment" as the D90 if the D90 was so good. You would immediately spot the flaw in that argument.

A D90 is a notch above the D3000-D5000 series bodies in the same way that the 50D is a notch above the Rebel series bodies. It's not that the sensor is so much better (the Canon 50D had the same 15.1 MP sensor as the T1i/500D. Just as the 60D has the same sensor as the T2i/T3i, etc.) The real difference is in the rest of the features... body construction, control layout, etc.

If you take Canon out of the equation and only compare Nikon to itself, the D3000 and D5000 series outsell the D90. Not because they are "better" but rather because they are more affordable for entry-level buyers. Consequently, it isn't cost effective for Nikon to update the pro-sumer / mid-range bodies as often as the entry-range where the competition is much more fierce and frequent updates are required to retain market share.

However... there are more Nikon D90 bodies in circulation than Canon 50D bodies... but I've long suspected the reason has to do with the lack of an in-body focus motor on the D3000-D5000 series Nikon bodies and the number of Nikon AF lenses that can't auto-focus unless you minimally have a D90 or better body. On the Canon side, that restriction doesn't exist. All the lenses that would work with a 50D or better would work just as well on a Rebel. So if you're buying a Canon and you're on a budget, why pay more?

KmH · Sep 9, 2012

Nikon has 2 entry-level tiers. A compact tier of bodies that don't have the screw-drive auto focus system, and the higher entry-level tier that does have the screw-drive auto focus system.

The Nikon D40, D40x, D60, D3000, D3100, D3200, D5000, D5100 are in the compact lower tier.
The Nikon D50, D70, D70s, D80, D90, and D7000 are the higher entry-level tier.

Solarflare · Sep 9, 2012

I really wouldnt call the D7000 "entry level".

The only two cameras above the D7000 are D800 and D4, and neither of them has an important feature that the D7000 would lack. They are just full frame and do everything a bit better.

While theres a ***load of advantages the D7000 has over the D3200 and the D5100.

pixmedic · Sep 9, 2012

Solarflare said:
I really wouldnt call the D7000 "entry level".

The only two cameras above the D7000 are D800 and D4, and neither of them has an important feature that the D7000 would lack. They are just full frame and do everything a bit better.

While theres a ***load of advantages the D7000 has over the D3200 and the D5100.

I THINK KmH pretty much covered this with his explanation of the "2 tier" system for entry level cameras.

gabriel_67 · Sep 10, 2012

If you get fixed on Canon cameras, my opinion is you to stick on canon2ti (rebel series) if you afford it and put the accent more on taking pictures rather than video shooting capabilities. I read many reviews about canon 2ti vs. 3ti, and I could conclude that there are no noticeable improvements as photo camera that could worth the extra money. Also you should choose a canon lens EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS, which is better than 18-55mmm lens kit.

aashton · Sep 11, 2012

I humbly suggest a Nikon D3200 or a D5100? The 5100 is very well priced right now, and the D3200, with its fantastic sensor, is quite frankly a steal at its current price. A general tip would be to spend less on the body and save your money for good glass/lenses. The bodies change, but a good lens will last for decades.

(Discretion: I own a D3100, with new and old lenses; the oldest is a Series E lens made in the mid-70s and it's crystal clear.

)

Maneef · Sep 11, 2012

My opinion is rather than investing so much on camera when starting, you can go for a normal entry level, you will lean a lot in coming times and then on your second step decide on what camera according to what steam you choose in photography. Investing on better lenses are always an asset

Dao · Sep 11, 2012

From dpreview product announcement:

In 2010:
Nikon has released the D7000 mid-level digital SLR. Housed in a magnesium alloy body ....

In 2008
Nikon has announced the successor to its popular D80 middleweight digital SLR in the shape of the D90.

Those are most likely press release by Nikon. So I do not believe Nikon think D90 and D7000 are entry level cameras.

Also, I do believe the Nikon D50 is an entry level DSLR. I bought a used one for my friend couple years ago, similar to my XTi or my friend's D60, everything need to go thru the menu system.

Dao · Sep 11, 2012

As for OP question, the T3i is a great entry level camera. And of course, other entry level cameras are as good including those from Nikon, Sony, or Pentax.

JohnTrav · Sep 11, 2012

T3i is a great entry level camera. Another camera you might want to consider is a 60D. It has gotten better ratings for taking still images than the t3i. The t3i will have the better video interface with better options I believe. So you also have to look at what you want out of your camera.

Also if you budget is 700 you can look on eBay and find a nice used package for a good price.