Help choosing first camera

[Designer]

Oh, hey! Our bandwidth can probably handle it, but you should just start your own thread. You will get more personalized help and more relevant information.

 

[aapwayneo2001]

How about this kit? Seems like a good deal for everything it comes with, or do I need to by from "Amazon" and not one of their merchants?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00HU...AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&qid=1404258720&sr=8-8#

Or this kit?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00FA...=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&qid=1404259492&sr=8-27#

 

[Designer]

I'd say the lenses packaged with that camera deal are probably a little better than the lowest-end lenses.

Those kits include some low-cost items that you might never use. I bought a kit from Best Buy online that included a small bag. Way too small. I never use it.

Whether you choose to purchase "Amazon fulfilled" or directly from another merchant is up to you.

 

[aapwayneo2001]

The second kit has all this stuff...again I have no idea what any of this is, but seems to be a good "beginner" kit

♦ 1) Nikon D7100 Digital SLR Camera Bundle
♦ 2) Transcend 64GB SDXC Class 10 Ultra Speed Ultimate Card
♦ 3) Precision Design DSLR300 Flash
♦ 4) Precision Design GP-1 GPS Geotag Adapter
♦ 5) Xit MB-D15 Pro Series Battery Grip
♦ 6) Spare EN-EL15 Battery
♦ 7) Precision Design 58mm & 67mm UV Glass Filters
♦ 8) Precision Design ML-L3 Wireless Shutter Release Remote Control
♦ 9) Precision Design PD-FD300 Bounce Flash Diffuser
♦ 10) Precision Design HDMI to Mini-HDMI (C) Gold Audio/Video Cable (6')
♦ 11) Precision Design Cleaning Kit
♦ 12) Precision Design 8 SD / 2 MicroSD Memory Card Case
♦ 13) Precision Design LCD Screen Protectors

 

[TCampbell]

So bottom line, go through a authorized dealer?

Yes... also make sure you are getting a product with a valid warranty. In North America markets you can find "USA" and "Imported" versions -- they're actually both imported... but the difference is a "USA" version is imported by the manufacturer and intended for sale in that market AND backed by a manufacturer's warranty. An "Imported" version was imported by someone else, is considered "gray market" gear, and the manufacturer will not provide a warranty. Sometimes the camera store will tell you that they honor the warranty themselves... but the manufacturer is going to be much better at service than a store.

 

[Designer]

The second kit has all this stuff...again I have no idea what any of this is, but seems to be a good "beginner" kit

♦ 1) Nikon D7100 Digital SLR Camera Bundle
♦ 2) Transcend 64GB SDXC Class 10 Ultra Speed Ultimate Card
♦ 3) Precision Design DSLR300 Flash
♦ 4) Precision Design GP-1 GPS Geotag Adapter
♦ 5) Xit MB-D15 Pro Series Battery Grip
♦ 6) Spare EN-EL15 Battery
♦ 7) Precision Design 58mm & 67mm UV Glass Filters
♦ 8) Precision Design ML-L3 Wireless Shutter Release Remote Control
♦ 9) Precision Design PD-FD300 Bounce Flash Diffuser
♦ 10) Precision Design HDMI to Mini-HDMI (C) Gold Audio/Video Cable (6')
♦ 11) Precision Design Cleaning Kit
♦ 12) Precision Design 8 SD / 2 MicroSD Memory Card Case
♦ 13) Precision Design LCD Screen Protectors

Lots of stuff for sure.

The more important things to consider are; the camera body, which lenses, and the warranty. (See TCampbell's post)

Please compare the exact same body, same lens(es) and make sure it is covered by a warranty while price shopping.

Good luck!