Helping a friend get started - This or that question

[Jeckler]

You all helped quite a bit when I was trying to narrow down and pick my starter equipment, so I hope you don't mind helping a friend of mine.

He's looking to upgrade from his Fuji point and shoot. The thing is probably 10 years old at least now, and has the tiniest screen ever. Big time into night sky stuff and lightning/storms.

Stuck between the D3200 body and nikon AF-S 35mm f1.8 and the SL1 body with the canon EF 50mm f1.8 II. Both end up costing pretty much the same. Are either of these going to work for him? I'm sure he'll use it for other stuff, but that's the primary purpose.

If these won't work, any suggestions on anything better? He wants to stay near $500. Already has a tripod and SD cards.

Thanks everyone.

 

[goodguy]

I think the D3200 will be a good choice in this price range.
Why I wouldnt recommend the SL1 ?
First it is a good camera but the D3200 the advantage with a better sensor, its got better low light performance, better dynamic range and more resolution.

 

[Jeckler]

I think the D3200 will be a good choice in this price range.
Why I wouldnt recommend the SL1 ?
First it is a good camera but the D3200 the advantage with a better sensor, its got better low light performance, better dynamic range and more resolution.

Thanks for the reply. That's good info. What about the lens choices? Would that 35mm work for what he wants to do? I pretty much know nothing so the only help I am to him is knowing who to ask.

 

[goodguy]

I think the D3200 will be a good choice in this price range.
Why I wouldnt recommend the SL1 ?
First it is a good camera but the D3200 the advantage with a better sensor, its got better low light performance, better dynamic range and more resolution.

Thanks for the reply. That's good info. What about the lens choices? Would that 35mm work for what he wants to do? I pretty much know nothing so the only help I am to him is knowing who to ask.

It seems like your buddy is into landscaping and the 35mm 1.8G is a good place to start.
Its good for low light and is wide enough but there are lenses that are much wider but to start with its ok and better then the 50mm

 

[Jeckler]

I think the D3200 will be a good choice in this price range.
Why I wouldnt recommend the SL1 ?
First it is a good camera but the D3200 the advantage with a better sensor, its got better low light performance, better dynamic range and more resolution.

Thanks for the reply. That's good info. What about the lens choices? Would that 35mm work for what he wants to do? I pretty much know nothing so the only help I am to him is knowing who to ask.

It seems like your buddy is into landscaping and the 35mm 1.8G is a good place to start.
Its good for low light and is wide enough but there are lenses that are much wider but to start with its ok and better then the 50mm

Yeah, definitely landscapes/nightscapes. I really appreciate your help.

 

[get_armbarred]

Here is a head to head comparison.

Canon EOS 100D versus Nikon D3200 - Side by side camera comparison - DxOMark

 

[Jeckler]

Thanks for all the help. He ended up ordering the Nikon setup. So we both end up with the same body. Will be nice to have someone to borrow lenses from!