Intro and need help selecting a camera!

[CharlieQuinn]

Hey yall! My name is Charlie and I'm new to this forum and to photography. I've always been interested in photography but never had the time to pursue it as a hobby. Now that I finally graduated and have some free time (and money!), I can finally get into it.

That being said, I need help selecting an entry level DSLR camera. I've heard, along with probably everyone else, that Nikon and Canon make the best cameras. I don't know enough about either of them to be able to choose. I've always used Canon for my daily point-and-shoot camera, but when I mention this, everyone tells me to stick with a Nikon. Anybody who can offer me some advice or reviews on their own camera would be fantastic!

I can't wait to get started!

~Charlie

 

[MLeeK]

Budget?
Really the best thing you can do is go to the store and play with the two models. One will feel better than the other to you. Both Canon and Nikon make outstanding cameras. It's now all about YOU.

 

[Light Guru]

Cannon or Nikon both make fine cameras. You cannot go wrong with ether. If your friends use one brand then great they can help you understand the way the camera is works. It also gives you people that you can trade lenses with.

Any salt made within the last few years should make a fine starter camera.

 

[IceCanAm]

Welcome to the site.

 

[CharlieQuinn]

Thanks everybody!

 

[Rhoads238]

Welcome to the site from another tpf noob. They are both great manufactures and you cant go wrong with either. Letting us know your budget would help us to let you know what to get. Also the topics of photography you are interested in would also be helpful.

 

[CharlieQuinn]

Thanks for the advice... I'm looking to stay in the $500-700 range for an entry level camera. I have a really large (and adorable!) dog and I'd love to take some shots of him.... both active and not. I'm also interested in scenery and architecture.

 

[KmH]

:thumbup: Welcome to TPF Charlie! :camera:

I'm moving this to a part of TPF for you that should get you more camera advice.

 

[dalex100]

Thanks for the advice... I'm looking to stay in the $500-700 range for an entry level camera. I have a really large (and adorable!) dog and I'd love to take some shots of him.... both active and not. I'm also interested in scenery and architecture.

If you go with Canon : T2i, T3i. Both are great entry-level DSLR. If you want top LCD and more options/control, you can go with the 60D.
If you go with Nikon : D3200, D5100.<-- There are entry level. If you want a camera that produce image with less noise, go with a nice used D90.

Edit : Oops. Forgot to welcome the new member.
Welcome to the TPF! Enjoy your stay. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

 

[CharlieQuinn]

Thanks for your help yall! I ended up purchasing a Canon EOS Rebel T3i. I think this is going to work out very well for an entry level camera!