Looking for my First DSLR... Any suggestions?

[Photo_Mama2]

I'm looking to buy my first DSLR and I want to make sure I get a good one. I have been looking at the Canon T3i and the T4i. I will use it only for taking photos, not video. And from what I have read and seen, one of the big differences is the video mode. Is it worth the extra money? or is there a better model? I'm not stuck on canon, just the first brand I looked at. So any info as to what camera is best and why, would be greatly appreciated. Oh and i'm not looking to spend $1,500 on just the body of the camera...

 

[Mr_Mac]

Welcome to the forum from So. Illinois!

With a budget like that you can get yourself a pretty serious camera that doesn't fall in to the 'entry level' DSLR family. As you learn you will most certainly want to upgrade to something like the Canon 60D that will have the features you'll want as you grow in your passion. Just something to consider.

Mac

 

[JaronRH]

I'm not up to speed on the Canon as I'm a Nikon guy but I was wondering what you're hoping to take pictures of and in what conditions? Some examples:
- Street Photography (day/night)
- Sports Photography
- Natural Light Portraits
- Studio Portraits
- Candid/Event photography
- Kids (indoors)
- Landscapes
- Architecture
- Macro/Product photography

Without knowing specifics though, the new Nikon D5200 camera is one very nice looking mid-range camera that I would recommend considering for a body. The lens choice though could only be answered after knowing what you want to do with it!

 

[Justman1020]

He said NOT looking to spend 1500 on the body.

The best thing you can do for yourself is go to a local camera store. If there isn't a camera store near you go to best buy. Hold the canon camera and Nikon camera and see which feels more comfortable for you.

The canon t4i is a great camera. The t3i has a lot of the same functunality but the t4i is easier for beginners to learn with because of the touch screen. I am a canon guy.

 

[Photo_Mama2]

Well I would be photographing both indoors and outdoors... I have 2 boys, one is in soccer and i'm sure his brother will be just as active. I am going to get some studio equipment also... Just doing this as a hobby not to support my family... but also want to be able to learn my camera and not have to upgrade every year.

 

[Photo_Mama2]

JustMan- Yes I seem to be only looking at the canon... Im tying to have an open mind tho... I will be taking a couple photography classes so I will be able to learn all about how to use it... So my question is other then the ease of use what is the difference?

 

[JaronRH]

Nikon D5200 is $899 - well below $1500! But thanks for your concern JustMan1020.

I think you could easily get away with the Nikon D3200 or D5200. The biggest differences that would affect you would be the AutoFocus. The 39-point AF on the D5200 is borrowed from the D7000 and is much better for tracking subjects (kids) then the 11-point in the D3200. However, I can tell you from experience that the 11-point will still work. If you don't mind stepping back a generation though, a used D90 wouldn't be a bad option either as, while older, has a lot of features that are very useful (commander mode for the flash which lets you control flashes wirelessly, built-in motor which lets you use older lenses, the kits lens - 18-105 VR - is a nice upgrade over the kit 18-55mm, etc.) that neither the D3200 or D5200 have and will give you more money for things that really matter (like lenses!).

BTW, both Canon and Nikon will serve you well. Just pick one and go with it - you can't really go wrong either way!

 

[nycphotography]

Well I would be photographing both indoors and outdoors... I have 2 boys, one is in soccer and i'm sure his brother will be just as active. I am going to get some studio equipment also... Just doing this as a hobby not to support my family... but also want to be able to learn my camera and not have to upgrade every year.

Well, for your use... I'd say save on the body and go with good glass. Nikon has a 80-200 f2.8 lens (< $800 used/ebay) that will do great for the soccer and other outdoor stuff. I don't think Canon has an equivalent lens in the price range (guys, correct me if I'm wrong). If canon does, then great.

I also dunno but I think the entry Nikon bodies today don't have focus motors so they won't AF that lens. So you may be better off getting a used "kit" (body w/ lens) that has a focus motor... that will get you started and will also drive the non AFS lens... and also get the lens used too when you're ready for it (ie once you've outgrown the kit lens for soccer shots).

EDIT: As per the post above, a used D90 w/ the VR 18-105 kit lens would be a great option at around $600. not just great, fantastic. Much better than a new D3100 or D5100 kit.

If there is a canon solution for this, I'm not recommending against it, I just don't know what it is.

 

[ryanparker]

Before you make the plunge, read some reviews and take suggestions from the forum. Don't aim too low when choosing a camera. I've never heard anyone complaining that the camera they bought is too good.


Don't rule out used and refurbished cameras from dealers and manufacturers.


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