Looking for some info on my first DSLR camera

[agepag]

So I was looking at getting into photography as a hobby, mostly to capture photo's of my kids as they grow! I was set on getting a used Olympus e620 since the reviews seem pretty good, but then I started playing with a friends Canon T1i and I really like the fact that I could record hd video, which is a nice feature. So I went to Henrys today and the sales guy was really pushing the Nikon d3100 since he said between the T1i & T21 the nikon had 1080 video and auto focus while the canon did not have the auto focus feature. So what would you guys recommend to a newbie who's looking at a DSLR that is capable of recording HD video!

Thanks
Adrian

Also price is always a factor

 

[KmH]

So I was looking at getting into photography as a hobby, mostly to capture photo's of my kids as they grow! I was set on getting a used Olympus e620 since the reviews seem pretty good, but then I started playing with a friends Canon T1i and I really like the fact that I could record hd video, which is a nice feature. So I went to Henrys today and the sales guy was really pushing the Nikon d3100 since he said between the T1i & T21 the nikon had 1080 video and auto focus while the canon did not have the auto focus feature. So what would you guys recommend to a newbie who's looking at a DSLR that is capable of recording HD video!

Thanks
Adrian

Also price is always a factor

If you want to do video, get a video recorder.

DSLR video is just coming into its own with 1080 and real auto focus. But to do video right you need attachments on a dSLR (Canon, Nikon, or any other dSLR), like an external microphone so you don't record camera noise and mounts to hold the camera effectively for shooting video.

The Nikon D3100 is a good still camera too. Some would even say it's better than the T1i or the T2i.

 

[agepag]

I agree with you 100% on the video recording, I have a one, but for me its all about being able to shot 2-3 mins if I was at the hockey rink or park (for the kids) So if the camera had that option then its just a bonus. I just got a bit confused because I was set on the Canon, but the sales guy at Henry's was pushing the Nikon! I guess I will keep reading, any other camera recommendation, I.E. Pentax, Olympus, Sony?

 

[dukeboy1977]

I agree with you 100% on the video recording, I have a one, but for me its all about being able to shot 2-3 mins if I was at the hockey rink or park (for the kids) So if the camera had that option then its just a bonus. I just got abit confused because I was set on the Canon, but the sales guy at Henry's was pushing the Nikon! I guess I will keep reading, any other camera recomendation, I.E. Pentax, Olympus?

I'm a Nikon guy all day and recommend Nikons to anyone I speak to. Why are you looking for something brand new? If it's your 1st camera you're probably better off getting a used one in great shape to see if you are going to stick with this. I have 2 great starter bodies for sale, the D40 & D70. To help out a newbie, I'm willing to give you a package deal on either. Hit me up if interested, Jeff

 

[sobolik]

Photography has been a life long hobby for me (30+ years) I have a video camera that I use for specific needs like videoing the golf swing. I have a Nikon D90 which does video. I ponder getting the D7000 which auto focuses while taking video as the D90 don't

I advise the following. get a DSLR first. Stills are timeless and make for a multitude of displays. I don't really bother with video as you have to watch it and others don't really care to watch home made stuff. If I were to want more video I would get a real video camera. The consumer kind for $300 or so. My D90 can grab a shot if I did not have the real one with me.

 

[agepag]

So then should I go used? I can get a brand new d3100 or t2i for around $600-$750 with warranty as opposed to used $400-$500?

 

[amberdawn]

I recently bought the T2i, which I like the photo quality but still wish I would have picked up a Nikon instead. Seems like most people I have met shoot with a Nikon, lens are much easier and less expensive to come by IMO.

 

[KmH]

Buying used camera gear can be a crap shoot if you're not familiar with the pitfalls of buying used.

DSLR cameras require 2 parts: the camera body and a lens.

A big advantage of having a dSLR is lens interchangeability. You can use a anything from a fisheye lens to a 600 mm telephoto, and many other lenses in between.

An alternative to buying used is buying a refurbished camera. Nikon warranties it's refurbished cameras for 90 days. Some sellers of Nikon Refurbished gear then tack on their own warranty for an additional 9 months.

Refurbished Products is a Nikon authorized refurbished Nikon outlet.

 

[tinmann]

So then should I go used? I can get a brand new d3100 or t2i for around $600-$750 with warranty as opposed to used $400-$500?

If you are a guy like me, id recommend going for the new one, because if you are really interested it wont take you too long to learn and buying a used one we are always left with a doubt if something doesnt look normal to us (even if it is normal the first thing that comes to mind is may be it isnt working )

Also with Nikon D3100 we get an year warranty on body and an extended warranty of 5 years on all the lenses.

If we ever want to upgrade, we can sell new models pretty easily compared to the older ones.


this is just my take.................

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

Nikon, lens are much easier and less expensive to come by IMO.

ORLY?

 

[Starman Photo]

I agree with most of the suggestions about getting a video camera for recording purposes. I recommend DSLR usage solely for photos. :flower:

 

[hawk232]

Dont overlook the pentax! after doing some hardcore research i found that it was better for my needs (and cheaper) than the nikon and the canon. the main thing that sold me was 4.7fps vs 3.0 since i shot alot of action shots. it also does hd video fwiw (though only 720p) and with pentax you can use any lens back to 1975!

 

[sobolik]

Buy used off Craigslist in your area. You can take a card and test it. Go to a laptop in the car and examine the results.

"So I was looking at getting into photography as a hobby, mostly to capture photo's of my kids as they grow"
For your use a used and thus cheap at about 1/3 the price of new can last you years and years. I'm thinking D40 with a couple lenses for $300-500(USA) Shop and you can get lots. Bag, tripod, cards extras for the same money. Type in "camera" or "nikon" etc.
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