Recommend a Digital SLR Camera for 700 - 800 $

a_2008 · Jul 31, 2012

Hi!
I want to buy a digital SLR camera with 700-800 bucks! but i dont know which one is good for me (I am amateur photographer but sometime i like to try some ways to become professional -an amature who like professional pic ) ,a camera for regular shot and pic .
what is your suggestion?

Thanks

domu221 · Jul 31, 2012

I'm also an amateur photographer for about a year, but have no intention of being a professional one (I only do this as a hobby and of course for fun). I'm also a Nikon-user so maybe other members here can share their experiences with other brands.

My #1 recommendation for your price range is a used D7000 mainly because of both its low-light capabilities and the built-in autofocus motor. With it, you have some flexibility to shoot in high ISOs with an acceptable amount of noise. You also have more lenses to choose from because of the autofocus motor.

Solarflare · Jul 31, 2012

Nikon D3100, D3200 or D5100 with 18-105mm kit lens would be an option for this budget. You can also get a 55-200mm as well for some range. Or maybe a 35mm f/1.8 DX for lowlight or a FB600 flash, too, depending upon which of the cameras you pick or if you can summon some more budget.

jimithing · Jul 31, 2012

You need to go hold the different options in your hands and see how they feel. It doesn't matter if one looks better on paper, if you don't like the way it feels you won't like using it. Is that $800 for a body only or $800 for a body and lens? I was just in the same boat as you and ended up buying a Canon t3i with an 18-135mm lens to get started. I just didn't like the way the Nikon's felt in my hands. I tried the D5100 and D7000. My pinky finger didn't have anywhere to go and I just didn't feel like I was holding them securely.

a_2008 · Aug 1, 2012

I tried both of them and they were ok !

Now , After i reserch i find Nikon D3200 and Canon EOS T3i , these are in same range But idk which one is better for me ?! and after that i just buy body and then buy lense seprate ?! for example if i want to buy D3200 is it better to buy Nikon D3200 24.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR or buy D3200 body and Nikkor AF-S DX VR 55-200mm or other one ?!

In this site Nikon D3200 is winner

Thanks for your reply

domu221 · Aug 1, 2012

I would still got for the D3200 not because of the megapixel count but because of its performance in high ISO. With less noise at high ISO levels, you'd get faster shutter speeds and more versatility in a lot of lighting conditions.

As for the lens, I wouldn't recommend the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens unless you plan to buy it and then sell it or throw it away after a while. I actually have this lens when i bought my D3100 and wasn't really impressed with it. I also tried it with my D7000 and gave me similar results. Now, it's just stored on my shelf and I use the 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 as my walk-around all purpose lens.

a_2008 · Aug 4, 2012

ZapoTeX · Aug 4, 2012

Don't forget the lenses! Given that your budget of 800 USD must include lenses, I'd go for a used D90 and invest the remaining money in a 50 1.8 AF-D that would complement the kit lenses.

jaomul · Aug 4, 2012

Your using the word pro and entry level cameras are being suggested. I am not saying they can't take pro shots but pro cameras rely on build and speed. If you know anyone that has experience with theses cameras try get them to help you pick out a good secondhand unit. Off the top of my head I would suggest a canon 1d mark II or possibly a 40 or 50d. On Nikon side maybe a D300 or 300s. There are others but these suggested cameras will have better autofocus, build and fps.

greybeard · Aug 4, 2012

Nikon d5100 with the 18-55mm kit lens is in your price range and will give you a pretty good start. A lot of people scoff at the 18-55mm but in my opinion it is Nikon's best kit lens, and I own a 18-105. Some day you may buy a professional body and then you can use the d5100 as a backup. I presently have a d7000 with d5100 backup and it works great.

KmH · Aug 4, 2012

Compare by camera specifications and features, not by price.

The Canon T3i and the Nikon D90 are direct competitors.

orb9220 · Aug 4, 2012

Yep would also recommend D90 a refrub or used setup with lens. Body new going now for $729.
Has all needed to grow into photography. Not a stripped down entry that you may grow out of the first year.
.

pixmedic · Aug 4, 2012

KmH said:
Compare by camera specifications and features, not by price.

The Canon T3i and the Nikon D90 are direct competitors.

^^^ Listen to this guy...
if you have ANY thoughts on doing pro work at some point, you will want a camera that gives you at least some of the pro features.
I dont know about Canon, but the Nikon D90 is where i would start with Nikon, and are used in excellent shape around the $500ish mark. which gives
you money for a decent lens or maybe two primes if you get those used too.

orb9220 · Aug 4, 2012

Yep as pixmedic pointed out. Used from craigslist (I use) as all my equipment was bought from. Or eBay will give the most bang for the buck camera capable with features and controls I needed. I started with the entry cameras a D40 and within 9 months was being frustrated with the "Lack Of" controls and features that I use daily. And for the most part stated my lusting for more newer like a D7000. And still capable for me 3 years later.

MLeeK · Aug 4, 2012

If you are looking at Nikon I want to second the D90 body either used or refurb. If that's not an option I'd go with the d5100. The only downside to the D5100 is the lack of a focus motor in the body making some lenses manual focus only. The D90 has the motor. D3100 and D3200 also do not.
If you can push the hell out of your budget Adorama has a D7000 for $949. No lens, but it's an awesome camera. Used Nikon D7000 16.2 Megapixels Digital Slr Camera Body
They have a D90 (no lens) for $749.
I am a fan of buy the best body you can possibly buy, it will last you longer and you can add good glass as you go. If you go with the d90 I know I am pushing your budget, but I'd add the 50mm f/1.8 to get you started. You can actually pick up that 18-55 kit lens used from Adorama for under $100.

Canon: If at all possible go to the XXD line. The entry, rebel line is great, but you say you want more down the road... The controls on the XXd line are much more intuitive. If you are willing to go used Adorama has a 50D for $639 Used Canon Eos-50d 15.1 Megapixels Digital SLR Camera Body
and one for $599 Used Canon Eos-50d 15.1 Megapixels Digital SLR Camera Body
I'd add in the 50mm f/1.8 lens if you are ok starting with a prime. If not they have the 28-135 for $219. It's a good range to start with.