Recommend a Digital SLR Camera for 700 - 800 $

[orb9220]

If you are looking at Nikon I want to second the D90 body either used or refurb.

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.

Not the only downside as can list quite a few. Dual control wheels and more dedicated buttons for AF,metering,WB,Bkt,exposure,etc.. so I can change setting on the fly without my eye leaving the viewfinder is a biggie for me. Flash commander mode for operating flashes wireless off shoe. Top LCD for night and tripod work. True integrated grip vs. more problematic IR based 3rd party for entry camera's. Handles larger and heavier lenses in a more balanced manner.

The sad part for me is when I went the cheaper entry body. I then had to relearn down the road a new camera which I could have been mastering that first 9 months and had to spend additional monies that that could have gone to flash,tripod and better glass that first year.

 

[pixmedic1 1]

If you are looking at Nikon I want to second the D90 body either used or refurb.

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.

Not the only downside as can list quite a few. Dual control wheels and more dedicated buttons for AF,metering,WB,Bkt,exposure,etc.. so I can change setting on the fly without my eye leaving the viewfinder is a biggie for me. Flash commander mode for operating flashes wireless off shoe. Top LCD for night and tripod work. True integrated grip vs. more problematic IR based 3rd party for entry camera's. Handles larger and heavier lenses in a more balanced manner.

The sad part for me is when I went the cheaper entry body. I then had to relearn down the road a new camera which I could have been mastering that first 9 months and had to spend additional monies that that could have gone to flash,tripod and better glass that first year.

^^^Bingo!
I think the D90 is an often overlooked gem of a camera. Its pushed to the back row by the newer D3200 and D5100, having less megapixels and lower ISO capabilities.
but what little it lacks in those areas, it more than makes up for in other options and control functions. (in MY opinion anyway)
for the money, I would go with a used D90 (in good shape) over a D3xxx or D5xxx series camera any day of the week if you have any thoughts of upgrading to
a more "prosumer" type body later. First time you run across a great deal on older pro glass, you'll be glad you did.

 

[a_2008]

I'm Confused! somebody said that D3200 or D5100 is good but it doesnt have good Auto focus and image quality ! other people said 7000 , D60 are better! idk really which camera is good for me!
How about lens? which lense s good ?

 

[a_2008]

UP!

 

[eric1971]

I'm Confused! somebody said that D3200 or D5100 is good but it doesnt have good Auto focus and image quality ! other people said 7000 , D60 are better! idk really which camera is good for me!
How about lens? which lense s good ?

What it comes down to is, nobody can tell you what camera to get. You need to learn about what features each of your options has, and then make a choice based on what is most important to you.

That being said, get a D90 and a 35 1.8.

 

[jaicatalano]

I agree totally. Don't compare by price because you will miss out on a much better camera if you don't do a little homework. Check out ebay and amazon for used equipment. Do your research though you will be happy you did.

Compare by camera specifications and features, not by price.

The Canon T3i and the Nikon D90 are direct competitors.

 

[JesseLeventhal]

What i would defiantly say (and i work in a camera store) is the d3100, its even less then ur price range but then what i would say to do is pick ur self the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G prime, and that will bring ur image quality way up. if u want a tele as well most of the time stores have a instant rebate from nikon that allows u to buy the D3100 and if u buy the 55-200 lens with it u get it for about 160$. Its like a total of a 200$ instant rebate off both camera and lens. Its well worth the money. DO NOT get the D3200. it is actually a significantly worse camera even tho it has a whole heap of megapixles. Its really the worst thing nikons ever done.