Shopping for a camers

martiniwoman · Dec 13, 2012

I want to buy a camera for my husband.... he has an old Olympus manual ( you can tell my knowledge is extremely lacking ) with a couple different lenses. He kind of lost interest years ago before the age of digital cameras. We have had several point and shoot ones the last few years...in the $100 range..but now I want to get him something that takes good quality pictures. He is a quick study and has above average ability...but it will be for recreational use only. He has been disappointed with the quality of our vacation pictures... especially when enlarged...he enjoys using manual setting also..so I would like to have a camera with options there..but still easy to you for a newbie. Please help...I have looked at Nikon 5100 and Canon T3 so far but don't know if that is too much camera...the price for both is ok. Thanks for any help.

Designer · Dec 13, 2012

martiniwoman said:
I have looked at Nikon 5100 and Canon T3 so far but don't know if that is too much camera...the price for both is ok. Thanks for any help.

No, they are not "too much camera". These examples you have given are at the entry level of DSLR's, meaning they are intended for the hobbyist who wants to learn more about photography. In short, they are designed for your husband.

Note; they will be packaged with an entry-level zoom lens, and perhaps a few other items. Since embarking on one particular brand is a long-term prospect, (you're buying a system, not just one item) I suggest that you purchase a gift certificate for the amount and let him pick the one he wants.

martiniwoman · Dec 13, 2012

Thanks so much for your reply...I really wanted to have that WOW! factor...are you sure there isn't one that you would recommend. I have read reviews, for two days , and it seems they are comparable...I just wondered if the experienced photographer had any input that may differentiate between the two. If the difference is only how it looks or feels, as it weight...I should be able to pick one...I just wanted to make sure one wasn't more functional or took better pictures, etc. Thanks again for your help.

Designer · Dec 13, 2012

martiniwoman said:
Thanks so much for your reply...I really wanted to have that WOW! factor...are you sure there isn't one that you would recommend. I have read reviews, for two days , and it seems they are comparable...I just wondered if the experienced photographer had any input that may differentiate between the two. If the difference is only how it looks or feels, as it weight...I should be able to pick one...I just wanted to make sure one wasn't more functional or took better pictures, etc. Thanks again for your help.

O.K., you forced my hand. Get him the Nikon D5100. I'm just a little prejudiced. He will love it.

MK3Brent · Dec 13, 2012

Another vote for the nikon.

martiniwoman · Dec 14, 2012

Thank you so much.. can't wait to go shopping for it. There are some really good sales on cameras right now.

brunerww · Dec 14, 2012

Hi martiniwoman (love that screen name) - here's a slightly different perspective - your husband might like a modern version of his classic Olympus OM camera, the new digital Olympus OM-D. With an adapter from Olympus or other manufacturers, he can start out with his existing Olympus lenses.

Here are the images people are producing with the new OM-D:
Flickr: The Olympus OM-D user Pool
Flickr: The Flickr Olympus OM-D E-M5 Pool

When he bought his OM, he had a choice - and selected it over the Nikon FMs and Canon AEs of the day. Just a thought.

Best of the holidays,

Bill