DSLR Recommendations

[MiamiE]

I'm looking to upgrade from your regular digital camera to a DSLR model. Im new to DSLR's but i want something I can learn with and also grow into. I've been to Pittman Photo and looked at the Nikon D5100 and the Canon T3i. I like the feel of the Canon a lot and they're both similarly priced. I've thought about buying the body alone but looking around at lens recommendations and the Canon 18-55mm is highly recommended as a 'take everywhere' lens. What do you guys think?

[emopunker2004]

I have a nikon d90 which is no longer made but are still avail. What is ur price range. The d5100 and 3100 should do good for a beginner to dslr. The 18-55mm is a good starting point. You may want the 55-200 or 55300 too for more reach

[MiamiE]

The D90 is a bit out of my price range. Barely though. To start I'd like the 18-55mm lens to get my bearings then the 55-200mm and up since I want to get into wildlife photography. Most of the game I've been trying to photog is in the 150-300 yard range.

[Sauer Grapes]

Any DSLR will leave plenty of room for you to grow as you learn. Canon and Nikon are both great companies, it mostly comes down to personal preference. Try them out at the store (but buy online to save money) and see what you prefer. Your next purchases will be lenses, and those are ultimately more important than the camera.

If you don't need video, look at the T2i (I don't think it does video, maybe it does?). The T2i is more than capable and you'll save $$$ over the T3i.

[IndyRob]

Can't really go wrong with either. I have first gen Canon Rebel that I love. I really need to diversify my lenses though.

[xlc12rf]

I've been giving thought to selling my 50D ;)

[MiamiE]

Looks like the only difference in the T2i and T3i is the swivel LCD screen, and another flash feature. Maybe the T2i is the best bet for me and leaves me money for a better lens.

[justonemorestick]

I am a nikon fan but for the money either nikon or cannon will be your best bets they are the standard. There is a Nikon point and shoot that has interchangeable lenses however it is not going to be the same as a DSLR Also checkout BHphotovideo.com They have both new and used equipment at some very reasonable prices.

[hotreds]

You can start with a Rebel, but I'd go with a 30 or 40 or 50D. For wildlife you'll need a 100-400 lens, which with the 1.4x the Ds give you will give you a 130-520 range. The 18-55(25-77) will be a good closer in lens. The older D models can be had fairly cheaply on the bay- the 100-400 will run you close to a grand. Fredmirandadotcom is a good place to check out cameras and lenses.

[larryinlc]

All great companies, but I chose Pentax several years ago for my first dslr. I'm now on my third generation. Everything else being pretty equal, the Pentax as the nice ability of being able to use every Pentax mount lens made for the past 30 plus years. Heck, I use some old manual focus lenses from the 70's and they work perfectly. They can be had cheap too.:)

Larry

[RGD.]

Nikon - Canon - Canon - Nikon - either or. Whatever feels better in your hand. Personally I like Canon in the DSLR but always go with Nikon in the point and shoot.

Most people never use half of what their cameras will fully do so if you like the Canon T2 or 3, either one will serve you for years. You will of course learn that the glass is of high importance.

Buy online if you want to - but do so from a trusted dealer - i.e. BH Photo, etc. There are a lot of gray cameras out there that you won't get a warranty with or they will try to sell you extra stuff that should have been in the kit to start with (assuming you buy a kit). You may want to buy the body and then the glass - saving you from the kit glass that you may grow out of pretty quick.

Craigslist is used for more than axe murders - I have bought and sold equipment. Good thing about it is that you try the equipment before you buy. I picked up an $1800.00 lens for just under $900.00

Don't buy a lens without getting at least a good skylight for protection.

Get a good book. Scott Kelby is one of my favorite authors - informative, cuts through the bull crap and has a sense of humor.

There are a lot of really good photographers on CA so don't be afraid to ask about stuff later - learn from the mistakes of others.

Also since you are interested in shooting wildlife at distance with those long lens - start looking now at good tripods, poles, etc. And learn what your mirror lock up does.

Good luck with it all!

Ron

[ApexAZ]

I have an older Canon 20D and it still takes amazing pictures. When the fiancée and I have kids, I'll be picking up a 5D and some L primes and maybe a telephoto L. I kind of lost interest in the hobby a few years back, but still get requests to do photos of friends kids and stuff. I love Canon though. Also, +1 on the kelby books. Makes post processing much easier to deal with. I hate the post processing aspect more than anything, and really try to get the photo right out of the camera. Shoot in raw!

[J0eybb]

I have the T3i. I like it. I paid $675 for the t3i kit and the 55-250 and 75-300.

This was after the $400 rebate with printer offer. I then sold the printer for $200

[Wanger]

We picked up a T2i bundle on Black Friday, and we've been very happy with it so far. Got the 18-55 and the 75-200 lenses with it. The T3i was a few hundred more, and we didn't feel that the minor (to us) upgrades were worth it. Wasn't sure that we'd use the swiveling function on the LCD display all that much. Did a bunch of reading and had narrowed it down to Nikon vs. Canon. One of the thigns we heard is that the Canon lenses were "universal", where the Nikon ones were not. Never checked that out, and when we looked at them and held them, the Canon just felt like a better fit for us. Now we just need to play and get some good pictures with it. :D

[MiamiE]

I know you guys said to stay away from the kits but check out these two:

Canon T2i:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/USA-Model-Canon-EOS-Rebel-T2i-550D-2-Lens-18-55mm-55-250-/140657101851?pt=Digital_Cameras&hash=item20bfd10c1b#ht_7001wt_994

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Canon-T2i-Canon-18-55mm-75-300mm-2-Lenses-KIT-/170646855075?pt=Digital_Cameras&hash=item27bb585da3

http://www.ebay.com/ctg/Canon-EOS-Rebel-T2i-550D-18-0-MP-Digital-SLR-Camera-Black-Kit-w-18-135mm-Lens-/100106142?_dmpt=Digital_Cameras&_pcategid=31388&_pcatid=782&_refkw=canon+t2i+kit&_trkparms=65%253A12%257C66%253A2%257C39%253A1%257C 72%253A5954&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

Nikon D5100:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NIKON-D5100-18-55mm-Nikon-55-200mm-VR-kit-MORE-/380364737116?pt=Digital_Cameras&hash=item588f814a5c#ht_1638wt_689

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NIKON-D5100-18-55mm-Nikon-55-200mm-VR-kit-MORE-/380364737116?pt=Digital_Cameras&hash=item588f814a5c#ht_1638wt_689

[MrClean]

I'm a Canon whore, they roped me in with a customer service experience I had with them a few years ago. That's one thing I will give Canon, they offer very good CS.
As far as the DSLR bodies go, the main difference between Nikon and Canon........Canon lenses are more expensive. Nikon as Image Stabilization built into the camera body, Canon puts it in their lenses.

I have the T2i and have been very satisfied with it. I recently rented a 24-105mm L lens. The L series lenses blew me away compared with a non L lens. That being said, most of those lenses start at over $1000. If you are planing on shooting wild life, you will need an expensive lens to get the up close shots and a big zoom lens needs IS to make it clear or a tripod.

I would give Nikon a hard look if it were me. Your lens cost in the long run would probably be less overall. That's not to say the Nikon lens is a lot less expensive, but having IS built into a camera body means less moving parts in the lens. :2

Like mentioned earlier, get a good book. I have the Canon T2i for Dummies book and it was a great place to start. You learn about the camera functions and what each setting will do and you get a general introduction into DSLR photography. A have a couple other books that have been helpful as well.

[MrClean]

I know you guys said to stay away from the kits but check out these two:

Canon T2i:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/USA-Model-Canon-EOS-Rebel-T2i-550D-2-Lens-18-55mm-55-250-/140657101851?pt=Digital_Cameras&hash=item20bfd10c1b#ht_7001wt_994

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Canon-T2i-Canon-18-55mm-75-300mm-2-Lenses-KIT-/170646855075?pt=Digital_Cameras&hash=item27bb585da3

http://www.ebay.com/ctg/Canon-EOS-Rebel-T2i-550D-18-0-MP-Digital-SLR-Camera-Black-Kit-w-18-135mm-Lens-/100106142?_dmpt=Digital_Cameras&_pcategid=31388&_pcatid=782&_refkw=canon+t2i+kit&_trkparms=65%253A12%257C66%253A2%257C39%253A1%257C 72%253A5954&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

Nikon D5100:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NIKON-D5100-18-55mm-Nikon-55-200mm-VR-kit-MORE-/380364737116?pt=Digital_Cameras&hash=item588f814a5c#ht_1638wt_689

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NIKON-D5100-18-55mm-Nikon-55-200mm-VR-kit-MORE-/380364737116?pt=Digital_Cameras&hash=item588f814a5c#ht_1638wt_689

Be careful of the 75-300 lens without Image Stabilization, you will need a tripod to get a really clear picture with that lens if zoomed in all the way. It's a decent lens, but the lack of IS makes it difficult to get a clear shot (for me at least).

[emopunker2004]

Nikon as Image Stabilization built into the camera body, Canon puts it in their lenses.



Incorrect. Nikon VR is in the lens not the camera. Pentax IS is in the camera

[ashtonlady]

I love my canon 60d. I got it because it fit in my hand well. As far as lenses go what do you want to do with it?

[ashtonlady]

Also if you buy online be very careful. There are a lot of companies that look like you are getting a deal and they play bait and switch.

[poker]

Having been down the Canon road (currently own older Canon EOS 30D), Im looking now at the Nikon line up as an upgrade. Wife and I are really leaning towards a Nikon D7000 with Nikon 18-135mm lens

[Resipsa]

Invest more in your glass and less in the body.

Have you considered the micro four thirds cameras, or the latest versions of the Sony Nex?

For me the Nex 5 or 7 would be on my short list.

[ApexAZ]

By the way, the talk of lenses brings up a good point.

Your camera body will only be as good as the lens you put on it. If you put a shitty lens on a $5000 camera, you now have a shitty camera. For the most part at least. The glass is what produces the image. The sensor merely captures it.

[MiamiE]

Incorrect. Nikon VR is in the lens not the camera. Pentax IS is in the camera

Hmmm I've read Canon's are in the lens too. :confused:

[Brutus2600]

I literally just bought the Nikon D7000 on Tuesday. Here is what I learned from reading multiple in-depth comparisons of Nikon and Canon.

On Nikon D5100 vs. Canon Rebel T3i (http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon-T3i-vs-Nikon-D5100): Overall the Nikon will be a little bit better camera at the moment. Their technology is just a little bit ahead of Canon. In-camera image correction, lower noise at high ISO, in camera HDR: the full list is in that link. The drawbacks to the Nikon are that this model has NO internal motor...so only the AF-S lenses will work with this camera (because they have motors in the lens). Also, one major bonus to the Canon is the ability to manually focus when taking HD video, so if you're wanting more control doing so, that's a plus.

Overall I thought Nikon was better right now, but I didn't want to replace all my lenses, so I went with the D7000 which does have a motor inside.

Anyway, hope that link helps. Also, if you're wanting a cheaper alternative, I'm selling my Nikon D50 + the 18-55 kit lens which are both still in great condition ;)

[MrClean]

Incorrect. Nikon VR is in the lens not the camera. Pentax IS is in the camera

Thanks Justin, I don't know much about Nikon, a friend of mine has one and he told me that about them.

[Brutus2600]

Yeah, Nikon does have some really nice VR lenses, but not all of them have VR, so watch which one you invest in because it might not have VR. I've never had VR on any of my lenses and I've managed fine, but it would be a nice bonus.

[emopunker2004]

Hmmm I've read Canon's are in the lens too. :confused:

They are. Nikon and Canon both are in the lens. :tu


If you buy online avoide broadway camera. Use Adorama or B&H. If you are not sure run the website though resellerratings.com

[emopunker2004]

Thanks Justin, I don't know much about Nikon, a friend of mine has one and he told me that about them.

NP I know you are a Canon Fanboy ;)

Look into the Pentax cameras too Erick. IS/VR is in the body. I almost picked one up this time around when I bought a D90, but I chose the nikon because my FIL has some Nikon lenses I can use in addition to mine. Check out some of the review sites like DP review.

[MiamiE]

Ok I'm thinking of going with a used camera over a new one and spending the extra money on lenses. I definitely want a Nikon. Anything a few years old you would recommend?

[Brutus2600]

I'd suggest getting one that has a built-in motor so you have more lens options (also the lenses without the motors inside are cheaper). You'd be looking at the D50, D70, D90, etc. Used cameras I would avoid (because of the lacking motor) would be the D40, D40x, and D60.

You can pick up some really great used Nikon lenses for pretty decent prices. My favorite lens is my 50mm 1.8 prime that was only $100. Comparatively, the 50mm 1.8 w/ built in motor is $200 :td

[OLS]

I would like to suggest staying away from ebay and trying bhphotovideo.com
There is a used section there, and they are pretty good about rating the wear and tear on a turned in camera.
In fact, you might want to step HALFWAY from digital point and shoot to DSLR and dally a bit in the bridge lines
that ease you into the heavy gear and might be your last stop, or might be a learning camera for the next step.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/735569-REF/Nikon_Coolpix_L110_Digital_Camera.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/800821714-USE/Panasonic_DMC_FZ18K_Lumix_DMC_FZ18_Digital_Camera. html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/800822764-USE/Canon_3633B001_PowerShot_SX20_IS_Digital.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/800785166-USE/Canon_2664B001_PowerShot_SX1_IS_Digital.html

I have the last one, bought at B&H used. Shoots great photos AND 1080 HD video, has a great zoom range and while
it is not a DSLR, I think you will enjoy it as a bridge and might never sell it simply for the HD video.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/57220843@N08/

That's my Flickr page, I used both of my canon bridge cameras to shoot the various photos on it, though.
I also have the cheaper, less feature packed, but ironically higher-regarded S5 IS from Canon.

[kenstogie]

When I went the DSLR Route a few years ago I got a Canon T1i and although a big improvement over the Canon A620 I have it never really "hit the spot" Now a buddy of mine got a Nikon D300 and I have been kicking myself for not getting a higher end body. I know this may not help except that I found after using his higher end set up, that it allows me to be more expressive with my pics as it is better in Low light, better color, sharper, etc. I don't know if a relatively priced Canon would've been as good but then again maybe it would. Try before you buy. I bought mine using specs and it's a start but doesn't tell the whole story.

[Beagleone]

Time for me to chime in here.

I prefer the Nikon brand over Canon for various reasons, but honestly, it is going to be up to you and what you feel is best for you (and your wallet). I have the D7000 and a D90 as back up. I used to shoot strictly film until the late 90s and gave it up for about 10 years until the digital age was affordable and the up to par with film.

The one thing I will say is that you need to hold the camera in your hand with various lenses before you make the purchase. For some, the Canon will feel better, for others it is Nikon, and yet again for others it is something completely different. Personally, I prefer to give my money to the local shops, but B&H is a reputable online dealer. Also looks at Keh.com and Adorama.com. Both are equally as good of a resource. Fredmiranda.com is a good forum site for information as well. Go to your local camera store and ask to handle the cameras they have in stock with several lenses. See what feels best and how you react to the controls and weight of the set up. Of course they will try to sell you then and there, and sometimes you can get a better deal by haggling with them, but nothing says you have to buy from them at all. One friend was able to knock a few hundred off the kit price buy haggling and showing them a better deal on Amazon than their in store prices.

My basic set up for the D7000 body is the battery grip and a 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens that covers the most range for what I need. I have other lenses (50 f/1.4, 105 f/2, 80-400 f/4), but this one lens does most of the work for me. Everything I bought from a reputable local shop, either new or used.

I would recommend the D90 over everything else right now. It is the last generation, but it has a really good range for ISO (100 -3200), really good shutter speed and a higher MP rating. I used mine for quite a while and never had a problem. I only went with the D7000 because of the dual card slot, high ISO (100 - 6400) and a better MP rating. I would also go with 18-200 lens just because it should cover every range you will need for now. Also, get a Class 10 SD card (trust me, it will matter if you take a lot of photos in a rapid burst).

[MiamiE]

Just found a D90 with the 18-105mm lens for $700. I'm going now to look at it and offer $600. Wish me luck.

[Brutus2600]

The D90 will be a great starter camera with a ton of features to grow into :tu Good luck! Hope it's a nice one.

[emopunker2004]

Erick go to used cameras dot com. This is where I got my d90 used. It comes with a month or two warranty. Check Google for coupon codes for them

[kenstogie]

Erick go to used cameras dot com. This is where I got my d90 used. It comes with a month or two warranty. Check Google for coupon codes for them

Very Interesting. They have some very nice stuff. hmmmmmmmm.

[emopunker2004]

Very Interesting. They have some very nice stuff. hmmmmmmmm.

Free shipping and 60 day warranty. They are legit and i had no issues at all. They are running a 5% discount code for the holidays buy you can most likely find a 10% code through google.

[OLS]

Sorry Erick, seems like you know what you are looking for. B&H is still a good place to shop, but it looks like
there will be no bridge camera for you, lol.

[emopunker2004]

Sorry Erick, seems like you know what you are looking for. B&H is still a good place to shop, but it looks like
there will be no bridge camera for you, lol.

He is taking peoples advice about what size humi to buy and applying that to cameras :r

[MiamiE]

Go big or go home! You know how I do it. I'm meeting with the guy now.

[larryinlc]

Here's another good place to buy used and new equipment. I've used them many times. Their used equipment is always better than their ratings.

http://www.keh.com/

[Mr.Maduro]

Eric... Call Carlos first....TRUST ME!! He will walk you through everything you need to know. He did it for me.....

I ended up withe the Nikon d40....

[MiamiE]

Too late Patrick!

Just got her. Nikon D90 with 18-105mm lens. I'm very happy with the $600 price!

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y169/MiamiE/42cdda6d.jpg

[emopunker2004]

grats bro! you'll love it. i would recommend the magic lantern guide with dvd of the d90

[MiamiE]

I'll look that up. I picked this up today:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y169/MiamiE/2fdb8cd4.jpg

[emopunker2004]

i also recommend the book "Understanding Exposure"

[ApexAZ]

The photoshop book by kelby is a must-have also.

[longknocker]

Congrats, Erick!:banger:tu You Could Also Take A Private Photo Class At Your Local Camera Shop. I Do Better One On One Than Reading A Book.:tu

[pektel]

I am really leaning towards buying a Lytro for festivals I attend. Way easier than hauling around the DSLR.

https://www.lytro.com/camera

Of course, in it's current state does not come close to DSLR stuff, but it's very cool technology. Maybe wait for another incarnation first though.

[emopunker2004]

I am really leaning towards buying a Lytro for festivals I attend. Way easier than hauling around the DSLR.

https://www.lytro.com/camera

Of course, in it's current state does not come close to DSLR stuff, but it's very cool technology. Maybe wait for another incarnation first though.

What about
http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Products/Nikon-1-Cameras/index.page
Or something similar?

[ashtonlady]

The photoshop book by kelby is a must-have also.

Anything by Kelby is a must have. He does a great job of expaining things. I have the book he put together for Light Room.

[E.J.]

Love my dslr...love my 70-200 2.8 more...

Congrats on the new toy!

[pektel]

Nice! I REALLY want to get a 70-200 2.8 L.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Beagleone]

Congrats! And it is a good price too! Did you pick up your SD card yet?

[MiamiE]

I put in an old 4GB Sandisk from a game camera I had. I need to buy one of them Sandisk Extreme cards though. Maybe the 45mb one.

[MrClean]

Happy shooting Erick! It's another slippery slope hobby.

[BnBTobacco]

I'm happy for you Erick! Congratulations! :)

[MiamiE]

Does Nikon or Tamron make a 100-300 or a 100-400? I may be better suited with a 100+ since I already have up to 105 with my 18-105.

[Beagleone]

Nikon has a 80-400mm f/4.5 lens that is great, but the motor is a bit slow with the D90. Basically, it is pushing a lot of glass for it to work at the optimal level. I did pick it up used for about $1000 from my local shop and did use it with the D90. There is also a 55-200mm & a 70-300 that aren't as expensive and can be found used for Rumors are that there will be a 18-300mm out soon.