New DSLR...advice?

[FallenHero]

So the wife decides she had enough with the pocket point and shoot and wants a new camera, a DSLR. Seeing as how my brother has a couple lenses already for a Canon, I look immediately and find several on Amazon. My wife was unaware of the costs associated with some of the DSLR.

So, I come to you AT for advice. I have researched several cameras, both Nikon and Canon. For saving 200 bucks, is it worth getting an older generation camera? Or should I convince her to get a current gen one that will more then likely last 5-10 years before an upgrade?

She isn't interested in video...or so she says until she needs it. Im sure she will love the touchscreen on the new Canon, but that isn't a must.

Budget is 500-800 bucks. I already read the review sites, just looking for a more common sense or worldly approach.

 

[jpeyton]

Best deals lately have been Nikon factory refurbs.

The D3200 kit was under $400. It has a fantastic 24MP APS-C sensor (arguably one of Nikon's best), and Nikon has the best lineup of budget APS-C lenses. Lenses are arguably what it's all about.

The Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G is often under $200 (I bought mine gently used for under $150) and it mates extremely well with Nikon's 24MP sensors. It's also one lens that Canon doesn't have an answer for (yet). Here's a sample: http://chsvimg.nikon.com/lineup/dslr/d5300/img/sample/img_04_l.jpg

Other great lenses are the Nikkor 40mm f/2.8G Micro (macro), or the Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G, at $300 and $200 respectively.

 

[iGas]

So the wife decides she had enough with the pocket point and shoot and wants a new camera, a DSLR. Seeing as how my brother has a couple lenses already for a Canon, I look immediately and find several on Amazon. My wife was unaware of the costs associated with some of the DSLR.

So, I come to you AT for advice. I have researched several cameras, both Nikon and Canon. For saving 200 bucks, is it worth getting an older generation camera? Or should I convince her to get a current gen one that will more then likely last 5-10 years before an upgrade?

She isn't interested in video...or so she says until she needs it. Im sure she will love the touchscreen on the new Canon, but that isn't a must.

Budget is 500-800 bucks. I already read the review sites, just looking for a more common sense or worldly approach.

Canon EOS M if focus speed isn't important, other wise a Nikon D3200 is a great entry level DSLR (IMHO, the D3200 is so inexpensive that used older gen camera can't compete against it at that price point).

 

[CuriousMike]

Are we talking T3i vs T4i? If so, I say save the $200 and put that towards education ( books and/or videos.)

You don't want her getting a DSLR and taking blurry photos.

You want her getting a DSLR and knowing enough to take some kick-ass photos.

If the $200 won't go on books, it could go on software ( i.e., Lightroom ).
Or it could go on a prime lens (once she decides what lens she might want. )

 

[JohnnyRebel]

Not a DSLR, but the mirrorless Nikon V1 is a super deal @ $289 for the 1 lens kit with 1 year warranty and is a super camera.
http://www.cameta.com/Nikon-1-V1-Di...m-VR-Lens-Black-Factory-Refurbished-69688.cfm

Craig Litten shot his documentary photo book "Microcosm" entirely with the Nikon V1 and the 10mm wide prime: http://www.craiglitten.com/microcosm#1

Here is a review by photographer Steve Huff on the Nikon V1: http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2011/11/14/the-nikon-v1-camera-review-the-camera-i-expected-to-hate/


Also from Cameta are some good prices on additional lenses:
30-110 Zoom for $99.95 (refurb)
Fast 18.5mm normal Prime for $186 (new)
Wide 10mm Prime for $140 (refurb)

 

[biostud]

D3200 or D5100 + 35mm f/1.8 is a good place to start. If you buy good lenses they carry over when you change the body of the camera. When you've taken a lot of pictures with that setup, you'll find out if the next lens should be a zoom, portrait, macro or wide. That's what I did at least. I got a portrait lens as my next, and then I'll get a wide and I should be all set.

 

[FallenHero]

Awesome advice people thanks. A question regarding the D3200...some of the reviews have it as a con as a "slow" autofocus, (The D3200's AF system is the same as in previous generations. It's not the state of the art (and is considerably hobbled by the slow-focussing 18-55mm kit zoom) but very capable, and able to lock focus reliably, even in very low light).

Is slow relative? Meaning its still superfast, but compared to higher end DSLR's its slow? I ask because one of the reasons my wife wants a new camera is because she keeps missing the perfect smile from our child because our current camera is too slow to focus and snap the shot.

 

[CuriousMike]

Is slow relative?

Yes.

But I have to re-iterate the fact that she will need to spend time learning photography basics.

If you leave the camera on auto-mode, and you're indoors trying to photograph a child... you're still going to end up with blurry photos and blame the camera.

If you are indoors, light isn't good, and your child is moving and you left the camera on auto, the camera isn't going to know you want to speed up.
It's going to look at the scene, think "huh, it's kinda dim in here, so to have a nice bright photo, I'll need 1/2 second to expose correctly."
That 1/2 second, handheld (and a moving child!), is guaranteed blur.

Cellphone camera actually do a better job in this regard - most seem to understand that the average person doesn't want a 1/2 second exposure - they want a 1/60th of a second exposure so they automotically adjust to get that. DSLR's, out of the box, don't.

 

[KeithP]

While not specific recommendations, a couple of tips based on personal experience...

If you are buying online, make sure everyone that is going to use the camera has a chance to pick one up beforehand and get a feel for its ergonomics/controls. Years ago when I was deciding between a D80 and a Rebel, I ended up choosing the D80 in part because if felt a lot better in my hands.

Also, something I just got bit by and never heard of before is camera/lens fungus. You might want to research this a bit and make sure you store your equipment in a appropriate manner. Depending on environmental conditions in your area, you may even want to invest in a "Dry Cabinet".

-KeithP

 

[FallenHero]

Yes.

But I have to re-iterate the fact that she will need to spend time learning photography basics.

If you leave the camera on auto-mode, and you're indoors trying to photograph a child... you're still going to end up with blurry photos and blame the camera.

If you are indoors, light isn't good, and your child is moving and you left the camera on auto, the camera isn't going to know you want to speed up.
It's going to look at the scene, think "huh, it's kinda dim in here, so to have a nice bright photo, I'll need 1/2 second to expose correctly."
That 1/2 second, handheld (and a moving child!), is guaranteed blur.

Cellphone camera actually do a better job in this regard - most seem to understand that the average person doesn't want a 1/2 second exposure - they want a 1/60th of a second exposure so they automotically adjust to get that. DSLR's, out of the box, don't.

We will both have to work on that for sure, her more then me. I can at least take 2 seconds to adjust the setting on our current one, but it still is slow taking pictures. It won't hurt to take it out and play with it, trying different things out and seeing how it effects the picture, regardless of choice.

Reading Dpreviews shows me how little I know though.

 

[CuriousMike]

For newer Nikons, their auto-adjust ISO can prove useful.

This says (mostly), "No matter what I'm doing, if you notice that the shutter speed will be slower than 1/30 of a second, boost the ISO upwards (to a limit of 3200) to ensure the shutter speed matches my minimum 1/30."

In this image, the camera is telling you the shutter speed is 1/250th of a second. That should be fast enough for a blur free photo ( depends on how much you zoom amongst other factors )
If you see something like "1/2" or " 3" " that means 1/2 second or 3 seconds... you better be on a tripod.

The downside to upping the ISO is that your photo will look grainier - but it will be focused.
This picture describes how upping the ISO degrades a photo ( on a less capable camera; your 3200 would do much better )

While googling images for this post, I found this link which is dense in pictures of trying to explain photography basics
http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/cheetsheets-for-photographers/

 

[SparksIT]

Just an FYI Canon has a 20% off Refurbished Cameras & Lenses with the coupon code ZOMBIE2143 with free shipping. You can find more information here: Slickdeals.

Last night I purchased my first DSLR, a Rebel T4i with the 18-135 stm lens for $588 ($630 after tax). I believe the code is still good till November 2, 11:59 pm. I was hesitant to buy refurbished, but Canon now offers a 1 year warranty on their Refurbished items. I should receive it sometime next week, so I'll see then if it was a wise purchase. Now just to buy an SD card.

 

[gus6464]

Now are you sure she wants a dSLR? I only ask this because most people find the size of them cumbersome once they have one and end up barely taking it to places. Maybe in the long run she would be happier with a nice mirrorless setup instead as they are a lot smaller. Exception of course is the Canon SL1 as it's so small compared to the rest.

 

[AkumaX]

Just an FYI Canon has a 20% off Refurbished Cameras & Lenses with the coupon code ZOMBIE2143 with free shipping. You can find more information here: Slickdeals.

Last night I purchased my first DSLR, a Rebel T4i with the 18-135 stm lens for $588 ($630 after tax). I believe the code is still good till November 2, 11:59 pm. I was hesitant to buy refurbished, but Canon now offers a 1 year warranty on their Refurbished items. I should receive it sometime next week, so I'll see then if it was a wise purchase. Now just to buy an SD card.

That is a ridiculously good deal... the 18-135 STM is a great "starter" lens! and much better than the original 18-135!

 

[jpeyton]

A question regarding the D3200...some of the reviews have it as a con as a "slow" autofocus

It's a very complex question, actually. People generalize when they talk about AF performance, but on DSLRs and other ILC we're actually talking about two very distinct systems: phase detect and contrast detect. On a traditional DSLR, phase detect will be much faster, and usually limited by the speed of the AF motor (in-body or in-lens). We're also talking about multiple systems working together (different lens/body combinations) and a variety of conditional factors like ambient lighting, AF point selection, and the subject.

For example, if you pair a strong in-body motor (D7100) with a screw driven lens that has very limited throw on the focus wheel (Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D), AF speed is going to be fantastically quick.

Or you could pair any camera (even a D3200) with a pro-level AF-S lens (70-200VRII) and you'll find the AF performance very quick as well.

But some lenses have slower AF-S motors, and some screw driven lenses have a very long throw on the focus wheel, or more/heavier lens elements to move. A Canon 50/1.2L is going to focus slower than a Canon 50/1.8.

 

[FallenHero]

Just an FYI Canon has a 20% off Refurbished Cameras & Lenses with the coupon code ZOMBIE2143 with free shipping. You can find more information here: Slickdeals.

Last night I purchased my first DSLR, a Rebel T4i with the 18-135 stm lens for $588 ($630 after tax). I believe the code is still good till November 2, 11:59 pm. I was hesitant to buy refurbished, but Canon now offers a 1 year warranty on their Refurbished items. I should receive it sometime next week, so I'll see then if it was a wise purchase. Now just to buy an SD card.

Holy moly! Wife is asleep...screw it, she will be impressed by the shopping skills!

 

[FallenHero]

Well, I showed her the D3200, D5100 and the T5i. Gave her as much advice as I could give and had her read the reviews. She was really leaning towards the T5i and that sale pushed her over the edge. She loved the fact that the screen can come out and that its a touch screen. She also is probably going to take some time and really get into photography, so with the money we saved from the sale I'll probably get her a couple books to read. Thank you all for the advice.

 

[shortylickens]

Auto-focus always works better with lots of light on any camera, thats universal.

My goal is to find one with excellent auto-focus and decent to good performance in low light.

Just like I want a camera that has an ISO up to 25600. I dont plan to use that setting, but it means 12800 is usually acceptable and the 6400 is excellent.

As it stands my camera only goes between 200 and 3200 with a HI mode thats a fake 6400 and looks awful.
Buying a cheap camera is a very good learning experience, teaches you to be more picky in your next purchase.

 

[iGas]

Auto-focus always works better with lots of light on any camera, thats universal.

My goal is to find one with excellent auto-focus and decent to good performance in low light.

Just like I want a camera that has an ISO up to 25600. I dont plan to use that setting, but it means 12800 is usually acceptable and the 6400 is excellent.

As it stands my camera only goes between 200 and 3200 with a HI mode thats a fake 6400 and looks awful.
Buying a cheap camera is a very good learning experience, teaches you to be more picky in your next purchase.

Almost any modern DSLR with the 50mm f1.4 would fulfill your requirement. F1.2 & F1.0 lenses are slow due to too much glass.

 

[SparksIT]

Well, I showed her the D3200, D5100 and the T5i. Gave her as much advice as I could give and had her read the reviews. She was really leaning towards the T5i and that sale pushed her over the edge. She loved the fact that the screen can come out and that its a touch screen. She also is probably going to take some time and really get into photography, so with the money we saved from the sale I'll probably get her a couple books to read. Thank you all for the advice.

I looked at the T5i, but I thought my wallet would thank me if I went with the T4i, which lens kit did you get? Also, after talking to a Canon CS rep the other day, I was informed that Refurbished cameras, at least mine, will not come with any SD Card. Right now I am looking at either:

16 GB SanDisk Ultra

or

16 GB SanDisk Extreme

I can't decide if the additional speed of the Extreme would be worthwile/noticable to a beginner.

 

[iGas]

I looked at the T5i, but I thought my wallet would thank me if I went with the T4i, which lens kit did you get? Also, after talking to a Canon CS rep the other day, I was informed that Refurbished cameras, at least mine, will not come with any SD Card. Right now I am looking at either:

16 GB SanDisk Ultra

or

16 GB SanDisk Extreme

I can't decide if the additional speed of the Extreme would be worthwile/noticable to a beginner.

I could be wrong but most cameras or kits do not come with memory card/s. My 5D mkii with 24-105L kit didn't come with a memory card.

I own 5 CF cards of various speeds, and I do not notice any different between them with video or still. However, I do notice a slight different in burst shots when I hold down the trigger longer than the in body buffer can handle. IMHO, the only time that you will ever notice the different if you are a pro sport photographer with trigger happy syndrome.

 

[AViking]

The 95mb/s card I have for my D600 is ideal. The 45mb/s works. I also have some 15Mb/s cards and they are TERRIBLE. They slow the camera down to a crawl. It's not practical at all. You have to wait forever for it to write to the card and to preview.

Simply google what your particular camera needs and don't buy something too slow.

 

[FallenHero]

I looked at the T5i, but I thought my wallet would thank me if I went with the T4i, which lens kit did you get? Also, after talking to a Canon CS rep the other day, I was informed that Refurbished cameras, at least mine, will not come with any SD Card. Right now I am looking at either:

16 GB SanDisk Ultra

or

16 GB SanDisk Extreme

I can't decide if the additional speed of the Extreme would be worthwile/noticable to a beginner.

I went with the 18-55mm EF-S IS STM kit. My brother has a 135mm lense we can use and he broke his 55mm, so it works out. Additionally, I had 18000 points on my credit card so I ordered a 32gb class 10 card for it. Works out nicely. I looked into the t4i but they were out of kits when I ordered it. T5i wasnt much more.

 

[imported_Irse]

Check out the books by Bryan Peterson. I've read a couple and I think he's great.