Help with New Camera

[Laddy]

I was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction for a new camera. My wife is the photog in the family, and wants to upgrade from the point and shoot, to an SLR.

Any suggestions would be helpful as I'm an idiot when it comes to stuff without a magazine catch.

[ocabj]

You're going to get a ton (varying) of opinions on this matter.

There are two established dSLR brands: Canon and Nikon.

You're going to pick from one of those and then get a camera within your budget.

As far as which one to get, the only good recommendation is to get the one that your friends own, so you can get help or even borrow lenses.

[rgray]

You're going to get a ton (varying) of opinions on this matter.

There are two established dSLR brands: Canon and Nikon.

You're going to pick from one of those and then get a camera within your budget.

As far as which one to get, the only good recommendation is to get the one that your friends own, so you can get help or even borrow lenses.

Agreed. It is the camera equivalent of Ford vs Chevy...all depends on who you ask. I personally am a Canon guy from the old film days.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

[monk]

Nikon > All.....

Honestly it depends on what you're going to do with it. You can't go wrong with either Nikon or Canon. Each has their benefits and downsides. Check out CameraLabs.com for reviews on lenses and bodies.

[gomatty]

My only advice is stick to the big 2, Canon or Nikon. I use Nikon. Both have some really great products in the low $ range. I've not kept up on the Canon side of things but I know with Nikon, you won't be able to use some older AF glass with the new lower end models. For 4-6K you could have a setup that will work exceptionally in nearly any shooting condition at any venue for just about any shot. If she just wants to take snapshots of the family get the best consumer model you can afford and maybe a longer lens to go with the kit lens and call it a day.

It's an expensive hobby...how much do you want to spend?

[Laddy]

It's an expensive hobby...how much do you want to spend?

Well, from what I've seen on Amazon, my range is $500-600.

I guess what I'm looking for is a camera which has interchangeable lenses, or at least the ability to upgrade lenses if she progresses with the hobby.

I really have no clue. Our anniversary is coming up in a month. I assume A trip to Best Buy is in my future.

[Laddy]

Nikon > All.....
. Check out CameraLabs.com for reviews on lenses and bodies.

Thanks for the link, I'll check that out!

[bigbearbear]

What type of photography is your wife interested in? Different style will require different equipment if she wants it to be a serious hobby.

[Laddy]

What type of photography is your wife interested in? Different style will require different equipment if she wants it to be a serious hobby.

Outdoors, birds in particular, the coast side.

Quick question: what does the lens which comes with the camera on most SLRs do in terms of function (my assumption is its an all-around lens good for a multitude of shot types)

[ocabj]

Most 'kit' lenses are zoom lenses which mean they have a focal range between a given minimum and maximum.

The range on the kit lens is usually mid-range, which isn't going to be very wide angle on the short end and isn't going to very telephoto on the long end. A very general purpose lens focal range.

Often, people buy a camera in a body-only config (no lens included) and just get the lens(es) of their preference. Other times, people buy a camera+lens kit and sell the kit lens assuming they can flip the lens for a decent price.

But it sounds like you'll just want to keep the kit lens and worry about a new/different lens later on.

The birding aspect does throw a wrench in things, though. That gets into long lens territory. 300mm and up.

[bigbearbear]

Outdoors, birds in particular, the coast side.

Quick question: what does the lens which comes with the camera on most SLRs do in terms of function (my assumption is its an all-around lens good for a multitude of shot types)

Those lens are frequently referred to as "kit lens", as in it came with the camera kit. They are usually standard zoom lens designed for general purpose, good for candid shots and how most people use their camera (leaving it on full auto).

I tend to shoot portraits and family photos when on vacation so I'm not very familiar with wild life shooting. From those that I've seen, it would seems a very long zoom lens and a fast one (f/2.8 or better) with good focusing would be useful. A tripod would be useful too I think, with the lens zoomed out at its maximum, any slight movement will cause a blurred picture.

If your wife wants to take pictures of birds in flight, there are zoom lenses that have horizontal stabilization features which might be useful. Basically it allows the photographer to pan the camera to track the subject and the stabilization works to prevent up/down movement while allowing left/right to work freely.

[SonofWWIIDI]

I bought a cannon some years ago and it works just fine and takes better pictures than I can.

.02

[filric48]

Just got a Canon love it T3i, youtube is a great source for information.

[madjack956]

Get ready to open your wallet if your getting into DSLR's.

I have a Canon 7D and a 5DMark II and a 30D. They have been great camera bodies.

The lenses usually cost the same or more than the bodies. Then you have the expense of photoshop and lightroom programs.

A real good tripod is about 1K. A camera bag, flashes, lighting, filters, jackets, straps etc.

It gets crazy just like firearms, but is a good hobby to get into if you have the time.

http://photography-on-the.net

[migueloo]

how about something in between an slr and a point and shoot?

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/slr_cameras/eos_m_ef_m_22mm_stm_kit

btw...kit lenses suck balls...lol