What's a good starter camera?

[YellowPath]

I love Nikon and Canon cameras. Right now I have a Nikon D5000 and I think it is an excellent beginner camera!

[FlatRocker]

Go to store -> pick up camera -> ask self, "Self, is this comfortable in my hand?" -> If self answers yes...buy it.

ANY camera in the DSLR realm is a solid camera. They all have nuances, all have special features, and all are good for different applications. The thing about the budget DSLR's, they are fairly decent at everything.

Sure, higher ISO capability would be nice, but if you learn to expose to the right and/or buy lights with your new found savings...you start to overcome that pitfall. This is also overcome (indirectly) with faster/better glass.

The 50 1.8 is the tits. Nikon mount/Canon mount...still the tits. Doesn't matter. Downside? Build Quality and octagonal bokeh. You might think that is just what you want though. It's still the tits. Remember that.

Sony is pushing so hard to become the new big DSLR company and well...they are succeeding. The new A99 is fuckin sweet according to what is being said about it already. The A55 has awesome features, internal and constant AF so you can mount old whoevermadeitatthetime glass to it with an adapter and still auto focus (I believe that is how it works anyways.) Check the A55 out, it may have come down to ~500 in the past couple years since its release. It sold at 700, so it should have.

[Withers]

I use a Canon 40D, the wife uses an XSi. Both are excellent beginner cameras for daylight, but are somewhat lacking in low-light performance. The 40D is vastly superior to the XSi/T1/2/3 range with regard to build quality and size, but if you have smallish hands any of them will work well. I couldn't shoot for very long with the XSi without getting cramps in my fingers. As far as technology is concerned, the T2i is probably the best bang for your buck.

Here's a link to some of our pics from our recent vacation to the Tetons/Yellowstone. There's a mix of both cameras in there.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jasonwithers/sets/72157630035361320/

Any of the Canon or Nikon bodies will do well for you.


For the guy asking about wide angles. For a crop sensor go for the 10-22 f/3.5. It should be around $500 used (always buy lenses used so they don't depreciate on you).

[sacrifice]

Buy a camera that feels right in your hands and suits your budget. You will not want to shoot all the time if handling your camera becomes a chore. With that said I started on a d40 (I now shoot a d7000). Friends of mine started on t2is and t3is. We are all very happy with our choices. It is important to choose a decent camera body but purchasing quality glass is even more important.

[bobbyjones]

i got a d40x as my first dslr, i still use it all the time, have had it about 4 years now, i have nothing but good things to say about it.

[DustyCarr]

The Canon Rebel series is a good beginner DSLR camera for cheap price. It's a good camera but I would recommend buying a second lens.

[NeilP]

as above...go for a cheaper model if you have to, but buy the best lens you can with your budget.

[Daffy]

Nikon D3100.

That's the camera I have and I absolutely love it. And if you don't mind using manual focus for a little while you save money, you can get a 50mm f1.8 for about $90.

I find that the Nikon may not be as user friendly, but buying new lenses and such for them appears to be A LOT cheaper.

[SmellyFeet]

Look into Canon, Nikon, and Olympus which has an 8-10 megapixel cameras. I think it would be good for a beginner and you shouldn't expect to spend more than $700.

[odie]

if the budget is very small....

panasonic lumix fz18!

very good cam, with nearly the same features as a dslr. ok fixed lense but cheap to buy.

[milano_red]

Well I finally decided and picked up a T3i at costco, with a 50mm and 250mm lenses, canon case, and an 8gb memory card for $890

Go big or go home I guess... thanks for all the help guys!