What's a good starter DSLR?

[Sublime1304]

Ive been looking at a few DSLR cameras lately and I want to buy one. What is a good starter camera and what should I be looking for? I want to stay under $500 or close to it and ive been looking for used ones. I want to start taking better pictures and learning more and more about photography. All help is appreciated

[Elliott18t]

personally i like my Sony a230. I got it for about $380 brand new and it has been great to me since.


Well since im new to the game, I figured I would get something on the lower end. I also had budget to think about and sony offered a decent camera well within my budget and I wanted to try something other than the norm nikon/cannon. This camera also has some nice menus for the newbie like me that visually graphs how aperture and shutter speed work (i dont use it much however but it is good reference for me):

http://photos.pcpro.co.uk/images/front_picture_library_PC_Pro/dir_272/it_photo_136357_52.jpg

or u can use a more typical menu (ive used other people's cannon rebels before)
(not same camera..)
http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/assets/13878.jpg


Most people hate the grip on this camera but it feels just fine to me :). I have had good experiences with sony products in the past so I figured I'd give it a try, and so far it has been a good camera to me. Maybe not best of the best, but its not lowest of the low either lol.

[Sublime1304]

Personally I really like the canons and nikons. Seems to me those are the best ones. If I can manage to find a used one (which I have), I don't know what are good features to look for

[TACH IT UP]

Personally I really like the canons and nikons. Seems to me those are the best ones. If I can manage to find a used one (which I have), I don't know what are good features to look for

canon 30d is a nice starter and can be had off clist for 250-300 with a kit lens battery and cf card if you dig hard enough

[Saab93Aero]

Canons got a few, but i don't know the exact names of them.

As for nikon, you have the d40, d40x, d50, d60, d70, d70s, d3000, d3100, d5000 and word on the net is there is a d5100 coming in the next couple months.

You can either just get a straight Dslr (d40/x, d50, d60, d70/s, d3000) or get one with the video option included (d3100, d5000, d5100 and even a d90 if u wanted to spend a little more)

Or you could get an old "pro" body with more of the functions you would get when u would eventually upgrade from one of the entry level dslr's, like a d100, but then you start going down in MP, where with all the new/current stuff, your getting 12+ MP with every camera on the market.

I would sey grab something that is relatively cheap (300-500) and comes with a kit lens and shoot with just that, to see if your really interested in photography before getting too much stuff and not putting it to use.

Hope this helps.

[DPancoast]

Nikon D40/D40x

used.

cheap.

easy to use.

done. lol

[Mz AriellEK9]

nikon d3000.
Best camera

[Renegade_]

Buy a starter DSLR and buy 2 pieces of glass.

Dont worry about the hottest bodies like the D3x, D700, 1DIV, or 5DII. Buy a decent starter body and get yourself a nice zoom or a pair of primes.

The only real question is, do you need video?

[Sublime1304]

I don't record video that much but when I do I just shoot it on my iPhone. I don't think it's a necessity though. All this camera lingo is still new to me but I'm sure I'll get it eventually. I've been searching craigslist a lot. Not really a fan of eBay unless it looks really legit

[Mz AriellEK9]

I got mine new from best buy for $500.
I really do recommend it has awesome battery life

[11secdsm]

What are you looking to spend Mike? That's the best question to start off with. Any of the Canon Rebels would be a great starter camera. Get some good glass for whatever you end up getting.

[Sublime1304]

Looking to stay under $500. I was looking at the canon rebel in staples. I like it. But if I could find a used camera for a decent price, then I would consider it

[Renegade_]

I don't record video that much but when I do I just shoot it on my iPhone. I don't think it's a necessity though. All this camera lingo is still new to me but I'm sure I'll get it eventually. I've been searching craigslist a lot. Not really a fan of eBay unless it looks really legit

Look into KEH for used - their return policy is great.

Buying a camera for 500 bucks right now, look into D5000 or a T1i.

[AristoSan]

I'm selling my Canon 50d with battery grip for 650 if you're interested.

[Sublime1304]

thats a little more than i have to spend right now. but thanks anyways

[Renegade_]

Here's a 40D, looks like a good deal considering condition: http://www.keh.com/camera/Canon-Digital-Camera-Bodies/1/sku-DC029990959640?r=FE

[DV2000NJ]

To decide between Canon and Nikon, go to best buy or the like, and hold both. One brand will almost definitely feel much better in your hands, and that's the one to go with.

Both brands offer lots of options in your price range if you look used.

[disturbedfan121]

I just bought a nikon d3100 and love it, its my 1st DSLR or SLR for that matter. still learning stuff to get everything down right but so far its the best camera i've owned

[ambitiousCK]

How about this?

http://www.maximumpc.com/article/news/hasselblad_readies_awesome_60_megapixel_camera_200 9

[Renegade_]

How about this?

http://www.maximumpc.com/article/news/hasselblad_readies_awesome_60_megapixel_camera_200 9

Get with the times!

http://www.pdnonline.com/pdn/gear/Phase-One-Announces--1600.shtml

[Sublime1304]

How about this?

http://www.maximumpc.com/article/news/hasselblad_readies_awesome_60_megapixel_camera_200 9

Holy hell! $27K!! I could buy my car again for that money lol

[ambitiousCK]

Holy hell! $27K!! I could buy my car again for that money lol

yea theres some ridiculous **** out there lol GL with your search

[Sublime1304]

Thanks bro. Might hit up best buy and take a further look at both brands and a get a feel for a camera like that. Looks like I could be buying more **** on craigslist lol

[R22B]

I use a several year old Sony Alpha 200 with just two measly lenses. Its definitely and older camera, but I've had great luck using it and learned a lot using it. Hell, I still learn stuff every time I use it. You can pick up any of the entry level Sony camera's for a steal. Remember, even if you have the best camera in the world, it doesn't mean your photos will be great. Think of it like a paint brush; anyone can use it, but it takes skill and practice to use it to perfect it.

While Sony's have been getting better with lens compatibility, they are still light years away from the big two :). Also know Sony makes all of Nikon's sensors (please correct me if I'm wrong). I've been told by numerous professional photographers to make the switch to either Nikon or Canon. I was even told 'No pro snappers use Sony.' Don't get me wrong, they make killer camera's, but don't be afraid to check out Pentax, Sony, etc. Don't be married to a single brand.

On that note, I've been holding off on my next camera purchase because I can't decide if I want to make the switch to Canon or Nikon, or buy a Sony A55. (I've been putting my purchase off for three months trying to decide :eek:)

[97MaximaSE]

I know I pmed you, but I still have my Nikon D40 for sale. It only has a little under 7,000 actuations on it. I've taken great care of it, its always been great to me, never had any issues. Im selling it with the 18-55 kit lens, an extra battery, and then everything else thats included in the kit (caps, memory card, strap, manuals, boxes, etc) I'm asking $350. Let me know if you want pictures I can link them for you.

[qbcsvt]

Id rather buy a car then a Hasselblad!

- amyn

[Munky]

I know jack sh*t about SLR camera's but I got this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16830120278 for a steal at my local Best Buy a few months ago and LOVE IT!!! It's so easy to use and takes amazing shots in the different Auto functions. Once I have more time to spend with it learning manual mode it will take even better pictures. Comes with a nice beginner lens and everything else you'll need to get rolling.

[justinlansdale]

I have a Sony a300 with the 18-70mm kit lens and a 50mm f1.8 prime for sale for $300 bucks. check out www.twentypsi.com for examples of this setup as I shot everything on that site with it!

[Sublime1304]

I have a Sony a300 with the 18-70mm kit lens and a 50mm f1.8 prime for sale for $300 bucks. check out www.twentypsi.com for examples of this setup as I shot everything on that site with it!

wow very nice pics! I think i saw this on ebay? chip told me about it.

[justinlansdale]

no, my sigma wide angle is on eBay...I didn't put this one up yet though. shoot me a PM if you're interested.

[Renegade_]

For 300 bucks that sounds good - you got a walk around and a low light lens... The construction of the 50/1.8 for sony looks a lot better than the build quality for the canon 50/1.8 thats for sure haha... I broke the autofocus gear already. With the rest of the money get a tripod, some wireless triggers and flash (yeah, it will be ebay chinese, but they do sell strong flashes for cheap).

What kind of sigma WA do you have justinlansdale? For the most part 18mm is decently wide, but on a crop something like a 10-22 is fun... I need a WA for my cam, but Im not sure what to get.

[justinlansdale]

thanks for the kind words sir! I have a sigma 10-20mm f4-5.6 for a Sony mount for sale on eBay...it's an awesome lens. glass quality is awesome and the build is very strong. I would definitely recommend the sigma to anyone looking for a decent wide angle.

I'm upgrading to a canon 550D/t2i and plan on re-purchasing the sigma WA for my new setup!

[BlkWhtTSI]

I'm getting ready to sell my Rebel XSi (wasn't planning on letting it go until May) I will be asking $550, It will come with a memory card, a bag, the kit 18-55mm lens and a polarizer filter.
I love the camera but am ready to upgrade.

[SoStock92]

No offense to any Sony/Minolta shooters but I would avoid the sony DSLRs. They're fine, they're decent, etc., but the glass is not popular. I'd get a canon (yes I am biased) because they have a mixture of crazy affordable lenses and crazy good lenses. Nikon is great and all, but their video stuff comes in 2nd place to canon and most of their decent lenses are very, very expensive.

[R22B]

No offense to any Sony/Minolta shooters but I would avoid the sony DSLRs. They're fine, they're decent, etc., but the glass is not popular. I'd get a canon (yes I am biased) because they have a mixture of crazy affordable lenses and crazy good lenses. Nikon is great and all, but their video stuff comes in 2nd place to canon and most of their decent lenses are very, very expensive.

I agree, that's the the main downfall with Sony's. However, they've gotten a lot better as of late. :rock:

[SoStock92]

Oh they are definitely decent - they supposedly make a great 80-200 or 70-200 2.8 lens, but my issue is just that they are so unpopular - like, you can't drop your 50mm at a shoot and run to the local shop and pick another up with certainty.

[biz]

nikon d40! and i'm selling mine in the non-auto classified section!

[Erik]

^^ I started with the d40. Used it for a month, then kind of forgot about it. Picked it up, along with a few photog books a few months later and fell in love with it. From there, i have picked up a used D80 and a few other items for it since. Id say any of the lower D-series models by nikon, hands down.

[RyanG]

What do you guys think of the t2i ? Im looking to pick one up

[jspek]

nikon or canon. sony has like...no lens selection. dont worry about video either.

[Big_Jim]

I started with a d40, and couldnt stand how basic it was, and how small it was. sold that, and jumped around to a bunch of different Nikon DSLR's. Had the d50, d70, d80. Sold all of those to pick up my D300. Right now I have my D300, and a D90.

[justinlansdale]

What do you guys think of the t2i ? Im looking to pick one up

i just ordered the t2i body only + 50mm f1.8 prime yesterday...from what I read, it takes amazing video, especially with a prime (completely comparable to the 7D in the video aspect) and doesn't cost an arm and a leg. the pictures i've seen look great also.

[Sublime1304]

Lots of great info in here guys. I appreciate it all. Keep it coming. It's definitely helping my search

[DC2.2GSR]

I bought a T2i a few weeks ago and it's definitely a real nice camera. I sold my XTi a while back and I've been pretty much beating myself up about it since, so I just wanted to get something up to date to replace it. I have no need for the 18mp (no crazy enlargements or anything), but I need the video capability for some projects for work so the T2i was the best option for the price. It's small and has a plastic body, which is a little annoying, but it's a nice package all around. It's just like my old XTi -- Light/small enough that you can take it everywhere without feeling 'gear'ed to death and at the same time you can shoot awesome video with the T2i and take some very high quality photos like any other DSLR. I'm (hopefully) going to buy a 50mm 1.4 today so that should be pretty nice to play with. I've never owned anything other than a 'kit' lens and a cheap 75-300mm f/4-5.6, so I'm pretty psyched to pick up a nice prime lens and do it right.

[Elliott18t]

i love my prime, its about the only one i use. Video would be nice on my camera... hmmm maybe i should move to either a a55 or a t2i? :O

[qbcsvt]

within the next 2-3 months when I want to get a camera. I will probably get a T1i starter kit to learn on and then upgrade the lens once I truly understand what makes a good lens.

- amyn

[ricky2i5]

Theres a Rebel Xsi just posted in the classifieds for 385. I'd hop on that deal right there

[Fabian]

I bought my first Nikon DSLR about a month ago now. I love it, glad I made the choice. It's a D3100. 14 megapixel, HD video, all the fun stuff. I picked it up with a telephoto lens and all the necesities for $50 at Best Buy but Costco has the same thing plus a bag for $730 right now.