Looking to get a DSLR.. Advice?

[Sagz70]

What's up guys

I am contemplating on purchasing a new camera and was looking for some advice..

I think I narrowed down to 2 cameras in my price range:
(About $550-600)
Nikon d3200
Canon Rebel T3i

If anyone has experience with either one of these or have suggestions on other cameras, I would definitely appreciate the help!

 

[treetopflyn]

For what it's worth my mom my is a photographer and she has owned both the T3 & T3i and she prefers the T3. That's why I went with the T3. We love out Cannon T3.

 

[marke]

If your going to use it for macro shots of your tank. I think the lens is more important that the camera. You will need a macro lens. Could cost as much or more than the camera. Check Craig's list

 

[treetopflyn]

If your going to use it for macro shots of your tank. I think the lens is more important that the camera. You will need a macro lens. Could cost as much or more than the camera. Check Craig's list

I think that goes for any type of photos. The lens is most important.

 

[nivram]

Looking to get a DSLR.. Advice?

Try to handle the cameras and see which feel the best in your hands. Although I'm partial to canon. I find the controls and menu structure on them easier to access and "read". Both cameras are more than capable of taking great pics.

And as Marke put it, your investment will be lenses and not the camera body.

 

[mlivvy]

For what it's worth my mom my is a photographer and she has owned both the T3 & T3i and she prefers the T3. That's why I went with the T3. We love out Cannon T3.

I'm not a pro photographer but i've owned both the T3 and T3i. The T3 I sold within days. It's not at all comparable to the T3i. The T3 is very entry level and only has 12 mp resolution(t3i has 18), no spot metering, no digital zoom, and the screen doesn't flip out like the t3i does. I like the flip out screen since I take alot of HD videos. Actually, all Rebels are entry level really but don't get the the lowest model entry level. I would even go with a used t2i before a new t3. This is ofcourse just my opinion.

 

[jpkboca]

I have the t3i and love it, but like others said think about what lenses you want price them out, etc they are more important. You really are buying into a ecosystem, Nikon or Canon, both have their plusses and minuses, but whatever you get either will be a good choice.

 

[Sagz70]

Thanks for the help. I have checked out both cameras at the store and still can't pick one out.

I know about lenses and will look into macro lenses later on.
I think the Canon seems to be the more popular.

 

[billsreef]

You really can't go wrong with either one. That said, I'm a Cannon guy

 

[M_55G]

They both will take great pics. Like all the others have said it will all depend on the lense. I have personally shots pics with my nikon and have always loved the outcome. I have been looking at cameras lately for video and the canons seem to be better in that department. The t3i has great support out there. There's even hacks out there to help push it to it's potential. If it's an option try to buy a body only and put the money saved towards the lense you want. Also you can save more if you purchase from an online vendor.i know it's a tough decision to make but I dont think you will be disappointed with either camera there both great and they offer room to grow. The canon just a little bit more if you hack it.

 

[rovster]

It's like saying should I get a Chevy or Ford, LOL! I'm also partial to Canon. I have a 60d and a 30d I use at the office. I've also used a t3i. All great cameras, all capable of producing great shots. Look at the features and pick the one you think will be best. You can't go wrong either way

 

[Sagz70]

Thanks everyone.
I will be getting it through Amazon. I may just go with the body and choose the lens I want, that's not a bad idea.

One more question, will I be able to take regular pictures with macro lens or will I need a separate lens for that as well? Meaning pictures of outdoors, my car, etc..

 

[killakam]

Thanks everyone.
I will be getting it through Amazon. I may just go with the body and choose the lens I want, that's not a bad idea.

One more question, will I be able to take regular pictures with macro lens or will I need a separate lens for that as well? Meaning pictures of outdoors, my car, etc..

Most likely you will need new set of lens for outdoor photography of things such as cars.

 

[billsreef]

If you do something like the 100mm macro lens, it also good for portrait type shots and medium long range shots. Generally the kit lens is an inexpensive zoom that is better for general daily type picture taking.

 

[rovster]

When I got my camera, I just got the body only, and just got the lens I wanted. I actually got 2 lenses. I got a 15-85 as my general purpose lense, and a 70-300 for long range. I did not get any L lenses, LOL! Damn they are expensive. Only drawback with the SLRs is you do need at least a couple of lenses for all applications. I happen to use a 100mm macro at work, so I just bring it home to take pics of the fish, LOL!

FWIW, the kit lenses are OK, but kinda cheapy plasticy. One of my staff members had hers break the other day. My 15-85 weighs a ton more, and the quality is just so much better, which may not necessarily be a good thing.

If you like portraits, a 50 lens is hard to beat!

 

[Sagz70]

I think I am going to go with the rebel t3i with the two lenses rovster has...

I'll think about a macro lens later. Lol.

 

[Anim8me2]

Pro here.
Either camera (Nikon or Canon) at that level is going to produce a nice image.
As others have already stated, it's the lenses you need to look at.
Nikon lenses are nice once you get up into their more expensive gear. Their lower end lenses tend to be not so hot.
Canon lenses at the low-end are hot or miss. Their utility zooms are fair to middling, but their primes (even at the low end) are pretty great. A 50mm 1.8 from Canon is an great lens.
You can also look at third party lenses but I would stay away from them. It might look enticing to get a Tamron lens for a lot less than a Canon or Nikon but you will be cursing the decision pretty quickly.

For tank shots you want at minimum a 100mm macro (cool coral shots) and a 50mm (general photos and FTS).
There are a number of sources like Amazon and B&H and you can also find used gear at KEH.

Quick example of one of my macro shots (Canon 5DMkIII, 100mm macro lens):

 

[rovster]

I have the 50/1.4. LOVE that lens. Don't use it enough!

 

[M_55G]

I have the 50/1.4. LOVE that lens. Don't use it enough!

very nice lense indeed.

 

[marke]

Was in Costco a while back and they were selling that camera and an equivalent Nikon with one or two lens kits in your price range. Might want to check it out? The macro will cost you 700-800 new for a 100 mm cannon or Nikon, try used. The tamron 90mm macro cost 450 new, I use one and like it but yes the more expensive one is better by a little.
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