Need help for Cristmas present

[gone fishin]

I am wanting to get my wife a camera for Christmas. I have seen the photos posted here and thought you all could steer me in the right direction.

She currently has a point and shoot and I would like to get her an entry level DSLR. From my research it would appear that the Nikon D3300,5300 or 5500 seems to be recommended based on online reviews.

If it helps she likes to take photos of the country side and wildlife. Thanks for any help.

 

[Misled]

Hey Tony. So any of those cameras would be fine for her. When you are looking, you'll find they come with "kit" lenses. Normally the 18-55 and/or 55-200. that is where things go a little off. The lenses are fine to get to know a camera, but they lack quite a bit when it comes to quality and sharpness. She will also most likely not be able "zoom" as much with those two lenses as she can with her P&S.
While the cameras mentioned will have an auto setting, (at least I think they do), she'll want to learn to use the manual settings to be a bit more creative. Look into some books to help her. HTH

 

[gone fishin]

Thanks Jesse that helps out.

 

[farfromsea]

I'm definitely an entry level photographer but I've been very happy with the D3200 which is the old version of the D3300. I would definitely recommend the D3300 because of my experience with the 3200.

I would also recommend looking into:
camera case (I use a backpack it is way better than a traditional case esp when I carry a purse or go to events)

wifi memory card: some of the point-and-shoots boast their wifi capabilities but that just unnecessarily drains the battery IMO. I use the Eye-Fi memory card and this enables me to turn wifi on and off as desired so I can shoot all day and send the pictures to my phone at night. Get the Mobi pro though if you do get it. my one regret! http://www.eyefi.com/

 

[gone fishin]

Thank you very much, that does help out.

 

[woodnaquanut]

Is this going to be a surprise gift? If not, why don't you have her try them. These cameras are larger and heavier than the typical PS. If they don't fit her there are other options depending on your budget.

Although I'm a Nikon guy I hear Canon makes cameras too.

 

[scar79]

I just got myself a D3300 and am loving it. I picked up a refurbished nikon wifi adapter which is nice to pop on for sending a few good shots directly to my phone. As farfromsea mentioned, I don't think wifi is always necessary, which is one of the bigger selling points of the Canon Rebels. I've used one of those too and didn't find the fold out/touch display necessary. The kit lens is quite lacking, so I'll be looking at a macro for the aquarium and a higher quality lens with a little more zoom for general photography.