Recommend me a camera...

[LinkinReef]

I'm in the market for a SLR and this will be my first one. In all honestly this camera will be mostly for taking pics of my tank. I have a budget of $800 for the camera and down the road I can save funds for a better macro lens. With that being said, what camera would be the best starter and ease of upgrading to better lenses within my budget? Canon? Nikon?

 

[Misled]

Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Minolta, Sony, it really doesn't matter. Read the DSLR sticky on top. Go put the bodies in your hand and see what's comfortable to "YOU". Everybody's different. If friends have a DSLR, ask them to let you try it. Learn about what a camera does and how they work. All that will help you make a decision. No one else can make it for you.

 

[jroovers]

Jessie's advice is solid. I'd put your money into a used body and lens or lenses. If the body is for tank shooting primarily, I'd read up on white balancing. How you like your body for tank shooting is going to hinge on your ability to get close to correct WB right out of the body, with tweaking in PP, as opposed to major adjustments in post. I've never been able to get closer on my 7d than using the 10k colour specific WB setting, compared to custom setting WB, but it is close enough and the rest is done using Lightroom. As for lenses, there are so many options, zoom vs prime, macro etc. I'd get a zoom kit type lens with 18 mm on the low end of the focal range, learn on that, then get an entry level macro used such as tamron 90 mm which should be in the $350 range.

 

[gablett]

Great advice. That is exactly what I did. I was staying around that same budget for a body and a macro lense. I had already decided on the Tamron 90mm. It was between the T3i and the D5100. My dad has been a photographer for years and always owned Canon. He really, REALLY doesnt like Nikon. Well I now have a Nikon D5100. I just liked it better. I liked the buttons better, I liked the feel better. If you can switch between modes, ISOs, exposure comps. easily and quickly your missing out on owning a DSLR so you need a layout that fits you. Nikon was it for me. And I couldnt be happier.

 

[LinkinReef]

I was at Best Buy yesterday and I was playing with both cameras mentioned above. I think the Nikon feels more comfortable in my hands. The Canon also feels a little bit on the
a little bit too plastic side. I'll go back today and keep playing with them a little bit more

 

[JaYbIrD1969]

Comparing Nikon and Canon is like comparing chocolate and vanilla. One is not better than the other. A used set up is the best way to stretch your dollars

 

[LinkinReef]

Comparing Nikon and Canon is like comparing chocolate and vanilla. One is not better than the other. A used set up is the best way to stretch your dollars

What would be be best place to look for a used camera? I'm not comfortable looking at craigslist or ebay since I'n not sure if they might work well.

P.S. Vanilla is better than chocolate :lolspin:

 

[Misled]

Look at B&H dot com.

 

[jroovers]

What would be be best place to look for a used camera? I'm not comfortable looking at craigslist or ebay since I'n not sure if they might work well.

P.S. Vanilla is better than chocolate :lolspin:

I've bought almost all my gear second hand off of local classifieds. Is it a bit of a risk? Yes. However, I haven't had any problems with anything purchased second hand. My reasoning is that most people with DSLRs and related gear generally realize the value, and take decent care of it. You're not likely to get as much bang for your buck through stores with used gear, compared to the "open market" used price anyway.

You may also want to go to the Canon forum (or Nikon forum if there is one), photography on the net, and peruse their classifieds there for used stuff. I think you need 10 posts min though before you are allowed to post in that section.

 

[Misled]

Nikoncafe dot com, but there's a post minimum like here to see classifieds.

 

[LinkinReef]

Just found a canon t3i local on craigslist for $300 with a 18-55 mm lens and a 55-250 mm lens. It reads just several uses.

Good deal?

 

[JaYbIrD1969]

I personally love shopping Amazon. Each item has an option to shop new and used and it will take you to a list of where theyre available. Also, Check Adorama . com for possibly the largest selection on the net. Then check Craigslist. to be honest, your budget (even used) is going to keep you in an entry level combo if you want a decent lens. (not that theres anything wrong with that) Make sure you get a body with an AF motor so it will comply with lots of lenses for future upgrades.

 

[LinkinReef]

I did read a little about the AF Motor, but how can I tell if it does have that or not? I went through the Canon website and I might have missed it

 

[Misled]

I don't think you have to worry about it with Canon, just Nikon. Maybe a Canon guy will answer for sure.

 

[colortrilogy]

Almost all dslr canons are AF compatible.

 

[colortrilogy]

I think that t3i is a decent deal. Canon's refurb site can some good deals. I have an xsi I'm getting rid of. PM if you interested.

 

[IGROZOAS]

I just bought the Canon t3i and I love it. I was in the same situation picking either the Nikon or canon but the canon was the better choice.

 

[LinkinReef]

I just bought the Canon t3i and I love it. I was in the same situation picking either the Nikon or canon but the canon was the better choice.

Was is a new one? I'm looking at deals online for these.

Post some pics taken with the camera! :lmao:

 

[dannyboy402]

I have the nikon v1 with the kit lens and the 18.5mm f1.8 and I lovvvve it! This camera is blazing fast.

 

[JaYbIrD1969]

I have the nikon v1 with the kit lens and the 18.5mm f1.8 and I lovvvve it! This camera is blazing fast.

Thats a P&S camera isnt it?