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Help With Buying First DSLR Camera

Posted on 5/3/17 at 9:49 am
Posted by OneEyedWillie
Member since Mar 2016
182 posts
Posted on 5/3/17 at 9:49 am
I'm wanting to get a DSLR camera for my wife for mothers day. We have a sixth month old and she's been wanting a nice camera for his photos and it would be a win win because I've been wanting one too.

Where do I start? Neither of us has any experience with them so I know nothing about what lenses to get or anything.

From what I have found online, it looks like two good beginner cameras are Nikon D3400 and the Canon 1300.

Is one better than the other? Would like to keep it in the $500-600 range.

TIA
Posted by LSU Tigershark
10,000 posts
Member since Dec 2007
10543 posts
Posted on 5/3/17 at 10:23 am to
Canon 1300 is the international version of the T6. Not a great camera, but decent cheap starter for the price.
Posted by Hu_Flung_Pu
Central, LA
Member since Jan 2013
22159 posts
Posted on 5/3/17 at 10:25 am to
I'd get a used camera first with the 18-55 kit lens with a 35mm prime lens. After that, learn how to post process and you will have great photos. When you get into sports and long shots, you can get a longer lens.

The prime will be nice because of the faster lens and I know those babies do stuff real quick and you don't want them blurry.
Posted by alphamicro
Shreveport
Member since Mar 2012
539 posts
Posted on 5/3/17 at 10:42 am to
dpreview.com would be a good place to find DSLR (and other) information.

Interchangeable Lens Cameras around $500

Interchangeable Lens Cameras $500-900

If you're willing to look at non-DSLR cameras, I'm a big fan of cameras with 1-inch sensors. In that price range the Sony DSC RX100 II and III as well as the Panasonic DMC LX-10 come to mind (and the Panasonic DMC ZS-100 if you want more zoom range). Compact Enthusiast Zoom Cameras
Posted by OneEyedWillie
Member since Mar 2016
182 posts
Posted on 5/3/17 at 10:49 am to
quote:

I'd get a used camera first with the 18-55 kit lens with a 35mm prime lens.


What's a good site to look for used cameras on? And what models should I look for?
Posted by alphamicro
Shreveport
Member since Mar 2012
539 posts
Posted on 5/3/17 at 10:58 am to
quote:

What's a good site to look for used cameras on?

I've used KEH a lot in the past (although usually for 35mm equipment back in the day). Their prices are generally very good. Looks like you would have to get a camera and lens(es) separately, didn't see any kit pricing.
Posted by lsubuddy
houma, la
Member since Jul 2014
4293 posts
Posted on 5/3/17 at 11:08 am to
Google b & h photo
Posted by GeauxTigers2007
Member since Apr 2007
756 posts
Posted on 5/3/17 at 11:17 am to
Stick with KEH for used equipment. Very strict grading system, and they have a six month warranty on used equipment.
Posted by UltimateHog
Oregon
Member since Dec 2011
65763 posts
Posted on 5/3/17 at 11:30 am to
I just bought a new Sony a5100 with a 210mm lens for $430 on eBay yesterday.
Posted by Hu_Flung_Pu
Central, LA
Member since Jan 2013
22159 posts
Posted on 5/3/17 at 11:48 am to
I just use Ebay.
Posted by OneEyedWillie
Member since Mar 2016
182 posts
Posted on 5/3/17 at 1:54 pm to
LINK

Would a refurbished one like that be a gamble?
Posted by Hu_Flung_Pu
Central, LA
Member since Jan 2013
22159 posts
Posted on 5/3/17 at 2:05 pm to
I wouldn't think there is a gamble. I'd still get a 35mm prime though
Posted by tigerlaw
Madisonville
Member since Mar 2004
791 posts
Posted on 5/3/17 at 2:18 pm to
quote:

Would a refurbished one like that be a gamble?


I've bought refurbs directly from Canon's online store, and they have all been great. They include a one year warranty. Can't vouch for Nikon, but I bet it has something similar.
Posted by NOFOX
New Orleans
Member since Jan 2014
9933 posts
Posted on 5/3/17 at 2:24 pm to
I would start with a mirrorless option. They are much more convenient. Sony A6000 seems very well regarded for beginners.

Adorama and B&H have deals regularly.
This post was edited on 5/3/17 at 2:28 pm
Posted by NewIberiaHaircut
Lafayette
Member since May 2013
11541 posts
Posted on 5/3/17 at 2:42 pm to
quote:

What's a good site to look for used cameras on? And what models should I look for?


You can get a refurbed Canon T6i direct from Canon with warranty and 18-55 kit lens for $579. LINK
Posted by DeoreDX
Member since Oct 2010
4053 posts
Posted on 5/3/17 at 3:52 pm to
I used Nikon SLRs before they added the d and I was an early adopter to DSLR technology. Unless you are a professional sports photographer there really isn't much compelling reason with modern technology to have the added bulk of putting a mirror in front of the sensor. Modern EVF's are fantastic and most people benefit from the "WYSIWYG" (what you see if what you get) aspect of having a mirrorless camera over the optical view finder. Sony, Fuji, or Olympus mirrorless. I've own both Sony and Olympus systems as well as Nikon DSLR's and you are not sacrificing anything to go with one of those systems over the cheap low end Canon or Nikon SLRs you've mentioned.

I would take a look at the Olympus E-M10/E-M5 or Sony a6000. Between the two I prefer the Olympus E-M10/E-M5 because of the size and price/availability/quality of extra lenses. You should be able to get either Olympus with a couple of lenses for less than $500-600.
Posted by Ingeniero
Baton Rouge
Member since Dec 2013
18258 posts
Posted on 5/3/17 at 8:28 pm to
quote:

You can get a refurbed Canon T6i direct from Canon with warranty and 18-55 kit lens for $579


So this is how outdated my poor T2i is
Posted by BritLSUfan
Member since Jan 2012
661 posts
Posted on 5/3/17 at 9:26 pm to
Nikon Vs Canon is really a personal choice regarding how you like the human to machine interface. Try both at a local store. What feels good for you?

Then I really recommend buying certified refurbished for best bang for your buck. Amazon is great.


You already mentioned D3400 with kit 18-55....a good choice.

Some mentioned the 35mm prime....a great lens for sure. I recommend working with the kit 18-55 for a while...then decide if you want to expand your lens collection.

Check kenrockwell.com for more guidance.

Good luck and enjoy the new gear, you really can't go wrong with today's DSLR choices.

Posted by DeoreDX
Member since Oct 2010
4053 posts
Posted on 5/4/17 at 8:41 am to
Great deal on a refurb D3400 with 18-55 and 70-300 lenses. $399 - $20 rebate.

LINK
Posted by OneEyedWillie
Member since Mar 2016
182 posts
Posted on 5/4/17 at 9:50 am to
quote:

Great deal on a refurb D3400 with 18-55 and 70-300 lenses. $399 - $20 rebate.


This is what I ended up going with. We'll see how it goes.

Thanks for the help!
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