Budget DSLR

[brutus87]

Hey R3v,

Ive been looking at picking up a DSLR to play with. I know I can find a cheap one on CL, but that just scares me.

If you had around 800 to spend, what would you get?

Ive been looking at the Canon t3i, D3100, and D5100.

I have seen some "kits" from Costco and Best Buy that come with two lenses, bag, etc.

If you had 800 to play with, what would you do, R3v?

I searched, but all the threads are at least a year old, thanks!

[HerbReal]

Depends on what you want to do with the camera, are you planning on going more than a hobbyist later on or just a avid user? (I'm a canon guy since I've bought my first DSLR and just can't find myself switching to nikon). Full frame camera's like the canon 5D mk1 is a good buy since it's still comparable to a 50D (not full frame) these SLR's range around 600-800 just depends on where you look on CL or keep finding it. 60D's just got cheaper also, should be around that price as well. And if you're gonna be shooting for a while also invest on good lenses. (L Series for canon is a must) but prepare to spend 600-2k depending if you want prime lenses or zoom lenses. hope that helps.

[OniKyan]

I got a used Pentax KX off GumTree. The good thing about Pentax, besides being cheap/high quality, is their lens mounting system has been the same pretty much since they started making cameras. Means you can find cheap lenses all over the place. eBay, thrift stores, garage sales etc.

If you planned to film too I wouldn't go with a KX though because they only shoot 720p and don't have an external microphone jack.

[mrsleeve]

Here this thread address your very question. Thread may be a little over a year old, but all the information in it is still 100% applicable

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=220173&highlight=camera

All that said, in the thread. What are you wanting to do with said camera??? Portrait, Motorspors/sports/fast action, wildlife, landscape, street/candid, all will dictate what you need or will suit you the best. I love my canon rig, now that I have gotten back into photography, I have also heavily adopted the Micro Four Thirds mirrorless format as well, for a more portable and compact system for every day use.

Like stated in the link above I highly recommend getting a good used "prosumer" body and investing in the best glass you can as you can, you will be getting far better results that way.



just a FYI I have my spare M 4/3 rig for sale if you find your self going in that direction.

[TurboJake]

Don't bother with the T3i unless you want the flip screen. If you don't need that flip screen, hop on fleabay or go around and find a T2i kit. It's the same exact camera, just without the flip.

If I had $800 to spend, I'd get the T2i (With 18-55 kit lens), a 50mm f1.8 lens, Camera bag, battery grip, extra batteries, cleaning kit, decent Class 10 card, and possibly a little more all over again. The flip screen of the t3i really is very little use to me, but you may differ.

The size, and capabilities of the T2i is pretty awesome as it is. But with Magic Lantern, Both the T2i and the T3i really shine.

[Pl3wA]

FILM FO LYFE

[Wschnitz]

T3i is just a t2i with a fancy screen, get the t2i and a nice lense, or get a 60D

[beta14ok]

.............or get a 60D

This !! ......or a used D90

[NeedaBimmer]

D5100 body and good lens or T2i if you want better video.

[Wschnitz]

Which btw, lenses are all you need with a half decent camera, A rebel XTI (which i own) takes really nice pics with the right lens and settings.

[evandael]

i'm a Nikon guy so i'd say buy a used d90 with the kit lens and a nikkor 50mm 1.8. it is a crop format but more than capable at producing great images, and you can do video too.


remember.. "it's not the camera, it's the photographer"

[Mr. Tasty]

last year bought my girlfriend a d3000 as a beginners peice. It is very nice even for a 10.2

[brutus87]

Thanks everyone for the advice, I really appreciate it.

So I went to Costco today, they have 3 kits for sale. If you had a choice, which would you pick?


1) A Nikon D3200 2 lens kit with WIFI adapter, the 2 lenses, 18-55 and 55-300 $780


2) A Canon t3i 18MP with 2 lenses, 18-55 and a 55-250 with an 8GB card $780

3) A Nikon D5100 16MP with 2 lenses, 18-55 and 55-300 $830

I really don't want to buy a used one, used electronics scare me, or are these "deals" not much of a deal?


Thanks R3v!

[Massimo]

Get a 60D it is a nice half way DSLR between the very basic and the all out professional.

As for lenses every man and his dog will tell you to get a canon L series lense. Problem with them is they are expensive motherfuckers.

For us begginers I have found the Sigma range perfectly fine, a great step up from the crap that comes with the camera, and also a great price. Once you get better and the next stage to better pictures is the lense quality then sell the sigmas and upgrade to a canon L series.

Thats my advice

[Wschnitz]

Yea once you get into it lenses cost 3x as much as the camera itself.