DSLR Camera Recommendation

[Cptjackandcrew]

We're planning to purchase a DSLR camera for our upcoming cruise. We've only had point and shoots. Any recommendations for a novice? Thank you.

 

[Keggy]

We have Nikon 5100. It came with two lenses. It was fairly easy to learn how to use and over the years I've been able to learn more.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

The Canon Rebel is a nice entry level DSLR, easy to use. I still have mine and have upgraded the lens and I think that's probably all I will ever need.

Now while it's "easy" to use it does have a ton of features. I bought the "Canon T3 For Dummies" book and it has been a great help in finding all the features

 

[woody73]

We have Nikon 5100. It came with two lenses. It was fairly easy to learn how to use and over the years I've been able to learn more.

I too have the Nikon D5100. It's a nice entry-level DSLR with plenty of features.

Woody

 

[baleeve]

I will 2nd the Canon Rebel T3. I bought mine on Amazon for $499 - it came with a 2nd long range lens free (as a promo). I've never regreted the investment. You want to get at least a 12 or 14 mp as well as a 32 GB SD card. I have one and it holds 3,000 plus photos.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Rebel-T3-Digital-18-55mm/dp/B004J3Y9U6

I bought it a week before my CA Route 1 road trip (*which I highly recommend) and I had no issues with it at all. It also functions as a video camera but I didn't use that feature.

I've found it very easy to use. In the beginning you can keep it on the automatic focus feature until you learn more about it.

I've taken some truly amazing photos that I never thought I was capable of.

I cannot wait to use mine on our cruise!

Read reviews online. Go to Youtube and watch reviews. Figure out what you want to do with it and make your decision.

Cannon - Nikon -- you can't go wrong with either.

 

[Disney Canadian]

We're planning to purchase a DSLR camera for our upcoming cruise. We've only had point and shoots. Any recommendations for a novice? Thank you.

I have a Nikon but Canon is just as good photo quality wise and technically. I would recommend buying in store (or at least handling a few before purchasing). It's all about the feel, Nikon was lighter and just felt better in my hands.

I would also recommend some beginner/orientation sessions to learn the basics of your camera. We have some camera stores here in Canada that offer these courses for approximately $80 (just a few hours each). I think it is an excellent value and I'm sure you would be able to find something equivalent in the US.

 

[london75]

I can highly recommend the Sony SLTs, they use a permanent translucent mirror so are slightly different to an DSLR, technically a DSLT but the effect is phenomenally fast focussing between shots to the point where it can perform continuous focus in video which was the main reason I bought it. The results are stunning on the A77 I have but the new A58 is brilliant, affordable, can use older Minolta lenses which are readily available on eBay and very easy to use.

 

[Disney Canadian]

My 2 favourite lenses? Macro and Telephoto! I would definitely recommend both of these and an off camera flash. Oh! and a tripod - I must for a lot of situations but especially for low lighting/night time.

Learn how to use it (it's fun!)...don't use the auto features...if you're going to do that just bring a point and shoot.

 

[jfahome]

As you can see, you're going to get people who love Canon's and people who love Nikon's. I've only had experience with the Canon's and love them (again, people feel exactly the same for Nikon). I'd suggest going to a camera shop and test them out and see how the features work and see what you are most comfortable with. They both have great cameras.

 

[Dizpinfriend]

I'm jumping on the bandwagon looking for suggestions as well... I am wanting a DSLR also - I am really happy with my point and shoot, but find myself intrigued by playing around with settings. I borrowed my friends Nikon D5100 and I did like the weight of it, as well as the pictures it took - I am leaning towards that model - the D5200 recently came out, so there are deals to be found on the 5100...

 

[cisobe]

If you are moving from a Point and Shoot to a DSLR, you may also want to take a look at micro four/thirds or mirrorless cameras. They are similar to typical DSLRs but do not have the mirror box, therefore they are a bit smaller.

Sony and Panasonic are the two primary companies that make them (however Canon just released their own version recently). It's a half step between a full DSLR and a Point and Shoot. You get the improved image quality from a larger sensor, but have a reduced size which makes them a little easier to use. My friend has a Sony NEX5 and its a pretty neat little camera that handles pretty well.

I've been using DSLRs for 8+ years, and friends typically ask me about cameras, and what DSLR they should get. What I've noticed is 50% of the people think that if they buy a DSLR, their images will instantly get better because they spent more on their camera which is not true. this 50% also find that it's not worth lugging their big camera around, and end up not really using it as much as they thought they would have... These people probably would have been a little better off if they bought a smaller mirrorless/micro fourthirds camera. The other half of the people get into cameras, and don't mind carrying around a camera bag everywhere they go (i fall into this category, and typically lug my 5D3, flash, and typical 2-3 lenses with me on vacation all th time).

Anyways, as other's have suggested, go down to best buy and handle the cameras... bring a SD card with you, sometimes you can stick them in and take a few pictures and see how the pictures come out. try to autofocus on things, test how long it takes between pressing the shutter release and how long it takes to take the picture... ask if you can try putting on the other lenses (most entry level kits will come with a 18-55 and a 55-200 or 70-300 lens). see how big the camera is, etc.

Good luck!

 

[wiigirl]

Canon Rebel T3...love mine

 

[santam01]

Both are great, just shop around and fine the best deal. Sometimes there are deals were u get better lens then other (lens also have a lot todo with a camera) But make sure you get a feel for them... My sister got a D5100 and didn't like it cause she has small hands, so she had a harder time holding it but I love mine.

 

[baleeve]

If you are an Amazon Prime member you get free shipping they often have very good deals. SO my recommendation is to do what I did. Go to a local store, I went to Best Buy, and look at the camera, handle it etc. THEN I went home and ordered it online taking advantage of the savings. I just don't use the sales person that way I don't feel like I'm wasting anyones time.

I'm always looking for a deal that will allow me to get back to DISNEY!

 

[su_A_ve]

I'd stay away from the non 'i' models of Canon. So look for the 3Ti for example.

For Nikon, a D5100 or even a D3100 (or D3200).

In any case, get two lenses - an 18-55 for general use and a 55-105 for zoom

 

[Cptjackandcrew]

Just one more reason I LOVE Disboards! Thanks a million everyone for all of your recommendations.

 

[Jey12]

Putting in my vote for a nikon. I'm not against Canon it's just not my personal preference. I bought a nikon d3100 2 years ago and love it. There's an onscreen menu and shooting guide and it can function as a point n shoot for the most part but also has all of the wonderful dslr features. The new version is a d3200 and I can't really tell you the difference between the 2. There is a video function that shoots in 1080dp and the videos are fantastic. Much better than our video camera. I would imagine if you wanted to spend a bit more the d5100 would be fantastic as well. I personally prefer the image quality of a nikon compared to a canon and you will find many others who say just the opposite. And probably neither one of us is wrong. The downside I found with buying one of the newer entry level nikons is that you must buy the newer lenses with an af-s motor in them. The older lenses will not work on these cameras. Where I believe with entry level canon you can find used lenses in good shape much cheaper. I'm not certain on this and it would probably be a good question for you to ask over on the photography board.

Another thing to consider is do you really want a dslr? I know that sounds like a silly question but so many of my friends have seen the pics I take with mine and then decided they need to have one. They keep it on the auto settings all of the time and I just don't see the benefit of the expense if that's what you're going to do. There are so many great point and shoots out there that have a ton of features that almost make them like a basic dslr, but they are cheaper and smaller and you don't have to worry about having different lenses to buy and keep track of. The nikon P series of cameras are fantastic and have a few settings where you can manually change some settings.

 

[ThePicketts]

If you want DSLR quality, but point and shoot simplicity, I'd go for a Sony Alpha. However, in saying that, if I had to buy new today, I'd get a Cannon compact. The processors on theae are amazing and are so close to DSLR quality and so easy to carry that it would be my choice.
Some shutterbugs may want to burn me at the stake, but I stand by my answer.

 

[eyenerd]

I would either buy Canon or Nikon. I use Canon myself and started with a Rebel (like one of the first ones) and really learned how to take pics on it. This way if you upgrade or like photography, some of your equipment can carry over.

I also recommend checking out Best Buy's website and seeing what stores they price match with online. I found my 6D for several hundred cheaper at buy.com (it is called something else now) and Best Buy price matched it.

 

[thdarragh]

We're planning to purchase a DSLR camera for our upcoming cruise. We've only had point and shoots. Any recommendations for a novice? Thank you.

I have a Nikon D7000 and there is no way I am bringing it on my cruise. Even though it is sealed from weather etc, I am not taking a chance of damage or theft. I have an older Nikon 8800, point and shoot, that takes amazing pictures. Unless you are a photo buff, and plan on using all the settings and changing lenses, I'd just get a good point and shoot. The DSLR's are on the heavy side and you have to be prepared to "lug" it around. The sensors and options are unbelievable now on even the most affordable point and shoot units. I also have a "waterproof" point and shoot that is terrific for regular or underwater photography. Its an Olympus TG-1. Find the specs here:

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2404977,00.asp

Good luck with your decision.