Did I Make a Mistake?

[maciec]

Hi! I probably should have come here before buying, but for as long as I've been on the dis I didn't know this board existed.

My 15yo daughter wants a dslr camera for Christmas. I read up a little on beginner dslr camera's for beginners and settled on the D5100. I found one on Ebay for $270. The seller said that it had only been used several times and came with VR 18-55 lens. For a beginner dslr photographer did I do good or should I look for something else and just resell this one? Looking at other posts it seems that the lens that came with this one is inferior and she should probably have something else, but I don't know what to get her.

Any guidance you could provide would be greatly appreciated!

 

[havoc315]

That set-up is fantastic to start with. It's the basic starting kit lens, which is very adequate to start with. Until one builds real expertise, an expensive lens won't change much.
If she really takes to the hobby, you will eventually add and upgrade lenses. An enthusiast easily spends thousands on lenses, not as much on the camera body.
If you really want to add to the package, add a 50/1.8 lens, which would really open up low light, narrow depth of field, and portraits.

But the camera body is a great camera. And the lens is perfectly adequate to get started.

 

[TheBigE]

Agree, this is a great start and a system really capable of learning the basics and producing some solid photos. It will be a great present, and if you want to add something else - spend the money on books or online courses to learn the basics of photography.

 

[xlxo]

No mistake... when the D5100 came out, it was promoted as an entry camera with a bonus variable angle LCD. As she advances, the D5100 uses the same professional lenses and flashes.

The only think to consider are AF-D lenses. While more affordable, the D5100 lacks the auto-focus motor to use AF-D lenses. You need to look at the G lenses.

 

[maciec]

Thank you all so much for putting my mind at ease. I appreciate the videos also!

 

[Geoff_M]

For what it's worth, here's a photo my Son took with a D5100 last weekend, along with a 50mm lens:

...it a perfectly good "starter" dSLR!