Good Camera Recommendations?

~AvisTheArtistGeek Jul 12, 2012 Hobbyist General Artist

Alright. Here I am again!

Same forum, same question, slightly more specifics.

Basically, I'm an amateur photographer working with a point-and-shoot digital camera now, and I'm thinking of getting a nicer, more professional camera. I currently have the Pentax Optio P80, and have used my friend's Canon Rebel T1.

From two photographers I know, I've been recommended the Canon Rebel series, and the d20. However, from a very renowned photographer in my area I was told not to go with a Canon, and instead a Nikon.

Basically, this is what I'm looking for

- DSLR
- Price range under/around $600
- User-friendly

If it's any help, I mostly use my camera for cosplay photoshoots, vacation photography, and the occasional close-up of random objects. Uh.

Anyway, any recommendations would be absolutely lovely! Thanks!

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Devious Comments

~ManualFocusPhoto Jul 13, 2012 Student Photographer

Honestly, for the purposes you've listed, a point and shoot would do just fine. Only get a dSLR if you plan on learning how to use it properly, otherwise it's just an oversized point and shoot.

~lifeisamasterpiece Jul 13, 2012

You should get the Nikon d3100! I got it last month and brought it around the world! It's amazing, versatile and really easy to use. I prefer the Nikon cameras over the Canon ones actually...

but anyway, I got mine at Walmart for $549 which is about $100 than the Nikon website. You'll love it. It's like, my best friend(: Aaandd if you have anymore questions just ask me

~pyonkotchi96 Jul 12, 2012 Hobbyist Photographer

I'm currently trying to get my hands on a Nikon D3100. It's an entry level DSLR, around $550. I prefer Nikon over Canon, but you're pretty much safe to go with either one. They're both top brands, and their performance is almost identical, so it's really just a matter of personal preference. (:

`FallisPhoto Jul 12, 2012

Okay, I'm going to say something utterly heretical that is unlike every other poster's comment and tell you that the average example of one of today's point and shoot cameras is perfectly well suited for the purposes you have listed. Personally, I have a huge bunch of cameras to choose from in my peronal collection and yet I would probably chose my Canon point and shoot -- for those specific purposes. Basically, what you are describing is snapshot photography and that is exactly what point and shoots are made for. There are not actually a whole lot of real point and shoots left. They have become a lot more sophisticated over the years and what people these days think of as a point and shoot is now quite a lot closer to a bridge camera than what a real point and shoot used to be.

~Svenler Jul 12, 2012 Professional Photographer

Unlike the other posters, I will say that it doesn't matter much if you get Nikon or Canon. Either one produces excellent results and while until recently, Canon sensors had a slight edge, currently Nikon's new Exmor sensors have a slight edge in low light, noise, and dynamic range. I've been shooting with Canons and Nikons for years on a professional level and I think you will be happy with either one.

Within your price range, these are your options:

Nikon D5100 for $549: [link]

Canon Rebel T3 for $449: [link]

With either one, I would get the 50mm f/1.8:

Nikon 50mm f/1.8 for $135: [link]

Canon 50mm f/1.8 for $110: [link]

Between the two, I would personally pick the Nikon setup due to Nikon's advancements in sensor technology over the past few years and only a slightly higher price for a better overall package.

This picture was shot with a Nikon D800 and the 50mm f/1.8: [link]

~pococ Jul 12, 2012 Student Photographer

Well I have the same advice as last time, the only reason I don't think of going back to small digs is that they aren't the best for close ups. Canon is better and if you do any low light photography you MUST have a Canon I found there is NOT MUCH good Nikon night photography; other than that stay on Ebay looking for rebuilt cameras from a online shop they will also come with certification that Nikon or Canon has inspected the camera, with a shop and Nikon\Canon warranty. Good luck finding a new camera.

~heyheyitsk Jul 12, 2012 Hobbyist General Artist

Good questions. I'm currently looking into nicer cameras as well. Personally I like Canons better than Nikons because I find they have a better quality. I've only ever worked with simple digital cameras for both brands, but I went from a Nikon to a Canon and wouldn't dare go back. Let me know what else you find out, please!

~AvisTheArtistGeek Jul 12, 2012 Hobbyist General Artist

Alright, thanks Kori!

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