I want to get a decent camera for the family for Xmas. The problem is… I know jack about them. I want to spend 500 - 600 range and am totally cool with second hand if there is plenty of savings. I want to use it for video as well, so it can't be too old.
Any suggestions?
Going through the same issue right now, my wife wants a DSLR for Christmas, so I asked my father in law who is an avid photographer, he suggested:
Nikon d5100 or Cannon T3i, whichever you can find cheapest will do you best for home use.
cnet seems to agree, neither of these are bleeding edge but seem to generally get positive reviews. Costco has had the D5100 kit on for 499 recently.
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Three good websites to help you.
http://www.dpreview.com
http://www.steves-digicams.com/best-cameras.html
http://www.imaging-resource.com/
Depending on what you are looking for, I would consider the new mirrorless systems. They seem to be pretty interesting alternatives to DSLRs.
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/0344780582/mirrorless-cameras-a-primer
The t3i and t2i are essentially the same camera. The t3i has an lcd screen that rotates. If that's not a huge issue for you, the t2i can be an excellent camera for the money.
I've been watching used T3i and T2i prices, and you're better off buying new (on sale) with coupons or cashback rebates. The used prices for these cameras are not a lot cheaper than new prices.
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dont rule out sony. their alpha cameras are pretty nice and are well priced. but I have a nikon d5100 with a 15-55mm and 55-300mm lens and I love to use it
The Nikon D5100 is on deep discount now with the impending release of the D5200 in North America. I just sold my D3000 to upgrade and I am stoked on how much better it is. That being said the D3100 and D3200 are also great cameras for the money, just don't go for the D3000 the high iso quality sucks. Go into a store and handle a few, I prefer a larger body and would go with a D7000 if I could afford it. I'm pretty sure the Cannon offerings are about on par with Nikon in picture quality and a little better at video, so it comes down to what feels better in your hands..
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http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/recommended-cameras.htm
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What about this deal?
A used D90 would suit you well too. Great camera that can be bought cheap second hand now.
Highly recommend the Panasonic GH2. You can find good deals now as the GH3 just came out. Videowise, you can add a hack and it will blow EVERY other DSLR away.
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A used D90 would suit you well too. Great camera that can be bought cheap second hand now.
Used is actually a pretty good call. I know so few people that actually claimed repairs within the warranty period so don't let that be a selling point. The Canon 50/60D are a good choice as well, also look for a some good prime glass like a 35 or 28 f/1.8 or something to put with it, unless you really want a zoom. I run a prime majority of the time just because it keeps things compact to carry around and some prime's are incredibly sharp.
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Depending on what you are looking for, I would consider the new mirrorless systems. They seem to be pretty interesting alternatives to DSLRs.
I switched to a Panasonic G3 micro 4/3 camera about a year and a half ago. Haven't looked back, it's small and there is a good selection of lenses for that mount. It got to the point I wouldn't even take my DSLR on vacation with me due to the size (body and lenses).
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