DSLR for a Newbie $500 - $1000

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  spackbace on 06/10/2015 - 18:54

  +3

  Canon 700D - $790 after cashback
  Canon 50mm lens - ~$140
  Good tripod
  Good bag
  Oh and a memory card, look for probably a 64GB Extreme

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  Ace26 on 06/10/2015 - 19:16

  +4

  Buy a second hand Canon (e.g. 5D mark II, 6D,7D, 60D or even 50D) or Nikon body and invest more on the glass/lens.

  Don't buy the cheap kits and regret later. I'm a Canon user myself and can vouch for their quality, I did buy brand new 50D over half a decade ago but I wouldn't suggest buying new to a newbie.

  I also suggest a Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 lens as an all purpose lens. and a Canon 50mm mark ii f1.8 and you will be set.

  Worth noting that once you start with a brand then you will pretty have to stick with it. Sorry I can't recommend on any specific Nikon or other makes due to lack of personal experience using them.

  • 

    Clueless23 on 07/10/2015 - 21:03

    +1

    thanks for the info! very useful :) i did manage to find a second hand 50D bundle for a decent price, with low shutter count and extended warranty..will be leaning towards that

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  [Deactivated] on 06/10/2015 - 21:02

  I also have the same Tamron lens in a Nikon mount - why pay $1600+ for the Nikon version - this Tamron kicks it to the kerb

  Consider a Nikon 5300 or 7100 if you're interested in Nikon
  The 7100 was superseded by the 7200 but you'll save a few hundred on the older model if you can dig one up

  When shopping for lenses - sometimes the older lenses are cheaper and can be optically superior

  Your girl might like the size and weight in the Olympus OM-D series too (not a DSLR but the semantics might not bother her)

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  saiandkid on 07/10/2015 - 10:48

  Have you thought about trying some compact camera e.g. Sony Rx100 iii, they can be had for less than $900 on ebay? You don't have to worry about lenses with these cameras, but they give you decent image and video qualities.

  You can also practise with different settings for different scenes, apextures, shutter speed etc. Moreover, if you do decide to get serious with photography, you can always upgrade to a full frame and keep the compact as it actually act as a compliment for the extreme portability. If you decide to stop here, you still get a more than decent, highly portable camera.

  • 

    saiandkid on 07/10/2015 - 10:51

    Didn't read as it is for your signficant other, but I think the same logic applies.

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  Tech and cars on 07/10/2015 - 11:17

  Have you considered the mirrorless cameras? Something a bit more portable and is just as capable as a full sized DSLR?

  I really like my sony a6000 and it has interchangeable lenses. I think for around this price bracket it is the best value for money.

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  Shaman on 08/10/2015 - 14:18

  I got a lumix fz1000 for under 1000 from kb Hi-Fi and have been over the moon with it

  I no longer have to worry about carrying or buying extra lenses etc

  It handles and feels like a DSLR without all the fidgeting

  Highly rated camera