Cameras?
3rd Gear Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 627
From: Norfolk, VA
I have a T2i, which is functionally identical to a T3i (the difference is some OS tweaks and a swiveling screen), and it can produce some great pictures. The problem is, the magic is not in the body, but in the lens. The stock 18-55 is alright, and certainly blows any phone cam and most pocket cams out of the water at the limits (any camera can take great photos on a clear day), but as a DSLR lens leaves much to be desired. Great lenses can run four figures easily, but good lenses can be had for much less.
If you get a DSLR, you'll find that photography is a lot like Mustangs... they both produce a lot of happiness, but they both make your money disappear at alarming rates.
I would recommend the Canon T3i, but the Nikon D3100 is a great alternative. You'll hear a lot of people who hate Canons and love Nikons, or vice versa... frankly, unless your annual photography budget is more than $20,000, there's just no measurable difference. Canons are known to do video better, so if shooting video with your DSLR is a big deal, I'd go with them, but Nikons are known to have generally better color reproduction. Many argue that Nikon's lenses are better, but frankly IMHO it's six in one hand, half a dozen in the other.
If you get a DSLR, you'll find that photography is a lot like Mustangs... they both produce a lot of happiness, but they both make your money disappear at alarming rates.
I would recommend the Canon T3i, but the Nikon D3100 is a great alternative. You'll hear a lot of people who hate Canons and love Nikons, or vice versa... frankly, unless your annual photography budget is more than $20,000, there's just no measurable difference. Canons are known to do video better, so if shooting video with your DSLR is a big deal, I'd go with them, but Nikons are known to have generally better color reproduction. Many argue that Nikon's lenses are better, but frankly IMHO it's six in one hand, half a dozen in the other.
Chop Mod
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,333
From: OK
The new Nikon 1 starts at $650.
It looks freaking awesome.
I think I'm going to pick one up for a wedding/Christmas present.
http://shop.nikonusa.com/store/nikon...ctID.239597400
It looks freaking awesome.
I think I'm going to pick one up for a wedding/Christmas present.
http://shop.nikonusa.com/store/nikon...ctID.239597400
2nd Gear Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 456
From: Cincinnati, Ohio
I've always been a Canon guy. My mom has a 20D which takes very nice photos. You could probably find a very good deal on a used 20D/30D or just go with a new Rebel and stay within your price range. The thing is, camera bodies go out of date way faster than lenses do, so if your budget is limited, you're better off going cheaper on the disposable part (the body) and putting more money into good lenses. The lens that comes with your camera will be absolutely fine to start off with but there is much to be gained with a nicer lens.
You really can't go wrong with any of the name brand dSLRs. My mom's 20D is 6 years old now, still takes great looking photos, and has been totally reliable. I just picked up a new camera myself so if I can get my stupid black car clean at some point hopefully I'll have some nice photos to post.
You really can't go wrong with any of the name brand dSLRs. My mom's 20D is 6 years old now, still takes great looking photos, and has been totally reliable. I just picked up a new camera myself so if I can get my stupid black car clean at some point hopefully I'll have some nice photos to post.
1st Gear Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 65
From: Hawaii
I vote Canon, its what I always used but most of the big names are all really comparable. You just have to figure out what kind of camera you want. Most point and shoots will get just as clear shots as SLRs and do some internal editing taking the load off of you freeing you up to just shoot and that is the route I would send most. There's absolutely no advantage using a SLR unless you're shooting in manual mode. I never shoot in anything other than M because I know that I will get it right and the camera will just get it close, and I enjoy the editing process.
If that sounds like you then get an SLR. I've been happy with Canon, but it is worth spending money on. I shoot a 30d and there's shots that I just can't get without using lights and other gear that a friends 7d handles with out issue (plus I'd love the extra megapixels). Be sure to try out whatever model you're looking at, I had a rebel xt and it was just too small to be comfortable in my hands.
My favorite Camera mods so far have been a yn560 speed light, and a CPL polarizer. Both were cheap but massively improved output.
My only complaints about this camera all trace back to its age; I'd like more megapixels, shots get noisy fast as the ISO increases, and the autofocus is dated.
If that sounds like you then get an SLR. I've been happy with Canon, but it is worth spending money on. I shoot a 30d and there's shots that I just can't get without using lights and other gear that a friends 7d handles with out issue (plus I'd love the extra megapixels). Be sure to try out whatever model you're looking at, I had a rebel xt and it was just too small to be comfortable in my hands.
My favorite Camera mods so far have been a yn560 speed light, and a CPL polarizer. Both were cheap but massively improved output.
My only complaints about this camera all trace back to its age; I'd like more megapixels, shots get noisy fast as the ISO increases, and the autofocus is dated.
Thread Starter
4th Gear Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,378
From: Galveston, Texas
I have a T2i, which is functionally identical to a T3i (the difference is some OS tweaks and a swiveling screen), and it can produce some great pictures. The problem is, the magic is not in the body, but in the lens. The stock 18-55 is alright, and certainly blows any phone cam and most pocket cams out of the water at the limits (any camera can take great photos on a clear day), but as a DSLR lens leaves much to be desired. Great lenses can run four figures easily, but good lenses can be had for much less.
If you get a DSLR, you'll find that photography is a lot like Mustangs... they both produce a lot of happiness, but they both make your money disappear at alarming rates.
I would recommend the Canon T3i, but the Nikon D3100 is a great alternative. You'll hear a lot of people who hate Canons and love Nikons, or vice versa... frankly, unless your annual photography budget is more than $20,000, there's just no measurable difference. Canons are known to do video better, so if shooting video with your DSLR is a big deal, I'd go with them, but Nikons are known to have generally better color reproduction. Many argue that Nikon's lenses are better, but frankly IMHO it's six in one hand, half a dozen in the other.
If you get a DSLR, you'll find that photography is a lot like Mustangs... they both produce a lot of happiness, but they both make your money disappear at alarming rates.
I would recommend the Canon T3i, but the Nikon D3100 is a great alternative. You'll hear a lot of people who hate Canons and love Nikons, or vice versa... frankly, unless your annual photography budget is more than $20,000, there's just no measurable difference. Canons are known to do video better, so if shooting video with your DSLR is a big deal, I'd go with them, but Nikons are known to have generally better color reproduction. Many argue that Nikon's lenses are better, but frankly IMHO it's six in one hand, half a dozen in the other.
Thread Starter
4th Gear Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,378
From: Galveston, Texas
The new Nikon 1 starts at $650.
It looks freaking awesome.
I think I'm going to pick one up for a wedding/Christmas present.
http://shop.nikonusa.com/store/nikon...ctID.239597400
It looks freaking awesome.
I think I'm going to pick one up for a wedding/Christmas present.
http://shop.nikonusa.com/store/nikon...ctID.239597400