DSLR Camera advice..................

jdad1

I am seeking your expert advice on DSLR cameras. A certain holiday is nearing and i need advice and counsel from a source that she would not find out that i was asking. So any advice on what i should be paying attention to or any of your personal experiences. Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated.

I am looking at a canon, specifically the EOS Rebel T3. They are very spendy and this is the cheapest one i could find. (my wife only likes canon)

DeltaZero

Does she have glass already?

What body does she have now?

What type of photography is she into?

SarahLynne22

My hubby bought me one, and I really love it. I am going on vacation and that was my main reason for wanting one. I could not stand the delay on point and click digital cameras.
This is definitely not a professional type camera, but for the average photographer it works nicely.

tsikkz

All entry level DSLRs are the same.. however once you pick a body, if you want to buy more lenses and accessories keep in mind that she will be tied to that brand. For example if you own a nikon, canon lenses, flashes, microphones, etc wont work on a Nikon.

I personally own a nikon d3100, only because it takes video better than a rebel and thats what I wanted it for. theres actually a million articles on the internet comparing the entry level canon (t3i) and the entry level Nikon (d3100).

_HeartsOnFire_

I love love love love love my Canon Rebel DSLR. Best camera I've ever had.

You can check CNET for reviews and advice on them.

http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-camera-buying-guide/

Ribena145

I have too many Canon cameras to count from film to DSLR's, but for simplicity, weight and price, you might want to look at a Nikon. Canon has quite a few features you probably won't use. I also carry in my purse a little Sony point and shoot that really gives me bang for my buck. I kind of wish I hadn't spent the amount of money that I had on the Canon 30D and the better lens' (not kit). I tend to find the other brands a little more intuitive...

Timshel_

I've had the digital Rebels since they came out (300D) when I switched from my Elan 7E film camera. Haven't looked back since.As I have upgraded I have sold my older models to family and friends and all are still working to this day. So Canon is a good choice. I also have friends with Nikon who have had the same experience.

That said, I will be switching to something more compact WITHOUT interchangeable lenses. If you do not need that great of latitude and variation in optics, look at the PowerShot series.

Blondiegrl11

I have it, I like it. Got a couple lenses for it. I honestly haven't played with all the features yet but for an entry level camera it's great. They usually go on sale this time of year.

sunglasses_and_ocean_waves

I like my nikon.

BrendaLee

If she's looking for an entry-level DSLR and wants Canon, the T3 is a decent choice. Personally, as someone who's had an entry-level body for a couple of years, I would choose the best body I could afford. Inevitably, entry-level cameras are going to leave you longing before too long. The only problem is, it's hard to know what you wish you had until you have something that doesn't have it. She'll have fun with it, though, and if it's her first DSLR, it'll get her into the game.

devil_in_a_blue_dress

I am a professional photographer -- it depends on what her goals are.

Does she want to use it like a point and shoot? If yes, I would get a Fujifilm x100s. It has a data converter so you can shoot in RAW and its fixed lens is a prime (not zoom) 23mm, 2 f stop (which is a better quality than a kit lens for a rebel). It has rad features like double exposure and pumps out professional quality photos. It's small, ease to carry, and bad *kitten* looking. Yeah, yeah she only like Canon, she wants a DSLR -- but if doesn't actually need a DSLR if she doesn't plan to learn how to use the camera in manual. Not being a jerk here either -- lots of people get these cameras and then have no idea what to do with them -- it's a waste of money!

If she wants the interchangeable lenses and the ability to use a speedlight, I would go with a Rebel. I have a T2i around here somewhere. It's ok. It's ISO is more limited than I'd like, so shooting in low light w/o a flash is trickier. There actually isn't a lot of difference between Canon/Nikon at this level. I like Canon glass more. Which is where my actual advice for comes in:

Buy a older camera body (like a T2i) it will be cheaper than the newer and the features really aren't that different. Seriously. Not Save the $$$ and spring for better lenses. I highly recommend a 50mm 1.8f (or if you have extra cash a 50 mm, 1.4f).