Digital DSLR Cameras

tech savvy

tech savvy

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I need some help picking out a camera for my girl(birthday). My limit is $1000, and wanted to know whats the best Digital DSLR Camera for/under $1000. I really don't know much about DSLR cameras, or any for that matter. So any help much appreciated. Any and all suggestion welcomed. Thanks!
 
For starters, you could look into a Canon T3i with kit lens or even a T4i. Those are under $1K at B&H. Another option is a Pentax K-30 kit, as well as the Nikon D5100 or D3200.

That can at least get you started on what models to compare.
 
voyagerfan99 said:
For starters, you could look into a Canon T3i with kit lens or even a T4i. Those are under $1K at B&H. Another option is a Pentax K-30 kit, as well as the Nikon D5100 or D3200.

That can at least get you started on what models to compare.
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Thanks Voyagerfan99, any help I can get helps. If you were in the market of buying a DSLR camera that was $1000 or less, what would you buy?
 
It depends. How into photography is she? Does she already have experience with DSLR's?
 
Is she doing it professionally (as in it's her job and she's getting paid for doing it), or is it a hobby?

If she's been doing it for a year, then she'll have some lenses already? So you can get a much better body only for $1,000 instead of the body AND a lens.
 
If I had $1000 I would

Get myself a Sony Alpha A57 http://www.amazon.com/Sony-SLT-A57K...F8&qid=1351167829&sr=1-22&keywords=Sony+Alpha

Then pick up a used but Mint Minolta 50mm f1.7 for $100 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006I5I2/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&seller=

and then a Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-70-300m...TF8&qid=1351168016&sr=1-48&keywords=Sony+50mm

Total would come out to about $950 could have enough left for a decent bag if you wanted.

Though all of this is just me as I'm a Sony lover and would choose there cameras every time.
 
Fatback said:
If I had $1000 I would

Get myself a Sony Alpha A57 http://www.amazon.com/Sony-SLT-A57K...F8&qid=1351167829&sr=1-22&keywords=Sony+Alpha

Then pick up a used but Mint Minolta 50mm f1.7 for $100 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006I5I2/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&seller=

and then a Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-70-300m...TF8&qid=1351168016&sr=1-48&keywords=Sony+50mm

Total would come out to about $950 could have enough left for a decent bag if you wanted.

Though all of this is just me as I'm a Sony lover and would choose there cameras every time.
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Pretty nice set I have to say. But question; Is that a fan-boy choice, or a legit recommendation? Is that the best camera/set for under $1k? I really don't care for the brand, as long as it's worth it.

Thank you for recommending lens's, that could be a nice add-on. What would ya'll think would be better; $1k camera, or $600-700 camera with $400-300 in accessories?
 
Well it's hard to say whats the best in that price range they all have there pros and cons. I suggest you look up some detailed reviews and decide then. BTW it was a little of both :P I'd only recommend a Canon or Nikon if you was wanting a pro, or pro consumer level camera. The rest of the time I will probably go with Sony and Pentax. It's not that I have anything against Canon or Nikon in fact if I ever went pro and had the money for pro gear I would chose Canon all day, but for the lower price ranges I'd pick a Sony or Pentax any time.

Sony A57 http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sony-alpha-slt-a57

Canon T4i http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canon-eos-650d-rebel-t4i

Nikon D3200 http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikon-d3200

Pentax K30 http://www.dpreview.com/previews/pentax-k-30/

Those are probably going to be your top 4 choices. Look at the pros and cons(found under the conclusion tab), sample photos, noise reduction comparisons, and performance. Then make a decision from there. I really don't think you can go wrong with any of them.

This is just my opinion but I rather have a the Cheaper camera with a few decent lens, then the expensive camera with just one lens. Thats just me though. There is only so much you can do with that stock lens plus they aren't the best anyways.
 
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You can see the D5100 vs the A57 here http://snapsort.com/compare/Nikon-D5100-vs-Sony-SLT-A57

They both have their advantages and disadvantages. Look through that site and see which features each one has and then see what she needs.

I've got to say that after having tried a few Canons (1100D, 550D, 600D, 650D), I wasn't very impressed. I much preferred the feel of the Nikons. I felt they were better built too. I've tried 3 Nikons, the D3100, D3200 and D5100 and all were great. :)

Really though, as I said before, don't just buy one online for her hoping she'll like it. Take her to a shop and get her to try out a few. It's all very well buying the D5100 over the A57 for example because specs-wise it's possibly better, but at the end of the day, if she doesn't like the menus or the ergonomics or general how it feels, she's not going to like the camera.
 
If your looking for best specs for price, then pentax k-5, pentax has been including the most for the price in that range lately.
I'd recommend something used, but a nicer body, d7000/60D/k-5 if shes doing it professionally shes going to want something heavier duty. Rather than a entry level camera(650D/d3200)
 
Kornowski said:
Is she doing it professionally (as in it's her job and she's getting paid for doing it), or is it a hobby?

If she's been doing it for a year, then she'll have some lenses already? So you can get a much better body only for $1,000 instead of the body AND a lens.
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So?
 
If she is doing this already and has lenses (or access to them) that helps guide your camera choice. Both the make of the camera as they should be compatible, and the price point as if she is collecting high quality lenses then an inexpensive lens to may not be the best choice as the image captured is only as good as the image projected on the sensor (although there are a couple inexpensive prime lenses that have fairly good glass). The ergonomics and weight of the camera is also a huge factor as if you're holding it for 4-5 hours shooting at a function it had better be comfortable. I

There are a few things to consider, what kind of stuff does she shoot, does she have a comfort level with any particular brand (menu familiarity etc..), access to lenses and accessories? these could help to suggest a suitable setup.
 
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i suggest getting the canon t2i. It's perfect and it has been compared with Canon 7D and it's shown that there isn't much of a difference. It's 700 $ with the normal kit. I suggest getting the 55-250 mm focal length lens for 1000 $ since that's your budget.

Here's a link from amazon for the normal kit : http://www.amazon.com/Canon-T2i-Pro...UTF8&qid=1356788951&sr=8-1&keywords=canon+t2i

and one for the 55-250mm kit : http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Imaging...UTF8&qid=1356788951&sr=8-2&keywords=canon+t2i
 
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