Need recommendation for a DSLR camera


flyygalicious

New Member
Jun 7, 2010
24
0
0
Hi everyone,

I'm thinking of getting a DSLR camera for my husband this Fathers' Day, and figured this would be the best place to seek recommendations.

just want a simple one though, nothing of the professional sort. :bsmilie:
something that can take quality pictures, and something that's user-friendly.

I have a budget of $1300, and actually personally like the Canon 550D but all the specs are lost on me! ;)

So if anyone has any other recommendations, I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks in advance!
 

All entry level DSLRs from Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax, Olympus and etc are able to take quality pics and they are within your budget. :D

It all depends on what your hubby likes.

I am envy of your hubby. :( hahaha
 

hey!
thank you for your reply! :)

my only confusion is (since i'm a photography idiot, lol) with the specs. i dont understand any of it!

also, should i get like an 18megapixels camera, or will a 10megapixels suffice?

my hubby is not a photography buff either, lol...but our digicam is not working properly anymore, and he expressed interest in getting a DSLR, so i thought it'll be a nice surprise. :)
therefore we don need anything fancy or professional, just something "entry-level" as you say, good enough to take memorable pictures of our 2year old son.
our digicam sucks! lol!
 

Your requirements seem to be pretty modest and any entry-level DSLR from the big manufacturers should meet all your needs. Canon 550D, Nikon D5000, Pentax Kx, Olympus 620/450, Sony (what's the current model? They introduced so many I lost touch) -- all are great cameras and should satisfy you and your husband.

Don't get hung up on specs or features. 18MP or 10MP is of very little consequence to your needs. 6MP is plenty for most of us. Salesman will try to sell you on specs and features, but be wary -- many of them don't really know what they are talking about, and will be more intent on selling you something that will increase their profit margin (watch out for expensive 'must have' accessories that they might suggest you add). Best bet is to go with someone knowledgeable in these matters i.e. cameras and camera-shop-scams.

Most of the time I'd say go out and try the cameras and see which models feel more 'natural' and easy to use -- this is a very personal thing and different users have different preferences. But since you want to surprise your husband, you probably won't be bringing him around to the shops. You could do this on his behalf (you'll be using the camera too, right?).

Another thing you might want to consider is the make of your current camera -- if you're used to a particular interface, you might find that a DSLR from the same manufacturer has similar menus and controls. Not a big deal, and probably only applies if your current camera isn't too old, but it might be a consideration.

Good luck in your search :)
 

Hi everyone,

I'm thinking of getting a DSLR camera for my husband this Fathers' Day, and figured this would be the best place to seek recommendations.

just want a simple one though, nothing of the professional sort. :bsmilie:
something that can take quality pictures, and something that's user-friendly.

I have a budget of $1300, and actually personally like the Canon 550D but all the specs are lost on me! ;)

So if anyone has any other recommendations, I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks in advance!

Can you just do a SEARCH??????

This question is asked 10000000000000000 times weekly:angry:
 

hey!
thank you for your reply! :)

my only confusion is (since i'm a photography idiot, lol) with the specs. i dont understand any of it!

also, should i get like an 18megapixels camera, or will a 10megapixels suffice?

my hubby is not a photography buff either, lol...but our digicam is not working properly anymore, and he expressed interest in getting a DSLR, so i thought it'll be a nice surprise. :)
therefore we don need anything fancy or professional, just something "entry-level" as you say, good enough to take memorable pictures of our 2year old son.
our digicam sucks! lol!

1)You say the above 2 words and you wanna get a DSLR?

2)Your hubby is neither into photography and you lagi want to get a DSLR to surprise him?

3)I think maybe a prosumer like Panasonic LX3 or Canon G11 suits you better...
 

1)You say the above 2 words and you wanna get a DSLR?

2)Your hubby is neither into photography and you lagi want to get a DSLR to surprise him?

3)I think maybe a prosumer like Panasonic LX3 or Canon G11 suits you better...

there's a saying that goes, 'if you dont have anything nice to say, then don't say anything all."

if you dont want to help, then dont help at all. :)
maybe you're just having a bad day, so i shall excuse your rudeness.

well, every forum has the odd unhelpful member. i guess we all know who it is now! :D
 

Can you just do a SEARCH??????

This question is asked 10000000000000000 times weekly:angry:

that it's asked so often might perhaps indicate something. maybe people are lazy. or maybe the search function is not so intuitive or conveniently located. whichever the case, since this type of question upsets you so much, it's not hard to turn a blind eye to this thread when it's evident from the thread title what the content of the question is. there will be people kind (or maybe you think stupid) enough to entertain new people. no need to demonstrate internet superiority.
 

Your requirements seem to be pretty modest and any entry-level DSLR from the big manufacturers should meet all your needs. Canon 550D, Nikon D5000, Pentax Kx, Olympus 620/450, Sony (what's the current model? They introduced so many I lost touch) -- all are great cameras and should satisfy you and your husband.

Don't get hung up on specs or features. 18MP or 10MP is of very little consequence to your needs. 6MP is plenty for most of us. Salesman will try to sell you on specs and features, but be wary -- many of them don't really know what they are talking about, and will be more intent on selling you something that will increase their profit margin (watch out for expensive 'must have' accessories that they might suggest you add). Best bet is to go with someone knowledgeable in these matters i.e. cameras and camera-shop-scams.

Most of the time I'd say go out and try the cameras and see which models feel more 'natural' and easy to use -- this is a very personal thing and different users have different preferences. But since you want to surprise your husband, you probably won't be bringing him around to the shops. You could do this on his behalf (you'll be using the camera too, right?).

Another thing you might want to consider is the make of your current camera -- if you're used to a particular interface, you might find that a DSLR from the same manufacturer has similar menus and controls. Not a big deal, and probably only applies if your current camera isn't too old, but it might be a consideration.

Good luck in your search :)

thank you SOOOO much for your very detailed comment.
in contrast to a certain rude comment :bsmilie: i think you have been very very helpful and friendly.
i really appreciate the time you took to type it out.
yes, i have been lazy to do a search, i was just too excited about buying a special gift or my husband and it got better of me so i created a new thread, so for that i thank you and the first member, for being patient and attending to my queries. :D

i will take your advice when i go camera-shopping! :)
thanks again for being very kind!
 

that it's asked so often might perhaps indicate something. maybe people are lazy. or maybe the search function is not so intuitive or conveniently located. whichever the case, since this type of question upsets you so much, it's not hard to turn a blind eye to this thread when it's evident from the thread title what the content of the question is. there will be people kind (or maybe you think stupid) enough to entertain new people. no need to demonstrate internet superiority.

well said :) and thank you for standing up for me.
i really appreciate it!
 

1)You say the above 2 words and you wanna get a DSLR?

2)Your hubby is neither into photography and you lagi want to get a DSLR to surprise him?

3)I think maybe a prosumer like Panasonic LX3 or Canon G11 suits you better...

1) We were all photographic idiots once. We all have to start somewhere. Some of us improve, some of us still shoot the same way with our DSLR (think snap shot). So please refrain from the "holier than thou" attitude.

2) Her hubby expressed an interest to get a DSLR. What's wrong with the wife buying something to surprise him?

3) It is up to them to see what they want in the end. You can suggest, but please be constructive when you do. Show examples, explain, give good suggestions. Don't be a donkey (the other name for it).
 

1)You say the above 2 words and you wanna get a DSLR?

2)Your hubby is neither into photography and you lagi want to get a DSLR to surprise him?

3)I think maybe a prosumer like Panasonic LX3 or Canon G11 suits you better...

1) its not for me, its for my HUSBAND.

2) you missed my next post. "HE HAS EXPRESSED INTEREST IN GETTING A DSLR".

3) THANK YOU for your input. :)
 

1) We were all photographic idiots once. We all have to start somewhere. Some of us improve, some of us still shoot the same way with our DSLR (think snap shot). So please refrain from the "holier than thou" attitude.

2) Her hubby expressed an interest to get a DSLR. What's wrong with the wife buying something to surprise him?

3) It is up to them to see what they want in the end. You can suggest, but please be constructive when you do. Show examples, explain, give good suggestions. Don't be a donkey (the other name for it).

THANK YOU! :)

its great to know there're still helpful members around! :)
 

That said, let me try to give you a 2 minute summary of what you need to look out for:

1) DSLR is a big step forward. So think wisely when you spend on your budget. Things you will need for starters when getting a DSLR
- DSLR camera with a lens. (suggest you get a kit that comes with a lens)
- Dry cabinate (runs around 108 for a 30L one)
- Protective/UV filter for your lens
- Camera bag
- Blower and lenspen (cleaning kit)
- A stable tripod (free ones usually cannot cut it)

2) Think careful of the brand of DSLR. You will be buying into the entire system, not just the camera itself.
- Nikon and Canon are the 2 big brands. Generally more expensive but tons of lenses and fellow users. Good entry level models: Nikon D5000 (I suggest stepping up to D90), Canon 550D.
- Pentax has been making cameras for a long time, good lens collection, especially the ultra flat and ultra small but very good quality Limited pancake lenses. The Pentax K-x is currently the best bang for the buck. Cheap, but performs exceptionally well (winning the best entry level camera of the year), even better than some higher end cameras. Pentax offers image stabilization in the camera body.
- Sony Alpha is up and coming as well. Formerly named Konica-Minolta, the division is sold to Sony and became Alpha. Sony offers image stabilization in the camera body also. Price point is between Pentax and the big N&C. Very good cameras to consider are A500 and A550

3) For all these cameras, you can get 3rd party lenses from Tokina, Sigma and Tamron which are pretty good as well. Just read the reviews online to determine if the specific lens is good and/or popular.

Note: Nikon has a few kinds of lenses available for sale now. The 2 main ones are AF-D and AF-S. D5000 will not be able to focus with AF-D lenses. Many lenses now are AF-S now, but some of the very good lenses are still on AF-D. So if you do decide to go Nikon, I suggest you step up to a D90 instead, so it will be able to use both AF-D and AF-S lenses.

If you ask me what would I buy now if I am starting new? I will get the Pentax Kx. btw, I am currently a nikon user, if you are interested to know.
 

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THANK YOU! :)

its great to know there're still helpful members around! :)

You're welcome. But I hope you will put this behind you.

There will be weird people around. Some will pop out and say "get brand X", some will say "Get X model, you will not regret!". Everyone has different needs. Pretty much the major brands all make very good and capable cameras. In the end it is up to the person using the camera to shine.

All I can say is stay focus to what you are asking here - to find answers. Hope the rest of the guys here are pointing you to the right direction. Be objective.
 

do read this read for more insights. it is very well thought and written... There are reasons why some members are upset when frequent questions pops up. A simple search will answer all their questions. for newcomers, they might not be aware of the resources lying around in CS. Yeah. So chill everyone. (' o ')v

http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=245883 post 12 onwards will be more relevant to TS
 

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that it's asked so often might perhaps indicate something. maybe people are lazy. or maybe the search function is not so intuitive or conveniently located. whichever the case, since this type of question upsets you so much, it's not hard to turn a blind eye to this thread when it's evident from the thread title what the content of the question is. there will be people kind (or maybe you think stupid) enough to entertain new people. no need to demonstrate internet superiority.

Sorry,i'm not that old:bsmilie:
 

1) its not for me, its for my HUSBAND.

2) you missed my next post. "HE HAS EXPRESSED INTEREST IN GETTING A DSLR".

3) THANK YOU for your input. :)

Ok sorry,didn't read your next post.Will recommend you get the Pentax K-x though.Might wanna visit the Pentax forums to read up more:)
 

that it's asked so often might perhaps indicate something. maybe people are lazy. or maybe the search function is not so intuitive or conveniently located. whichever the case, since this type of question upsets you so much, it's not hard to turn a blind eye to this thread when it's evident from the thread title what the content of the question is. there will be people kind (or maybe you think stupid) enough to entertain new people. no need to demonstrate internet superiority.

Nothing to do with internet superiority la. People just trying to boost post count la. :bsmilie: