Which DLSR camera to purchase? Looking for insightful opinions?

Question

I am looking to replace my mom's old Sony SLR camera for Mother's Day. She likes to take A LOT of pictures. She isn't a pro, but she wants to takes classes and learn to utilize all of the features of the camera. That is a regret she is living with right now because she wishes that she would have had the time to take photography classes and learn how to get the most out of her SLR. Now, she has the time and her old SLR is definitely ready to retire.

Basically, I am NOT looking for the cheapest SLR just so my mom will be happy that she isn't taking pictures with a point-and-shoot and feels like a pro photographer. I am searching for a quality DSLR for a person who will eventually learn to use every feature and setting appropriately.

Professional photographers, those who pursue photography as a hobby, and anyone else with knowledge of DSLR cameras : Which brand and model of DLSR do you recommend to buy? and maybe a reason or two why? I am shopping on a generous budget so fire away.

Thanks!

Answer 1

All dSLR's are basically the same. Cheaper ones are crippled in one way or another and will take more effort from the photographer to use. More expensive ones tend to have more control range and easier access to those controls making shooting easier. You are correct in deciding to get a better camera model for your mom. Here are what I suggest.



http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/860680-REG/Pentax_15758_K30_Digital_Camera_with.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/879450-REG/Pentax_15690_K_30_Digital_Camera_with.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/891521-REG/Pentax_12038_K_5_II_Digital_SLR.html



Why Pentax?



http://keerok-potd.blogspot.com/2012/03/bff.html

http://keerok-potd.blogspot.com/2012/02/dried-herring-on-unturned-egg-and.html

http://keerok-potd.blogspot.com/2011/10/gazebo.html

http://keerok-potd.blogspot.com/2011/07/not-yet-on-top-of-world.html

http://keerok-potd.blogspot.com/2011/06/iris.html

http://keerok-potd.blogspot.com/2011/06/sunset-at-lapog-bay.html

Answer 2

I have researched Canon camera a lot so here's my suggestions.



At $650 is the Canon T4i.

This is an entry level DSLR

It has 18 megapixles

It can shot at 3.7 frames per second.

It has an articulating touch screen.

9 auto focus points

The biggest selling point about this is the price. That doesn't mean it is much worse though, it still has very nice image quality. One of the reason it is much cheaper is because it has an all plastic body.



At $1,900 is the Canon 6D

I dont know as much about this but it it has a full frame sensor and is in between the 7D and the 5Dmk III (the next one).



At $1,250 is the Canon 7D.

It aslo has 18 megapixles

The T4i's sensor was based off of the 7D's sensor

It has a magnesium alloy body that is very durable

It can shoot at 8 (I dont remember the decimal place) Frames per second

19 autofocus points

This camera is better for sports photography and fast moving things. Personally I would get this camera if i had the money. I have the T2i (an older model of the T4i) and I do DSLR video as well as photography.



At $3,300 is the 5D mark III

It has 22.3 megapixles

Wheather (not water )proof (it can take the rain but do try to avoid. the 7D might also be weather proof but I'm not sure)

Magnesium alloy body.

61 auto focus points

4.3 (i'm pretty sure thats right) Frames per second

This camera is pretty much the best of canons line up. There is also a 5D mark II that is around $2100 or something like that. It is similar but has a couple less features.



I dont have all the information to base your purchase off of but you should do a bit of research yourself on youtube.

In some of the videos below the review compares the T2i or T3i instead of the T4i but they are all very similar and have few differences.

Hers the videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTjW8aoTkjA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3-fHf0Y990

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYif6YYVlAw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAmo3UP3mcM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCT-YMgjm9k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xN7VXW9mKJw

also remember to look up videos on your own. DigitalRev on youtube has lots of good reviews and comparisons



And for lenses, just get a kit lens (they're not the best but they are still very good) that has some decent zoom.



This took a long time to type and I know there might be stuff that I didn't clarify but feel free to email me as much as you like with questions you have. My Email is [e-mail]

This is a big purchase you are making and I hope i can help you get the best out of it. Thats why I'm giving you my email.

I hope this helps!

Answer 3

I only shoot Nikon so I'd say go for that, Theres the D3100/D5100 for $450/$600, the D3200/D5200 for $650/$700, the D7000/D7100 for $1000/$1500, and finally at the top of the entry level theres the D300S for $1300, these all include kit lenses. Now into the pro cameras D600/D800 $2000/$2800(body only)

and at the top of the nikon range, the D4 for a whopping $6000

Answer 4

Go for Nikon D5100 it shoots quality! Element is way better than I expected for a "consumer" mannequin. In reality, I chose the D5100 given that the fine of the portraits was my predominant goal. It comes with the identical 16mp chip because the D7000 for $400 less. I wanted to spend that cash on glass. I've had virtually no main issue identifying the right way to set the handbook controls and have had excellent good fortune with the SCENES modes for many capturing. As you may anticipate from a Nikon, first-rate pictures; as just right because the D7000 (in keeping with dpreview) and $400 less. Effortless to make use of, light, good manual control, and just right assisted manipulate through scenes. The D5100 is a good alternative if you are watching for prime fine photos without the entire bells and whistles of the D7000.

Answer 5

If she has a Sony DSLR already then it would be smart to stick with Sony DSLR's. This way she can use all of her lenses with the new camera.



Any DSLR from ANY brand will take amazing pics. Its actually the person holding the camera that makes the biggest difference.



Check out these DSLR's



http://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&categoryId=8198552921644914998



http://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&categoryId=8198552921644827502

Answer 6

A modern Sony will take her lenses and flash.

Answer 7

I own and only recommend Canon so... about the least expensive ($500) and the simplest to operate is probably the Canon t3.

Answer 8

I have the canon T3i.