So im looking to get a T3i or T4i. futureshop has the T3i with 18-200mm for $699 Canon EOS Rebel T3i 18MP DSLR With 18-200mm IS Stabilized Lens Kit : Cameras - Future Shop
and broadway camera has the T4i kit for $679
Canon EOS Rebel T4i w/EF-S 18-55 IS II Kit - Broadway Camera

is there really any difference between the T3i and T4i besides the touchscreen?

Another big difference is that the T4i has usable phase detection autofocus (quick autofocus that doesn't take 10 seconds to lock!) during video ONLY if you use STM lenses - This is very important for casual users looking to shoot video with their DSLRS.

The 18-200 is definitely a very useful travel lense : If you were to get the T4i, you'd probably have to get a 55-250 if you wanted to shoot objects that are far away

The T2i is definitely a good starting point. Although it's sensor definitely isn't the best performer in low light when compared to some of the newer DSLRs, it's video capabilities more than make up for it.

If I were you, I would probably buy a 35mm f/2 or a 28mm f/1.8. These two lenses are prime lenses (meaning no zoom). This will force you to walk around and improve your composition. As well, they also let lots of light into the camera, meaning that you can take pictures in darker situations without a tripod that will be sharp (and less noisy)

Just remember only the 18-135mm kit lens has STM. The only other lens with STM is the 40mm f2.8 pancake.

The 18-135mm isn't too bad of a lens, actually.

To start off, I'll explain why I disagree with some of your friends' choices.

While the NEX5r is definitely a very useful package that can produce great images, I find that some of the manual controls that are IMPORTANT for beginners to experiment with are rather hard to access. As well, Sony's lense line-up isn't very great either.

The D5200 and D3200 both share the same brilliant 24MP sensor and have a useful guide mode that can help teach you how to use some of the custom functions. However, they lack aperture adjustment during live view that is oh so crucial to shooting video! However. Both the D5xxx and D3xxx range lack an autofocus motor, meaning that buying lenses is more expensive, and preventing you from using cheaper, old (but just as good!) nikon lenses!

If you're going to buy a camera to start out on, I would recommend either a T2i/T3i or a D7000.

The T2i and T3i shoot brilliant video and are dirt cheap nowadays (Brand new for less than 500 if you know where to look). Did I mention that the lenses you have are always more important that your camera body? They shoot much more robust looking video than the entry level Nikon bodies. As well, you can splurge for the T4i ( and an STM lense) if you want set and forget video; but I do believe that learning how to shoot video properly is important in the 21st century!

The D7000 is bound to get replaced soon, meaning price drops! As I mentioned earlier, the D5xxx and D3xxx are limited to certain more expensive Nikon lenses (AF-S) because they lack an in body AF motor. If you got the same set of starter lenses [I'd recommend 35 f/1.8, 80-200 or 85, random wide angle] the D7000 might actually be cheaper in the long run as you can buy older equivalents (AF-D lenses). Also, the most crucial part is that the D7000 makes it a LOT easier to access Manual Controls, which are all a part of learning photography. The 39 point autofocus makes the camera much more versatile, allowing you to shoot sports.

Hey guys!

I'm looking to get my first DSLR camera in the next couple months and was looking for recommendations. The main reason I want to get one is I'm going to Asia for a while this summer and I'd like to have more than just my phone camera to take some decent pictures. I don't mind carrying around a bigger camera but I also don't want to spend a ton of money. I'm also planning to eventually get into using it more and taking up photography as a hobby, but right now the main concern and is decent vacation shots.

Based on this thread and elsewhere, it seems the Canon T2i/T3i/T4i and the Nikon D3100/3200/5200/7000 are the common entry-level DSLRs. Specifically, the T2i and the D3100 seem to be great "bang for the buck" models. I'm hoping to keep the cost for a new unit (with basic lens) below 500-600 if possible.

As for lens, many units come with a lens and I'm not sure what to look for for my purposes. Obviously vacation shots will be generally landscape but I assume some amount of zoom would be necessary, right? Many of the options I've seen come with 18-55 and/or 55-200 but I've also seen 18-105 lenses. I've done my best to figure out what all the number and acronyms mean generally but I still have no idea what to pick for different circumstances.

Lastly, I was going to try to save some money by buying one used. Is there anything to be particularly concerned about when buying used? Many people post the shutter count, is this a big concern?

Thanks so much!

EDIT 1: A friend also suggested I get a mirrorless or micro four thirds camera since they are easier to carry around. Would a newbie like me even notice the difference in quality?

EDIT 2: It seems the D3100 with 18-55 VR lens might be the sweet spot at just under $500 after tax. Can anyone convince me that the D3200 is worth an extra $150 for a beginner?

The D3200 (sensor made by Sony) & D5200 (sensor made by Toshiba) do not share the same sensor, and the older Nikon lenses do not perform as well optically as the newer lenses due to the super high resolution and pixel density. They are generally sharp in the centre but get soft out towards the edges.

depending on what your shooting the D3200 could really be worth it if you want to use the WiFi adapter. being able to crop is nice too. The sensor improvements may or may not be worth it to you. But you could also get the D5100 for about the same price too.

Hey Crow, I was in the same spot as you a few months ago. I ended up buying a used Nikon D80 and a 18-55mm lens for about $250 CAD. I've been really impressed with the quality of shots considering the camera was from 2006, and the low price that I paid for it.

Since you're travelling and on a budget, I think the D80 would fit your needs perfectly.

For example - Nikon D80 + Nikkor 18-135lens

The numbers basically mean focal length of the lens, aka. how far the lens can zoom in/more narrow of a focus. 18-55mm is a standard kit lens, and is great for starting out. The image below is probably the easiest way to explain it visually.

http://www.lightstalking.com/wp-cont...cal_length.jpg

Okay It's time to upgrade from my aging D90. I could use some input from the working pro's here.

So far I've considered the following options. I Primarily shoot interiors for real estate but have also been shooting some commercial projects. So far from the examples I've seen in regards to dynamic range and shadow recovery the D800 and D600 are hard to beat.
Also Looking at breaking into video as well for my interior projects. My Nex7 is nice but building a rig around it is a bit of a pain and Sony likes to cripple their own products (ie. no tethering.)

Nikon D800 Test

$$$ - D800 w 16-35 F4 VR

$$ - D600 w 16-35 F4 VR
$$ - D7100 70-200 2.8 VR + Atomos Ninja 2

My only issue with the D600 and D7100 is that locking button on the mode dial. I found the handling of the d800 to be much better.

Any input would be nice. I've been looking researching this for a few weeks now and still have not completely nailed my decision.

What lenses do you currently have? If you don't have too much invested in Nikkor lenses, perhaps a switch to a Canon 6D or 5DmkIII may serve you better professionally. For stills, the Nikons will outperform the Canons (but not by much), but if video is going to be a big part of what you plan to do, then the Canons will run rings around the Nikons. The Nikons are frustrating when shooting video, however, the D7100 is better, but still not as good as the Canons.

I've got 2 UWA Nikkor 12-24 f4 and Tokina 11-16 DX lenses, 50m 1.8, 24-70 2.8 tokina.

Anybody recommend an DSLR I can find used that has decent video recording? Nothing super fancy, but would like an external mic input.

For reference I use a Sony SLT-A33 at work for video and the quality is fine for me.

Budget around $400 +/- $75? Prefer Nikon as I have a lens already but not a huge deal as I only have one lens.

In the around $400 range the D5100 is hard to beat if you must have nikon for video. Or if you want more then look at the D5200 which is better in every way. Especially in the moiré and aliasing department for video.

looking for a point and shoot

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 or Canon PowerShot SX260 HS ???

I'm looking for a waterproof rugged camera for an upcoming vacation to the philippines.

I've been looking and research a few cameras and I've narrowed it down to the following:
- Panasonic Lumix TS4
- Olympus Digital Camera TG-820
- Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX20
- Nikon COOLPIX AW100

I'm leaning towards the Nikon. Any experts out there who can chime in? Or maybe recommend something that's under 300?

so I've been told by people to go for nikon without a reason other than "I like mine" or "they're better"

I've wanted one since the T2i days, and as I watch the progression of the T line, I'm thinking, whats the point of being outdated yearly?

Im at a crossroads between the Canon 60D and SL1.

Canon 60D + 18-200mm is $999 right now, and correct me if I'm wrong, but will have higher image quality than the SL1.

SL1 is sub 800, but lighter, newer processor, smaller.

School me on comparable Nikon's to look at please?

not a fan of super zooms but here's a similar Nikon kit: Nikon D7000 with 18-105 VR Kit - Canada and Cross-Border Price Comparison - photoprice.ca

Canon and Nikon consumer lines are practically the same. You got some fanboy people you've been talking to. :lol

What are you going to use the camera for? Hobby or just to shoot pics of milfs and cats when on vacation??

If you're going to be shooting a lot of video, then get a Canon. The Canons are still superior to Nikons for video, but for stills, the Nikons potentially are better in terms of resolution & dynamic range. That 25MP APS-C sensor in the Nikons are useless without a lens that can do the sensor justice.

That new Canon 18-135mm kit lens for the T4i & T5i is actually quite a good lens, and is optimized for video shooting, while the Nikon 18-105mm lens is ok too, but kinda isn't the best for the D3200 or D5200. The Nikon lens also has a plastic lens mount where the Canon 18-135mm is metal.

how are sony point and shoots?

leaning towards the wx300.

anyone recommend any top 3 point and shoot cameras? gf's parents are looking for something thats a lil better then their old sony dslr. i know they want to take it to mexico when we go and are looking for something pretty fancy. anywhere between 400-700$ ? Video recording would be awesome as well

thinking about picking up a x100s
anyone have experience with this that they can chime in on?
any other recommendations?

Hey guys,

I'm recently looking to upgrade my camera, I'm still using a t1i lol. Thinking about 5DM2 or 6D cause both are within my budget. Planning to get it with kit 24-105 if possible. However i'm still debating on which one to get. I mean its pretty hard to find 5DM2 now since it's discontinued, but M3 is wayy too exp. :S Any suggestions?

Thanks

Hey Akumaa,

This link will definitely help you out :)
Canon 6D vs 5D Mark II - Our Analysis

Used 5dmk2 will probably similarly priced as a new 6d... so why not get that extra peace of mind for the 1 year warrantee :)