What's the best dslr camera for a reasonable price?

[John Dillinger]

Hey guys, I've just gotten into photography in the last few months, and have been using a Canon Powershot 160, and a buddy's been letting me borrow his Canon 40D DSLR. Since Japan's famous for cameras, what would you guys recommend as a good DSLR, for under $1000 dollars?

[Screwed-down Hairdo]

Not sure what the U.S. price is, but I got a Nikon 3100 with a couple of lenses (55-200 and I forget the other one) for about 55,000 yen. It's brilliant! Beats the shit out of Canon, though Canon's color is more realistic (and thus less vibrant). Otherwise, the Nikon is much better in every way. I strongly recommend it and it will probably fit in your budget.

[Coligny]

Not sure what the U.S. price is, but I got a Nikon 3100 with a couple of lenses (55-200 and I forget the other one) for about 55,000 yen. It's brilliant! Beats the shit out of Canon, though Canon's color is more realistic (and thus less vibrant). Otherwise, the Nikon is much better in every way. I strongly recommend it and it will probably fit in your budget.

Which tumbler account do you use for daily pics of your junk ?

[Screwed-down Hairdo]

Not sure what the U.S. price is, but I got a Nikon 3100 with a couple of lenses (55-200 and I forget the other one) for about 55,000 yen. It's brilliant! Beats the shit out of Canon, though Canon's color is more realistic (and thus less vibrant). Otherwise, the Nikon is much better in every way. I strongly recommend it and it will probably fit in your budget.

Which tumbler account do you use for daily pics of your junk ?

FB...but I only upload 1-3 photos/day (out of 700-800 taken)

[Mike Oxlong]

Not sure what the U.S. price is, but I got a Nikon 3100 with a couple of lenses (55-200 and I forget the other one) for about 55,000 yen. It's brilliant! Beats the shit out of Canon, though Canon's color is more realistic (and thus less vibrant). Otherwise, the Nikon is much better in every way. I strongly recommend it and it will probably fit in your budget.

Which tumbler account do you use for daily pics of your junk ?

FB...but I only upload 1-3 photos/day (out of 700-800 taken)

Under a pseudonym?

[GomiGirl]

Not sure what the U.S. price is, but I got a Nikon 3100 with a couple of lenses (55-200 and I forget the other one) for about 55,000 yen. It's brilliant! Beats the shit out of Canon, though Canon's color is more realistic (and thus less vibrant). Otherwise, the Nikon is much better in every way. I strongly recommend it and it will probably fit in your budget.

Which tumbler account do you use for daily pics of your junk ?

FB...but I only upload 1-3 photos/day (out of 700-800 taken)

Those awesome FB photos are yours? I thought you were just reposting awesome photos that you have found on the web.

[Coligny]

I really have to go back to that facebuk thing...

[Screwed-down Hairdo]

Not sure what the U.S. price is, but I got a Nikon 3100 with a couple of lenses (55-200 and I forget the other one) for about 55,000 yen. It's brilliant! Beats the shit out of Canon, though Canon's color is more realistic (and thus less vibrant). Otherwise, the Nikon is much better in every way. I strongly recommend it and it will probably fit in your budget.

Which tumbler account do you use for daily pics of your junk ?

FB...but I only upload 1-3 photos/day (out of 700-800 taken)

Those awesome FB photos are yours? I thought you were just reposting awesome photos that you have found on the web.

Thank you! I take them on the way to/from the Orifice or near home.
Actually, it's the camera as much as me. It's exceptional and cheap, which is why I recommend it to JD.

[nikoneko]

Another thing to take a look at if size is a concern at all is the newer mirrorless cameras. I have a Lumix dmc-gf3 I absolutely love. The quality on them is every bit as good as a DSLR in a much smaller package (controversial). Various brands make them but it seems best to go with the micro 4/3rds lens format which is made by Panasonic and Olympus. Only real problem with them right now is the used lens market is still small since they are new.

[Screwed-down Hairdo]

Another thing to take a look at if size is a concern at all is the newer mirrorless cameras. I have a Lumix dmc-gf3 I absolutely love. The quality on them is every bit as good as a DSLR in a much smaller package (controversial). Various brands make them but it seems best to go with the micro 4/3rds lens format which is made by Panasonic and Olympus. Only real problem with them right now is the used lens market is still small since they are new.

I've also heard these are good. The one negative I got was about shutter speed.

[Yokohammer]

Most importantly: what do you shoot?

People? Landscape? Sports? Wildlife? Street? Architecture?

And do you want movie capability with that?

[GomiGirl]

Most importantly: what do you shoot?

Roots and leaves?

Sorry very old groaner.

[Yokohammer]

Most importantly: what do you shoot?

Roots and leaves?

Sorry very old groaner.

Only makes sense in 'Strine, too.
Hadn't heard it for a while so I actually managed to force a chuckle.

[Screwed-down Hairdo]

Ugh...

[GomiGirl]

Most importantly: what do you shoot?

Roots and leaves?

Sorry very old groaner.

Only makes sense in 'Strine, too.
Hadn't heard it for a while so I actually managed to force a chuckle.

It brings out the grammar nazi in me... Like this:

"The difference between knowing your shit and knowing you're shit."

[nikoneko]

Another thing to take a look at if size is a concern at all is the newer mirrorless cameras. I have a Lumix dmc-gf3 I absolutely love. The quality on them is every bit as good as a DSLR in a much smaller package (controversial). Various brands make them but it seems best to go with the micro 4/3rds lens format which is made by Panasonic and Olympus. Only real problem with them right now is the used lens market is still small since they are new.

I've also heard these are good. The one negative I got was about shutter speed.

I haven't had any problems with that personally but then I wouldn't have much reason to with what I use it for. I mainly shoot still shots and even more video than photos anyway. The only issue I have at the moment with my setup is focus in low-light conditions but that is probably the indian not the arrow. The big plus is size for me, I have a tiny 14mm pancake on it and can stick it in my pocket and take it absolutely anywhere which you can't really do with a big full-size dslr.

[Screwed-down Hairdo]

Another thing to take a look at if size is a concern at all is the newer mirrorless cameras. I have a Lumix dmc-gf3 I absolutely love. The quality on them is every bit as good as a DSLR in a much smaller package (controversial). Various brands make them but it seems best to go with the micro 4/3rds lens format which is made by Panasonic and Olympus. Only real problem with them right now is the used lens market is still small since they are new.

I've also heard these are good. The one negative I got was about shutter speed.

I haven't had any problems with that personally but then I wouldn't have much reason to with what I use it for. I mainly shoot still shots and even more video than photos anyway. The only issue I have at the moment with my setup is focus in low-light conditions but that is probably the indian not the arrow. The big plus is size for me, I have a tiny 14mm pancake on it and can stick it in my pocket and take it absolutely anywhere which you can't really do with a big full-size dslr.

I hear you! I'm sure they're great.
BTW, I do take my DLSR (and a video and a tripod) wherever I go!!!

[Coligny]

while i can't go out without a point'n'sh00t without feeling nekkid (in a bad sort of way).
The pseudo dslr thingy I got from Canon is still a complete mistery for me... I don't think i've been able more than twice which was the button for taking pictures... and i'm still not sure which one takez movizes...

[Screwed-down Hairdo]

I don't think i've been able more than twice which was the button for taking pictures... and i'm still not sure which one takez movizes...

I'm the same. Never use anything other than auto w/out flash, but do prefer manual focus over auto. Mine takes movies, too, but video cameras are better for that.

[omae mona]

John, you didn't say anything about what kind of photography you're going to do (short-term, and what you think you might do longer-term). I'd say that if you don't have any very special needs like low light photography or sports, and don't need a particularly tough (e.g. weather-resistant) body, then an entry-level dSLR is a great idea. All the major manufacturers are producing bodies with lens packages that come in well under $1000 which take absolutely great pictures.

SDH's recommendation is a good one. Nikon produces bodies with some of the best image quality, and the most features crammed in at great prices. You could also consider Canon just because you got used to it a bit already, and also because Canon probably has the most extensive and reasonably priced product lineup of great lenses.

Don't underrate the importance of lenses. You will see way more difference in photo quality based on the lenses you choose rather than the camera body. Decide what you want.. a good starter single general purpose super zoom lens? Or some more specialized lenses (maybe prime lenses, higher quality zooms with less range, or fast lenses)? You probably don't have a lot of flexibility if you are trying to stay under $1000, but at least think about what your next investment might be.

If you're initially thinking of doing low light, sports, or rugged outdoor photography, it's a reason you might start with a slightly higher end camera body (and maybe skimp on the lens).

Read reviews on dpreview.com. They're really helpful.

Good luck!

[John Dillinger]

Thanks for all the replies and suggestions, Screwed down, Yoko, Coligny, Gomigirl, Omae. As for what I'd photographing mostly, it'd be people and nature shots. And to be honest,(oh man you guys are gonna give me such a hard time for this ) most of what I've been shooting is cosplay photography. Anyway, besides the best kind of camera, what would you guys recommend in regard to a telephoto lens? The 18-55 mm kit lens does ok, but I'd like to have a bit more flexibility when it comes to distance. I'd also like your suggestions on wider aperture lens, like a 2.8 or lower.

[Screwed-down Hairdo]

Thanks for all the replies and suggestions, Screwed down, Yoko, Coligny, Gomigirl, Omae. As for what I'd photographing mostly, it'd be people and nature shots. And to be honest,(oh man you guys are gonna give me such a hard time for this ) most of what I've been shooting is cosplay photography. Anyway, besides the best kind of camera, what would you guys recommend in regard to a telephoto lens? The 18-55 mm kit lens does ok, but I'd like to have a bit more flexibility when it comes to distance. I'd also like your suggestions on wider aperture lens, like a 2.8 or lower.

Cosplay's not laughable! It's great for photography. Stick at it and show off your work.

Personally, I try to work AT 200mm wherever possible, adjusting myself if need be, rather than the lens. Dunno why, the photos seem to turn out better. At 18-55, you'll get all you need for full body shots.

I'm a little less certain when dealing with aperture, but recommend going wider because it makes the lens faster and its output lighter (but I need that because I have a natural shake in my hand, don't like using a flash but need to keep up high speeds and this is the easiest way I know how). Others better versed in controlling light can give you better info.

By the way, just read a great review of the PEN, which has sold well in Japan.

And another by the way, the D3100 Nikon I bought in January came in a kit with two lenses (18-55mm and 55-200mm @1:4-5.6G)

[pallidknight]

And to be honest,(oh man you guys are gonna give me such a hard time for this ) most of what I've been shooting is cosplay photography.

I don't have a problem with that. Keep working on your photography. Practicing an art is good.

[FG Lurker]

It looks like you are in the USA. If you are buying new then you should purchase from B&H Photo or Adorama if you are buying online. If you are buying locally make a note of the B&H or Adorama price and then you have something to negotiate with. For used items there are some reliable sellers on eBay (check feedback!) and KEH is an excellent option as well.

As for what to buy exactly, every brand has its pluses and minuses and it depends not only on what you want to do with the camera but also to some degree on what you think you might want to do in the future. Once you get invested in one particular lens mount it gets expensive to switch.

Personally I used to shoot Canon but now mainly Nikon. I still own Canon gear as well as Pentax, Sony, and Contax. I recently bought a Sony A65 and it is definitely an interesting camera. It has an EVF however instead of an optical viewfinder and this is not for everyone. On the plus side it is also 10fps which is pretty unbelievable for a camera in this price range.

Anyway, if you are buying new I think the best possible camera you can get today for $1000 would be this Nikon D5200 + 18-105mm VR lens kit. The D5200 is a kickass camera that has pulled a number of features from the much higher end D7000 (including the 7000's excellent AF system), and has a new 24mp sensor. I think it is a camera that will last you for many years and allow you plenty of headroom to grow as a photographer. That kit includes a spare (3rd party) battery and a 16GB memory card as well. It's everything you need. Later when funds have been replenished you can consider a longer lens if 105mm isn't long enough, there are many options to get you to 200 or 300mm.

[Coligny]

+ eleventy billiuns for B&H... also they have a shopping apps for IOS.

found my camera, is Canon Powershot SX10IS, not sure it count as real DSLR, no swappable lens. but it got a sort of powerfull by my standards 20x optical zoom, run on double AA batteries, support USB direct printing

[nikoneko]

It's all about the lenses, that kind you have is what I started with. They are not a DSLR at all just a really nice point and shoot. The problem as FGL taught me is the sensor, as the camera may be big but the sensor is not much bigger than in an iphone. And it is all about the lenses again. I've heard several pros say you invest in the lenses for a lifetime, the bodies are replaceable every few years or more. I've learned that myself too with the little ¥13000 14mm I got for mine used, I can't bring myself to use the kit lens anymore and am going to sell it and get a good long lens as soon as I'm able.

Anyway just posting really to say listen to FGL, he knows his stuff. I had meant to mention it was him who turned me on to the awesome deal I got on my camera.

[FG Lurker]

Should have added that Amazon.com also has good deals on new gear.

If buying online be very careful about where you buy. In NY basically only Adorama and B&H are trustworthy. There are dozens of NY-based scam shops so be careful.

[Coligny]

or get anazon watcher program to check for discounts...

[Yokohammer]

New Nikon D800 (acquired yesterday) handheld through a dirty window (and this is a crop).
Not bad ... just wait 'til I get it on a tripod. Not cheap, but a "reasonable price" for what it is.

Ferris-d800.jpg

[FG Lurker]

Nice one Hammer! I recently moved from two D700s to two D600s. Time to get the 700s checked over by Nikon and then sold...