Shopping a new dslr beginner camera

[cruiserfred]

I'm comparing a Canon T3i to a Sony A55 ,very seriously leaning against the grain towards the Sony any comments
Fred

 

[ywen]

Why a DSLR? Why not a mirro-less camera like the Sony NEX? same image quality... reduced bulk.

 

[cruisertoy]

I purchased a used Nikon D90 with a kit lens and have loved learning and playing with it. Used is a good option for starting out.

 

[Ryanmb21]

I would recommend the D90 as a good starting point. My wife and I enjoy shooting with it very much.

 

[esh]

I recommend something cheap and used to get your feet wet. Plenty of Rebels and Nikon equivalents out there if you think you'll be buying lenses. Used 20D or 40D would give you a taste of non-menu semi-pro body layouts and functionality, and they take fantastic shots!

 

[FLYFISHEXPERT]

Perhaps I am just cheap, but I agree with the idea of buying used. With the exception of my 50mm f/1.8 lens and some lighting stuff, everything else is used. Craigslist has been my camera store and I have picked up some great deals.

I think that because this will be a beginner camera, why not let someone else take the hit on the new camera price. save the money and buy a better lens.

 

[Lostmanifesto]

T3i is a great choice. Canon is more available in more shops around the world than any other camera company. That should be all you need to know as an overlander. Canon offers more lens choices and more companies make products to work with Canon gear than any other. I don't work for Canon but as a photographer, it just makes sense to me.

 

[PirateMcGee]

Nilkon d3000 refurb with lense for $400....it's what I went with and I have been extremely happy with it as a learning tool and it takes great pictures. Definitely not a low light portrait camera though as it has a lot of noise at high ISO.
http://www.adorama.com/INKD3000KR.html

 

[cruiserfred]

sony slr

tks for your advise fellas ,i bought the a55 so on to learning
Fred

 

[JamesDowning]

Fred, I'm on the same wavelength. My wife and I have been seriously contemplating an entry/mid range DSLR as a Christmas gift to ourselves.

I've tried out a Cannon and Nikon so far, but haven't really loved them. The specs of the Sony a35 and a55 seem excellent. I'd like to know your thoughts on the 55. I'm really considering the 35 because it seems to have all of the 55 specs, but without the swivel LCD and GPS.

Is GPS really that useful anyway?

 

[Gooseberry]

Just picked up a D90 with 2 lens and a nice case at a pawn shop for $600 (70-300 non vr and 18-105 vr)

love it but need to read the manual a few more times to understand how to change settings.

what other lens should I pick up for outdoors.

 

[JamesDowning]

Looks like your kit pretty well covers it.

Eventually you might want an extreme zoom type lens. I've been thinking about eventually investing in something like an 18-300.

Filters are some items you could potentially want though. If you take a lot of landscapes, a ND grad filter could do you well. Polarizers are also nice things to have.

 

[cruiserfred]

A55 Feedback

I just got back from Los Cabo a couple of weeks ago , my real first get away with the new A55 Sony . I am such a beginner I could give no real advice ,but I had a ton of fun sitting on the beach by rock croppings and using the Sony's great ability to shoot multibile shots (10 /sec.) catching the wave splash in mid air ,very happy with the photos.
Fred

 

[Every Miles A Memory]

I'd agree with the others to save money and buy used. You can get some killer deals on Fred Miranda or Photography On The Net (Canon Specific Forum)

We buy all our gear used because of the 1000's you'll save