Good intro SLR camera...

johann · #1 30th July 2010, 07:31 PM

We have a Canon powershot point and shoot. It's a good camera for general picture taking and still shots, but not great for anything moving or too far away. I'm borrowing a Fuji 10x zoom point and shoot right now that I like more, but still would like to try a SLR.

Any thoughts on a good "beginner" camera? It would mostly be used for boxer action shots (obviously) and hockey game shots. Something that I can get used would be great too.

If I do get one, I'm planning to take an adult ed photography class as well.

Caney Creek · #2 30th July 2010, 10:19 PM

Any of the "consumer" level SLR's would be a good choice since they are generally the most user-friendly -- most every brand has a consumer-level line. Canon has the Rebel -- Rebel Xt, Xti, Xs, Xsi, T1i, etc. -- and Nikon, I'm not sure if they have a name for their consumer line of DSLRs but I know that Nikon's D40, D40X, D3000 and D5000 fit into that category.

I'd suggest browsing the photo/video section of craigslist for good deals, and anything you see for sale there check internet prices and read reviews on it before buying. I browse the photo section of CL all the time and see some great deals, I'm sure you could find a good entry-level DSLR that's about a year old for a very reasonable price.

Just came across this article:

reviews.cnet.com/best-professional-dslr-cameras

nsantarelli · #3 3rd August 2010, 07:16 PM

I got the Nikon D60 last year and could not be happier.

**gmacleod** · #4 4th August 2010, 09:50 AM

There are plenty of good entry-level SLRs around, and at decent prices now too (i.e. you get a lot more for your money now than just a few years ago). Put another way, I don't think you'd go too far wrong with any of the major brands.

Probably a better thing to concentrate on with choosing an SLR is the *lenses* that you're likely to want - and choose the camera to suit. Lenses can be mightily expensive, especially if you want good fast ones rather than consumer do-it-alls (in which case, you might as well take a bridge do-it-all camera instead). My (very generalised) observation is that Nikon has some outstanding lenses, with outstandingly large price tags to match - whilst Canon have a much larger mid-range offering (both also have the consumer grade lenses, but they're not fantastic for sports/action photography). So if price is an issue, Canon can be a better bet. Of course, that doesn't exclude other manufacturers too, so worth taking a look at the lenses you think you'll most need, then at the cameras to match.

Gatorblu · #5 5th August 2010, 07:27 PM

I too having been looking for a camera. I hadn't thought of looking on Craigs List, so thank you for sugestion Zoe! What I do suggest is to go into a store that has working cameras on display and pick them up and see how "user friendly" the different brands and styles seem to you. For me the Nikons seemed easier to use. Now I've just been waiting for a good sale.

MountainLily · #6 18th August 2010, 01:29 PM

I just got a Nikon D5000, and I lOVE it! My daughter, dogs and horses are always on the move and it gets really good shots. It is beginner friendly, which helped me. A good camera is worth the money.

KotasMommie · #7 8th September 2010, 12:59 PM

I recently bought a D3000. Had it a couple months now and I wish I would have went straight to a Nikon D90. Also, if you don't want that much a camera. They just came out with the brand new entry level DSLR D3100. I read up a little on it and it has video capabilities. Which the D3000 doesn't. Isn't a problem for me though because if I want video I'll get a video camera. Just depends on what you want and what you are looking for. D90 would give more options for more lenses definitely. That's why I would prefer it.

Also, another thing that sold me on Nikon. When holding a Nikon and a Canon.. The Nikon just feels and fits so nice. Also the colors pop even more. Canon has a warmer picture. Go to a store and hold each one and take pics with each one and see what you think..

RockyRocks · #8 20th September 2010, 05:00 PM

I bought a Nikon D3000 at the begining of the year and I LOVE it!! I have captured some awesome pics of Rocky in action. I need another lens for distance shots though... Close ups are amazing

It is super easy to use.. especially for a camera newbie like me

iluvfrankie · #9 21st September 2010, 12:39 PM

Now im searching for cameras i cant afford online!!! Damn you Boxer World!!! Like the look of the Nikon d5000 tho. Santa might bring it for me!