A lot of people ask me what camera they should buy if
they’re either just buying their first DSLR camera or upgrading from a point
and shoot to a DSLR.
I’m a Canon guy, and that’s what I know, so I recommend
Canon products (because I can help them then if they have questions or issues.)
Nikon makes some great cameras, as well, and you can’t really go wrong with
either a Canon or a Nikon camera.
That said, I start by asking what their budget is. I learned
pretty quickly that you can spend a lot of money if you want to on camera
gear. But the good news is that
you don’t have to if you know what to buy for your particular interests and
needs. These are some bare bones suggestions.
I’ve put together a few options that will hopefully get you
started:
Option 1: The
Absolute Beginner – “I just want to take pictures”
• Canon T3i (Canon just released the T4i, so T3is are at good prices
right now) ($599)
-or-
• Canon T3i bundle (a good starter kit with a couple of lenses,
tripod, bag, etc… Pretty much a complete beginner’s kit.) ($709)
Option 2: “I just
want to take photos of my kids, wherever”
• Canon T4i (camera kit with 18-55mm lens) ($749)
• Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 lens (a prime lens that doesn’t zoom, but one
that takes amazing photos in low light and indoor situations without a flash)
($110)
• Canon Speedlite 430EX II flash ($254)
• Transcend 16GB Class 10 SD Card ($13)
$1126
Option 3: “My kids
are in sports and I want to take photos of them playing.”
-or-
• Canon T4i (camera kit with 18-55mm lens) ($749)
• Transcend 16GB Class 10 SD Card ($13)
($1017)
Option 4: “No- I mean I want to take really good photos and video of my kids playing sports.”
• Canon 60D with 18-200mm
f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens kit ($1099)
• Cannon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS zoom lens ($499)
• Canon Speedlite 430EX II flash ($250)
• Transcend 16GB Class 10 SD Card ($13)
($1861)
Option 5: “You don't understand- I
mean I seriously want to take some
professional quality photos and video of my kids playing sports.”
• Canon 7D kit with 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens ($1449)
• Canon 70-200 f/2.8L IS II USM Zoom lens ($1999)
• Transcend 16GB 400x CF Card (this camera uses a different type of
card than the other cameras I’ve listed) $34
• Canon Speedlite 600 EX-RT flash ($569)
($4051)
I hope that helps!
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