Hey guys. Ive always been into photography but really never had the money to buy a camera. It seems like the consensus is its all in the lens and I definitely want a dslr. I know nothing about cameras and will be using it just for outdoor photography. Wont be doing anything professional. Im looking to spend under 1,000 for the camera body itself and around 1,000 for the cameras lens. What camera do you guys recommend? What lens would be great for quality images with great color? Is there anything else that I will need? Thanks everyone.
Hello jhuff2010. First off I'm just going to say that I'm a nikon man! Thats what I started with and still shoot today. So with that said I would recommend something like the nikon D3100,D3200 or D5100. The 3100 will run ya about $650. The 3200 will run you about $700. The 5100 will run ya about $850. They all have different megapixels and features. You can look up the specs on them online. As for glass I'm not too familiar with the consumer level market. I have all high end lenses. I would say that you can never go wrong with a 50mm f/1.8. You can pick one up for a couple hundred. If you are looking at variable zoom. I would say the 55-300 f/4.5-5.6 it will be around $400. Thats a big zoom range. Im trying not to get to technical because I'm not sure how familiar you are with photography terms. As far as anything else you will need depends on how much you want to get into it. You will need a memory card or 2 you can get a tripod, off camera flash, filters, editing software and the list goes on. I would say start out with the camera and a couple lenses and see if your in need of anything else. You can read a lot of reviews on the web about all this stuff plus a lot more. I know there a lot of people on here that have canons and that is another great option. If I started out with a canon I would still probably have one. I just have way to much money in nikon glass to make the switch. I hope this helps and sorry for typing so much I can talk forever about photography. If you need anymore just ask and Ill do my best to help.
Being a Nikon guy, of course I'm going to suggest Nikon gear. I'm sure the Canon guys will recommend comparable stuff. If I had a 2K budget and was just getting started, this is what I'd get. D5100 w/18-55 lens - $650. I like this camera because it's not overly complicated for a beginner, but takes both photos and HD video. Same processor as the D7000, which is about $400 more. The 18-55 lens is decent for starters to learn the ropes, and when the time comes you can unload it for close to $100 on eBay. Battery Grip - $100(ish). I personally prefer a little larger grip and the 5100 is on the small side. Plus you get the added bonus of longer battery life, which is great when shooting video. SB400 Flash ($120). You'll find out that when shooting photos indoors, lighting is very important. One way to get around needing super fast 2.8 lenses is to have more light. I use my SB400 pretty much all the time when shooting indoors, and bounce the flash off the ceiling for a more filling effect. In many cases, your average person can't even tell you're using a flash. IMO one of the better investments you can make. That still leaves around $1100 for lenses. If you really plan on shooting animals and outdoors, you'll want a good telephoto lens. Something in the 200-300 mm range. Of course in your budget, you'll be limited on speed of the lens. You can either go with the 55-200 or 70-300. Personally, I think a 200mm lens is adequate for most jobs, but it's up to you. You save about $200 with the 55-200. Other than that, I think everyone should own a good prime lens (fixed focal length) like a 35mm or 50mm. For $200-ish, they're a great value and very versatile.
Yes very we'll put. We bought a D3000 at the beginning of the year and I really wish we would have bit the $200 bullet an went for the D5100. Don't get me wrong, it takes great pictures and with some new glass upgrades it will be a great camera until we buy a 5100. I really wish I had video on it! That and a little higher megapixel would be nice. So far for learning, it has been amazing. I wanted a Cannon. My wife wanted a Nikon. You see what we ended up with and honestly, I am really happy with Nikon and don't plan on changing any time soon.
Thanks guys. All the suggestions are greatly appreciated. I will definitely be asking more questions in the future.
Yeh sorry, I realized you said that in your earlier post. Bought the d5100 last night. Now the learning process begins!!!
