The XMEN Clan Forums

Hey you camera enthusiasts. Need a good camera/starter lens combo for my wife who wants to take shots of family portrait sytle, and and indoor sporting events, outdoor events.

5-800 dollar range. Recommendations? She wants to be able to change lenses eventually.

Being in a nikon household here, I'd suggest either a D5100 or D3100(the D5100 is going to cost $200 or so more, but have a better sensor and better pictures). If you can find a deal on a D90, it is sometimes preferred over D5100. We use a D5100 and they have been going on some really good sales, since the new models are rolling out.

Here's a D5100 w/32Gb card and carrying bag for $477 though you'll need to get a lens or two:

http://www.adorama.com/INKD5100A.html

or if you want to battle crowds at BJs on Black Friday, here's one with 2 lenses and a case for $700:

http://slickdeals.net/f/5484308-BJs-Who ... ase-699-99[/url]

Oh and here's some shots I made with the D5100 yesterday, using the longer ranged lens:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set ... 697&type=3

I'd recommend staying with something in the Nikon or Canon line. It's just a tad over your budget, but Costco has a Nikon D3100 kit for $899, and a Canon Rebel T3i kit for $879. Going solely by what you told us your wife is interested in, either of these combos will fit the bill. The only challenge will be indoor sporting events. Depending on the environment and the activity, indoor sporting events can be VERY difficult to shoot with consumer grade gear. A dimly lit venue with fast action can even be a challenge for my $5,000 camera body and $2,000 lens.

Here's a link to the Costco gear:
http://www.costco.com/digital-slr-cameras.html


**edit**
Just noticed that the Nikon kit is $629 until 11/24.

I will concur with what Porsche said about indoor sporting events. That's one of the toughest venues to shoot.

Back when I was shopping for my camera, I was considering a new Rebel.
One of the wiser voices on one of the photography boards told me, "Don't just get the consumer grade camera / bottom rung DSLR. Go a step up, even if you have to buy a used one to stay in budget. The difference in quality will be worth it." I took his advice and have been very happy with it. He wasn't speaking of the brand, just where the product is targeted.

Excellent advice thank you!

Here's a refurbished D5100 for $429

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/control ... &A=details

Includes:

EN-EL14 Lithium-Ion Battery (1030mAh)
MH-24 Quick Charger for EN-EL14 Battery
DK-5 Eyepiece Shield (Replacement)
DK-20 Rubber Eyecup
UC-E6 USB Cable
EG-CP14 A/V Cable
AN-DC3 Camera Strap (Black)
BF-1B Body Cap
BS-1 Hot-Shoe Cover
ViewNX 2 CD-ROM
90-Day B&H Refurbished Warranty

Should be able to extend the warranty at squaretrade, if need be, though you could buy this 2x compared to retail price on the body alone.

do you guys think the Android OS is going to become prolific among established camera manufacturers? Or will they stay with proprietary stuff?

i think my post count is off...

Why?

Just in case you were looking for the count to be different for multiple posts on the same page, it won't increment like that. It increments everywhere every time you post. If you think you've made more than 248 (or whatever) posts, it might have been with a different account.

I must have had another account for a while. Probably an experiment with a non Jester name.. i can remember a few bad ones.

good deal?

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_SPM5779984501P

Not bad. I would probably do this, myself:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Canon-EOS-Rebel ... 5d372cfa1d


Just because I like the longer reach and it includes a flash. That's said without researching the lenses. The glass is the important stuff.

if you go with the t3i, this might be a great deal, btw this is the main site I use for any deals on anything.

http://slickdeals.net/f/5647466-Canon-D ... discounted