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+--- Thread: Camera recommendation (/showthread.php?tid=173854)
Re: Camera recommendation - AllGold - 12-01-2014
Big difference between the T3i and T4i. Hardly any difference between the T4i and T5i.
Canon refurbs (from Canon) have a one year warranty, same as new.
P.S.: Hate to rush you but if you're going to get that T5i kit refurb, you probably only have until midnight to get that price.
Re: Camera recommendation - wolfcry911 - 12-01-2014
Looks like I have until midnight tomorrow to get it
Re: Camera recommendation - davester - 12-01-2014
As is common, most people are recommending SLRs. However, I think that a large fraction of people who buy SLRs are just following the herd and often end up buying something far bulkier and more ungainly than what actually suits their style of photography. The problem with SLRs is that they often get left at home because they are a PITA to cart around, especially when you start throwing in extra lenses, so they get left in the closet and you miss those great pictures due to not having a camera handy. If she is insistent on a removable lens camera, then the compact system cameras (aka CSCs) also provide great quality imagery and advanced features in a much more compact package . CSC camera sales are exploding these days, as lots of people abandon their SLRs in favor of these tiny technological marvels that they are more likely to carry with them. Note that in CSCs, the leading brands are Olympus, Panasonic, Sony, and Fuji, not Nikon and Canon who are the big SLR makers. If she doesn't need removable lenses, then there are even more choices and better bang for the buck.
pRICE had a good list, but I think to narrow things down to what type of camera would be best for her needs, the most critical question is...
What type of photography does she want to do?
If she's into wildlife photography, then she'll want something with long zoom reach (e.g. the Canon SX series) and is probably not as worried about a large sensor (i.e. low light performance).
If she will be taking a lot of interior shots or shots that are not in bright sunshine, then the most important aspect will be a large sensor and a lens with a large aperture and good wide angle lens (definitely not a Canon SX).
If she's into street photography, then she needs something compact and quick to handle (i.e. definitely not an SLR).
I personally think that this main question needs to be answered before choosing a specific camera.
Re: Camera recommendation - Kate - 12-01-2014
I have a Canon 7D with a300mm zoom, a Canon sx50 and an iPhone 5s.
In order of use, the iPhone, the SX50 and then the big Canon.
More and more, I only bring the 7D when I know I'll be shooting birds.
Kate
Re: Camera recommendation - richorlin - 12-01-2014
I've had the following Canon cameras over time:
S95
T3i
SX50
SX280
G15
SX700
I find I get the most use out of the SX700 with the 30x zoom followed by the G15 for RAW.
I used the SLR the least because it was a pain to carry around, especially with an extra zoom lens.
The SX700 fits my pocket and is with me when I see something shot-worthy.
Just my two cents.
Re: Camera recommendation - jdc - 12-01-2014
So, I guess Pentax is out since you keep coming back to Canons...
Re: Camera recommendation - jdc - 12-01-2014
from dealnews:
Canon T5i 2-Lens Bundle w/ Printer, Lightroom for $599 after rebate + free shipping
BuyDig offers the Canon EOS Rebel T5i 18-Megapixel Digital SLR Camera and Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS STM Lens, model no. 8595B003, bundled with the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Lens, model no. 6473A003, Canon PIXMA PRO-100 Inkjet Printer, model no. 6228B002, Canon Semi-Gloss 13x19" Photo Paper 50-Pack, model no. SG-201, and Adobe Lightroom 5 for Windows and Mac for $949. A $350 mail-in rebate cuts the price to $599. With free shipping, that's $199 below the cost of the camera and lenses alone elsewhere and the lowest total price we could find. (For further comparison, we saw this same bundle without Adobe Lightroom 5 for $549 three weeks ago.) The camera features a 3" vari-angle touchscreen LCD, 5 fps continuous shooting speed, 1080p video recording, mini HDMI output, SDXC card slot, and USB.
Re: Camera recommendation - RAMd®d - 12-01-2014
Assume that she will either outgrow her first camera, or give up on photography before she will ever utilize what she was given.
Get in as cheap as possible, then see where it takes her. I think most anybody who has enjoyed photography has had a first camera as opposed to only one camera.
A Point and Shoot can be a versatile, easy to carry, but won't be very expandable. If her interest takes off, it's time for an upgrade. If it doesn't, you're not out a lot of money.
Something like the SX40/50 are also very versatile and have the "real camera" look, which might foster more interest. Or not. Either of these is probably very economical right now.
I think a camera with manual shutter and aperture settings should be considered, as well. Except that they seem to be pretty expensive, digital "rangefinder" type cameras with manual controls like the old film 35mm rangefinders might be a good choice for a first camera.
Best of luck on whatever you decide.
Re: Camera recommendation - M>B> - 12-01-2014
I second what RAMd®d said ^ ^ ^ .
Re: Camera recommendation - wolfcry911 - 12-01-2014
Thank you everyone for your input. I decided to jump on the Canon T5i refurb with 18-55mm lens. There was a 25% off deal as well as $50 off $500, so the final cost was $459. I thought it too good to pass up.
I agree with the sentiment that a DSLR may not be the best choice, but it's what she wanted and if she gives up on photography I'll at least have a half decent camera for myself
We vacationed with my extended family last summer and despite having iPhones and point and shoots among us, my brother's DSLR took the most and best shots.jdc, thanks - I did look at the Pentax, but the Canon kept calling me back