beginning DSLR camera?

[Bean Counter]

IMHO its silly to buy a DSLR if you want to look at the EVF to compose a picture. I didn't have it on my 400D, and now that I have it on my 6d, I've tried it out and added it to the list of contemporary junk features that I would happily just take off the camera if possible.

If she really wants to look at an EVF she should consider a mirror less camera like the Canon EOS M, the Nikon 1, or the Fuji x100S, which has a cult like following.

We still don't know what the uses for the camera will be--do you? If its solely for the prestigious look of carrying a DSLR trust me it will get old in a hurry.

One of the reasons that a DSLR is great is because of the OVF (optical view finder). Ie through the lens. The auto focus points just work better. The EVF is slower to react than what you see optically through the glass. I also happen to like seeing a smaller picture through the OVF. It makes me think less about details and more about composition of lines and shapes, colors and shadows, etc. 

I just spent over $1000 on a spotting scope so I need to keep her happy 

That's good reasoning. I spend a lot on me wife for the same reason. 

[deerhunter_98520]

She says she wants to get into photography....I know what your sayin about the lcd but I'm sure you've tried to tell a woman something at sometime and you know that's like talking to a brick wall    with that said she does love to take pictures....the kids pictures are all over my walls so I think that will be her main focus and possibly others to come

[pianoman9701]

If she's a beginner and wants to be able to take good pictures right out of the box, she should get a Cannon Powershot SX50. It's really easy to use, has a 50X digital zoom (which is incredible, especially using a tripod), and the resolution is 12 MP. This is a point and shoot camera.

A couple of years ago, I got her a Nikon D90 SLR with a Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens. It's about a 1,400.00 package. She's doing some nice stuff with it. About year ago, we got her son one of the Powershots. Then we bought one for her daughter. I got her one for Christmas this year and the D90 is now collecting dust.

I would highly recommend that you look into a refurbished one directly from Cannon. You can get them for around 299.00 or so. Make sure the package you order, no matter from whom you order, includes the battery pack, cords, etc. We had problems with this on the first two purchases, which were not through Cannon.

[deerhunter_98520]

She has a Kodak point and shoot that takes pretty good pics already...she's got her mind set on a DSLR...she needs a hobby anyways...it will give me another reason to hit the woods and bring her along...she gets bored and now she can take pictures when she goes with me....I wouldn't mind learning to use one also

[swanny]

IMHO its silly to buy a DSLR if you want to look at the EVF to compose a picture. I didn't have it on my 400D, and now that I have it on my 6d, I've tried it out and added it to the list of contemporary junk features that I would happily just take off the camera if possible.

If she really wants to look at an EVF she should consider a mirror less camera like the Canon EOS M, the Nikon 1, or the Fuji x100S, which has a cult like following.

We still don't know what the uses for the camera will be--do you? If its solely for the prestigious look of carrying a DSLR trust me it will get old in a hurry.

One of the reasons that a DSLR is great is because of the OVF (optical view finder). Ie through the lens. The auto focus points just work better. The EVF is slower to react than what you see optically through the glass. I also happen to like seeing a smaller picture through the OVF. It makes me think less about details and more about composition of lines and shapes, colors and shadows, etc. 

I just spent over $1000 on a spotting scope so I need to keep her happy 

That's good reasoning. I spend a lot on me wife for the same reason. 

Make her get on here and read this advice. I couldn't agree more. Any DSLR you need to use the view finder to compose the picture. It's part of the camera, learn to use it.

I'd also advise to look at the mirrorless 4/3's camera's as well if she doesn't want to look through the viewfinder. They are producing great photos, play videos, and are much smaller to tote around. Really look in to the type of photos she wants to take and where she will most often use the camera. Buy one that fits those needs, and her hands. Go find a camera shop to play with them, ask questions, etc because it's easy to make a mistake and either let it collect dust or end up costing you more as you buy a 2nd or 3rd camera.

[grade-creek-rd]

I hope it's not too late to reply to this topic and you haven't bought a DSLR yet. First go to http://www.kenrockwell.com/index.htm (if the link doesn't work, just google Ken Rockwell and it will pop up) and read everything about the camera's you are looking at/for. Then go buy the Nikon D5100...look at the reviews and then check out the price, unreal for a DSLR (get the Kit so you have lenses to start with) as it is rock bottom for pricing but is a great starter camera...just remember that it does not have a motor in the body for auto focus lenses (FX series, the higher end Nikkor/Nikon lenses so you have to manual focus those) but the G series DX lenses have the motor in the lens and work just fine. Due to the price point on the D5100 you can't go wrong and when you decide to upgrade you will have a good back up camera.

for a point and shoot I use the Canon G1x (it actualy costs more than the Nikon D5100)...you would be suprised at the photos it takes.

G-C-R

[deerhunter_98520]

Well we went shopping today and came home with a Nikon d3200 with AF-S DX nikkor 18-55 f/3.5-5.6g vr.....this should get her started out and I'm sure well end up getting a better one down the line....thanks for all your input everyone 

[Bean Counter]

Have fun man! 

[deerhunter_98520]

I'm already looking at new lenses 

[Bean Counter]

Start with that 50mm f/1.8 

[grade-creek-rd]

Great choice deerhunter...and I agree with bean counter...if you or your wife like those blurred background with the subject in focus type photos (its called bokah) then look at getting the 50mm f/1.8 BUT make sure you get the AF DX version as it will have auto focus and will work with the D3200...its about $200 new (I just picked one up used on ebay for $145). You have a great camera and in a few months/years when you want to upgrade rethink it and upgrade the glass...as the camera will shoot just about anything up to semi-professional photos (and in reality with today's post processing programs you can shoot pro level with practice and good glass). Again go back to my earlier post and use the link to Ken Rockwell's website...especially before buying any lenses for the D3200.

G-c-r