Camera Purchase

Andrew115 · 12-10-2014, 11:29 AM

Hi,
Looking for some help on a camera purchase. I am sure there are some people here with a lot more knowledge then me.

Use: The camera will be used primarily for fun and artsy projects by my wife. Photographing the dog, nature and life events.

I am looking to spend around $600 (or less) and would be great if it came in a package with lenses and other accessories that I would end up buying anyway.

Looking at Cannon T5 and Nikon's now.

Can anyone let me know if this is a good deal or reasonable?

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-EOS-T5-P...words=Rebel+t5

Thanks in advance for all the help.

Billup · 12-10-2014, 12:20 PM

That actually looks like a pretty damn good deal for everything you get. Usually you'll find that the quality of the shots you take boil down to how well you understand lighting, AF, white balance, ISO and things like that. There are a few guys on here who have much more experience than I do, so hopefully they can chime in.

Andrew115 · 12-10-2014, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billup

That actually looks like a pretty damn good deal for everything you get. Usually you'll find that the quality of the shots you take boil down to how well you understand lighting, AF, white balance, ISO and things like that. There are a few guys on here who have much more experience than I do, so hopefully they can chime in.

Thanks for the input. I think your right in the hands of a proper "photographer" it will be better than I can do (just like my F80). Mainly curious if this will give us room to grow and if it's a decent package.

Billup · 12-10-2014, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew115

Thanks for the input. I think your right in the hands of a proper "photographer" it will be better than I can do (just like my F80). Mainly curious if this will give us room to grow and if it's a decent package.

I think it will be more that sufficient for everything that you will want to do, especially since you'll be learning all the basics. The best piece of advice I can give is that when you do decide to expand, buy quality glass and don't be afraid to check out reviews or ask in the photography section. A lot of those guys know the ins and outs very well, especially for starting off (I'm still learning to shoot better myself).

I actually got the Photographers Field Guide by NatGeo that had a ton of great information for a first time DSLR shooter.

talisman311 · 12-10-2014, 01:39 PM

I own a t3i with the kit lenses 18(17?)-55 and 55-250. The lens aren't much better than what you'd get from a nice point and shoot, imo. I've read that Nikon kit lenses are a step above, but most of my friends shoot Canon so that's why I stuck with it. Canon does have the nifty fifty 1.8 full frame 50mm which can be purchased for as low at 80 for a refurbished lens that's great, though (will be equivalent to 80mm on a APS-C sensor/cropped frame).

My advice is, if you don't plan on shooting video, consider getting a t3i body and a sigma 17-55 or tamron 17-55 lens. IIRC, T5/newer Canons can use the STM lenses (which cost more) that focuses silently while shooting in video.

There's a lot of photography reddits out there that may be pretty helpful to you.

P1 · 12-10-2014, 01:45 PM

The T5i is on special right now. Go scoop it:

http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/ca....mc_id=C126149

Andrew115 · 12-10-2014, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P1et

The T5i is on special right now. Go scoop it:

http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/ca....mc_id=C126149

Wouldn't all the other items in my first post worth the extra $130?
Also I think this is new not referb.
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-EOS-T5-P...words=Rebel+t5

That's where I need the help I guess..... is this worth the extra $130?

P1 · 12-10-2014, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew115

Wouldn't all the other items in my first post worth the extra $130?
Also I think this is new not referb.
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-EOS-T5-P...words=Rebel+t5

That's where I need the help I guess..... is this worth the extra $130?

I doubt it's worth much. That 18-55 IS lens is sold all day long on CL for $50. The rest is just basic stuff that's thrown in to make it look like a better deal. That lens is your biggest limiter right there.

Andrew115 · 12-10-2014, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P1et

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew115

Wouldn't all the other items in my first post worth the extra $130?
Also I think this is new not referb.
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-EOS-T5-P...words=Rebel+t5

That's where I need the help I guess..... is this worth the extra $130?

I doubt it's worth much. That 18-55 IS lens is sold all day long on CL for $50. The rest is just basic stuff that's thrown in to make it look like a better deal. That lens is your biggest limiter right there.

Thanks.

chillbil79 · 12-10-2014, 07:00 PM

I actually just bought a Nikon D3100 used for $300.

Any DSLR even an older one will be far more superior than any wallet size point n click

We got ours mainly for taking pics of our newborn son. The shutter speed def helps catching the special moments or for his case his smiles.

Nikon D3200 kit sells at Best Buy for $500 on sale

yakuza70 · 12-10-2014, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew115

Hi,
Looking for some help on a camera purchase. I am sure there are some people here with a lot more knowledge then me.

Use: The camera will be used primarily for fun and artsy projects by my wife. Photographing the dog, nature and life events.

I am looking to spend around $600 (or less) and would be great if it came in a package with lenses and other accessories that I would end up buying anyway.

Looking at Cannon T5 and Nikon's now.

Can anyone let me know if this is a good deal or reasonable?

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-EOS-T5-P...words=Rebel+t5

Thanks in advance for all the help.

As a first DSLR, either the Canon T5 or the Nikon D3200 DSLR bundles offer a good value. Both are comparable in capabilities so I can't really tell you which one to get. However, I would strongly suggest going to a store and holding and handling both models as ergonomical preferences will sway you to one or the other.

A couple other thoughts:

Check out some of the mirrorless cameras out there as they offer some pretty advanced features and are smaller and lighter. I'm a big fan of the Sony A6000, although it's just a bit above your max budget. I currently shoot with a Nikon D7000 but am seriously considering switching to a mirrorless system in the near future.

A great online resource is www.dpreview.com. They have some of the best photography forums and very detailed camera reviews.

Do some research on photography software. Editing, enhancing, and sharing your shots afterwards, at least for me, is half the fun of photography!

hongsc · 12-11-2014, 03:22 AM

Canon Refurb has the Canon T5i for 35% off. They're pretty generous on returns as well. If you're worried about the 90 day warranty then you can buy an extended warranty from SquareTrade for pretty cheap.

GOLFFRR · 12-11-2014, 08:48 AM

I have a Sony Nex 5n and it is an amazing camera. Takes some great pictures/video and now it looks like they have a Nex 6 out now. Its roughly around your price range. Might be something to consider. I have little to no photo skills and this camera does a great job in keeping that a secret

Andrew115 · 12-11-2014, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yakuza70

A great online resource is www.dpreview.com. They have some of the best photography forums and very detailed camera reviews.

Thanks for the feedback. This is going to be a great resource.

Andrew115 · 12-11-2014, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GOLFFRR

I have little to no photo skills and this camera does a great job in keeping that a secret

Refreshing - honesty about this stuff is great.

I have been getting feedback from coworkers about cameras since they overheard me talking about a potential purchase. They are all "experts" even though most seem to be using their iphones as their primary camera.

GOLFFRR · 12-11-2014, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew115

Refreshing - honesty about this stuff is great.

I have been getting feedback from coworkers about cameras since they overheard me talking about a potential purchase. They are all "experts" even though most seem to be using their iphones as their primary camera.

lol yea I am the complete opposite. I basically turn it on and press the button. Im sure the camera does a lot more cool things but I wouldn't know what I was reading or doing anyways so there was no point in digging deeper.

you can see some of the pics I recently have taken with he camera here:
http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1029704

DSB335d · 12-11-2014, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GOLFFRR

I have a Sony Nex 5n and it is an amazing camera. Takes some great pictures/video and now it looks like they have a Nex 6 out now. Its roughly around your price range. Might be something to consider. I have little to no photo skills and this camera does a great job in keeping that a secret

I have the 5R model and I picked up a 55-210 lens for it. I want to get the macro lens for it too. We have taken this on vacation a few times it takes nice pictures and the wifi connectivity is a cool feature.

hongsc · 12-12-2014, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GOLFFRR

I have a Sony Nex 5n and it is an amazing camera. Takes some great pictures/video and now it looks like they have a Nex 6 out now. Its roughly around your price range. Might be something to consider. I have little to no photo skills and this camera does a great job in keeping that a secret

I also have a mirrorless camera. It's a fun camera and much lighter than my 60D with 24-105mm. Picked up the 55-210mm. And maybe a prime lens or 2. I also bought a Gordy's neck strap to go with it.

GOLFFRR · 12-12-2014, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DSB335d

I have the 5R model and I picked up a 55-210 lens for it. I want to get the macro lens for it too. We have taken this on vacation a few times it takes nice pictures and the wifi connectivity is a cool feature.

nice! So you can change lenses out on these things? Never knew that. Would be cool for me to try a new lens out

Quote:

Originally Posted by hongsc

I also have a mirrorless camera. It's a fun camera and much lighter than my 60D with 24-105mm. Picked up the 55-210mm. And maybe a prime lens or 2. I also bought a Gordy's neck strap to go with it.

I need to look into a new lens now!

DSB335d · 12-12-2014, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GOLFFRR

Quote:

Originally Posted by DSB335d

I have the 5R model and I picked up a 55-210 lens for it. I want to get the macro lens for it too. We have taken this on vacation a few times it takes nice pictures and the wifi connectivity is a cool feature.

nice! So you can change lenses out on these things? Never knew that. Would be cool for me to try a new lens out

Quote:

Originally Posted by hongsc

I also have a mirrorless camera. It's a fun camera and much lighter than my 60D with 24-105mm. Picked up the 55-210mm. And maybe a prime lens or 2. I also bought a Gordy's neck strap to go with it.

I need to look into a new lens now!

Yeah there are over a dozen E-mount lens' that fit it. There are also adapters for A-mount lens'. One thing I don't particularly like is the proprietary mount for the flash. It isn't a standard foot that fits traditional flashes. There is a flash upgrade but it still isn't very big.

P1 · 12-12-2014, 01:06 PM

I was at the camera shop recently, wanting to try out the Canon 6D. The Sony rep was there and he told me traditional DSLRs were for losers and to try out the new Sony A7R. It's a clean little camera. So I inquired what I should do with my existing lens collection. He told me NO PROBLEM you can use an adapter and your Canon lenses will swap over. So I mounted 24-105 and a 70-200. I have never held a more awkward camera in my hands. Complete lens-heavy, and unusable. No thanks.

MetsFan · 12-12-2014, 04:29 PM

You just missed this bundle:

http://slickdeals.net/f/7455436-cano...-in-rebate?v=1

I picked up a similar bundle at buydig for the t5i with 18-55 STM, 75-300mm, Pro-100 printer, and Lightroom 5. After selling the printer, 75-300 lens (it's pretty crappy), and LR 5, I'll be down to around $300 or so.

Keep an eye out on slickdeals, this rebate comes up every month or so.

12-10-2014, 11:29 AM	#1
Andrew115 Major 336 Rep 1,450 Posts Drives: Silver Bullet Join Date: May 2013 Location: Charlotte NC iTrader: (0)	Camera Purchase Hi, Looking for some help on a camera purchase. I am sure there are some people here with a lot more knowledge then me. Use: The camera will be used primarily for fun and artsy projects by my wife. Photographing the dog, nature and life events. I am looking to spend around $600 (or less) and would be great if it came in a package with lenses and other accessories that I would end up buying anyway. Looking at Cannon T5 and Nikon's now. Can anyone let me know if this is a good deal or reasonable? http://www.amazon.com/Canon-EOS-T5-P...words=Rebel+t5 Thanks in advance for all the help.
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12-10-2014, 12:20 PM	#2
Billup Banned 476 Rep 928 Posts Drives: Your mum crazy. Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Baconopolos Island iTrader: (0)	That actually looks like a pretty damn good deal for everything you get. Usually you'll find that the quality of the shots you take boil down to how well you understand lighting, AF, white balance, ISO and things like that. There are a few guys on here who have much more experience than I do, so hopefully they can chime in.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-10-2014, 01:39 PM	#5
talisman311 First Lieutenant 45 Rep 358 Posts Drives: e90 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Richmond, VA iTrader: (0)	I own a t3i with the kit lenses 18(17?)-55 and 55-250. The lens aren't much better than what you'd get from a nice point and shoot, imo. I've read that Nikon kit lenses are a step above, but most of my friends shoot Canon so that's why I stuck with it. Canon does have the nifty fifty 1.8 full frame 50mm which can be purchased for as low at 80 for a refurbished lens that's great, though (will be equivalent to 80mm on a APS-C sensor/cropped frame). My advice is, if you don't plan on shooting video, consider getting a t3i body and a sigma 17-55 or tamron 17-55 lens. IIRC, T5/newer Canons can use the STM lenses (which cost more) that focuses silently while shooting in video. There's a lot of photography reddits out there that may be pretty helpful to you. __________________ 2006 e90 330i \| Black/Terra \| 6MT \| ZSP \| ZPP \| ZCW
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12-10-2014, 01:45 PM	#6
P1 Lieutenant General 11756 Rep 11,195 Posts Drives: 2004 3/4 ton Duramax Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: United States iTrader: (1)	The T5i is on special right now. Go scoop it: http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/ca....mc_id=C126149
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12-10-2014, 07:00 PM	#10
chillbil79 First Lieutenant 45 Rep 307 Posts Drives: 08 335xi Sedan Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Delaware iTrader: (1)	I actually just bought a Nikon D3100 used for $300. Any DSLR even an older one will be far more superior than any wallet size point n click We got ours mainly for taking pics of our newborn son. The shutter speed def helps catching the special moments or for his case his smiles. Nikon D3200 kit sells at Best Buy for $500 on sale
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-11-2014, 03:22 AM	#12
hongsc Captain 155 Rep 982 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 328i Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Amazon Prime iTrader: (1)	Canon Refurb has the Canon T5i for 35% off. They're pretty generous on returns as well. If you're worried about the 90 day warranty then you can buy an extended warranty from SquareTrade for pretty cheap. __________________ 2011 BMW 328i Space Grey\|18" Avant Garde m359\|Michelin Pilot Sport A/S2\|Eibach Pro-Kit Springs\|Koni FSD\|M3 U+L Control Arms\|Lux Angel Eyes\|Stoptech\|Hawk 5.0\|aFe Race Pipes\|BMW PE
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12-11-2014, 08:48 AM	#13
GOLFFRR 11273 Rep 28,005 Posts Drives: GOLFFRR cart Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: we sell BMWs to "ALL" US states iTrader: (4)	I have a Sony Nex 5n and it is an amazing camera. Takes some great pictures/video and now it looks like they have a Nex 6 out now. Its roughly around your price range. Might be something to consider. I have little to no photo skills and this camera does a great job in keeping that a secret __________________ BEFORE YOU BUY YOUR NEXT BMW, EMAIL OUR GUY KOTE FIRST! Kote M Sales:Kotem@bmwofcamarillo.com Cell:805-368-9101 vipfinance@bmwofcamarillo.com for warranties!
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12-12-2014, 01:06 PM	#21
P1 Lieutenant General 11756 Rep 11,195 Posts Drives: 2004 3/4 ton Duramax Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: United States iTrader: (1)	I was at the camera shop recently, wanting to try out the Canon 6D. The Sony rep was there and he told me traditional DSLRs were for losers and to try out the new Sony A7R. It's a clean little camera. So I inquired what I should do with my existing lens collection. He told me NO PROBLEM you can use an adapter and your Canon lenses will swap over. So I mounted 24-105 and a 70-200. I have never held a more awkward camera in my hands. Complete lens-heavy, and unusable. No thanks.
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12-12-2014, 04:29 PM	#22
MetsFan Lieutenant 97 Rep 440 Posts Drives: 2013 G37x Join Date: May 2009 Location: MA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 BMW 328xi [0.00]	You just missed this bundle: http://slickdeals.net/f/7455436-cano...-in-rebate?v=1 I picked up a similar bundle at buydig for the t5i with 18-55 STM, 75-300mm, Pro-100 printer, and Lightroom 5. After selling the printer, 75-300 lens (it's pretty crappy), and LR 5, I'll be down to around $300 or so. Keep an eye out on slickdeals, this rebate comes up every month or so.
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