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Archive 2013 · Entry level DSLR

  
 
BigIronCruiser
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Entry level DSLR


A friend is looking for an entry level DSLR with a budget around $800. Her primary uses will be vacations, grandkids, and one boot-camp graduation. I shoot with a D800 and D4, and consequently know zilch about entry level systems. I'm thinking something like a D3200, but the available kit lens seems like it could be good paperweight, but not much else. She's willing to buy used gear. Any thoughts would be appreciated.


Jul 31, 2013 at 07:16 PM
curious80
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Entry level DSLR


I am big advocate of starting with Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 as the "kit lens". While the 18-55mm kit lenses are not bad by any means, their slow aperture range significantly limits the advantage offered by a DSLR in low light shooting and DOF control. At about $300 in used market, Tamron is a great performer.

That leaves around $500 which might be enough to get a D5200 or possibly squeeze in a d3200 + 55-200mm lens to have zoom option for travel shots etc.



Jul 31, 2013 at 07:54 PM
runamuck
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Entry level DSLR


You might look at the Nikon 18-105 VR for greater reach. The 18-135 is a slightly better lens optically, but lacks VR.


Jul 31, 2013 at 08:52 PM
OccAeon
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Entry level DSLR


Another lens option is the 18-105 VR. I love mine. The VR works well, it has a great range, and it is reasonably sharp, even on a D7100 or D5200. It sometimes makes me question why I ever bought more expensive lenses :-)

As far as a camera body, the D5200 seems like an awesome little camera. Same sensor as the D7100, and that flip-out screen is awesome. If it had micro focus adjust, I would have gone that route instead of the D7100. I'm not sure on the pricing, though.

Edit: Here is an example from the 18-105 VR on the D7200:


Frog in Pymatuning State Park, PA by AER Wilmington DE, on Flickr

The frog, for reference, is about the size of a nickel.

Here is a 100% crop:

Frog in Pymatuning State Park, PA, 100% Crop by AER Wilmington DE, on Flickr

(the blurryness on his belly is due to his breathing :-))



Jul 31, 2013 at 08:54 PM
Kell
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Entry level DSLR


well, what will she doing with the pics? cuz may not need the 24mp file sizes and a used 12mp D90 with a 35 1.8DX could serve an entry level dslr owner more than just fine for most things, the 18-55 though is probably a better idea if she's only wants one lens for now

Edited on Aug 01, 2013 at 11:56 AM · View previous versions



Aug 01, 2013 at 11:50 AM
trenchmonkey
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Entry level DSLR


She can get a refurbed D7K and 35 f1.8G for that kinda budget
Pretty clean ISO thru 6400, and the AF's better than the D90 all day & night.

Edited on Aug 01, 2013 at 11:57 AM · View previous versions



Aug 01, 2013 at 11:55 AM
Andre Labonte
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Entry level DSLR


Actually reviews show the 18-55 VR to be an very good performer ... it's predecessor, the non-VR 18-55 certainly did fall into the “paper-weight” category.

I have spoken to many people with the VR version the 18-55 and other than the slow aperture (which you get with any kit lens, they love it. I would not hesitate to recommend the D3200 with the kit lens. 18-55 is a great range on DX too.


At $550 for that kit, it leaves $250 for something else, like a 35 or 50 f/1.8 or a 55-200VR for tele work, or even a 40mm micro. Maybe a flash.



Aug 01, 2013 at 11:56 AM
Dustin Gent
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Entry level DSLR


I say D7000 as well. I have a buddy who shot with both, and prefers the cleaner DR of the Sony sensor in the D7000 to that of the toshiba sensor in the D7100.

The kit lens 24-85 is very good as well!



Aug 01, 2013 at 12:08 PM
M Lucca
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Entry level DSLR


Many many newbies start with D800 these days.


Aug 01, 2013 at 02:02 PM
glassartist
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Entry level DSLR


M Lucca wrote:
Many many newbies start with D800 these days.


Not with an $800 budget . . .



Aug 01, 2013 at 02:54 PM
AMaji
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Entry level DSLR


I recommend a refurb D3200 and a refurb/used 18-200VR. The combo is light and the IQ should be sufficient for entry level photos.

Good luck.



Aug 01, 2013 at 03:00 PM
2of9
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Entry level DSLR


D5100 + 18-105 and call it good. I'm seeing 5100s go on CL for $300-350 for the body only! That's a steal! It's light and 'image quality' is damn near the D7000 for nearly half the price and especially for someone who wants an entry level, the 5100 is a great deal.


Aug 01, 2013 at 03:11 PM
rico
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Entry level DSLR


I prefer the D5100 + kit 18-55 to my serious rig D300 + 17-55/2.8. The D5100 outfit is small, light, cheap and turns out really nice JPEGs. The flip-out screen is also very useful for candid, overheads, and low-angle shooting. I was not impressed with the sensor in the D3000, but the D3100/D32000 looks fine. I break out the pro gear for important projects, but the low-end Nikon DSLRs are excellent P&S cameras!


Aug 03, 2013 at 03:02 AM
jefflee
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Entry level DSLR


Take a look at the pricing on the D7000/D5200 at Cameta. Refurbished but with a 1 yr. warranty. You can get a body and lens for her budget there.


Aug 03, 2013 at 09:57 AM
ckcarr
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Entry level DSLR


There are so many choices that are good for under $500.

You can get a refurbished D5100 with 18-55mm lens for $435
A refurbished D3100 kit for $349

Look at Cameta and Adorama refurbished on their web sites.
Then look at their store (same store) auctions on eBay.
They often have the same exact gear being sold for $50 cheaper.

I would not immediately spend $800 for a person who may not really care about bells and whistles. They may just want to push the button and take great pictures and video...

The entry level cameras are excellent for that.




Aug 03, 2013 at 10:10 AM
hijazist
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Entry level DSLR


+1 to refurbished/used D7000 + 35 1.8 & Tamron 17-50 2.8... This kit is even capable of delivering professional output


Aug 03, 2013 at 10:27 AM
zippylock
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Entry level DSLR


I just picked up a D5200. I like it so far. I bought it as a travel camera for landscape stuff and quick snaps of friends. Its light and does everything I want. I was sick of carrying the D700 plus pro zooms due to the weight (got old fast on 10 mile hikes), so ill keep that for paid gigs, and use my new D5200 as a travel camera . I think its a great camera for the money


Aug 03, 2013 at 12:35 PM





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