camera choices....

[speedfreak68]

Hey guys, I'm looking to get my fiance a camera for Christmas. She has always been interested in photography. I'm looking for something that would be easy for her to learn with, but one that she won't outgrow too quickly... There are too many choices out there and I know nothing about them... I'm guessing somthing digital so we don't have to spend money on getting film devoleped. Any help would be appreciated.
Martin

[speedfreak68]

Anyone have any ideas?.... :help!:

[ProdigyCustoms]

Costco has a nice Nikon D90 kit with a couple lens, bag, etc. I have one for a shop camera, works good for under a grand.

[Larry Callahan]

A few years ago I went for the cheapest SLR from Canon I could get and a $99 flash and I'll never go back to a point and shoot. I scored a great deal on a body, two lenses, case e.t.c. right when the newer model was released. It was about $700 out the door.

[radback]

If you want something fully automatic for start, but that could be used more seriously later, and as a bonus, a full HD movie camera, check the Canon T2i (550d in europe).
Very good camera.

[speedfreak68]

Thanks alot guys, you gave me a point to start looking from.
Martin

[joejaze]

Costco has a nice Nikon D90 kit with a couple lens, bag, etc. I have one for a shop camera, works good for under a grand.

Good choice Frank. I have the D90 and absolutely love it. I would recommend this camera to anyone looking for a good SLR. I bought mine refurbished from these guys:

http://www.adorama.com/INKD90RB.html?utm_source=gbase&utm_medium=Shopping%20Site&utm_campaign=Other&utm_term=Other

[TonyHuntimer]

Definitely go with an SLR, otherwise she'll outgrow it in a hurry. After my experience with Canon, I'll always suggest Canon.

Check out websites like this for more recommendations and help with photos from professionals (and novices):
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/

Tony Huntimer
RaceHome.com

[speedfreak68]

Thanks alot for the replies guys, I was looking at the canon t2i and I have found several different kits with lenses such as the 18-55mm and 55-250mm , while another comes with 18-55mm and 75-300mm. Which would be better for an all around shooter?... Also if someone could explain to me what those numbers mean it would be great. I'm kind of a dummy...
thanks
Martin

[radback]

Smallest number means wide angle view, while biggest number means long view (telephoto).
The 18-55 is on the wide side, the 75-300 is on the long side.
So if you want an all around lens you should get something else, or both.
I suggest you to buy a t2i body only, then a Tamron AF 18-270 lens.
It is not the best lens but it's not worst than the canon kit lenses.
This way, you'll get one good all around lens, perfect for a start.

[speedfreak68]

alright, I'll look into that, thanks alot for all your help!
Martin

[radback]

you're welcome.

[Scarelane]

Been very happy with my Canon 40D. In fact, I've had great luck with all my Canon products.

[Rhino]

I'll throw in another vote for Canon. I've been using a T1i for almost two years and loving it.
Anything I buy anymore comes from Adorama. They have some killer deals, including a number of factory boxed refurbs that come with the full factory warranty.

[belair54]

I would be inclined to go with two lenses, and 18-55 is a good all around choice for most closeup and short range photos, plus it is a fairly compact lens. Then if you want to shoot further distance, the 75-300 is great choice. I would hesitate to suggest a one all around lens because one with a low to high range (such as a 35-270) tends to limit you in low light situations as that larger mm lens requires more light to take photos, so using one larger lens in full light conditions works best, then using the smaller range lens for say evening and inside photography works best. You are on the right track, a Canon seems to be a great all around choice. You can get kits with tow lenses on sales often, or you do the body only and do as others have suggested and find an online supplier. Tamron makes good lenses at good prices. Go to a magazine or bookstore and pickup an issue of a photography magazine and start looking for diff photo sales places, then go online and find one you like and comparison shop, you can save a bundle over buying at your local Best Buy! good luck

[1969CamaroRS]

I have been very happy with my Canon PowerShot SD970 IS, takes video and just a great all around Point and shoot camera. Hard to take a bad picture with it.

[ModernMuseum]

The T2i or D90 will both be great starter cameras. The only main difference between Canon's and Nikon's line is that Nikon has fewer brand name lenses (read: slightly fewer) and are prone to be a few dollars more. I started with a D80, bought my ex-gf a D90, and now shoot with a D700.

If you're better half is into photography, I'd definitely start with a dSLR and never look back.

[lnirenberg]

Personal opinion Canon rebel kit is a great "starter" dslr with a lot of room to grow. Need a wide angle as in < 55mm lens or an 18-55 zoom and a zoom 75-200+mm. Buy on line for best price but make sure you get a US warranty and not a gray market.

[osdmike]

I also looked at the D90, very nice camera, but I know from experience that a bulky camera with additional lenses will be left at home at many events.
Therefore, I chose this fairly compact ,allround camera.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100.

It will arrive any day now.(Ebay)

Anyone have any experience of the FZ100?

--

[Rhino]

If you're not 100% certain about lugging around an SLR you may look into some of the newer ILC (interchangeable lens compact) cameras. Up until recently they've been referred to as micro 4/3

They have a larger sensor (better low light performance) and interchangeable lenses, but still retaining a size that's similar to a typical compact.

[ModernMuseum]

Personal opinion Canon rebel kit is a great "starter" dslr with a lot of room to grow. Need a wide angle as in < 55mm lens or an 18-55 zoom and a zoom 75-200+mm. Buy on line for best price but make sure you get a US warranty and not a gray market.

If you buy a lens from a certified dealer, the only difference is you send the lens back to the dealer instead of directly to Canon. The length of warranty is usually the same. This goes for Canon and Nikon.

There is no quality difference between the two.

[speedfreak68]

Thanks alot guys, I got her a T2i. If it doesn't make her happy, I guess i'll have a badass camera. lol

[Pingar]

My wife just bought me a T1i for my birthday. I love it. Always wanted one. Car projects always came first so I never bought one. But since I'm without a project for awhile. She bought it for me to give me something to occupy my time (call it a new hobby if ya would..lol). I researched and read a lot that canon was the easiest for beginners.