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I'm looking to get a decent digital camera - either a bridge or an entry level DSLR. Anyone have any recommendations on what the best choices are?

Some of the cameras I've been looking at are:

S110
SX 50 HS
FZ200
D5100
D3100
A57
T3i

I'm looking for something to take good pictures, and good video...and ideally something I can grow into.

BTW. YouTube the SX50HS for zoom capabilities, it's insane.

Suggestions?

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I started with a rebel, and it's great if you get into buying lenses. Check the resale value of your choice. I bought and sold all my stuff here:

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/board/10" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I think the T3i would likely be the best balance of photo and video quality. I don't think you'd regret going the DSLR route. I've had mine for 5 or 6 years (Nikon D60) and it still works perfectly.

Are you really itching to get something quick? One of the guys at the christmas party was talking about selling his mark ii, and I was thinking of upgrading from my mark i. Still a very good camera. I'm still fleshing that deal out.

I have the Canon ESO T3, and love it. It is more camera than I need though.

Sandy

Jimmy, I see that the Nikon D5100 is on your list. I have one and really love it. I had a D40 before that and purchased the D5100 for it's 1080p video capability. For travelling, I had my D40 and an HD Camcorder and found it to be a PITA to carry both and switch between the two on the fly. The D5100 makes pics and videos a breeze now. IMHO, it takes excellent quality video. I can post up a sample if you want. I ended up selling the 18-55mm VR lens that came with it and picked up an 18-200mm lens as I wanted a much more versatile travel lens.

Thanks for the info guys. I ended up going with the T3i from Canon. Henrys had a good deal on them - $80 cheaper than the same camera that is on sale at Futureshop.

I have stuck with Nikon, very happy with my d90 as well as my F2 and Fe.

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The only reason I went with the Canon was because of the package sale price, and it seems like the lenses are less expensive.

Fs is supposed to proceed match minus a discount, maybe 10 %...?

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mr x wrote:Fs is supposed to proceed match minus a discount, maybe 10 %...?

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Yeah, they will beat any price by 10% of the difference - so $8. I'd still prefer to buy from Henrys because the customer service at FS is terrible.

I think they give you 10% of the difference, not 10% of the total price.

Dunno if you're still looking around but t3i is a sick little cam. Especially if you can get one used. Nikon's camera in the same price range will likely be a bit more ergonomic and logically laid out, but most lenses worth owning are a bit more expensive.

I work as a professional photog (personal work and publicly postable paid work is here, most is private these days: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryantron/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; ) and I'd switched from Nikon to Canon due to a deal I could not refuse (saved a couple grand). I miss my Nikon every day because of the ergonomics. This is the kind of decision that is best made in-person, not on the internet. You're going to need to hold these cameras and see what feels better in your hand, which one you feel focuses more consistently, etc. They all take nice sharp pictures with decent to good glass and the meter works well on all of them. That's really all you need in a camera.

If you buy any Canon or Nikon in your price range, you likely will not be disappointed. The camera market is pretty stable these days, imo.

sleepyjamie wrote:I think they give you 10% of the difference, not 10% of the total price.

you, sir, are correct

I really want a DSLR, I had a Ricoh 35mm I used for years before switching to digital 10 years ago, and i kinda miss it.

BUT i can't justify spending the cash on one, when what i have takes pretty good photos right now.
Maybe in a couple years.....

XmonikerX wrote:I really want a DSLR, I had a Ricoh 35mm I used for years before switching to digital 10 years ago, and i kinda miss it.

BUT i can't justify spending the cash on one, when what i have takes pretty good photos right now.
Maybe in a couple years.....

Smart man - a lot of people rush into it and become dissatisfied owners of expensive paperweights that lose value at a similar rate to a car.

I'm using a Sony DSC-HX1 right now.
Can't go wrong with a 28mm to 560mm lens....

I figure another 2-3 years and i'll probably start looking into it. my Current camera will be 5-6 years old then.

ryantr0n wrote:Dunno if you're still looking around but t3i is a sick little cam. Especially if you can get one used. Nikon's camera in the same price range will likely be a bit more ergonomic and logically laid out, but most lenses worth owning are a bit more expensive.

I work as a professional photog (personal work and publicly postable paid work is here, most is private these days: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryantron/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; ) and I'd switched from Nikon to Canon due to a deal I could not refuse (saved a couple grand). I miss my Nikon every day because of the ergonomics. This is the kind of decision that is best made in-person, not on the internet. You're going to need to hold these cameras and see what feels better in your hand, which one you feel focuses more consistently, etc. They all take nice sharp pictures with decent to good glass and the meter works well on all of them. That's really all you need in a camera.

If you buy any Canon or Nikon in your price range, you likely will not be disappointed. The camera market is pretty stable these days, imo.

I did end up getting the T3i and so far I'm quite happy with it.

Good pick. I have a 75-200 zoom if you want to try it out. I'm looking for a wide angle.

Sandy

I actually picked up the el-cheapo 50mm f/1.8 II today. From what I've read it's a cheap lens but takes great pictures.

What lens is the 75-200 you have?

I have a 50mm for my D60, but a 35mm is my go to. I find it even more versatile than the 50.

Jimmy wrote:I actually picked up the el-cheapo 50mm f/1.8 II today. From what I've read it's a cheap lens but takes great pictures.

What lens is the 75-200 you have?

Not a bad lens for the price. If you are scouting out for higher end stuff, go to fredmiranda.com

mr x wrote:

Jimmy wrote:I actually picked up the el-cheapo 50mm f/1.8 II today. From what I've read it's a cheap lens but takes great pictures.

What lens is the 75-200 you have?

Not a bad lens for the price. If you are scouting out for higher end stuff, go to fredmiranda.com

Thanks for the link. I wanted to stick with some cheaper stuff for the time being and gauge my interest from there. I'm sure if I get more serious with it I'll upgrade to higher quality lenses.

Jimmy wrote:I actually picked up the el-cheapo 50mm f/1.8 II today. From what I've read it's a cheap lens but takes great pictures.

What lens is the 75-200 you have?

EFS 55-250

Sandy

The funny thing is that the 50mm is the cheapest lens I own but the one I use the most.