Budget DSLR Camera

[D_Kostroun]

I looking for some opinions on getting a good starter camera for around $300

 

What I have been thinking for a DSLR is to get a used Canon body, like an XTi (400D) or an XSi (450D), and then getting a Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II lens.

 

I will be wanting to take normal photos, low light photos, and maybe Macro shots.  I don't think these two bodies shoot video, besides the XSi(450D) can be recorded to a computer, so that may be an issue if I ever want to record in the future. 

 

I am just looking for some ideas on some options at around my price point.

[Fate]

I looking for some opinions on getting a good starter camera for around $300

 

What I have been thinking for a DSLR is to get a used Canon body, like an XTi (400D) or an XSi (450D), and then getting a Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II lens.

 

I will be wanting to take normal photos, low light photos, and maybe Macro shots.  I don't think these two bodies shoot video, besides the XSi(450D) can be recorded to a computer, so that may be an issue if I ever want to record in the future. 

 

I am just looking for some ideas on some options at around my price point.

Might be able to get a used Canon T3 (1100D) and a 50 1.8 for a little over that price. 

[TheGrapeEscape]

I looking for some opinions on getting a good starter camera for around $300

 

What I have been thinking for a DSLR is to get a used Canon body, like an XTi (400D) or an XSi (450D), and then getting a Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II lens.

 

I will be wanting to take normal photos, low light photos, and maybe Macro shots.  I don't think these two bodies shoot video, besides the XSi(450D) can be recorded to a computer, so that may be an issue if I ever want to record in the future. 

 

I am just looking for some ideas on some options at around my price point.

 

Hmmmm... $300 is a bit low to get any interesting choices and the 400D and 450D don't exactly make the best low light cameras. Is there any chance you can bump up your budget to $500? There's some good choices in the Nikon D3200 and Pentax K-50 (sensor performance: http://www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Compare/Side-by-side/Canon-EOS-1200D-versus-Pentax-K-50-versus-Nikon-D3200___940_890_801) With the D3200 pulling just ahead of the K-50 in low light performance. A similarly priced Canon is in there too for comparison, but it's suffering in the low light department.

[D_Kostroun]

Thanks for the replies.  

 

Hmmmm... $300 is a bit low to get any interesting choices and the 400D and 450D don't exactly make the best low light cameras. Is there any chance you can bump up your budget to $500? There's some good choices in the Nikon D3200 and Pentax K-50 (sensor performance: http://www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Compare/Side-by-side/Canon-EOS-1200D-versus-Pentax-K-50-versus-Nikon-D3200___940_890_801) With the D3200 pulling just ahead of the K-50 in low light performance. A similarly priced Canon is in there too for comparison, but it's suffering in the low light department.

 

I will have to check those out.  $500 may be a little steep for me right now, but maybe I could figure something out.

 

Might be able to get a used Canon T3 (1100D) and a 50 1.8 for a little over that price. 

Really?  That may be interesting.

[TheGrapeEscape]

I will have to check those out.  $500 may be a little steep for me right now, but maybe I could figure something out.

 

If in the end you can't reach the $500 mark you could also find an older body Nikon D3100 for the price you need on KEH. The D3100 preforms quite well compared to the 450D http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon_EOS_450D-vs-Nikon_D3100

[D_Kostroun]

If in the end you can't reach the $500 mark you could also find an older body Nikon D3100 for the price you need on KEH. The D3100 preforms quite well compared to the 450D http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon_EOS_450D-vs-Nikon_D3100

 

If I do go with the Nikon, would you suggest the Nikon 50 1.8 AF-S?

[D_Kostroun]

Overall the Nikon seems to be the better option here.  Does Canon have anything that compares to the 3200 at the same price point?  I compared the Canon Rebel T3 and the Nikon D3100, but the Nikon seemed to edge it and they are around the same price point.  http://www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Compare/Side-by-side/Nikon-D3200-versus-Canon-EOS-1100D-versus-Nikon-D3100___801_693_664

[TheGrapeEscape]

If I do go with the Nikon, would you suggest the Nikon 50 1.8 AF-S?

 

Depends if you're asking about the build quality, or if the focal length will suit you?

 

Answer to part one: 50mm primes are some of the best performing glass because they're easy to build and the optics aren't complicated. So any 50mm prime with serve quite well, unless you've got specific pro needs (extreme overall sharpness, excellent micro-contrast, perfect edge to edge sharpness, etc). I'm very happy with my 50mm prime on my crop body for portraiture.

 

Answer to part two: For the body you're pairing lenses with, 50mm is a pretty good focal length for portraits and nailing a subject, but not the things around it. 35mm will be more of a "normal" (as in closer to the focal length of the human eye) focal length on that body. 23mm might be even better if you're trying to capture a scene. Be aware though, that since you're choosing prime lenses you'll be zooming with your feet (walking closer and further away) instead of zooming with the lens so the free area around your subject may be the determining factor on what focal length you should choose.

[D_Kostroun]

Depends if you're asking about the build quality, or if the focal length will suit you?

 

Answer to part one: 50mm primes are some of the best performing glass because they're easy to build and the optics aren't complicated. So any 50mm prime with serve quite well, unless you've got specific pro needs (extreme overall sharpness, excellent micro-contrast, perfect edge to edge sharpness, etc). I'm very happy with my 50mm prime on my crop body for portraiture.

 

Answer to part two: For the body you're pairing lenses with, 50mm is a pretty good focal length for portraits and nailing a subject, but not the things around it. 35mm will be more of a "normal" (as in closer to the focal length of the human eye) focal length on that body. 23mm might be even better if you're trying to capture a scene. Be aware though, that since you're choosing prime lenses you'll be zooming with your feet (walking closer and further away) instead of zooming with the lens so the free area around your subject may be the determining factor on what focal length you should choose.

 

That is a good point with part two.  I am still learning about lenses, so I'm glad you brought that up.  I am fine with having a prime lens.  For landscape and scenery a 23mm would be better, but what about if I would want to record?  I guess I would just want a lens right now that is more flexible for scenery pictures and portrait area video.  I would say scenery is what I would do more focused on for now.  Maybe a 35mm lens?

[TheGrapeEscape]

That is a good point with part two.  I am still learning about lenses, so I'm glad you brought that up.  I am fine with having a prime lens.  For landscape and scenery a 23mm would be better, but what about if I would want to record?  I guess I would just want a lens right now that is more flexible for scenery pictures and portrait area video.  I would say scenery is what I would do more focused on for now.  Maybe a 35mm lens?

 

I'd be leaning heavily towards the 23mm if you need a more versatile lens for those tasks, or maybe something between a 23mm and 35mm.

 

How far are you expecting your subjects to be at for photo and video?

[D_Kostroun]

I'd be leaning heavily towards the 23mm if you need a more versatile lens for those tasks, or maybe something between a 23mm and 35mm.

 

How far are you expecting your subjects to be at for photo and video?

 

For photos it could be anywhere around 90 feet or more.  Video is less important right now, but it would be around 6-15 feet.

 

I believe a 23mm lens is going to be my best bet for photos, and maybe in the future I could get something else for video if I need it.

[D_Kostroun]

Also, what are the prices like for the 23mm lenses?  Right now I can only find 35mm and 50mm at a decent price.

[TheGrapeEscape]

On 11/15/2014 at 12:30 PM, D_Kostroun said:

Also, what are the prices like for the 23mm lenses?  Right now I can only find 35mm and 50mm at a decent price.

 

Not really sure at the moment

[D_Kostroun]

 

They can get a bit more expensive than 35mm or 50mm. Some good value options might be the sigma 28mm f1.8 or the sigma 24mm f1.8. Alternatively you can check KEH for a used bargain.

 

I appreciate your help.  I am most likely going to start with a 35mm lense for now, but this will in a few months, so I may still change my mind.