Photography ?

[DolphinsFreak]

I know absolutely nothing about photography. My daughter is really into it and is wanting a camera for her birthday. Is there anyone on here that's into photography and could recommend a camera to me?

I am just doing online research right now and I have narrowed it down to two different models, but I have no idea which one to choose or if I should get a completely different camera then the ones I found.

I am looking at the Canon EOS Rebel T5 or the Nikon D3300. (Or D3200 since there doesn't seem to be much of a difference between the two)

Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?

[gulfcoast74]

I'm a Nikon guy. That being said you can not go wrong with the canon or the Nikon. Both are excellent cameras.

[DolphinsFreak]

Thanks for your input, GulfCoast. I watched a few YouTube videos where they compare the two and they make them both seem like they are great, and not so good at the same time. The guy is pretty funny though.

[gulfcoast74]

I shoot a D5000 which is an older model a step up from the D3300. Cameras are like computers nowadays the day after you buy it a new improved model will be out. But the lens is where you should spend the money. An expensive camera with a cheap lens shoots crappy images. While a decent camera like a D3300 with a good lens shoots great images.

[DolphinsFreak]

I shoot a D5000 which is an older model a step up from the D3300. Cameras are like computers nowadays the day after you buy it a new improved model will be out. But the lens is where you should spend the money. An expensive camera with a cheap lens shoots crappy images. While a decent camera like a D3300 with a good lens shoots great images.

That is really good information for me to have! Thank you very much!!

[DolphinsFreak]

Does your camera take panoramic photos? It seems like Nikon has this feature but the Rebel does not.

[Dolfan1]

I know nothing now but 40 years ago I was into it and at that time I loved Minolta cameras and actually still have one tucked away in my bedroom closet. I agree with GC that the lens is key to getting good pictures. I had a 500 mm lens with a 4x magnifer and I could literally read license plates from 1/4 mile away. Took fantastic pictures.

[DolphinsFreak]

You guys are great for giving me your advice BUT, you have now unintentionally made this decision even tougher. AHa I know NOTHING about cameras, which also means I know nothing about lenses either. Right now the Canon Rebel comes with 4 lenses, tripod, carrying case, memory cards, etc. The Nikon is just the camera and maybe two lenses. They are priced around the same so I am guessing the Nikon is probably the better camera since the prices are similar and Canon is throwing in all these extras. It just wouldn't make sense for them to throw in GOOD lenses for the same price as the Nikon. I feel like Vinny Barbarino right now........"I'M SO CONFUSED!" aha

If you guys have time......

• Canon EOS Rebel T5 DSLR CMOS Digital SLR Camera and DIGIC Imaging with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens + 58mm 2x Professional Lens +High Definition 58mm Wide Angle Lens + Auto Flash + 59" Strong lightweight Tripod + UV Filter Kit With 24GB Complete Deluxe Accessory Bundle

• Nikon D3200 24.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm and 55-200mm Non-VR DX Zoom Lenses Bundle

[gulfcoast74]

Does your camera take panoramic photos? It seems like Nikon has this feature but the Rebel does not.

No my Nikon is about 5 years old but I'm sure the newer versions do.

[gulfcoast74]

Not a fan of the bundled lenses. I have an 18-200 mm Nikor lens. That way I don't have to change lens or carry more than one. 55mm is what your eye site is. So less than 55 mm is wide ange and greater than 55 mm is zoom so to speak. If that helps at all.

[Dolfan1]

Wow, I just went and read some and I guess a lot has changed since I was into it. From what I just read a 500mm lens is now considered an amateur lens. well shut my mouth. LOL.

[DolphinsFreak]

Wow, I just went and read some and I guess a lot has changed since I was into it. From what I just read a 500mm lens is now considered an amateur lens. well shut my mouth. LOL.

Do you have a Bell & Howell 414PD Abraham Zapruder 8mm camera? Aha....jk

[DolphinsFreak]

Not a fan of the bundled lenses. I have an 18-200 mm Nikor lens. That way I don't have to change lens or carry more than one. 55mm is what your eye site is. So less than 55 mm is wide ange and greater than 55 mm is zoom so to speak. If that helps at all.

So if you were deciding between these two you would go with the Nikon and then get a better lens?

[gulfcoast74]

Yes I would. You might spend a little more but be better off. If you daughter is really interested in photography then it's not just a gift. It's an investment in her future.
Plus when she decides to upgrade her camera body down the road she can still use the lens.

[gulfcoast74]

Wow, I just went and read some and I guess a lot has changed since I was into it. From what I just read a 500mm lens is now considered an amateur lens. well shut my mouth. LOL.

If your shooting wildlife maybe but go check the price on a 500 mm or larger. Thousands of dollars.

[DolphinsFreak]

gulfcoast - "Yes I would. You might spend a little more but be better off. If you daughter is really interested in photography then it's not just a gift. It's an investment in her future.
Plus when she decides to upgrade her camera body down the road she can still use the lens. "

That is an excellent point! I will have to look into lenses now and see which one would be a good one, that we could afford.