Hello all, I’ve been what you would call and iPhone wannabe photographer for many years. I’ve finally decided I’m ready to pull the trigger on an entry level DSLR. I know a lot of you here also enjoy photography judging by the amazing photos a lot of you take. My question is, for those of you who are experienced, what’s the best beginner setup I should get, and where will I get the best deal on stuff like this? Obviously I can’t break the bank, but I do have a little saved up from Christmas. I look forward to y’alls help, and feel free to drop some of your favorite pictures. I love a good photo. Thank you in advance! Seth
Hey Seth! Merry Christmas to you and your family, my friend. I've learned a lot reading this website: https://www.kenrockwell.com/ I've followed this gent's advice on a basic Nikon DSLR and a Canon shirt pocket camera. The Nikon is currently doing a great job for me. The models and features change constantly, and buyers continue to get more bang for your buck. If I were in the market, I'd opt for something like this: https://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d3500.htm Let us know what you decide.
I I have a feeling you were going to be one of the ones to respond! We share most of the same interest. I’ve been checking out the Nikon, as well as the Canon T7. It seems you get many more accessories with the Canon, and I honestly don’t know enough about them yet to know quality difference in the camera itself. But as far as budget goes, the Canon looks really good. Im searching for a breakdown comparison of the two now. I haven’t heard from you recently! We are all doing well, just dealing with standard cold/flu season dramas. How have you and the Mrs. been? Are y’all on your trip currently?
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my Nikon D7500. A kit including a telephoto lens, bag, and extra battery can be had for under $1500. Phenomenal equipment for the money.
Unfortunately that’s out of my budget. I just placed an order for a Canon T7 that’s includes the kit lens, I want to say it’s an 18-55. Wide lens, and 2X Telephoto lens. All the charging accessories battery, bag, 50” tripod, cleaning accessories, cards etc.. The kit was $379. I did a comparison on the Ken Rockwell site that @wristwatchb linked and he said they are very similar to the Nikon D3500, and I was able to get a lot more for less. I guess time will tell how it is! It should be here Friday.
Sounds like a good starter setup.. I bet you’ll have loads of fun learning all that it can do. We look forward to seeing the pics you take with it.
What image hosting is everybody using now? I’m trying to upload some picture from when I drove cross country but can’t find a hosting service that works anymore.
These are all taken on an iPhone and have been backed up via ever album, which downgraded the image quality. But I’m still proud of them.
That should be a fine starter kit, and I’m glad you got a tripod with it, you’ll find that really useful.
Congrats Seth! You should be well pleased with the Canon T7 kit. I've owned two 35mm Canon SLRs. I still have my AE-1. I had so much fun using it that I'll never let it go...even though I don't use it anymore. Canon makes excellent gear. We took a trip to the Mayo Clinic before Christmas, and we're planning to return sometime around March for my Bride to have a stem cell transplant. She's doing great with her treatments. Christmas was really nice - filled with family and friends. I hope you all are well. Please share some family photos when you can. P.S. Thanks for not calling me out for addressing you as Zach. It's not easy being an old man.
Thank you! I’m so glad to hear that everything is going great! I’ve got a few pictures we took recently. I’ll upload them now!