Nikon SLR Cameras

What entry level DSLR to buy?

Guest
Guest

I want to buy a good DSLR camera for my girlfriend (she's been wanting one for a while)
nothing too shabby, but want to get the most for my money,

she'd use it for hobby photography, at work for product images and she'd want to take a shot at making stock photos.

(note that the prices where you live might be different then in my country. As electronics tend to be overpriced here)

i can get a Nikon D3300 24.2MP + 18-55mm VR II optics
for 545$ ( or 480 for a "resealed" copy. Basically means the box was opened)
- its on a 175$ discount

Nikon D5100 16.2MP + 18-55mm VR optics
for 545$ … No resealed ones.
- 145$ discount

Nikon D3100 14.2MP + 18-55mm ED II optics
for 430$
- 85$ discount

Nikon D3100 14.2MP + 18-55mm VR optics
resealed for either 385 or 365$ (price going down the worse condition its in i'm guessing.)
- 65$ discount.

Canon EOS 1200D 18MP EF-S 18-55mm DC III optics
for 490$ or resealed for 450$
-115$ discount

Both regular and resealed products have a 2 year warranty and are from a trustworthy website.

which one would you recommend out of these?
and if you want to recommend a different one that i should consider instead of these?
thank you!

Added (1). these are literally some of cheapest ones on the site,
here's the site, with the cameras ordered cheapest first.
http://www.emag.ro/aparate_foto_d-slr/sort-priceasc/c

Added (2). Scott thank you for your answer, many re-sealed copies were also used as demo products on shelves, i said "basically means the box was opened" because i didn't want the answerers to think " ohh its a used item and has defect etc":) because i have previously bought resealed copies and they very rarely have even the finest scratches or problems,
its mostly the people got the package. Then decided they don't want it or whatever reason and its sent back the same day.

Added (3). retiredPhil ^^ you didn't read it properly. Both of them are brand new at 545$
the D3300 just has OTHER re-sealed copies for 480$ while there are no re-sealed copies for the D5100.

Frank
Frank

Any of the bodies you've listed will be fine. She might actually prefer the Pentax K50 because it's smaller which will fit her hands better. Plus it has image stabilization built into the camera which can be used with any lens, as opposed to having to spend extra to get a limited number of specialized lenses from Canon or Nikon.

Scott
Scott

Any of them are fine - they're all suitable for what you have said you want them for.

All other things considered (and the fact that it's not for you), it's just down to budget. Get the best price you can.

You might want to brush up on the real meaning of "resealed". It means that the product was previously sold (and thus no longer new) but was returned to the retailer in "as-new" condition. It was repackaged and resold at a discount. Normally it's not a concern as long as you get the same protection and product as if you bought a new kit.

retiredPhil
retiredPhil

Of those that you list, the first two are the highest rated. And since it is a present, the D5100 is brand new, which should get you some points. That's what I would go with, the Nikon D5100.

Tensi
Tensi

Stay to the nikon d3000 series because they will deliver great shots without the complication of a super expensive dslr.

Nick
Nick

The Nikon D80 is slightly older but still a brilliant camera. You can get one on ebay for just over £100 and it is a great entry level DSLR for the money you spend on it.

keerok
keerok

The one you can afford.

That "resealed" thing sure is tempting! If it's from a reputable store, grab it!

Horse
Horse

Honestly, you would be better off getting the cheapest camera and spending your money on better lenses… An old camera will take beautiful pictures with a nice lens and the lenses don't depreciate like the camera bodies do. You will get way more for your money. I would get a Nikon D80 or similarand some quality lenses like a Nikon 50mm f1.8g for portraits, and Nikon 18-200mm VR II for everything wide angle and zoom. Those 18-55 kit lenses will leave a photographer frustrated!