Choosing my First DSLR Camera? - 1

I'm planning on getting my first DSLR soon and I'm truly indecisive. I've been to my local electronics shop and they were somewhat helpful but they kept on pushing the more expencive models such as the Canon 7D or Nikon D5300 onto me. Would the Nikon D5300 be a truly ideal entry-level camera or is there something else? Would the D3300 be well worth it?

I'm planning to use the camera for:
-Vacation photos
-Taking pictures of my kids at their sporting events
-Scenery photos
I'm just trying photography as a new hobby

Some other cameras besides the D5300 that I'm considering are the Nikon D5200 and D3300, or the Canon T3I, T4I, OR T5I. What are some recommendations?

I greatly appreciate your help!

It doesn't matter.

The Pentax K-500, Sony SLT A-58, Nikon D3200, or Canon Rebel T4i, will all serve you well.

It's down to how they feel in your hands, and any dealer who'd rather have an expensive model on the shelf than the proceeds of a cheaper one in the till, isn't worth bothering about.

First thing, the brand isn't important…

All the cameras from Canon, Nikon, Pentax/Ricoh and Sony are capable of top quality images (if you are prepared to put some effort into learning how to use them). I'd recommend the Nikon D5100 with the 18-105 or 18-140 to start you off, it's fun to use and the image quality is really impressive… You don't need more than 16 megapixels… So don't get bullied into buying a camera because it has more megapixels.

It's best to seek out an actual specialist camera store, a store that actually sells cameras and lenses not washing machines and microwaves… Take your time… And get a demonstration of the different cameras… A decent demonstration can take an hour or so and it's the best way to buy your first camera… It helps you bounce your ideas of someone who has experience, they can explain if you are being unrealistic or reassure you that what you want is possible, it might just be difficult right now because of your budget… Handle the different brands, one brand will feel more comfortable than the rest, it might be the weight, the materials the camera is made of, it might the layout of the controls or the menu might be much easier to navigate… That tends to be the best way to go… The camera that you find most comfortable.

Just remember that because a camera works great for me doesn't mean that it's going to be the best choice for you… Find a decent camera store and get a decent demonstration.

The D3300 would be a really good camera for you provided that you do not need one of those articulating LCD panels for shots from dynamic level or taking selfies and video of yourself.

With the money saved in not buying the more expensive newest model ($300-ish), why not get a better lens for taking photos of your kids at their sporting events? How about the Nikon D5200 with an 18-140VR lens on it? Like this:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/..._with.html

All the DSLR's are excellent cameras. They all have a full line of lenses, although Canon and Nikon have significantly more of them.

My daughter in law got an entry level Canon DSLR 10 years ago and still gets great pix of my grandchildren. It could have been any of the other brands, the point being entry level works well.

My suggestions:
Sony Alpha SLT-A58 - $450, Canon T3 - $400, Nikon D3100 - $425, and Pentax K-500 - $470.

If you want to step up a level:
Canon T3i - $550, Canon T5/1200D - $500, Nikon D5200 - $700, Sony SLT A57 - $750, Pentax K30 $580

If I were you, I'd look closely at the Canon T3i and Nikon D5100 (or maybe the D5200 or D5300)

Me? I covet the Nikon D7100, but can't really justify the cost to replace my D90.