Amateur photographer in need of
Hi, I looking for a good camera withing the $600-$1200 ( but preferably under $1000, so I can get some accessories) range. What would be a good camera? So far I'm thinking about these.
•Canon EOS Digital Rebel T3 DSLR Camera Kit with 18-55mm IS Lens & a Canon 75-300 Lens, 720P video, 12 megapixels
•Nikon D3100 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm VR Lens & Nikon 55-200mm VR Lens, 1080P video, 14 megapixels
•Panasonic Lumix GF2 Compact System Camer with 14-42mm Lens & a Panasonic 45-200mm Lens, 1080P video, 12 megapixels, touchscreen
Which would you get, or what's a better camera? Cheaper and more megapixels does not mean better.
Added (1). @ B. E.I. I have four 32 gb high-speed SDHC cards, a tripod; all I need is the lithium ion battery. Also, I'm buying these cameras from a camera store, not an electronic store. I have tried all 3 models and like all 3, I don't want a personal preference of brand. I need to gather opinions of these 3 models, or a recommendation of another model.
I believe the Canon EOS Rebel is the best out of those. That one is $600.It should be very reliable and a good camera for a starting photographer! Best of luck!
I don't recommend any one brand over the other… It all comes down to YOUR ability to use what you have.
What I do tell people is to go to an actual camera shop (not an electronics store). You need to hold/handle/try the different brands and model in your budget to see what feels comfortable to you, and that you can find/use the controls easily. I chose Canon for its ergonomics and menu layout while a fellow photog chose Nikon for the same reason.
The first thing to do is figure out your TOTAL amount you can spend. Then subtract 10% to cover taxes. After that, plan on about $150 for an extra battery, several memory cards, and a padded case for the camera/lenses. The amount left over after that is your camera/lens budget.
I have the cannon rebel t2i and it's around 600$-800$ remember. If you get a camera exactly your price range you won't have enough money for lens and more zoom lens.
First the G2 isn't a DSLR. It's a 4/3 system that is more than a point and shoot, but not quite a DSLR either. It's got all of the features of the bridge cameras, but you still have to buy lenses for it. And it's been replaced by the G3. I'm just not sold on the whole concept. It seems like it's a bridge camera that you can sink bucks into the lenses for. If you want a DSLR buy a DSLR and make the commitment to it. The significantly smaller sensor in the G2/G3 camera isn't going to perform as well as a DSLR. A DSLR gives you a significantly better image quality.
The d3100 would not be my first choice in your budget for Nikon either. The D5100 is the better camera. It shares a sensor with the D7000 which has even canon shooters wishing they shot Nikon. The biggest compromise between them is the fact that the D5100 doesn't have the auto focus motor in the body which does limit you on a few lenses and costs you a little bit more on the lenses that are auto focus compatible with it. It's a great camera.
The T3 would be my choice for two reasons: It's Canon and I shoot Canon and there's no lens compatibility issue with some lenses. All Canon's have the motor in the body for auto focus.
Now if I weren't married to the Canon brand already? I'd probably choose the Nikon D5100. As much as it pains me to say this, it's got better quality. Compare http://snapsort.com/...ikon-D5100
A lot of the D5100's features have to do with video, which doesn't matter to me at all. HOWEVER, even after discounting those features? The D5100 comes out on top.
And for a reference for you here is the D3100 compared to the D5100 http://snapsort.com/...ikon_D3100