Nikon SLR Cameras

Best Used First DSLR? Valid reason why, not because you're a fanboy

Jake
Jake

Comparing the…

Nikon D3200 with kit lens: $470 factory refurbished from bhphotobideo.com

Nikon D5100 with kit lens: $480 factory refurbished from bhphotobideo.com

Canon T1i with kit lens: $340 in good condition from bhphotobideo.com

Canon T2i with kit lens: $450 in good condition from adorama.com

Canon T3i with lens kit: $460 factory refurbished from bhphotobideo.com

I plan on sticking with the kit lens and a 50mm 1.8 for awhile until I can save up for some pro lenses.
I like shooting landscape, portraits, sports, cars, etc. I'd love something that delivers crisp, sharp images, respectable video quality, and very good low light performance.

Andrew
Andrew

Just about any of them will do what you want - stick with the factory refurbished models, though.

The best is the one that feels right in your hands, so either travel to B&H or take pot luck.

NickP
NickP

Sounds like you are buying a camera on a "wish and a prayer" as far as finances are concerned. I would with go a Pentax because they except all previous Pentax lenses (some only on manual f/stops), which are plentiful on the used market, and reasonably price since the "stabilization feature of Pentax DSLR's is built into the camera body, not every lens."

thankyoumaskedman
thankyoumaskedman

Probably the model with the best level of features and image quality is the Nikon D5100. The 24 MP of the D3200 is empty magnification, and the D5100 can adjust ISO in one third stop increments.
Of the Canons, the T3i comes closest, but processor correction of chromatic aberration is something Canon lacks until the T4i or newer.

With money supply tight, why do you want to run out and buy a 50mm? It can be useful, sometimes, but it usually does not earn high priority on the list of best uses of limited funds. A GOOD (not a cheapo) tripod could give you more service as a next thing to buy. A good external flash is also worth high priority for your next infusion of money.