Did i goof up on this gift?
I feel like such an idiot for not researching this before purchasing. My husband is a photographer who just started his own photography business. He's been hinting that he wanted a Nikon DSLR for christmas (just the body).So i bought a Nikon D3000, thinking it was a real steal. Now that i look at it i think this might be a really nice beginner camera. He already has a Canon Rebel and it looks very similar to him. Is this a good gift or should i get my money back
Added (1). He's does a little bit of everything, nature shots, engagements, weddings and children. I obviously made a big mistake.i'll just give it to him today because i won't be able to get anything else ordered for him in time. He wasn't actually expecting anything because he couldn't get me anything this year.
Return it for a gift certificate of equal value.
If he was hinting at wanting a Nikon, then the best one would have been the D3100 for all its added features for only $150 more.
The fact that he has a Rebel and was looking at Nikon says a lot.
Usually, when buying for a professional photography, it is best to consult with them first. Surprise Christmas presents are great, but when it comes to professional tools, better to ask first.
Try doing some research, on which is better. If the camera he has is better, return your money. Otherwise if not, just give it to him, and be proud you want to make him happy.
All Rebels and the D3000 (D3100) are entry level cameras for beginners. If your husband wants to go up a level from entry level then yes it would be the wrong camera to get. If he is trying to be a pro-photographer an entry level camera is probably not the best but if he knows what he is doing, depending on the business, he should be able to get great shots regardless of the camera. Mind you if the photos he takes regularly entails fast moving subjects (sports), low light shots (fashion etc.), entry level may not be the best road. It really depends on what he wants/needs, the business itself, and his level of expertise. As of now, I don't think we have enough information to give you an informed advice.
Are you sure you understood him correctly?
Most photographers build a lens collection then upgrade the camera bodies. I'm not sure why he would want a Nikon body if he doesn't have any lenses to go with it. You can't [very] successfully use one brand of lens on another brand body.
Buying camera equipment as a gift is like buying someone a tie… It is usually not a good thing to do. If my wife wants to get me something camera related, she will ask for a very detailed list of several items (including make/model/detailed description/part number/picture of it) so that she can pick something but I won't know which one I'm getting. She understands how personal such items are.