Which Camera would be best to choose from?
I have 2 choices of cameras to buy my wife for christmas. It is either the Nikon D3000 or the Canon EOS Rebel T3. I do not know much about cameras and I was wondering what would be best for quality and durability.
Both are great cameras. Try them out and see which feels best or go with the best kit like I did
Part 1:
While it is nice that you want to buy your wife a camera, I recommend against it. Photography gear is highly personal preference. What feels good in your hands may not feel right to her.
What I would suggest is that you go to http://www.yellowpages.com type in cameras and your city, state to find an actual camera shop like http://www.firstlookphoto.com/index.htm (I avoid Ritz/Wolfe camera though). Talk to one of the people there to explain your situation and get a ball park total and then buy a gift card for slightly more than that.
For example… If it was me, I would get the gift card and take my wife out for lunch a week or so before Christmas. Then after lunch, I would say "We need to make a surprise stop" and put a blindfold on her, go to the camera shop and walk her in blindfolded up to the camera counter. Then let her see where she is as you hand her the gift card. She will be like a kid in a candy store.
Part 2:
Both Canon and Nikon make nice cameras. The best thing to do is visit an actual camera shop (not bestbuy/walmart) and have her try the different models within the budget to see which feels the best to her. I bought a Canon for its ergonomics/feel/menu and control layout and a fellow photog chose Nikon for the same reason… It is about personal preference. PLUS, a decent camera shop will have the knowledge/experience to answer your questions (I was asking a bestbuy "specialist" some mid-level" camera questions only to be told "Uhh… I'm sorry, I just transferred from TV's").
The one thing to remember is to budget in extra money to cover an extra battery, memory cards, camera case, a USB memory card reader, and taxes (these can add another $200-$250 to the camera price for an entry level DSLR). For example… A Canon T3 basic kit is about $480 +$250 is $730 and a D3000 kit at ~$499+$250 is $749.
Also, most camera shops offer free beginner camera/photography classes (and free prints) when you buy a camera there.
Try both.
The T3 is better overall. It lower noise at high ISO, has live view, Shoots movies that the D3000 doesn't, better maximum light sensitivity, longer battery life, higher true resolution, has a built-in focus motor, has a CMOS-family sensor, slightly larger viewfinder and is lighter. I suggest you read this review as well to see opinions on how it performs:
http://www.amazon.com/...OIWLTPXQD/
You can look for price details and other specs here:
http://www.amazon.com/...004J3Y9U6/
The lens that comes with it would be fine and takes decent shots. For comparison of price and specs i recommend you check the D3000 as well:
I highly recommend you take a look at these digital camera reviews before making your final purchase.
http://digitalgadgetsworld.co.uk/digital-cameras/budget-digital-cameras/kodak-easyshare-mini-m200-digital-still-camera
http://digitalgadgetsworld.co.uk/digital-cameras/budget-digital-cameras/fujifilm-finepix-a170-digital-camera
http://digitalgadgetsworld.co.uk/digital-cameras/budget-digital-cameras/nikon-coolpix-l23-digital-camera
I hope these reviews help you find the perfect digital camera for your individual needs.