Which SLR Camera? Ideal entry level set-up?
Hi, looking to get a good value for money SLR camera. Purpose will be to take travel shots, family shots, and use for a couple of business websites (some video capability would also be great for this purpose).
I know Canon or Nikon are popular choices; I'd love some recommendations on what (USA) make/model would be best suited, and any essential starter lenses/ accessories. Something easy enough for a novice to operate, but which will allow for increasing user capability and additional accessories over time. Budget is flexible, am after quality and value but certainly not the 'Rolls Royce' model.
I'm guessing that you are asking about a dSLR (digital).
The best starting cameras are called entry level dSLR's and cost about $700. The Nikon D3200 and Canon T4i both come with a 18-55 mm lens, perfect for learning how to use a fully adjustable camera.
There are some older cameras like the Nikon D3100 you can buy for under $500 and it will certainly keep you busy and be able to create the images you want.
Here is a link to that camera.
http://email12.secureserver.net/webmail.php?login=1
Canon has such specials from time to time so check with their website shop
Note: The "Rolls Royce" of the Nikon system is the D4 and it costs about $6, 000 without a lens
I would look at a used Canon t2i. It has HD video available, and instead of the $700+ for the more recent "starter bodies," you could save a lot of money with this body. It's a full 18mp, and you can get a nice used body off of amazon for about $400. I only recommended Canon and not a Nikon because I shoot Canon, and can attest to its capabilities. Nikon is a great brand too, however. Especially for a beginner, there's no "real" difference between the two brands. Same concepts. I personally still own my Canon Rebel XSi (a seemingly ANCIENT camera body!) and it still fulfills about 98% of all my needs! The only downside is that my model has no video function. But, if you wanted to start out with just photography, the XSi bodies are going for around $120-$150, which is an exceptionally reasonable rate for a dslr.
The cheapest two are the Nikon D3100 and Canon Rebel T3, both about $450 with a 18-55mm kit lens.
You're out of luck. No USA here. All dSLR companies are based in Japan except for the industry-leader Hasselblad (Rolls Royce model) which is based in Sweden.
Double jeopardy! There's no such thing as a beginner's dSLR nor a starter set of lenses and such. Novice, amateurs, experienced and pros use the same set of cameras and lenses alike. They are all the same. The more expensive the dSLR, the easier it is to use to shoot pictures if you know exactly what you are doing.
All dSLR's are good. They are all basically the same. I recommend this.