Is this a good deal? (or: please help the noob!)
 

Hey guys,

I'm a total rookie when it comes to photography, but I'm looking to get into it a little bit. I borrowed a friend's Canon T2i during his graduation from UT Austin, and I enjoyed snapping photos with it. Wasn't very good, but it was a lot of fun.

With that said, I'm looking for something for me to learn and grow on. Nothing extremely special, this isn't going to turn into my life, but I want something that's got enough 'utility' that it'll last me through the majority of photoshoots I want to do.

I'm looking at this: Nikon D3100 package

I also might just grab the T2i though since I'm already somewhat familiar with it: as seen here

Anybody have any thoughts?

Thanks in advance :tup:

I'd suggest this :ugh2:

http://www.wired.com/images/article/...stgadget_f.jpg

If I don't want a full up DSLR, anybody use these?

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 Compact System Camera - Hands-On Preview

Worst case I just grab a CoolPix 9100 or something, but I figure now's the time to try DSLR...

mmmmmmmm

Yah, looks like a good deal :tup:

for the t2i if you can wait, sometimes amazon runs a deal where you can get the t2i, extra lens, like a filter and photo printer for around the same price or lower as a regular t2i kit by itself.

Also target has the 55-250IS canon else for 149.99 right now in stores whereas its normally 300 (amazon has it for 200 after 100$ canon rebate which will expire)

The D3100 is a good camera. So is the Canon. Go for a DSLR in any case, worth every penny. The kit lens in the D3100 is a pretty good starter lens. I would also check out B&H, The usually have the best prices around. They have everything a photographer would ever need or want.

B&H Photo Video Digital Cameras, Photography, Camcorders

T2i Phelan, you won't regret it. It's the perfect camera for rookies who plan on growing more with the camera. Another camera worth looking at is the Sony NEX-5 (takes might fast camera and is a fun camera overall).

I'd have to disagree on the NEX-5. Its more of a gimmick camera for people who don't know any better. I'm sure it will take good pictures, but just about any true DSLR will take better ones. Your choices in lenses will also be limited. Also, the great thing about DSLR's is that they tend to hold their value longer. When the time comes to upgrade, you can still recoup some of the cost towards a new one. Most point and shoots are pretty much worthless after 3 or more years. Manufacturers cycle through them too quickly. That Sony removes the best reasons for each type, the convenience of a point & shoot and versatility of a DSLR. Don't bother.

Phelan, you should also look into the older models and just buy the body and lens separate. A D90 for example, might not have all of the latest features of the D3100, but its still the better camera. What you save could be out towards a better lens. Granted it might be a bit more expensive overall, but your gear will be that much better.

Mike, I agree with your point about true DSLR taking better pictures over the NEX-5 (14MP worth mentioning); however, I disagree with the gimmick camera part. The point is the NEX-5 is a fantastic and fun camera for those amateurs not looking to do too much customization while taking pics and also looking for a REALLY fast and decent camera. As far as I am concerned, it is one of the fastest camera I've owned and the pics were very decent for most of the occasions. Now if we were talking about going further in depth and advanced tweaking then the DSLR takes precedence.

What purpose does Phelan intend to get from the camera. If he is looking for a camera that could be used professionally, the T2i or even T3i would largely suffice for starters. On the hand, if he is simply looking for a camera to capture fun events without all the extra tweaking abilities from a DSLR camera, then any high end Sony/Canon non DSLR would do the job.

I apologize:tiphat:, I didn't mean to bash on your choices. I just think that at the price point of a NEX-5, you might as well go with a DSLR. If it were say at $300 and not $600-$700, then yes it would be a good choice, hands down over any other point & shoot. Unfortunately, I think its way overpriced. I'm not knocking its abilities. I'm 100% sure its a terrific camera....though if all you need it for is capturing fun and family events, there are far less expensive alternatives that can get the job done.

Also, if you ever want a new specialty lens, your limited to 5 or 6 choices with these type of cameras vs. the hundreds available for DSLR's.

Truthfully, a T2i or any other entry DSLR isn't any more difficult than the NEX-5. Once I learned what all the functions of my old d40, I actually found my point and shoot more difficult to use if I wanted manual control. People tend to get intimidated with DSLR's because it looks so complicated, its really not. Today's DSLR's are actually pretty easy and can function on full auto, so choosing a less capable camera for the same amount seems moot. You can't really learn how the f-stops work for example, if your camera doesn't make easy to change it manually. Would Phelan regret buying the NEX-5.....maybe, maybe not, but I doubt he would regret buying a DSLR.

Trust me, I know a thing or two about regret.....I should have gotten the Sports Package :icon17:

:rofl2:

Thanks guys. I read up on the DSLRs (I did decide to just go for the full up DSLR), and went out to a few camera stores to handle the models I was looking at. I really liked the T2i in terms of performance, but holding it just felt...weird. It never sat quite right in my hand. The fullerton camera store guy said there's some battery pack or something that people find helpful, but I wasn't really interested in adding even more bulk to the camera.

I really, REALLY enjoyed the D3100, very easy to use, felt just about right, and the performance was comparable (maybe a little less but to a beginner I'm not really too tuned into it) to the T2i in my rookie opinion. I was pretty much set on that...until I noticed a 'New' D5100 on sale on Amazon for the same price of a new D3100. I did hang on to the D5100 a bit at my local Best Buy. Just seemed like a little more advanced D3100. I grabbed that instead. I think the only knock I have against it is it's a little slower than the T2i, but I'm not really going to be looking for a lot of high speed sequential shooting.

I know, I know, probably a little more than I need, but I hope to grow into it and its more advanced features (I'm going to have fun reading the user manual). I'm sticking with the included lens, and grabbed a 16GB card and a spare battery. I'll be back for the...ahem....critiques when I get used to the camera :tup:

Plus, I think my neighbor has the 300mm zoom lens I can borrow...

Hopefully the D5100 lasts me a long time. Besides, if what I understand is correct, the lenses are more important, and ultimately, it's the eye that sets everything apart, right? (/cliche) One thing about me is I love to learn, and while this won't be something that can command a lot of my time, nor will it turn into a job, but I've always been impressed with a really well put together photo, wanted to get better at photography myself. And if I get really involved in it, I'd rather have a camera that I can grow with, rather than one that I'll have to swap out.

You know what was crazy? I saw the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 (MILC camera), and thought, hot damn, I found my camera! Then I looked at the price....over ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS good Lord! Hence...I went with a DSLR.

So anybody have any reading recommendations? I think I saw a book in Red_Zed's thread that I will go look for.

Oh Mike, I never thought you bashed any my choices and I agree with most of what you said. I share your views and shamefully admit that for what I was using the NEX-5, I should have gone with something else :) I also agree with the DSLR being intimidating. My T2i sat for a month before I decided to try to learn how to use it :p

:bowrofl: :tup:

Phelan, glad you found a camera you like, enjoy it boss.