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[Dan_Lockwood]

I have a friend that's getting his wife a camera for Christmas and wants a DSLR.

I think most come with around a 18mm/55mm basic lens and then some have the zoom lenses that go from 55mm up to 300mm+.

I see most are in the 24mp range now a days.  But I would think anything above 18mp would be great for a starter camera.

Based on my own "old" Canon AE1 experience, it's neck to have the 18mm/55mm and another lens up to around 200mm to 250mm for most shots.

He's looking in the $600 to $750 range.

Any suggestions?

Thanks...

[kiro]

Entry level cameras today do a great job and have good image quality. Difficult to say what your friend may do later, but he should consider a camera system if/when he decides to expand. In other words, investigate lenses and accessory choices for an overall system down the road. Cameras get superseded quickly but you can always use good glass with another body as long as the lens mount is the same. Due to this, I'd recommend staying with Canon or Nikon - don't think he would go wrong with either...

[r0de_runr]

I bought a really nice used 10mp Olympus with a smaller body and no lens for $50, then bought a really nice 14-42 lense for $20.   Compact enough to pack on the motorcycle, and cheap enough to not worry if lost stolen or broken.  Yet it comes with all the presets and really easy to operate.

As a starter camera.

Then let her pick out her next really expensive camera.

SAMS club usually has some kits near their front door.

[Dan_Lockwood]

Thanks for the input.

I talked again to my friend and his wife is getting into taking more pictures when they vacation.  She like wildlife type pics and has taken some nice shots with just here high quality cell phone that blew up very nicely.

He wants to go new, but having the option to reuse lenses later within the same family of bodies, makes a lot of sense.

Is the Canon EOS Rebel a good entry level camera?  It seems to have lots going for it, at least from my perspective.

Other entry level cameras, Nikon maybe?

[kiro]

Is the Canon EOS Rebel a good entry level camera?

In the same position, I believe this is what I'd be looking to purchase. There's a lot of good choices available though. I'd recommend going to B&H Photo's website to read their reviews on a particular model he/she may be investigating. If your friend and/her husband is successful using her cell phone camera she's going to love a Canon Rebel...

[JCZ]

Costco usually has some good basic camera packages on sale that have two lens.  A quick google search pulls several up but here's a couple in the price range....

http://www.costco.com/Nikon-D3400-DSLR-Camera-2-Lens-Bundle.product.100313565.html

http://www.costco.com/Nikon-COOLPIX-P900-Digital-Camera-Bundle.product.100314441.html

http://www.costco.com/Canon-EOS-Rebel-T6-DSLR-Camera-2-Lens-Bundle.product.100288979.html


If you've saw any of my ride reports, most of my photos are shot with my Nikon DSLR on Auto while riding at highway speeds.  If you're off the bike then you can really get some great shots manually.  This camera has really taken a beating, been coast to coast, Canada and Mexico.....almost all of it hanging around my neck and it just keeps on ticking.

[Dan_Lockwood]

Thanks everyone.

I don't think he could go wrong with either the Canon Rebel or the Nikon D3400.  I think the Nikon is more bang for his buck as it comes with two lenses at a $100 less than the standard one lens Rebel.

Have a VERY HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON TO ALL...

[JCZ]

Also, I went back and looked at all three of those ads after I posted.  It seems both of the Nikon products have higher reviews than the Canon Rebel.....at least as far as the consumers of Costco are concerned.  The Rebel only has 2 1/2 stars where the two Nikon products are up in the 4 and 5 star rating.

[VaEagle]

Too bad this thread wasn't started a few days ago, this setup was the TSV for about $449 and free shipping then. A little more now but lots of info and reviews in this link.
I have the older version without the WIFI and it takes great photos, The zoom lens and quiet operation would be great for wildlife photos.
http://www.qvc.com/Canon-Rebel-T6-18MP-DSLR-Wi-Fi-Camera-w18-55%2C-75-300mm-Lens%2C-Bag-%26-Software.product.E230027.html?sc=SRCH

[Royalroadie]

Dan
Have him go to Schillers on Manchester road. Their prices are as low as they get. He will get expert advice.  Buy local!

[porthole]

The Nikon D3400 is an excellent DX for a novice. And the supplied kit lenses are pretty good.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d3400.htm

https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/modest-updates-nikon-d3400-review

http://www.adorama.com/inkd3400k2a.html?utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_source=rflaid21866

http://www.adorama.com/inkd3400k2.html?utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_source=rflaid21866

[Dan_Lockwood]

Thanks all.

The ball is in his court now.  I've given him the information and either way, I think she'll be glad with whichever he buys her.

By the way, they live in KC MO.