Looking for a entry level DSLR camera as a gift

[dmoney1980]

ATOT,

I'm looking to buy an entry level DSLR camera as a gift for my sister. She really enjoys photography and has never owned a quality camera (mostly using her cell phone). She's a gifted photographer, and mentioned wanting to invest in an entry-level pro camera.

I don't know much about this market and was hoping for some suggestions. A quick search on Amazon and BHP resulted in some bundles I linked below. I'd appreciate any feedback and suggestions. I'm primarily looking for a versatile body and a lens or two that she can start with. Budget is around $500. The T6 bundle at Amazon looks like a good deal given everything that's included, I would like to get feedback on the camera itself. Thanks in advance!

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1275034-REG/nikon_1573_d3400_dslr_camera_with.html

https://www.amazon.com/Canon-T6-Dig...o&ie=UTF8&qid=1512319157&sr=1-3&keywords=DSLR

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IPQNG5...75&pd_rd_r=6HNKED9QQD7326WHTMNB&pd_rd_w=LIril

 

[turtile]

The bundles are mostly junk. Any DSLR will give good results today. The Nikon bundle does the most for the money because it comes with a full focal range without things that will go into the trash.

Just be aware that the lenses in the kit aren't the best for indoor/low light shooting but that is expected for the price. The 35mm F1.8 DX Lens is what I'd recommend if she doesn't care that it's a fixed focal length like most phones. You may also want to get a book/video on how to operate a DSLR. She'll need to have good understanding and practice to get great photos. Most people get frustrated and never use a DSLR.

 

[MrSquished]

Consider a mirrorless kit. DSLR's are just too big for many novice photographers and they just don't end up carrying them. The best camera is the one you have with you.

 

[bfun_x1]

So many choices. A budget full frame DSLR is a great place to start but they can get heavy with the larger lens. Mirrorless could be a good option for someone who wants to carry a camera without looking like they are wedding photographer. They tend top cost more and there are compromises due to the size. The A6000 is very popular crop sensor and if you want to go even smaller the Micro 4/3 Olympus E-M10 can be a good choice. Additionally she'll want to get some good photo editing software to develop the raw photos she'll be taking.

https://www.amazon.com/Olympus-Mirr...5&sr=1-13&keywords=olympus+om-d+e-m10+mark+ii
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B...8df9b2322e4368960INT&smid=AZEOBEDL60TIS&psc=1

 

[tenthumbs]

Consider using part of your budget to get your sister an intro to DSLR class. Being a good iphone photographer will not prepare her for utilizing all the settings on even the most basic DLSR body.

 

[shortylickens]

I switched from Nikon to Canon because entry-level models have better manual controls, like ISO and WB. Image quality is roughly the same, as is RAW quality and the included freeware apps.

 

[Rottie]

Canon EOS Rebel T5i looks good for first time user.

 

[spacejamz]

Another thing to consider is that each camera has a different 'feel' to it...she should go to store and hold the ones you are considering to see which one feels the most comfortable to hold and also which menu system she like more....

Any of the major brands should produce great pictures once she gets the hang of it...

 

[Paladin3]

The bundles are mostly junk. Any DSLR will give good results today. The Nikon bundle does the most for the money because it comes with a full focal range without things that will go into the trash.

Just be aware that the lenses in the kit aren't the best for indoor/low light shooting but that is expected for the price. The 35mm F1.8 DX Lens is what I'd recommend if she doesn't care that it's a fixed focal length like most phones. You may also want to get a book/video on how to operate a DSLR. She'll need to have good understanding and practice to get great photos. Most people get frustrated and never use a DSLR.

After a basic DSLR body and a kit 18-55 lens, the next piece of equipment I recommend is a decent flash. Too many photographers get frustrated trying to shoot in low light because they can't use a flash. Anything that offers TTL metering and will swivel and tilt works wonders with a kit lens. Spending more money or struggling with the limitation of a fast prime lens isn't necessary, especially for a beginner.

Bouncing flash off walls or ceilings makes makes for great light, that is so much better than what your popup flash can do. You can either slow your shutter speed down to balance with the available light, or turn it up to your max sync speed and shoot over the the available light. You can also tweek your color balance to account for any color the light picks up from the bounce surface.

$60-$80 for a Yongnuo speedlight is a great investment. Don't bother buying anything other than maybe a white dome defuser or hunk of white cardboard for accessories as that's all you need to start with. You can use the flash on camera with just the tilt and swivel to redirect the light.

The 35/1.8 is a great lens, but if I had to choose I'd rather have the slower 18-55 and a flash for general shooting.

 

[Cerpin Taxt]

I agree on the importance of a good speedlight. Light availability is one of the most limiting -- and therefore frustrating -- things for beginning photographers because they don't generally start by dropping the $$ for a real fast lens or a high-budget sensor in the camera.. A flash you can swivel and tilt to bounce onto your subject will cover for that in a big way.

Beyond just bouncing the flash from on top of your camera is actually triggering the flash while set up somewhere off-camera. I really liked Nikon's "CLS" flash control system to get me started in off-camera flash. It may not be up there in the "absolutely must-have" feature category, but it's definitely something that's nice to have when a person is ready to grow into some more intermediate/advanced lighting techniques.

 

[Paladin3]

I agree on the importance of a good speedlight. Light availability is one of the most limiting -- and therefore frustrating -- things for beginning photographers because they don't generally start by dropping the $$ for a real fast lens or a high-budget sensor in the camera.. A flash you can swivel and tilt to bounce onto your subject will cover for that in a big way.

Beyond just bouncing the flash from on top of your camera is actually triggering the flash while set up somewhere off-camera. I really liked Nikon's "CLS" flash control system to get me started in off-camera flash. It may not be up there in the "absolutely must-have" feature category, but it's definitely something that's nice to have when a person is ready to grow into some more intermediate/advanced lighting techniques.

I love me some remote lighting. Having the tools to put the light exactly where you want it really does make the job easier.

There's so many lighting techniques and ways to control, bounce, defuse, reflect and direct light that your imagination is the only limit. Starting with a simple strobe that tilts/swivels/bounces is the best bang for the lighting buck there is. Well, maybe a hunk of white, gold or silver reflective cardboard is a better value if you are shooting outside and on a real budget.