Wanna get one for the wifey as a surprise. Problem is I don't jack about these things. Price range would be around $500-$750. Any recommendations?
nikon/canon are the big dogs. however, these are LENS companies, not camera companies. That means that the cameras are nothing amazing, but their lenses are the ones you want to buy as you expand and improve, so dont buy cheaper brands because you wont be utilizing full potential. is she a photographer? or is it a hobby that she wants to get into. If so, recommend entry level SLR from either company- nikon or canon. I have a nikon, but the two are almost the same. do NOT buy a sony. Fools gold.
She is not a photographer, but it's a hobby for her. My friend's friend works at Sony and I could get a significant discount, that is the only reason I was thinking of a Sony. The A550. Or I'm thinking this canon: http://www.amazon.com/Canon-T1i-Dig...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1263760591&sr=1-1
The Ti1 is pretty cool because you can shoot some video with it as well. Just know that whatever you get, if she's serious about the hobby, then the cost of lens and maybe lighting can get expensive. Honestly, it's a lot about getting good lens. You can't go wrong with Canon or Nikon bodies.
There is a used camera store off of Westheimer. I got me a slightly older model there that I really like. If she is ok with a used camera, could save you a little money and still get a quality camera.
oh yeah and look for used stuff too. A lot of people sell their stuff when they are moving up to a new level/buying the newest product I have a D40 and love it.
I have a Canon D20 that I am probably going to unload soon. Barely used in perfect condition with box and everything.
http://bbs.clutchfans.net/showthread.php?t=181247 my brother has his nikon d200 on ebay right now and it goes out today. It is a great price right now. Link to the normal price without the battery grip/books. http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-D200-10-2MP-Digital-Camera/dp/B000BY52NK
Then your choice is wide open. Sony, Canon & Nikon all make excellent cameras. The difference comes down to personal shooting style. I will briefly list cons & pros of each system: Sony Pro: In-body stablization, all the lens you buy become stablized including primes AF Zeiss lens (are the best optics) Least post processing required Con: low profile, not showy enough Canon Pro: The pro-series before 1Dmk3 are the best pro-bodies in the world, solid built, heavy & sturdy Best telephoto lenses Wide range of lens selection Ego boosting Con: The sticker shock Need certain level of post processing skills (aka: PS PS PS) Nikon Pro: Except Dxxxx series, the bodies are better built than that of Canon, better sealed Fast accurate AF system Good lens are really good Con: Cheap lens are really bad ============ I used various systems from Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Leica, Rollei & Minolta. My primary gear is made of Sony & Zeiss now adays. My portfolio is http://www.jozphoto.com All the photos were taken using Sony body & Sony or Minolta lens. This was a shot taken from the back of my office last year.
If she's not a photographer why not get her a point and shoot camera? A DSLR is expensive especially the lens. Just get her a Lumix LX3 or a Canon.
