DSLR Camera for Beginner on a Budget (Old or New)

Rappadappa77

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Hello Everyone,

I have been following your website and camera reviews and I would like your help in recommending a good Digital SLR Camera for a beginner and on the cheap, whether old or new that can take pictures of the interior of apartments, beaches and natural scenery etc, any recommendation would be greatly appreciated.

Howard
 
Hello Everyone,

I have been following your website and camera reviews and I would like your help in recommending a good Digital SLR Camera for a beginner and on the cheap, whether old or new that can take pictures of the interior of apartments, beaches and natural scenery etc, any recommendation would be greatly appreciated.

Howard
Any new entry level DSLR from Canon, Nikon or Pentax with a kit lens should do.

There are too many used DSLRs to give you a recommendation, especially since you haven't given us a budget or told us where you live.

There are non-DSLR alternatives available as well.

You will probably need a tripod to photograph apartment interiors

--
Chris R
 
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Your budget?
 
Buying used with no experience can be risky business. I spy Nikon 3100 with rebate very cheap now, with fine sensor output.
 
Hey Guys,

Thank you all for replying, the budget is around $500 or less, will be bought in the United States like Amazon or eBay, so something that can do the job, just for my vacation rental business really.

Howard
 
Hey Guys,

Thank you all for replying, the budget is around $500 or less, will be bought in the United States like Amazon or eBay, so something that can do the job, just for my vacation rental business really.

Howard
I agree on the Nikon D3100 if you really want a DSLR, but based on what you've said, I'm not sure why you wouldn't be as well off or better off with a good quality compact camera like a Canon S110 or Sony RX100 (first edition). They'd likely take a better image unless you're willing to learn how to use the DSLR or have a passion for photography.

Don't buy a DSLR with the idea that, out of the box, it will make professional level pictures for your rental business. It might be wiser to spend your budget hiring a professional in many cases, especially if you're presenting these images to the public to lure renters. :-)
 
Hey Guys,

Thank you all for replying, the budget is around $500 or less, will be bought in the United States like Amazon or eBay, so something that can do the job, just for my vacation rental business really.

Howard
I agree on the Nikon D3100 if you really want a DSLR, but based on what you've said, I'm not sure why you wouldn't be as well off or better off with a good quality compact camera like a Canon S110 or Sony RX100 (first edition). They'd likely take a better image unless you're willing to learn how to use the DSLR or have a passion for photography.

Don't buy a DSLR with the idea that, out of the box, it will make professional level pictures for your rental business. It might be wiser to spend your budget hiring a professional in many cases, especially if you're presenting these images to the public to lure renters. :-)
 
Guidenet,

Thank you for your suggestions, wow the Sony rx100 pictures review are pretty awesome my friend, but why the 1st gen? cheaper? even the other camera looks pretty good, I never really checked into those type of cameras.

Howard
 
Guidenet,

Thank you for your suggestions, wow the Sony rx100 pictures review are pretty awesome my friend, but why the 1st gen? cheaper? even the other camera looks pretty good, I never really checked into those type of cameras.

Howard
Yes, I was concerned over price. Again, unless you want to get passionate about photography, I can't see paying more for features you may never use or for image quality you may not be willing to spend the time achieving. That first or second generation model should do as well for image quality at the newest one. You're paying for a little better ability in lower light if you want to spend the effort learning how to capitalize on that ability. :-)
 
Guidenet,

Thank you for your suggestions, wow the Sony rx100 pictures review are pretty awesome my friend, but why the 1st gen? cheaper? even the other camera looks pretty good, I never really checked into those type of cameras.

Howard
Yes, I was concerned over price. Again, unless you want to get passionate about photography, I can't see paying more for features you may never use or for image quality you may not be willing to spend the time achieving. That first or second generation model should do as well for image quality at the newest one. You're paying for a little better ability in lower light if you want to spend the effort learning how to capitalize on that ability. :-)
 
Guidenet,

Thank you for your suggestions, wow the Sony rx100 pictures review are pretty awesome my friend, but why the 1st gen? cheaper? even the other camera looks pretty good, I never really checked into those type of cameras.

Howard
Yes, I was concerned over price. Again, unless you want to get passionate about photography, I can't see paying more for features you may never use or for image quality you may not be willing to spend the time achieving. That first or second generation model should do as well for image quality at the newest one. You're paying for a little better ability in lower light if you want to spend the effort learning how to capitalize on that ability. :-)
 
Hey Guys,

Thank you all for replying, the budget is around $500 or less, will be bought in the United States like Amazon or eBay, so something that can do the job, just for my vacation rental business really.

Howard
Pentax K-50, $500 after rebate with two lens kit.

http://www.huntsphotoandvideo.com/detail_page.cfm?productid=10905&mfg=Pentax&show=yes

If you want the one lens kit, that is $400 after rebate. The camera is well built and weatherproof, which if you have a vacation oriented business might be of benefit if you are using it outdoors a fair amount.
 
I have had several Canons through the years and they have always been good to me. Currently I am working with a nine year old Digital Rebel XT, and for a nine year old camera it doing great. However several decades worth of experience have taught me "never pray on any company's alter." Thus while I love Canon's DSLRs in particular their consumer line, called the Rebels. You can never go wrong with a Canon.
 
Guidenet,

Thank you for your suggestions, wow the Sony rx100 pictures review are pretty awesome my friend, but why the 1st gen? cheaper? even the other camera looks pretty good, I never really checked into those type of cameras.

Howard
Yes, I was concerned over price. Again, unless you want to get passionate about photography, I can't see paying more for features you may never use or for image quality you may not be willing to spend the time achieving. That first or second generation model should do as well for image quality at the newest one. You're paying for a little better ability in lower light if you want to spend the effort learning how to capitalize on that ability. :-)

--
Cheers, Craig
Follow me on Twitter @craighardingsr : Equipment in Profile - f/22 Club Member
I reserve the right to make mistakes in reasoning and logic as well as to change my mind anytime I wish. I also ask forbearance with respect to my typos. Please take a look at my gallery here at DPR.
Guidenet,

Just to be clear, this is the Canon you referring to right http://www.dpreview.com/products/canon/compacts/canon_s110?

Howard
Yes, that's one of the cameras I mentioned. I had the model two generations back from that which was the Canon S95 until it was stolen a year and a half ago when I was in the hospital after suffering a stroke. It was a great little camera which I used when I was not able to grab one of my larger cameras easily. Here are some simple snaps I took. Two images from that little point and shoot are in my gallery at my studio and have sold fairly well.











sunrise_6-8-11.jpg




c_finger_monument-11-9-11.jpg




c_viewfromhotel-11-8-11.jpg




My daughter sharing morning coffee with me at my beach place on the balcony.

My daughter sharing morning coffee with me at my beach place on the balcony.

Take it easy. :-)

--
Cheers, Craig
Follow me on Twitter @craighardingsr : Equipment in Profile - f/22 Club Member
I reserve the right to make mistakes in reasoning and logic as well as to change my mind anytime I wish. I also ask forbearance with respect to my typos. Please take a look at my gallery here at DPR.
 
I have had several Canons through the years and they have always been good to me. Currently I am working with a nine year old Digital Rebel XT, and for a nine year old camera it doing great. However several decades worth of experience have taught me "never pray on any company's alter." Thus while I love Canon's DSLRs in particular their consumer line, called the Rebels. You can never go wrong with a Canon.
The problem with the cheaper Canons is you have to put up with the tacky word "Rebel" emblazoned in red across the front or KISS, if you're in Japan. Kitsch! ;-)
 
Guidenet,

Thank you for your suggestions, wow the Sony rx100 pictures review are pretty awesome my friend, but why the 1st gen? cheaper? even the other camera looks pretty good, I never really checked into those type of cameras.

Howard
Yes, I was concerned over price. Again, unless you want to get passionate about photography, I can't see paying more for features you may never use or for image quality you may not be willing to spend the time achieving. That first or second generation model should do as well for image quality at the newest one. You're paying for a little better ability in lower light if you want to spend the effort learning how to capitalize on that ability. :-)

--
Cheers, Craig
Follow me on Twitter @craighardingsr : Equipment in Profile - f/22 Club Member
I reserve the right to make mistakes in reasoning and logic as well as to change my mind anytime I wish. I also ask forbearance with respect to my typos. Please take a look at my gallery here at DPR.
Guidenet,

Just to be clear, this is the Canon you referring to right http://www.dpreview.com/products/canon/compacts/canon_s110?

Howard
Yes, that's one of the cameras I mentioned. I had the model two generations back from that which was the Canon S95 until it was stolen a year and a half ago when I was in the hospital after suffering a stroke. It was a great little camera which I used when I was not able to grab one of my larger cameras easily. Here are some simple snaps I took. Two images from that little point and shoot are in my gallery at my studio and have sold fairly well.





sunrise_6-8-11.jpg


c_finger_monument-11-9-11.jpg


c_viewfromhotel-11-8-11.jpg


My daughter sharing morning coffee with me at my beach place on the balcony.

My daughter sharing morning coffee with me at my beach place on the balcony.

Take it easy. :-)

--
Cheers, Craig
Follow me on Twitter @craighardingsr : Equipment in Profile - f/22 Club Member
I reserve the right to make mistakes in reasoning and logic as well as to change my mind anytime I wish. I also ask forbearance with respect to my typos. Please take a look at my gallery here at DPR.
Thank you Guidenet for all your help, those are some nice pictures, especially of your daughter :)

So I think I'm go with Sony Cybershot RX100, it seems pretty cool and can do what I need it to do, maybe 1 day I will move to a DSLR :)



Howard
 
Hello Guys,

Digging back into this post again, because i didn't get the camera you guys recommended because something came up, but i'm back on the prowl again and now thinking if i should go with a cheap DSLR, mirrorless or still the one you recommended.

I still need it for the interior of my apartments i rent, beaches, pools, scenery, landscape etc and possibly doing some hobby work like catching a few birds, flowers, insects etc, just everyday life.

Been looking at reviews and my choices are Sony RX100 (1-3 generations). Nikon D3300 or FujiFlim X-M1 or anything that has great image quality etc, thanks in advance.

Howard
 
Hello Guys,

Digging back into this post again, because i didn't get the camera you guys recommended because something came up, but i'm back on the prowl again and now thinking if i should go with a cheap DSLR, mirrorless or still the one you recommended.

I still need it for the interior of my apartments i rent, beaches, pools, scenery, landscape etc and possibly doing some hobby work like catching a few birds, flowers, insects etc, just everyday life.

Been looking at reviews and my choices are Sony RX100 (1-3 generations). Nikon D3300 or FujiFlim X-M1 or anything that has great image quality etc, thanks in advance.

Howard
Welcome back!

Apartment interiors are a problem. They often need an ultra-wide angle lens with a focal length around 15mm equivalent. The RX100M1 and M2 only go to 28mm equivalent at the wide end and the RX100M3 is a bit wider, going to 24mm.

Any DSLR or mirrorless will go that wide with the right lens, but those lenses are expensive, like $500 for the lens alone.
 
Hello Guys,

Digging back into this post again, because i didn't get the camera you guys recommended because something came up, but i'm back on the prowl again and now thinking if i should go with a cheap DSLR, mirrorless or still the one you recommended.

I still need it for the interior of my apartments i rent, beaches, pools, scenery, landscape etc and possibly doing some hobby work like catching a few birds, flowers, insects etc, just everyday life.

Been looking at reviews and my choices are Sony RX100 (1-3 generations). Nikon D3300 or FujiFlim X-M1 or anything that has great image quality etc, thanks in advance.

Howard
Welcome back!

Apartment interiors are a problem. They often need an ultra-wide angle lens with a focal length around 15mm equivalent. The RX100M1 and M2 only go to 28mm equivalent at the wide end and the RX100M3 is a bit wider, going to 24mm.

Any DSLR or mirrorless will go that wide with the right lens, but those lenses are expensive, like $500 for the lens alone.

--
Leonard Migliore
Yes, Leonard is right. Maybe something like a used Nikon D3100 with a Sigma 10-20 f/4-5.6 HSM for those interiors might do the trick.

Also, Howard, any camera can be a tool to have fun in the exploration into photography. They can all be used to create compelling images if you do your part which is the most important part. Understanding good compositional skills and learning to use a digital darkroom can go a long way to improving your photography instead of worrying too much about what camera to get.

For those interior shots of apartments or condos, you need a somewhat specialized tool and flash as well as a little experience with them, but for all else, go to a camera store and try a few on for size. Ergonomics might prove important in developing an affinity for your tools. Size and weight are only a part of it. Fit and comfort can play a more important role. Maybe rent one or more from your short list if you can't borrow from a friend.

Make it a fun adventure. :-)

--
Cheers, Craig
Follow me on Twitter @craighardingsr : Equipment in Profile - f/22 Club Member
I reserve the right to make mistakes in reasoning and logic as well as to change my mind anytime I wish. I also ask forbearance with respect to my typos. Please take a look at my gallery here at DPR.
 
Last edited:
Hello Guys,

Digging back into this post again, because i didn't get the camera you guys recommended because something came up, but i'm back on the prowl again and now thinking if i should go with a cheap DSLR, mirrorless or still the one you recommended.

I still need it for the interior of my apartments i rent, beaches, pools, scenery, landscape etc and possibly doing some hobby work like catching a few birds, flowers, insects etc, just everyday life.

Been looking at reviews and my choices are Sony RX100 (1-3 generations). Nikon D3300 or FujiFlim X-M1 or anything that has great image quality etc, thanks in advance.

Howard
Welcome back!

Apartment interiors are a problem. They often need an ultra-wide angle lens with a focal length around 15mm equivalent. The RX100M1 and M2 only go to 28mm equivalent at the wide end and the RX100M3 is a bit wider, going to 24mm.

Any DSLR or mirrorless will go that wide with the right lens, but those lenses are expensive, like $500 for the lens alone.

--
Leonard Migliore
Yes, Leonard is right. Maybe something like a used Nikon D3100 with a Sigma 10-20 f/4-5.6 HSM for those interiors might do the trick.

Also, Howard, any camera can be a tool to have fun in the exploration into photography. They can all be used to create compelling images if you do your part which is the most important part. Understanding good compositional skills and learning to use a digital darkroom can go a long way to improving your photography instead of worrying too much about what camera to get.

For those interior shots of apartments or condos, you need a somewhat specialized tool and flash as well as a little experience with them, but for all else, go to a camera store and try a few on for size. Ergonomics might prove important in developing an affinity for your tools. Size and weight are only a part of it. Fit and comfort can play a more important role. Maybe rent one or more from your short list if you can't borrow from a friend.
Instead of a zoom, if the OP wants to shoot landscapes and interiors, a prime could be better, and would be smaller, cheaper, and brighter for the dim interior light. Something in the 12-18mm range on a crop sensor (APS-C) body would be a good range. Depending upon lighting, or with a tripod, a flash probably would not be necessary.
 

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