What is the best dslr camera and lens for an amateur photographer?

[jhonmartinvish]

I am seriously thinking about investing in a new DSLR camera. The problem is...there are just so many out there. I've been reading review after review, but I can't seem to find a standout.

My question is this: what is the best DSLR camera out there for ametuers? Keeping in mind, I am a beginner and will need to learn how to use the bad boy, but I don't want that to handicap my camera choice.

Any thoughts?

[Barefoot]

Nikon D-90/7000/300s. Any one of the three will give you the features that you'll want sooner or later and allow you a broader choice of lens.

[Hillbillygirl]

What you have here is a loaded question, as there is NO standout camera, as all manufacturers have excellent choices for beginners to professional class bodies/glass.

First thing I would ask is what are you're photography interests, as in subjects you wish to shoot, before deciding on any given body/lens combo, as that is the main deciding factor on any equipment purchase before going any further.

[Bambi]

and then once you narrow it down go to a camera store and hold them! that's what helped me make my decision. I had it down to two models, went to the store and tried them both before deciding.

[edG]

new models are now being announced and existing models will now start to clear out.

Try to get the most camera for the price point you can afford. Things to keep in mind -full frame or crop senseor, # of focusing points, mega-pixels (more is not always better), frames per second and availability of lenses both from the manufacturer you choose and other brands. This won't be your only camera, in time as you skill set grows you will most likely upgrade and keep this first camera as a back-up or alternative lens during a shoot.

[QuietOne]

Another way to approach the question - what pictures do you keep trying for and missing because the equipment isn't capable of handling the situation? This could be shots that are too far away, light that's too contrasty, too deep a shade, anything where no matter what you do with the camera's settings, it just isn't capable of handling it. That will give you a set of things to look at for any camera you're considering and seeing who has the edge for the type of pictures you want to take.

[Marko]

I like barefooot's answer here - very specific.

I would simply get an entry level Canon or Nikon or Pentax or whatever. If you have existing 35mm lenses from the film days, then i would see if those lenses would work on a new digital camera and THAT is the brand i would buy.

I did a podcast on this a while back where i recommended used cameras.... but at this point in time you can get a very good entry level camera with lens for 500.-550.

Unless you are super tight on funds I'd buy new versus used....

That's all you need to get started.

As you practise more you'll get the fact that the magic is in the lens not the camera. Camera is just a tool and an entry level camera will allow you to learn everything you need.
The higher end cameras have more bells and whistles (and if you have money to burn, sure go ahead and buy one) but 100% overkill for a beginner.

I have held this camera in my hands and played with the modes - -FAB camera for learning!!! There are diagrams on the lcd screen that visually show you the actual aperture sizes you are using. this is often a source of confusion for beginners. Nikon 3100 with lens - 500. new https://www.thecamerastore.com/products/nikon/nikon-d3100-18-55mm-f35-56-vr

Good luck.

[Matt K.]

Nikon D-90/7000/300s. Any one of the three will give you the features that you'll want sooner or later and allow you a broader choice of lens.

I second that. I started out with a D5000, then upgraded to a D300s. Had I bought a D90, I would most likely still use it and would not have thought of the D300s. I like both, and they both render good results; as it is with everything: the person behind the instrument will make it work. No matter what you get.