I swore I would never ask this type of question...

JohnnyRoy wrote on 7/3/2015, 4:19 PM

The Canon EOS Rebel T5 is a really nice starter camera for USD $399.

~jr

musicvid10 wrote on 7/3/2015, 4:34 PM

Yes, that is where my eyes have been steering me.
Which of the older Rebel models are worthy used DSLRs?
This is such a casual friendship that function outshines the wrapping..

Tim L wrote on 7/3/2015, 4:55 PM

Be aware that there is a "T5" model and a "T5i" -- just so you are aware of the feature and price differences. (I don't know much about the details, but T5i -- the more expensive one, of course -- is better for video and has numerous other advantages.)

http://www.imaging-resource.com/cameras/canon/t5i/vs/canon/t5/

I think the improvements from T3i to T4i to T5i, etc., were all fairly incremental, so any of them are probably worth consideration... But again, I don't have firsthand knowledge of them. I bought my daughter a T5i for Christmas.

vtxrocketeer wrote on 7/3/2015, 6:08 PM

My first suggestion also was the Rebel T5. Solid little camera.

I've been shooting on the T5i with nice glass (not kit lens) with very respectable results. Looking at the comparison posted above, I think I'd most miss the more rapid raw shooting of the T5i for occasions when I shoot action.

Former user wrote on 7/3/2015, 6:19 PM

If you're a Nikon fan, Sam's Club has a great price on a D3200 bundle...

musicvid10 wrote on 7/3/2015, 9:56 PM

Who has experience with Sony a58?

DGates wrote on 7/4/2015, 12:45 AM

Kind of depends how amateur or hobbyist the birthday gift recipient is when it comes to photo/video. Are they looking for something to expand on, with more lenses down the road, of do they just want the best basic camera out there? If it's the latter, something like the Canon G16 might suffice. Lots of goodies in a compact unit.

Former user wrote on 7/4/2015, 8:26 AM

B&H Photovideo and KEH Camera both sell used and refurbed cameras. The refurbs I bought from B&H were like new ( I think they were new actually) and KEH ratings are very reliable. You can save a lot of money on good quality cameras.

musicvid10 wrote on 7/4/2015, 5:46 PM

Looks like the refurbs come with a stock 18-55 for about the same price as a new body only.

I'm keeping an eye on craigslist, too.

Stringer wrote on 7/4/2015, 9:53 PM

Beach is a good place for refurbs also..

If you buy through Amazon, you always have the 30 day, no hassle,return option ...

david-murray wrote on 7/4/2015, 11:08 PM

I've been using Panasonic's Lumix cameras for the past several years. I had two G2s and now use a G5. The photos and video looks great. The lenses are smaller and cheaper than a standard DSLR due to the micro-4/3rds design.

The latest model in that line is a G7. A kit with zoom lens is around $800.

They make a cheaper super-compact GF series that uses the same lenses. I think those kits are closer to $600.

Guy S. wrote on 7/6/2015, 9:16 AM

<Who has experience with Sony a58?>

I've recommended Sony Alpha series cameras (33, 57, 58) to several co-workers and they all love their cameras. Two purchased body+Tamron 18-200 zoom, one was able to find the A58+Sony 18-135 at B&H for an absolute steal - the Sony 18-135 is a very nice lens.

Although I generally shoot with Nikon (stills) and GH3 (video) at work I almost always recommend Sony cameras because they do a nice job with stills and they autofocus very well when shooting video whereas Canon and Nikon do not.

wwaag wrote on 7/6/2015, 10:05 AM

Rather than a DSLR, have you considered a superzoom? As an all around single camera, I really love my Panasonic FZ200. F2.8 across the entire range of 24 to 600mm. As much automation or manual control as you want--all without lugging around or changing lenses. Good pics and 1080 60P video. It makes a great travel camera. $350 to $400. If you go for the newer FZ1000, it shoots 4K. Just another alternative.

wwaag

Barry W. Hull wrote on 7/6/2015, 12:14 PM

musicvid, you old softie.

Doug A. wrote on 7/6/2015, 1:21 PM

Hmm...first link is not working, try this

Canon T5i bundle deal $449.00 after rebate

http://www.adorama.com/ICAT5IK1Z.html?utm_term=Tuey6aV:k3qT2CATDbUYFRWVUkXx6LXFw3NZzQ0&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=Other&utm_source=rflaid62905&cvosrc=affiliate.62905&cvosrc=affiliate.62905

musicvid10 wrote on 7/6/2015, 8:18 PM

Barry,
Heh, it would seem that way.
It's a working acquaintance that escalated after 12 years, to both our complete amazement.
Comfort level is good.

amendegw wrote on 7/7/2015, 5:46 AM

I've had good luck purchasing used equipment from KEH Camera. They're conservative in their condition grading and the limited times I've had to return stuff, they took it back - no arguments, full refund, free return shipping.

I don't have any experience with the Canon T5I, but Canon 7D's are now selling relatively cheaply since the release of the 7D Mark II.

All that said, while I love Canon stills, I'm not particularly excited about Canon video. Much prefer the Panasonic for that.

Good Luck!
...Jerry

musicvid10 wrote on 7/7/2015, 6:49 AM

Thanks for checking in Jerry!
I've shown several friends your "Birds and other Stuff" slideshows on YT, and they all loved it!

Skywatcher wrote on 7/8/2015, 11:25 AM

Thanks a lot musicvid10!!!

I was just about to pull the trigger on a Nikon D3300 then I read this post . . . . now what am I gonna do . . . .

I did the research and the D3300 is the better entry level DSLR (so I thought) with the upgrade in video to full HD. Guess I gotta go look at the Canon EOS Rebel T5 now . . . . more hours of reviews and comparisons.

I thought I was in a good fuzzy feeling place.

musicvid10 wrote on 7/8/2015, 5:59 PM

Does this look like a good buy on an a58?
[link removed]

Mike M. wrote on 7/9/2015, 10:47 PM

I won't comment on the pricing, but I love the feel of that Sony in my hand. It just works (and there are so many others that are just clumsy feeling). My only beef with Sony are their lenses-----especially the lower end kit lenses.

Well the package seems pretty complete for the money and the lenses, while just basic kit lenses, it could be a starter kit with option of better lenses in the future.

musicvid10 wrote on 7/10/2015, 8:44 AM

Yeah, the listing price is misleading. He wants 1125 for everything.

Guy S. wrote on 7/10/2015, 10:45 AM

B&H has the A58 with 18-55mm for $448.
They also the A58 + 18-55mm + Sony 18-135mm for $746 (18-135mm alone is $500).

Two friends have purchased Sony A-series cameras with the Tamron 18-200mm. This lens isn't as good as the Sony 18-135mm but it does very well for casual shooting and is a steal at $200.

Keep in mind that the A58 fully supports pre-DSLR Minolta A mount lenses, and these are absolute steals. A friend picked up a 50mm Minolta lens for $80 on eBay. It's tack sharp and with the crop factor makes an excellent short portrait lens.