DSLR camera advice

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Hey all, I'm thinking about buying a new camera this weekend if I see any decent deals due to Black Friday weekend. I've had a Sony point and shoot for about 6 years or so that's been an ok camera, but it is quite poor in low light and poor with continous shooting. We have 2 small children, so I'd like something that is decent for action/sports shots, good in low light, and has decent video recording capabilities and preferably around or under $500 if possible.

I was looking at Dell's site and they have a Canon T2i that's on for $529. How decent is this camera, I am no expert.

http://accessories.dell.com/sna/prod...1&sku=A6560673

Any help would be really appreciated.

[SebC]

If you wanna shoot video with it, go for something newer. You might even want to go all the way up to the T4i (which I believe is the first DSLR to have full time autofocus in video mode). For artsy videos where you can pre-focus, the T3i is fine but if you wanna record your kids on the move, you'll probably want the T4i. (Be aware that DSLRs keep a much smaller depth range in focus - unless you to sacrifice a lot of light - than a compact point-and-shoot, so accurate focus becomes more critical.) But for taking photos, the T2i likely meets your needs.

For truly good action / low light performance, you'll need to spend a lot of money. The features that make it happen (big sensors, long zoom [?], and large apertures) are the things that are pricey.

If you're planning to shoot, say, indoor soccer, with a T2i and a kit lens, you might do better than with a point-and-shoot but you're still doing to struggle. Even moreso if you're planning to shoot video.

[pylon]

If you buy it from Dell, make sure you go through the Airmiles shops link. 2 X + 20 X Airmiles until Dec 5th.

I am looking to upgrade my Macbook, and score enough Airmiles for a flight to Toronto. It is one of the best Airmile deals I have ever seen.

http://www.airmilesshops.ca/shops/ai...MS-20x-BF&seg=

[photon]

Blacks has the T4i on for $650, if I was buying a new DSLR it'd be between that and the Sony A57

[KootenayFlamesFan]

650 is too rich for my blood (or my wife's, actually). I was looking for something around 500, but preferably even less. I know that going that low in price will limit my choices, so I probably have limited options.

[photon]

Check the RedFlagDeals black friday flyers, I think I saw a Nikon D5100 for that range and maybe a T3i.

Blacks had the T3 on for 400.

[silentsim]

Is a DSLR not overkill? Perhaps something like a really nice point and shoot?

The DMC-LX7 is on sale for 299 in the states from B&H
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...al_Camera.html

Great deal, awesome camera.

[Canada 02]

Canon T4i for $600
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Canon-EOS-Re...99&PID=1225267

Earlier today, Amazon had a package of the Canon T3i, three Canon lenses, a UV filter, memory card and camera bag for $620. The deal is over, but there have been similar packages available from several authorized Canon dealers for the past month

[ah123]

Vistek has a D5100+kit lens for $519 and a T3i+kit lens for $550. I don't know anything about the Canon, but the D5100 is a pretty good beginner/intermediate camera. If you want to stay under $500, you can probably pick up a D3100 kit or a T3 kit.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Originally Posted by ah123

If you want to stay under $500, you can probably pick up a D3100 kit or a T3 kit.

I'm actually leaning towards the D3100 right now, talked to a friend tonight who has one and was very happy with it. The kit is on sale right now at a local store for 449, so will probably check it out and see how I like it.

Wish the budget was a bit higher, there are a lot of sweet cameras out there for 600+. But I'm not exactly a professional, so might try the 3100 for a few years and see how that goes.

[kermitology]

Are you going to use it on manual, or learn how to use manual mode?

[LouCypher]

D3100 is really good value, built in guide in the camera very handy reference for shooting situations one of the only cameras that actually teaches you . I like Canon but I have always found a bit better value for Nikon on their entry level DSLR's.

[Canada 02]

B & H Photo has a similar package to the expired Amazon deal I posted above.

Canon T3i, 18-55mm lens, 55-250mm lens, and 75-300mm lens, plus two memory cards, all for $649

I'm considering buying this package, then selling one of the telephoto lenses, which retail for between $150 to $250

That could bring your costs down to the $500 range

for this package, add all three of the following to your cart
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...=REG&A=details

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._4_5_6_IS.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...Autofocus.html

discussion forum on this deal

http://slickdeals.net/f/5576590-IT-S...i-2-lenses-649

[photon]

Nikon 1 V1 is $399 at FS's Cyber Monday sale.. not a true DSLR and image quality won't be as good since the DSLR sensor is much bigger, but much more portable and photographers say the best camera is the one you have with you.

[DownInFlames]

Originally Posted by kermitology

Are you going to use it on manual, or learn how to use manual mode?

This is definitely a question you should ask yourself before you buy a DSLR. Automatic mode might as well be called OK mode, because that's what it'll give you, OK photos. Even if you don't go full manual, and use aperture or shutter priority mode, you have more control over the outcome of your photo. The best thing about DSLRs is their versatility, and you'll lose that if you don't learn how to use it properly.

[afc wimbledon]

Originally Posted by photon

Nikon 1 V1 is $399 at FS's Cyber Monday sale.. not a true DSLR and image quality won't be as good since the DSLR sensor is much bigger, but much more portable and photographers say the best camera is the one you have with you.

These are almost as big as a small dslr though, I'd tend to buy a cheaper DSLR and either use my phone or a 100 buck digital point and shoot you can fit in a shirt pocket.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Originally Posted by kermitology

Are you going to use it on manual, or learn how to use manual mode?

I want to learn everything about it. I already have a point and shoot that I use when I need it in a pinch, but I want a decent camera that I can get into more and learn. I don't want to just turn it on and start clicking, I want something that has many useful features that is easy to use/learn.

[Zevo]

Hmm, I've been thinking about upgrading from my 3100. If you you are interested in used but pristine shape, and I can get it to you, would you be interested? I live on Vancouver Island and it looks like you are in B.C. I was thinking about listing my 3100 plus 18-55 plus 55-300. I would take 575.00 for the bunch. I have all the boxes and could probably ship safely and cheaply by greyhound...just a thought, you may not want used.

[afc wimbledon]

I am still happily using my Nikon D40 which is jurassicly out of date, still takes good pics though and is pointless to replace with anything less than a full sensor model (which is still a few years away).

[kermitology]

Originally Posted by KootenayFlamesFan

I want to learn everything about it. I already have a point and shoot that I use when I need it in a pinch, but I want a decent camera that I can get into more and learn. I don't want to just turn it on and start clicking, I want something that has many useful features that is easy to use/learn.

Good, then you are looking at the right vein of cameras. Get a prime lense with whatever body you end up with, something with a low fstop