So the camera I want is pretty expensive. At the moment I don't have nine hundred dollars (because I'm a very stereotypical struggling college student) and I don't know that I possess the experience necessary to even get my money's worth if I were to buy it.
So what camera would you suggest? Not quite a canon rebel t3, but a step above a p&s?
You could go for a rebel t2i or ti, or whatever they were called in Americaland - the older models in the Rebel line at any rate. If you're cash-strapped and not sure if you can justify it, a second hand older one might be a good idea. Or drop down to the 1000D or 1100D, although I'm not sure what that one's called, Stateside. It's Canon's proper entry level range, though.
I'm aware that "pseudo-SLR" cameras exist, which aren't quite SLRs, and are still small like compacts, but have interchangeable lenses, but know nothing about them myself. Given your circumstances, I'd avoid those and go for an actual SLR, albeit second hand, though. More bang for your buck.
I love my 400D (Rebel xti in America) I bought it secondhand for £200 and it does everything I want it to - I'd definitely recommend going secondhand if you're on a budget.
I agree with the Beast. I have the 500D (T1i) and it's just enough so I can learn what I need to know, without overwhelming me. I say go for it - and they're getting cheaper and cheaper, so go for it. Even second-hand, assuming it's still in good condition.
@eyebrows The 'pseudo-SLR' cameras you talk of, are you referring to micro 4/3 cameras? They actually have about the same size sensor as crop body DSLRs, so technically speaking produce the same image quality. The Olympus and Panasonic range are rather good, and they're priced about the same as entry level DSLRs, so I think they are worth considering especially if you want portability.
One plus though is that if you do buy an entry level DSLR, then at least you can still use top-notch lenses, and if you every upgrade you can carry those over. That is a big plus for buying a DSLR.
My first dslr was a canon rebel xs. It worked wonderfully and was a great one to learn on. I think you can find them on amazon for around $400 - $500. Keep your eye on the prices because they fluctuate. Plus, it's common knowledge to put your money in the lens not the body! Good luck on your big purchase!
I have a bridge camera, a Canon PowerShot 12, which does everything that I need at the moment. It's got manual settings for everything but also a good auto function. I might upgrade to a DSLR in the future but then again I might not. This one is smaller and very convenient.
I'm from the Nikon camp. I started out with a Nikon D40--you can find a used one at a very reasonable price. That camera model was a starter camera for a lot of people and many of them are upgrading now. It's a great little camera and it's really easy to use. There is also a Nikon D40X with more megapixels.
Then I purchased a used Nikon D80 for $400 with only 1,200 shutter clicks on it. I have been using it a lot (about 100-200 shots a day) with no problems. The D40 doesn't have an internal focus motor so it only takes AF-S lenses. I want to experiment with some older lenses so I got the D80 with the internal focus motor. My next camera is going to be the D7000 or the D90.
Have you tried both brands in your hands? That is the best way to see which one suits you better. When I first held my Nikon D40 it was instant loooooooooooove.
I usually search for used stuff at Keh, B&H, Adorama, and sometimes Ebay.
I would suggest the Canon Rebel T1i or T2i. They have gone down in price since the T3i came out. I bought the T1i last year and love it! There are only a few minor differences between the models anyway. :)
I've got a micro four thirds camera, and let me tell you, they are freaking brilliant. I actually had a Nikon D40 but sold it so i could buy an Olympus Pen, and since then my interest in photography has skyrocketed. I can carry my little Pen around everywhere, it takes glorious pictures with no reduction in quality, i can use all kinds of lenses (you can buy lenses for the micro four thirds format, or just buy an adapter and use regular ones), and did i mention that I carry it around everywhere?
There is a famous saying in photography that the best camera is the one that you have with you, and this really rings so true for me -- my D40 was great, but it was such a pain in the arse to lug around that i never bothered - and that's a pretty compact DSLR! The Pen just lives in my handbag, so i can snap away whenever something interests me. It's also great because people don't get so freaked out by having their picture taken when i use my Pen, since it doesn't look like a big scary "pro" camera.
I would suggest a Panasonic G1 with the 20mm 1.7 lens - you can probably pick it up used on ebay pretty cheap since a new version just came out -- it is a wonderful little camera and the 20mm is a truly beautiful lens (i use it on my Olympus almost exclusively).
(by the way, the 20mm lens is reaching cult status so if you can't get a cheap G1 with that lens on eBay, the kit zoom lens is quite good too, so i'd still recommend that camera!)
I use the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XS, and i love it. its still a little pricey at about 500 dollars...but cheaper than $900, and still an awesome camera.
another camera is the Canon PowerShot SD790 IS. its a P&S, but it has to be the best one that ive ever used, I LOVED it, its amazing. and its about $400..
don't forget about getting a used camera... many camera stores sell gently used cameras and often with a warranty. i got my canon 30d used for a 1/3 of what it cost new.
@kissmycoffin Thank you so much. I really am an extremely satisfied PowerShot G12 user. The first 5 months of my project, including my month of selfies, were shot with a previous model, the G10, which is almost the same. It's also possible to attach different lenses or an external flash to this camera.
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I'm aware that "pseudo-SLR" cameras exist, which aren't quite SLRs, and are still small like compacts, but have interchangeable lenses, but know nothing about them myself. Given your circumstances, I'd avoid those and go for an actual SLR, albeit second hand, though. More bang for your buck.
One plus though is that if you do buy an entry level DSLR, then at least you can still use top-notch lenses, and if you every upgrade you can carry those over. That is a big plus for buying a DSLR.
Then I purchased a used Nikon D80 for $400 with only 1,200 shutter clicks on it. I have been using it a lot (about 100-200 shots a day) with no problems. The D40 doesn't have an internal focus motor so it only takes AF-S lenses. I want to experiment with some older lenses so I got the D80 with the internal focus motor. My next camera is going to be the D7000 or the D90.
Have you tried both brands in your hands? That is the best way to see which one suits you better. When I first held my Nikon D40 it was instant loooooooooooove.
I usually search for used stuff at Keh, B&H, Adorama, and sometimes Ebay.
There is a famous saying in photography that the best camera is the one that you have with you, and this really rings so true for me -- my D40 was great, but it was such a pain in the arse to lug around that i never bothered - and that's a pretty compact DSLR! The Pen just lives in my handbag, so i can snap away whenever something interests me. It's also great because people don't get so freaked out by having their picture taken when i use my Pen, since it doesn't look like a big scary "pro" camera.
I would suggest a Panasonic G1 with the 20mm 1.7 lens - you can probably pick it up used on ebay pretty cheap since a new version just came out -- it is a wonderful little camera and the 20mm is a truly beautiful lens (i use it on my Olympus almost exclusively).
another camera is the Canon PowerShot SD790 IS. its a P&S, but it has to be the best one that ive ever used, I LOVED it, its amazing. and its about $400..