OK. Sueann has taken some nice pics and has shown interest in photography. I'd like a good starter camera with the intention of upgrading if it suits her fancy. So, basically want something that will teach all the manual settings before upgrading. I was directed to a Canon SX200IS. Remember that this is just a starter, with hopes of upgrading in the near future. So, whaddaya guys think?
And i appreciate all suggestions, and welcome all input.

Thanks!!

 

Cannon Rebels are nice, body's range from 400 to thousands, All have manual setting ability. Even with a basic body, when the skills increase, a better lense(s) is where its at. This way you can have an array of lenses and styles as you progress.

 

Canon t2i! If she's serious about playing around with your own settings, don't settle for a point-n-shoot IMO. As the above poster said, a Rebel body will take you very far, and if you want to upgrade there's a crap-ton of lenses available to choose from (depending on how big your wallet is of course).

 

+1 on any of the rebels. T2i is really nice.

 

i agree with joey! don't buy a "starter" camera because she'll outgrow it's capabilities. i'd start with price, what's your limit? buy the most camera you can, because she'll grow into it. nikon d3100 is good too for $649 with a kit lens, or a used nikon d90 will run less than $900, or nikon d7000 (like mine ) for ~$1500

 

good info here. i'll look into that. kinda wanted your guys opinions since i didn't wanna go point and shoot, but several forums and a few people i spoke with directed me to that camera. Hmm...decisions....

 

showing interest in something and committing to something are two different things.

Just because there is interest doesn't mean the investment is completely worth it... Not doubting her ability but when people actually have to read and do something goes wrong in peoples heads and they lose 'interest' in it.

If she's committed to learning and growing then I'd say invest. The Canon G12 or SX30 IS is probably where you want to start. See if she likes holding a large camera first. Heavy cameras are definitely an inconvenience and can be troublesome. If you tend to leave the camera home a lot chances are the investment isn't worth it. Now 400-500 isn't a little money but it's a lot less than 1000.

The reason why dSLRs are good are the ability to change lenses. well if you haven't factored in that cost as well and upgrades then you haven't actually sat down and weighed your options. Each lens will run at least $50 ranging to $2000 or more depending on what you want. I always hear I won't buy the best lens or I'll buy cheap.. well the cheap is still 3~400. The fact is that if you invest on good glass and intend to COMMIT to photography that is the best investment you can make which is buying good glass. This is because your glass WILL last a lot longer than your camera body.

something else to consider Chris when taking up a new or possible hobby. It CAN BE more expensive than cars. Just because you have a nice camera doesn't mean that the pictures will be good you know?

 

My wife is in the same camera boat. She took photography classes in high school so she is familiar with all the setting and what they do. I got her a Sony *** in march and that camera rocks. Granted it doesn't have nearly as many upgrades as a rebel it's still a well rounded camera. With it's translucent lense it can auto focus durning video recording and does quite well for night time photos. Again the camera was costly and a big flash is running $600+. Only complaint I have is I wish the lense that came with my body had a bit more zoom to it but it's not necessary for the photos she does.

 

i'm with everyone else on getting an entry level dslr. she will outgrow a point and shoot, so might as well get what she'll grow into. nikon's d3100 or a canon t2 or 1i. if she's not planning on doing video, the t1i is perfect for a beginner (i'm pretty sure the only difference between the t2i and t1i is megapixel count and better video capabilities, but someone correct me if i'm wrong) and it'll be relatively cheap, especially since there's the t3i now.

that's the route i took. but like infek said, it can be an expensive hobby. i feel so limited with the t1i body and kit lens after using my friend's 40D, but i don't have the money for a better lens...

 

my vote for a good "starter" camera is either a nikon D90 or canon T2i (550D). like someone else said on this post, i would avoid a very low end camera. the prices between low end and starter is a couple of hundred dollars. the T2i for example can be found for $600-700 brand new, and in a kit with lenses. at the same time, you are buying a quality camera that can grow with the user.

i went from a used nikon D200, to a D90, and now a D7000. in my opinion, learning with a semi-pro camera is the way to go; it would really make the shooter learn the controls and the reward of great looking pictures is ten fold.

 

i completely agree with jon! not trying to hate, but everyone with a "nice" camera nowadays thinks they're a photographer...i sound like a hipster

 

Get one of these jackasses telling you "go buy x camera" to lend your woman their big camera for a day or two. Chances are, unless she is really interested in going the distance with photography, she will decide that it's too big or awkward or too much work. All of these are valid complaints, all of them are reasons I've left my slr at home many times.

If you still decide you want another hole in your pocket then go to a major photo gear shop and have her handle and play with at least one of each major brand (Canon, Nikon, maybe Sony) and one step below and above your price range. Get the camera that feels good/comfortable in her hands.

If you take lots of photographs you will eventually get better. You will not take lots of photographs if you buy the camera someone else likes. Get the one you like. Photo quality is basically the same between the major brands the differences are in the features and gimmicks (many of which a you probably wont even use).

 

more truth...go to ritz, they have knowledgeable people there...too bad they don't sell canon

 

I carry my SLR, 3 lenses and flash all over the world and think it's totally worth every ounce and never once had a hint of regret.

To the OP, I have a Canon T1i and Tamron lense that I no longer use if you're interested.

 

Trololol sigh Cali....