ok, so I'm looking for some recommendations for a decent mid range DSLR camera, I've been looking at the cannon rebel t1/2i cameras, but being completely new to this, I thought I'd get a second opinion...my girlfriend loves photography, but up to this point all she's had is point and shoot type cameras, so for Christmas I'm getting her a DSLR, now the question is what would be the best option?

What I want in the camera:
Obviously stepping up to a DSLR comes with expectations of resolution quality, so I'll leave that bit out
I want to acquire the camera, bag, memory card(s), lenses (standard, wide angle, and probably a 75-300) tripod, and maybe some filters, all for around $1000.

So any advice, as always, is appreciated.

 

Check out the black friday ads and bhphotovideo.com

Nikon and Canon often have bundle's right around Christmas that has everything minus the filters for right around that range. The standard lens is usually a wide lens but you won't get three lenses and the camera for that price let alone with memory and a bag. If anything hold off on the longer range lens until you know she'll really like the camera first and then invest in the lens for her birthday, anniversary or something that will put you over a second time lol.

 

Unless she really wants to take video as well, I wouldn't even spend that much for a t1 or t2, not new at least. Honestly for my first camera I hit ebay and got a used canon xsi (body only), 50mm 1.8 lens, and a zoom (tamron 28-75 2.8 cheap but pretty decent). Up until she's had a lot of practice her biggest limiting factor is going to be her skill, so she should learn on cheap but very effective gear like that until she knows where she wants to put more money.

If you're looking at 1k total:
xsi body off ebay: 300
50mm 1.8 off ebay: 90
Decent tripod: 100
Decent zoom lens: 350
bag: 50?
cards (id check slickdeals.net for cheap sd cards, seems to pop up all the time): 15
filters: 50 for a couple

Thats getting you around 1000 with all the stuff you wanted there. After that she can decide if she wants to invest in nicer glass or a nicer body. You could go with a t2i bundle around this time of the year but theyre usually bundled with only kit lenses which arent much fun. I think its wiser to invest in better lenses, specifically a cheap 50mm 1.8 for beginners, rather than a nicer body with more controls that she won't touch for a while yet.

 

I have a Canon Rebel T3i I've been thinking about selling. I bought it to use for a company that I had started, but I no longer need it. It is in mint condition and has been used MAYBE 15times. Always in it's case if not.

- Rebel T3i
- 18-55mm kit lens
- 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG Macro
- Meike Battery grip
- Rodemic
- Canon battery, two generic spares
- Tiffen Polarizer
- Adorama Carrying case (fits everything)
- All original boxing for everything.

I'd take $1200 for it all. The T3i new goes for $850 with just kit lens.

 

T3i is a GREAT buy......

 

I agree, especially buying mine! lol. It really is a great camera, I just don't have the need for it anymore.