Hellobee Boards

I have the Canon T2i (Rebel series) and LOVE it. It's a few years old, so there are definitely newer versions, but really anything Canon or Nikon are great, as far as I know. You can't go wrong with one of them!

Honestly, if I was starting from scratch, I'd go with a mirrorless system. Probably Sony if I had the cash, or Fuji or Olympus for a somewhat less expensive option. They're smaller and lighter than a DSLR, have multiple lens options, and the better ones take damn good photos -- pretty much on par with a DSLR. I want a mirrorless system sooo bad!!

ETA: if you're not going to put in some time to learn the principles of photography and shoot in manual, or at least one of the program modes, you're probably better off getting a high-end point-and-shoot. It doesn't make sense to spend the money on a DSLR and lenses (which can be $$$) if you won't use those features.

@MrsBrewer: I thought it was pretty user friendly. I had a Canon point-and-shoot prior, so it was pretty simple. Just start out on Auto like everyone else and get used to looking through the viewfinder and adjusting the lens (if your lens is adjustable) and you'll get used to it pretty quickly. Then you can start learning the different modes (like Aperture priority mode vs Shutter priority vs Manual, etc).

The camera I got came with the 18-55 kit lens, which I used exclusively for at least a year until I finally got the 50mm f/1.8 prime lens, which is now my fave fave fave lens (though my husband hates it because he can't zoom).

I have the Canon T3i, which is also a couple of years old at this point. I also use my nifty 50 lens that @Adira: mentioned a fair amount. I won't say that I've mastered the camera, but I casually play a fair amount with it on my kiddos and some photos come out amazing

I have a Nikon D5000 that I got as a gift last Christmas and I totally love it, BUT I will say that I have no frame of reference since it's my first and the only one I've ever used. My coworkers all have Canon Rebels and seem to love those as well.

Starting off with our first DSLR, we got a Canon Rebel. I forget which exact model but it was about $500 range. I think it was great buy! Though I think Costco packages are a better deal. I bought it somewhere else.

We've upgrade to a Nikon 3200 and that was in the $800 range for a Costco package. We still have the Canon and it could be 'my' camera. DH is definitely the one that enjoys taking photos.

I had to buy a DSLR for work and a coworker suggested a mirroless camera. I think it was a Sony NEX (or something like that) and we paid about $800 for it. At the time, I was used to Canon camera so it was a bit hard for me to navigate and use the Sony.

We have a nikon d5000. We are amateurs but we love it, I would definitely pickup a nikon and canon before buying, I've never used a canon but I've been told they handle completely differently. I have a zoom lens and a 35mm prime I like the prime lens my DH prefers the zoom both blow the kit lens out of the water

@jetsa: What zoom lens do you have? My husband HATES using my camera because I always have a prime lens on it. The only zoom lens I have is the kit one.

We have the CanonT4i and love it.

@jetsa: Thanks! I keep thinking about buying a nice zoom lens, but then I'm not sure what I would really use it for (although Hubs would love it). I tend to only take portrait-like photos and I LOVE bokeh, so I've been sticking with the 50mm or 35mm prime lenses for the most part. But every time I give my camera to Hubs to take a picture, he always complains about not being able to zoom!

@jetsa: Thanks! I can definitely see doing that. We haven't been on a vacation in forever, but maybe I'll have to get a nice zoom lens next time we plan one!