For an absolute beginning that wants a good camera - and isn't sure she will ever do more than point and shoot ... but might. Is this a good choice?
1541260
We were kind of in the same boat. We had always had traditional digital cameras in the past but once we had kids we got really frustrated with the shutter speed. We got this camera so we could stop "missing the moment" and we've been really happy with it. You can put it in auto mode and it's still a pretty simple camera. Point & Shoot. But it has encouraged us to get a little more into photography. We got a bigger zoom and I have really enjoyed capturing shots of birds at our backyard feeder. Hope this helps!
1541261
Yes, this camera is fully automatic when you want it to be, but it also allows you to override that and get more creative when needed. I've owned Canon's since the 70's and have never been disappointed. I think you'll find this a good choice for you. Good luck!
1879011
Hi, Alyssa; Since I'm new to buying an expensive camera, I found that the price and camera was a reasonable for a beginner. Eventually, I will upgrade once I get more into photography. As for the accessories, you are just getting the things you need to start with. Now, if you decide to break it down, one by one, every accessory is expensive on it's own. In the long run, I would say you are getting a great deal for the price. It's just the basic and nothing fancy. Think of it this way; you buy the camera on it's own, you like it a lot. So, you decide to get accessories for it. Eventually, the price for the accessories add up and you spend more than you would have, if you have gotten the Bundle. I say, it's a save if you get the Bundle, than on it's own. I hope that I have answered your question.
2071626
Yes! I think this will be "easy to use" while still giving any teen-ager interested enough in photography to take a course in it to have numerous options "at the next level." Affordable and I find especially fun to use to get close ups of various shots outside. Good luck.
1576342
Absolutely, I didn't buy it for that but, during my granddaughters birthday party I unintentionally took a close up of her. It was so good that I had an 8x10 made. It would definitely take the place of an entry level digital camera.
1612403
Sandra, that's what I did -- went from a small Panasonic point-and-shoot to the K-30. I've had the camera for several months now and while I'm still learning, I've gotten quite comfortable with it. The manual is very good and the controls make sense. It's a very different experience, not least because of the size, but I'm glad I decided to buy it. As others noted, you can start with it on auto and experiment at your own pace. The weather sealing is very liberating, so if you decide to get it, I would recommend getting one of the weather-resistant lenses. Good luck!
1222504
Yes it is a good camera. It is light weight, quick to focus, can take lots of micro 4/3 lenses, and the price was right. Is it the best camera? Probably not because there are a lot of terrific cameras out there including several updated variations on this model. If you're thinking about dipping your toe into micro 4/3 photography then there is probably no better camera for getting started. Do your research first to see if this might be something you want because there is no substitute for a well thought out purchase.
166897
I have the same sentiment. This will be my first foray into digital SLR. I want one camera for nice photos and also for HD video. This sony was the only one I could find that has continuous autofocus in video mode so that's why I'm opting for it over the rebel.
1106223
This flash should be more than enough for the shooting you'd do with your camera. Take a close look at the feature set ...if you won't use a lot of the features on this flash, you can buy a cheaper one and still be happy.
1162998
It's not that good but in its class it's ok. If you want a small, pocket sized point and shoot digital camera you should be ready for lousy performance in low light. Unfortunately bigger sensors and better lenses are the keys for better low light performance.
1871831
This Camera is in class kind of the middle of the road for the top end of Canon, BUT! I have had really good quality pictures with this camera. The movies have be very good also. Keep in mind that a camera is just a camera with out the right lens or settings for each shot. But if you don't have a lot of money to spend on a camera then the Canon T4i should work for you well... Go to my site and view my photography work. This will give you and idea on what kind of photography you will be turning out with this camera... You be the judge. https://www.facebook.com/PhotoByJamesPhotograohy?ref=hl
1282796
yes it has the ability to be a point and shoot by putting it on auto but it is capable of so much more. So if you are interested in learning photography it is a full function camera.
653571
Maybe start with something a little less involved I know a little about cameras and this is my first dslr and I've had it for 5 months its not something you learn to use in a day I love mine but you have to be willing to learn th camera
774987
Hi Mr. Hewitt (I wonder if we have any relation?) Anyway, for a true beginner (as in you've never used anything but a point-and-shoot) I'd recommend you get a Nikon D40 and an 18-200 VR. Keep the 18-55 kit lens, you'll find it lighter when your just taking snapshots of the family or whatever. The D40 is an excellent starter camera, it has almost all the tweaks of this much more expensive camera without the weight and cost. The D300 has many advantages over it, but I really feel you'll learn a lot faster with a simpler camera, and step up to this when your ready. I actually started out with a D40 a bit over a year ago, it made starting out quite fun. The 18-200VR will follow you as a great lens on the D300 too, and you can use any newer AF-S lenses on it. If you have older AF-D Nikon lenses lying around that you want to use, a D80 is also a good place to start. It's easier to make the custom tweaks you'll learn about in your photography classes on the D80, but it still has Auto modes as well to get you started. Checkout www.kenrockwell.com, especially his recommended camera page. He's a bit more eloquent than I am. And I wouldn't be so fast to recommend the D60 to anyone, it's just the D40x's guts (plus active D-Lighting, but without the other enhancements of the D300/D3) with a different name stamped on it. I wouldn't recommend the D40x or D60 to anyone, they exist to fill a price point to compete with Canon. If your eyeballing either, jump to the D80 and don't look back.
1435743
Well I can't tell you what to purchase BUT I can tell you how I arrived at the decision to buy my Nikon D5200. I made a big list. First I listed the things that I wanted on my camera and the things I wanted to do with it. Next I listed the different cameras that I was interested in and what they would do, out of the box, and what they could do with add-on (accessories). Finally I put the price of each different camera on to my list. Now the hard part. Deciding which camera gave me the most from my list. I chose the Nikon based on my needs and wants. I would also suggest you go to your local Best Buy and camera shop and look at and try each of the cameras you are interested in. Look for package or kit deals as they will save you $. I am very happy with my D5200 but just so you are aware, Nikon has come out with a D5300 which has a couple of added features over the D5200. Good Luck
515662
I bought it a month ago and am frustrated. I need to spend some time going through the manual and really learn how to use it. It is a point and shoot camera but not really as far as ease of use. I was at an indoor christmas party and couldn't get the flash to work. 2 other people tried as well and we gave up. But its not the camera's fault...just need to really read the manual and learn how to use it. If you aren't willing to spend the time, don't get it. If so, it looks like a really great camera and takes beautiful pictures. The videos are crisp and clear, good sound. I also love the zoom. I can't wait to find out what this camera can really do! I bought it a month ago and am frustrated. I need to spend some time going through the manual and really learn how to use it. It is a point and shoot camera but not really as far as ease of use. I was at an indoor christmas party and couldn't get the flash to work. 2 other people tried as well and we gave up. But its not the camera's fault...just need to really read the manual and learn how to use it. If you aren't willing to spend the time, don't get it. If so, it looks like a really great camera and takes beautiful pictures. The videos are crisp and clear, good sound. I also love the... » Read More I bought it a month ago and am frustrated. I need to spend some time going through the manual and really learn how to use it. It is a point and shoot camera but not really as far as ease of use. I was at an indoor christmas party and couldn't get the flash to work. 2 other people tried as well and we gave up. But its not the camera's fault...just need to really read the manual and learn how to use it. If you aren't willing to spend the time, don't get it. If so, it looks like a really great camera and takes beautiful pictures. The videos are crisp and clear, good sound. I also love the zoom. I can't wait to find out what this camera can really do! « Show Less
1934525
Yes it is very user friendly even for a beginner. I haven't had any problems with this camera. The manual is ready to understand and got should play with it to see all the different settings that it can do.
328961
It is the best camera I have ever had. Go to my blog and check out the photos and judge for your self. Good luck! Google:cindyknoke.com