Camera Recommendation for Novice Wife!

branners69

Hi,

the wife's 30th birthday is coming up in a couple of months. As an extra surprise I plan on buying her a camera. She was into photography before we met and often talks about the her old slr camera which broke.

Now for the problem, I know nothing about camera's. I know you can get dslrs or bridging cameras but that is about all I know. The budget I have in mind is €500, is there any chance of buying a decent dslr camera for €500? Am I better off buying new or an older better model?

Usage wise I am sure she will take the usual nature/kids snaps, I want to sign her up to a camera course in September so would like a camera that can hold its own. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Branners

Thecageyone

You could get a decent enough dslr for €500 certainly. There's the likes of the Sony A230, he Nikon D3000 and Olympus E-450 for under that amount.

duffarama

What about replacing the SLR?

Cheaper, plus you'll get muchos kudos if you know what kind of camera it was and can replace it!

Covey

Just wondering if the recommendations would be different if she wasn't a novice wife ?

branners69

Covey wrote: »

Just wondering if the recommendations would be different if she wasn't a novice wife ?

Just dont tell her I called her a novice wife and it will all be fine!!

Thanks for the recommendations so far, any more would be appreciated!!

spaceHopper

branners69 wrote: »

Just dont tell her I called her a novice wife and it will all be fine!!

Thanks for the recommendations so far, any more would be appreciated!!

One thing to think about is what make is the old SLR - what lenses dose she have for it and will they work on a new camera, this would be important for the long lenses for wild life shots. When you buy a camera you'll probably get a kit lens with it which will cover day to day stuff.

If you live in dublin go into Gunns on Wicklow street and ask them they should be able to help you I've always found them bo be good and take the time to explain things.

punkindrublic

I recommend going to Gunns too, they're incredibly helpful. For €500 you should get a decent camera for her. Are you strictly wanting a brand new camera or open to buying second hand? You could get a good deal on a used camera on adverts I'd say!

ThOnda

Find out what make was her SLR so she will be used to the ergonomics of the camera and in case of good brands like Pentax, the lenses will be compatible.

branners69

I'll try and have a look for her old slr to see what lenses she has.

Are Gunn reasonably priced? I wont get ripped off or anything? I was going to buy online but would be happier with a bricks and mortar store if the price is right!

Thanks again for all the advice!

PaulieC

gunns is brilliant. the only shop i've ever been in where the owner shakes your hand and thanks you for purchasing off them

swapple

I'm also looking for a new slr camera (not necessarily brand new) with a similar budget, where could I look for previously owned cameras? Do Gunns do second hand?