Need to buy an entry level DSLR in the next 48 hours - Shopping advice please

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Ub3rTiger

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Hi all,
Trying to source an entry level DSLR for a relative.

The recipient has been after one for a while, but they're not a photography snob and don't know anything about them so will be pretty happy with whatever they get.

I understand that a big factor should be which company due to the future compatibility of the glass, but tbh I don't think this will be too big of an issue so any manufacturer will be entertained.

Purchase needs to be made from a US website. Been looking at Amazon, Newegg and Bestbuy just cos I know them and they're big (I know they're not camera specialist shops), but they can have good deals on the popular stuff.

Was aiming for about $500 but I think it's going to have to stretch to $600+

So potentially in the running I have so far:

Nikon D3100 for $650
Nikon D3000 with 18-55 (non VR), 55-200 (non-VR), card and bag for $570 (Should I disregard as lenses are non VR?)
Canon Rebel T1i for $650
Nikon D5000 $650
Canon Rebel XS $500
Nikon D3000 for $500
And I could add a Lowepro all weather shoulder Bag, 4GB Memory Card & Nikon - 55-200mm Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens all for an extra $200.

Key Considerations:
Mainly going to be taking pics of the kids outdors and for sports. (which has me lean towards a deal with a zoom lens)
Does like to record vids on her current compact. (which leans me towards the likes of the 3100 and T1i, although still images will take priority over this)

What do you guys think and do you suggest other places to check out?
Thanks.

$500 = £317
$550 = £349
$600 = £380
$650 = £412
$700 = £444
 
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It's for an American relative, hence the US sites and warranty will be over there so that's okay. £ shouldn't really matter as I'm buying in $, important thing is intitial budget is $500, can prob stretch to $600+ for the likes of maybe the D3100 (had good feedback from a friend about that for the price, so?), but I'll also need any accessories required, I think the only necessity would be a flash memory card, but I guess a case would be good too.

Added link in the initial post for you if that helps.
 
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have ypu considered a compact or a bridge camera,if the user will not be buying extra lenes?
 
Good point. Maybe I was a bit hasty to say they won't. They used to photograph using an SLR in their college days and has been using compacts to take pics of their kids for years and with the amount they take pics one they start using the DSLR they probably will want extra lenses. Main reason I said they won't is budget restrictions for the foreseeable future, but maybe that's slightly unfounded considering the second hand market, the good value of some lenses today and other stuff. I'd rather they have the option to get upgraded lenses if they fall in love with the DSLR.
 
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what about this? Clicky

And whatever you do avoid Sears if you want any kindof of customer service.
 
Ohhhh! That could certainly be a contender, $650 including a kit lens, zoom lens, bag and card. Completely forgot about Walmart, thanks for that.
Thinking about it now the inclusion of a zoom lens could be a major plus considering the majority of her photography will be taking pics of her kids doing outdoor sports, so that's really worth thinking about. Do the Rebel XS' come well recommended? (given their entry level price tag of course)

Edit: Is that the kit lens PLUS the 55-200? It's not exactly explicit in the description but seems to imply it.
 
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Its a 450D, so the level under "prosumer" but still a nice bit of kit.
 
Don't mess about, get the T1i, cracking piece of kit and better than the others on your list.

Plenty of lens choice as well and $650 isn't a bad price.
 
I've updated the OP with a few other contenders. After thinking about it these are my two key considerations at the moment:

Key Considerations:
Mainly going to be taking pics of the kids outdors and for sports. (which has me lean towards a deal with a zoom lens)
Does like to record vids on her current compact (of the kids again :rolleyes: :p). (which leans me towards the likes of the 3100 and T1i, although still images will take priority over this)

So I'm thinking it's a toss up between package deal of a lower quality body with a zoom lens or a newer body with the one lens and video capability. I say that images will still take priority over the video, but I'm thinking that the quality of the images will still be a huge leap no matter what camera I get compare to her current compact, soo..hmm...
 
T1i comes with a standard zoom (18-55mm) and longer zooms can be picked up from as cheap as $100 (tamron 55-200mm)
 
And......the purchase was........
 
Well...much to my dismay the relative who asked for the advice went ahead and purchased before consultation. Sometimes I don't know why I even bother.

They managed to get a Canon Rebel XS for $500 locally.
After chatting with them this evening and explaining all I'd read up on and been advised by yourselves I tried to stress how it would be worth the extra $150 to get video too (particularly taking in mind who the end user was), but it was just too far beyond budget, which is fair enough as $500 was already a lot to be spending in the first place.

Still at least they picked up one of the contenders! I'm sure they'll be very happy.

Thanks for your input anyway guys.
 
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