Originally posted by shaX 07 Hey yall, I was just curious which non-Pentax SLRs you recommend to friends and family members (assuming they consult you for your camera purchasing knowledge).
Outside of the Pentax line up, what would you recommend to people looking in the $300-$700 range?
Personally I pretty much recommend the K-50 to anybody who wants a good DSLR for around $500, but sadly I know people who just won't buy a Pentax.
For them, my recommendations are along these lines:
<$450
Canon T3 - I pretty much wouldn't recommend this camera to anyone unless they said "I won't spend more than $400, and I won't buy used." Even if they did, I would try to convince them to spend a little more money or something.
Nikon D3100 - Pros: IQ on par with Rebel series, fairly inexpensive Cons: Old technology, weak video, no flip out or touch screen, no weather sealing.
<$550
Nikon D3200 - Pros: Good specs with good IQ. Cons: No Weather sealing, no flip out or touch screen.
Canon T3i - Pros: Good screen res, Flip out screen. Cons: IQ not up to par with D3200 for the same price, No weather sealing or touch screen.
<$650
Nikon D5100 - Pros: Good specs with good IQ, Flip out screen, good battery life Cons: No Weather sealing, no touch screen.
Canon T4i - Pros: Good screen res, Flip out screen, touch screen. Cons: IQ not up to par with D5100 for the same price, No weather sealing.
Canon SL1 - Pros: Good screen res, touch screen, smallest & lightest DSLR Cons: IQ not up to par with D5100 for the same price, No weather sealing, no flip out screen.
A lot of people are happy with the D3200/3100 even though it's a rather basic camera. I agree with @joojoo 2010 .
If your friends are picky, then recommend a D5100 or D5200 to them. They're both fantastic upper entry-level cameras.
I've never been a huge fan of the rebel lineup, but Canon's offerings are the best for video, so that's something to think about as well.
The main issue with Pentax, IMHO, is that their 18-55mm kit lenses scare beginners away with all the noise that they make. That and the fact that lenses, accessories, and support are all very hard to come by in local camera stores.
Adam
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