Entry-level DSLR : advice please

[Positively Negative]

Hey all,
i having been thinking about getting an upgrade from my current bridge cam and would like to get an SLR cam. Now the budget is kinda tight so if you guys could please advise on what a decent entry-level cam would be.
I want to also know if i should completely forget about getting a second-hand cam ?

I was thinking about getting a package like this below.
http://www.sacamera.co.za/product/1011727/Nikon_D3000_1855mm_VR_+_55200mm_VR_Lens_Kit/
or
http://www.cameraland.co.za/cameraland-products/nikon-d5000-18-55mm-lens.html

If you guys could share some advice i would appreciate it.cheers.

p.s - please don't say chuck in another 3k and get so and so.i would say the package above is what i could push the budget to

cheers guys

 

[Brawler]

No both those cameras have are old and on their way out, or out already.

Nikon D3100 is what you want.

R5999 @ most places
18-55 VR
14.2mp CMOS
11 AF points
Live view
1080P video

 

[GTi]

The Nikon D3100 sounds like the right camera for you Orms have a special on that model atm. Check it out.
https://www.ormsdirect.co.za/nikon-d3100-slr-digital-camera-with-18-55mm-f-3-5-5-6-af-s-vr-lens

 

[czc]

Would you guys say that the 55-200 for the D3100 is worth the extra? R6995 ?

https://www.ormsdirect.co.za/photog...8-55mm-f-3-5-5-6-af-s-vr-55-200mm-vr-lens-kit

 

[Quantum Theory]

Would you guys say that the 55-200 for the D3100 is worth the extra? R6995 ?

https://www.ormsdirect.co.za/photog...8-55mm-f-3-5-5-6-af-s-vr-55-200mm-vr-lens-kit

Depends on what you are going to photograph, but I think the short answer is, YES.

 

[flarkit]

I've been wondering why go DSLR on a "tight budget" (ie, max R6,000). If you buy a set with only an 18-55mm lens, you'll be stuck taking portraits, macro and landscapes, wishing for a zoom to be able to photograph kids playing or birds, or animals in the wild. The 55-200 will give you some extra range, but eventually you'll need a 300mm or more. Add in the extras (like a tripod, batteries and more memory) and you'll need a further few 1,000 quite soon. If your bridge has more than 12x optical zoom, then I'd stick with that.

On the 2nd-hand side, try snooping around the enthusiast sites (OutdoorPhoto for example) for decent options.

 

[bwana]

I've been wondering why go DSLR on a "tight budget" (ie, max R6,000).

Because you have the option of upgrading and adding to your gear as the opportunity presents itself (and its amazing just how quickly that 'opportunity' arises once the bug has bit!).

 

[RanzB]

I've been wondering why go DSLR on a "tight budget" (ie, max R6,000). If you buy a set with only an 18-55mm lens, you'll be stuck taking portraits, macro and landscapes, wishing for a zoom to be able to photograph kids playing or birds, or animals in the wild. The 55-200 will give you some extra range, but eventually you'll need a 300mm or more. Add in the extras (like a tripod, batteries and more memory) and you'll need a further few 1,000 quite soon. If your bridge has more than 12x optical zoom, then I'd stick with that.

On the 2nd-hand side, try snooping around the enthusiast sites (OutdoorPhoto for example) for decent options.

Yeah, what bwana said. I'm starting off with an entry level DSLR, buying all my gear, then will upgrade the camera when I've saved enough. Some people don't have upwards of 20k to spend on a camera at once.

 

[Synaesthesia]

I got an Olympus Pen E-PL1. I'm loving it. I also recommend checking out Outdoorphoto - every day there are new cameras and lenses for sale there!

 

[noxibox]

I've been wondering why go DSLR on a "tight budget" (ie, max R6,000). If you buy a set with only an 18-55mm lens, you'll be stuck taking portraits, macro and landscapes, wishing for a zoom to be able to photograph kids playing or birds, or animals in the wild. The 55-200 will give you some extra range, but eventually you'll need a 300mm or more. Add in the extras (like a tripod, batteries and more memory) and you'll need a further few 1,000 quite soon. If your bridge has more than 12x optical zoom, then I'd stick with that.

On the 2nd-hand side, try snooping around the enthusiast sites (OutdoorPhoto for example) for decent options.

You're going to need accessories like tripods and memory regardless. Then there's the better handling and image quality of a DSLR. And finally you're better off with a real 200mm lens instead of a 100mm cropped to look like 600mm, particularly if you want to take pictures where you need real reach.

 

[flarkit]

I hear and agree with all the points. I was merely focusing (*ahem*) on this:

p.s - please don't say chuck in another 3k and get so and so.i would say the package above is what i could push the budget to

With that sort of tight budget, I'd avoid going SLR, having taken the step and within 12 months spent easily double the purchase price on 2 more lenses and a good tripod, in addition to the initial extras. If these costs aren't a concern, then by-all-means, grab a kit and start enjoying the hobby!