Help for an amateur

My wife has been wanting to get into photography as a hobby for a while. Well with her birthday coming up in February I figured I would get her a camera that she can start exploring her hobby with. She has never owned a dslr, and her camera experience/knowledge is minimal.

Well I know nothing about cameras and photography, and I want this to be as much as a surprise as possible. My question for those of you who have knowledge in this area is where would be a good place to start? I have looked at a couple options like the Canon t3i and Nikon d3200 and would like to stay around that price range.

If you have any input on what would be a good starting setup that I can do for my wife that would be great. I understand that there is a learning curve, but it seems that some of the consumer level cameras these days are geared more towards the beginner.

Any thoughts and input is greatly appreciated. Thank you

Either of the options you listed will be great.
The only other option I would throw in would be Sony.
they have some nice stuff these days, They have some neat technology.
You wont go wrong with any of these, especially as a learning tool.
The main consideration will be the future.
If you find you enjoy the hobby, acquiring lenses will be the next step.
Getting a set of basics like a telephoto, macro, wide angle, ect in addition to the standard lens that will come with it.

This is when your camera "brand" will become more of a factor for you.

If a company changes the type of mount that the body and lens use, you may not be able to use your lenses with a new body.
Things like the auto function feature may be effected by the changes.

Those are a few things that you might want to consider when buying lenses in the future.

But, for a starter, you are on a good path.

I second what Sheddy said,

Only thing I will add is to take a look at the prices and quality of lenses you may be looking at getting in the future by brand. There is a difference in both.

I prefer Nikon, but others prefer Cannon or Sony. It is really like the Ford, Chevy, Dodge debate.

Pick one and go for it but maybe do a little research on lens options before you pull the trigger because that is where the money really starts adding up.


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Thanks for the advice. I think she's going to have a good birthday this year.

You may wish to look at the system of lenses each company offers to help determine whether you go Canon or Nikon.

You are welcome to visit my Photo Gallery here http://www.plateaulightphotography.com/