Buying first D-SLR - what are some recommendations?

[Pasq]

QVC does have the 60D with the 18 to 135 lens for $1,500 and the T3i with a bag, 18-55 lens, and 55-250 lens for $1,000.

I ended up getting the T3i with the 2 kit lens and bag.

Just saying.......

[veritasimagery]

Originally Posted by Pasq

QVC does have the 60D with the 18 to 135 lens for $1,500 and the T3i with a bag, 18-55 lens, and 55-250 lens for $1,000.

I ended up getting the T3i with the 2 kit lens and bag.

Just saying.......

Right now B&H Photo has the 60D w/18-135 for $1139 after instant rebate. Their regular price is $1239. The T3i w/18-135 is $919 after instant rebate. And I was just now able to put together a kit of the T3i w/18-55 + 55-250 + Lowpro bag for $940.

Personally, I avoid QVC, especially for things like this. I would much rather by photography equipment from a photography store. Much better customer service, much more knowledgeable help and better prices.

[Pasq]

Originally Posted by veritasimagery

Right now B&H Photo has the 60D w/18-135 for $1139 after instant rebate. Their regular price is $1239. The T3i w/18-135 is $919 after instant rebate. And I was just now able to put together a kit of the T3i w/18-55 + 55-250 + Lowpro bag for $940.

Personally, I avoid QVC, especially for things like this. I would much rather by photography equipment from a photography store. Much better customer service, much more knowledgeable help and better prices.

gear is gear. the $80 less is awesome. my point was there are great deals out there. so sorry, if i offended you by mentioning QVC. just trying to be helpful

[veritasimagery]

Originally Posted by Pasq

gear is gear. the $80 less is awesome. my point was there are great deals out there. so sorry, if i offended you by mentioning QVC. just trying to be helpful

Didn't offend. But when dealing with expensive photography gear, customer service (especially customer service that understands photography) is more important then the cheapest deal. QVC is simply a sales outlet, they really have no idea what the needs of their clients are, nor can they give you educated answers to the important questions. Their only concern is making a sale. That's why a place like B&H or Audorama is so good. If you have a question, you can call or email them and get a response from a person who knows photography and photography gear.

[Pasq]

Originally Posted by veritasimagery

Didn't offend. But when dealing with expensive photography gear, customer service (especially customer service that understands photography) is more important then the cheapest deal. QVC is simply a sales outlet, they really have no idea what the needs of their clients are, nor can they give you educated answers to the important questions. Their only concern is making a sale. That's why a place like B&H or Audorama is so good. If you have a question, you can call or email them and get a response from a person who knows photography and photography gear.

to be honest, i've always gotten my questions answered here. I knew what I wanted and what I needed. I did my research knowing who I was buying from. When I got the T3i they were running a special with the price $120 less than what they are selling the kit now. Plus, I needed the option for the 6 months payments lol

stupid money!

[veritasimagery]

Originally Posted by Pasq

to be honest, i've always gotten my questions answered here. I knew what I wanted and what I needed. I did my research knowing who I was buying from. When I got the T3i they were running a special with the price $120 less than what they are selling the kit now. Plus, I needed the option for the 6 months payments lol

stupid money!

Was that 6 months, no interest?

[Pasq]

Originally Posted by veritasimagery

Was that 6 months, no interest?

absolutely. and when you go from 70k to 26k year.... look, i'm not whining. i play the cards i'm dealt with. but to judge someone you have no clue about.....

[Michael_2010]

I always check QVC, HSN and ShopNBC to see what kind of deals they are running on stuff I want. I like the flex pay option. No hassle, no interest and no waiting to get the goodies! lol

[veritasimagery]

Originally Posted by Pasq

absolutely. and when you go from 70k to 26k year.... look, i'm not whining. i play the cards i'm dealt with. but to judge someone you have no clue about.....

Didn't judge. Just said that QVC is not the best way to go. As I showed, often times QVC's price is significantly more expensive then going with B&H or Audorama. In reality, if you can afford the "EasyPay" monthlies, then you could have put that much money aside each month, and then spent less money at B&H.

Oh, and by the way, my family of five lives on less than 24K a year, so I know all about living within a budget.

[Pasq]

you have a huge range to pick from. Pentax, Sony, Canon, Nikon...... and the various lines within those brands.

With today's cameras, every single one will do the job. It all comes down to you and how the camera feels in your hands. So go to a store that sells what you are interested in and pick up the camera! I seriously would take a hard look at the Canon 40D or Nikon D80. You can pick these up fairly inexpensive and they are both amazing cameras.

Just remember, when you buy a brand, you are almost locked into the brand. Plus, with today's DSLRs, it's not so much the camera body. What gives the stunning shots (besides your creative eye) are the lenses you place on them. also, I'd consider on getting a tripod with your purchase and a bag. A tripod, IMHO, is even more vital than a flash. So there is my 2 cents.