Reddit mentions of Nikon D5200 24.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR NIKKOR Zoom Lens (Black) (Discontinued by Manufacturer)

I don't honestly think it's a spectacular deal. The D90 is a great camera but is long in the tooth now. Currently Amazon is selling the D5200 which has 24 mp, more autofocus points, swivel lcd screen (downsides are no internal focusing motor, 18-55 lens, refurbed ) for $480 all day long. This isn't even a spectacular price for the D5200 same bundle was $370 not too long ago.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00AXTQR5U/ref=olp_tab_refurbished?ie=UTF8&condition=refurbished

Personally I like Nikon. But this all matters who you talk to on whether they are Canon/Nikon/other brand. You can pick up some good started bundles relatively cheap and then add better lenses as you go. I like this as a good starter kit.

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Digital-18-55mm-3-5-5-6-NIKKOR/dp/B00AXTQR5U/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1419710663&sr=1-1&keywords=nikon+d5200

I suggest reading some reviews at http://www.dpreview.com they compare and contrast many different cameras and their features.

In that case...

Nikon D5200

Then stash the rest until you think you need a specific piece of gear or put some of it towards a photo class or two so you can understand how to use your camera if the free stuff online isn't helpful enough.

Based on what the Canon T3i costs on Amazon, no I would not recommend it simply because its several years old and the Nikon D5100 and 5200 are better options for the same price
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00AXTQR5U/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1419285418&sr=8-1
The T3i is too old to be a cost effective option

Eso cuesta el modelo 3d , esa cuesta esto

Hi /u/metalneglect - the [$696.95 D5200] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AXTQR5U/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00AXTQR5U&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20) is a very nice still camera, but I wouldn't get one for video. Here's why:

The D5200 and all DSLRs have reflex mirrors that are useless for video. These mirrors block the cameras' viewfinders, so you are forced to use the LCD on back of the camera for critical composition and focus. This is OK indoors, but outdoors in bright sunlight, you may not be able to see what you're shooting. Most DSLR shooters are forced to buy a "loupe" (otherwise known as an LCD viewfinder) or an even more expensive Electronic Viewfinder (EVF).

In addition, Nikon DSLRs are unable to adjust aperture manually when you are in Live View (video) mode. If you want to adjust your aperture, you have to come out of Live View, adjust your aperture, and then switch back to video mode. This can be a real PITA.

Another shortcoming is that the D5200 is unable to record full HD 1080/60fps video for in-camera slow motion.

Plus, Nikon DSLRs are limited to 30 minutes of continuous video - fine for most applications, but a problem if you want to record a long speech, play, concert or other event..

That's why, at this price point, I recommend the Panasonic G6. This camera records continuously for hours instead of the D5200's 30 minutes, it records at 1080/60p for slow motion, it has a built-in intervalometer for timelapse, it has built-in audio level meters and focus peaking, it is compatible with Panasonic power zoom lenses (there are no power zoom lenses for Nikon DSLRs) - and it has a viewfinder that actually works while you're shooting video so you don't have to buy a loupe or EVF to see what you're shooting in bright sunlight.

Here is what this camera can do:

Music Video:

http://vimeo.com/88584840

http://vimeo.com/84436275

Narrative:

http://vimeo.com/78037118

http://vimeo.com/81339712

Documentary:

http://vimeo.com/97274302

http://vimeo.com/73561266

http://vimeo.com/87978429

http://vimeo.com/78507820

Slow Motion/Sport:

http://vimeo.com/76503135

Travel Video:

http://vimeo.com/88543042

http://vimeo.com/86145944 (shot with a power zoom lens)

If you don't want to pay [$747.99 for a black one] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CFCTDD6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00CFCTDD6&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20), you can get a [white G6 with the 14-42 kit lens for $699.99 right now from 6th Ave Express via Amazon] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JOOWDX0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00JOOWDX0&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20).

In my view, the G6 is the best still/video camera you can buy below $700.

Hope this is helpful and good luck with your decision!

Bill

I didn't even know you could adjust the white balance. I've just been setting it on "easy auto mode" or "macro mode" and hoping for the best.

I don't think I would need to get any closer, but YES-- that's exactly what I am wanting-- smaller area of focus, more blurred background. I tried FOREVER to get this picture: http://imgur.com/10ANPpO to look like that. (I took that indoors, at night, on my fireplace with the ceiling fan light on. Please don't make fun of me)

So the entry level dslr's like this one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AXTQR5U/ref=s9_simh_gw_p421_d0_i2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1W80TJAS0QQ035NVT101&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1688200382&pf_rd_i=507846
will help me to get my photography to the level I am wanting? I am not going to get where I want to get with my coolpix, right? I've basically taken that one as far as it's going to go?

I'd start her out with this camera. I've got the model prior the 5100 and love it. This starter kit gives you the body and good lens, you'll need to get a card and carrying case. Later down the road after i'd suggest picking up a telephoto lens too like the nikon 55-200 f 4/5.6.

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Digital-18-55mm-3-5-5-6-NIKKOR/dp/B00AXTQR5U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376228711&sr=8-1&keywords=d5200