Hello, my name is Chela and I am the photographer/owner of Marisela Photography. I have a passion for the art of photography. I am a natural light photographer, and I love to create from my surroundings. I am so excited to share a little piece of my art with you, what helps me and what I love to use in my photography. Here are my best tips for how to choose your next camera!
As a mom of two active children, several years ago I wanted to upgrade my camera to something a little more sophisticated. I wanted to capture the goofy faces, and that one kick in that soccer game that was amazing. I wasn’t getting those shots that I really wanted with my little point & shoot camera!
Looking at cameras can be a little overwhelming and if you are not quite sure what you are looking for you may just give up. I would love to tell you a few great places to start your search. I am going to share a camera that I highly recommended. DSLR cameras can be pricey, but you don’t need the most expensive one you can find to get great images. Just keep in mind that your camera is an amazing investment and you will love the quality of your images!
Where should I buy my camera?
First is Target. They have top brands and great prices. Second is Amazon. The third store that I would recommend is Costco. What I love about Costco is that they usually offer great bundles with their DSLR packages. Most of them come with an extra lens and a camera bag and a few other fun gadgets that make getting your new camera a little more fun!
What brand should I get?
I have personally shot with two different brands – Canon and Nikon. Canon is great company and a fabulous camera. My first DSLR camera was a Canon that we bought in 2004 and it still does a great job. I have passed that one down to my 12 year old daughter (watch for tips for teaching your kids how to take great pictures in next month’s post!). In 2010 I switched to Nikon and since then have added to my Nikon Camera selection.
What is a good first DSLR camera for me?
The Nikon D3200 offers everything you would want in a camera. You have several different modes to shoot in, it has built in pop up flash, and you can take video. Don’t let the size of this camera scare you! Once you have this beautiful camera in your hand you will fall in love with your images and with the art of photography. As you start to shoot more with your DSLR camera you can add some fun gadgets to your camera bag. You can change your lens to several different ones that will change what you are capturing. As a mom my favorite one to invest in was a Nikon Zoom Lens
. I can sit at the beach and watch my kids surf and capture everything they were doing out on the waves.
You can do so much than you ever could with a point and shoot, and its a great size to take with you to amusement parks, plays and sporting events. The D3200 travels easily and the body of the camera is very durable. This beautiful piece of equipment is one that you will enjoy taking pictures and videos with for years to come!
If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments and I will answer them with a comment or in my next post!
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Wow these are some great tips, especially if you’re just starting out with your first DSLR – I know that when I first shopped for one it was so overwhelming! Thanks so much Chela!
Chela will be sharing photography posts like this one each month here at Yellow Bliss Road – be sure to subscribe so you won’t miss a post!
More from Yellow Bliss Road:
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Hi! I’m Kristin, the creative mind behind Yellow Bliss Road where you will be inspired by tons of easy to follow recipes, lots of free printables, and a little sprinkling of life thrown in for good measure.
Saidijuma says
May 23, 2019 at 7:00 amI was about to ask is that bad if you’re starting with nikonD3100 which has Tamron lense 18-200mm
Kristin says
May 29, 2019 at 11:00 amNot at all, you can start with whatever you are able to afford.
Maria says
January 1, 2017 at 11:15 amNikon D 3400?
Nick J says
December 27, 2018 at 10:09 pmD3400 is one of the best camera from Nikon. It’s an old but still getting sold.
Maria says
January 1, 2017 at 11:13 amWhat about a nikon 3400?
Mariah says
June 11, 2015 at 5:43 pmI’m so glad to have stumbled upon this recommendation – thank you. This seals the deal for me: I want the d3200. From what I’ve read I don’t think I want the kit lens, so now I’m debating between the 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens or the 50mm f/1.8G AF-S NIKKOR FX Lens. Do you have a recommendation? Did you start with the kit lens and like it?
Chris says
September 10, 2015 at 11:43 amI just literally purchased the 35mm 1.8G this past Friday. I love it! Crisp, tack sharp photos! Debated between the 35mm and the 50mm as well. After weeks of research and reading I went with the 35mm and have not looked back since. Great for low light photography, weddings, even portrait shots, beautiful bokeh. Has definitely improved our business much more than the kit lens.
Marco says
February 4, 2015 at 1:57 amI actually don’t know nothing about photography, do you think it would be a nice deal to buy a dslr to find out everything by myself?
Ashley says
November 29, 2014 at 6:32 pmMy sister wanted me to take pictures of her newborn, and my friend asked me to take pictures at her husband’s Christmas party. The problem was I didn’t have my own camera… I always borrowed one from a friend. I decided it was time for me to invest in my own. You helped make my decision easy. I went to Target and bought the Nikon D3200 and saved 5% with my REDcard! I would love to read tips on how to shoot in dim light without using a flash.
Amanda @ Old house to new home says
June 15, 2014 at 12:22 pmI bought a sony as my first dslr and I love it! It’s light, easy to use, and takes great pictures! It was recommend to me because the lens are cheaper to purchase
Ma. Corazon Macleod says
April 18, 2017 at 2:09 amHi Amanda, Maria here. Just like to know what model you’ve got on Sony DSLR camera. I’d been looking for a light and easy to use dslr camera which can take good pictures. Pls. reply to my email address, [email protected]. Thanks.
Jenn says
May 18, 2014 at 9:50 pmGreat tips! I will hopefully be purchasing my first DSLR soon!
Jennifer says
May 16, 2014 at 11:37 amThank you this post! I’ve been torn about which DSLR to get…Canon or Nikon. I’ve been leaning towards the Nikon D3200 since it seems like a good entry-level camera and I was impressed with the features and functions it offers. I think you helped me make my decision! Thanks!!
Kristen says
May 16, 2014 at 12:28 amWhat a great post! I have been debating about getting a new camera and this answers so many of my questions!!
Cindy Martin says
May 15, 2014 at 10:52 amThanks for sharing on the information about the camera. I been wanting one for so long and think this information is so valuable. I will take heed when I get around to buying one.
Thanks again.. … come and see me sometime..
Hugs,
Cindy