[URGENT] DSLR under 25k - Beginner

[prehistoricgamer]

Hello, all.

First off, I've never operated a DSLR. But I'm very much interested in photography that I've enough enthusiasm to put some effort into learning it.

That being said, after a lot of delays, I've decided to get myself a DSLR; although on a tight budget. Also, I'm just a beginner, so investing in a high budget cam won't be justified for me at this point in time.

I'm planning to order by tomorrow (March 1st evening, latest)

I have about half a day to go to a store and check out the following cams, but I'm afraid I won't be able to give each of them enough time to get a good feel of the features. Hence, I resort to you people.

So, these are the DSLRs that I have currently on my mind and are within my budget.

1. Canon EOS 1200D 18MP (25.3k)
2. Nikon D3200 24.2 MP (20.65k)
3. Nikon D5200 24.1MP (25.4k)
4. Nikon D3300 24.2 MP (24k) (My eyes are on this)

My budget is a maximum of 25.5k

What do you guys suggest? All kind of opinions / knowledge bomb welcome. If you guys think I've to hold off and invest in some other cam, suggest me so too.

Thank you

 

[kaz]

IMO D5200 is the best DSLR in your budget.

 

[prehistoricgamer]

IMO D5200 is the best DSLR in your budget.

Do you mind telling me why? I'd like to know the pros & cons from a user perspective rather than me just reading up on some articles filled with affiliate links

 

[kaz]

Do you mind telling me why? I'd like to know the pros & cons from a user perspective rather than me just reading up on some articles filled with affiliate links

D5200 has better focusing system compared to D3300. Also sensor is better in D5200. On the other side D3300 has better video recording capability.

When I was choosing one the price difference between D3300 and D5200 was ~6k. Still I got the D5200

 

[prehistoricgamer]

D5200 has better focusing system compared to D3300. Also sensor is better in D5200. On the other side D3300 has better video recording capability.

When I was choosing one the price difference between D3300 and D5200 was ~6k. Still I got the D5200

Seems reasonable. I'll wait for other opinions as well if you don't mind.

Thank you.

 

[raja manuel]

The 1200D is a twin lens kit isn't it? That's a very good deal. The second lens will make a lot of difference to your photography.

 

[prehistoricgamer]

The 1200D is a twin lens kit isn't it? That's a very good deal. The second lens will make a lot of difference to your photography.

Yes it comes with dual lens, but a lot of complaints regarding the lens, warranty & accessories. If I can get some peace of mind with a good cam & single lens, I'll settle for that over a 1200D with a risk of problems.

I'm reading the reviews on Amazon India, by the way, if it helps.

 

[nac]

Yes it comes with dual lens, but a lot of complaints regarding the lens, warranty & accessories. If I can get some peace of mind with a good cam & single lens, I'll settle for that over a 1200D with a risk of problems.

I'm reading the reviews on Amazon India, by the way, if it helps.

This is the first I am hearing about this issue. But I assume this is a rare case. All the four cameras have an average rating of about 4.5/5 in amazon that pretty much says the bottom line.

Somehow in your mind it's registered that Canon is not good, so kick it off from the list. I don't think your mind will convince otherwise in less than 24hrs. But still...

Why you should buy,
1200D - Attractive pricing for dual lens. I personally would go for this mainly because of the pricing.
D3200 - If you prefer Nikon over Canon and want to spend less
D3300 - If you want sharper IQ
D5200 - If you want swivel screen
There are more about these cameras than swivel screen, IQ, price. For that you have to look for in depth reviews. And also check sample photos online.

Going by the reviews all the 3 Nikon's IQ is better than 1200D and overall ratings are better too. But still I would prefer 1200D for the pricing. It was even more attractive about a month back.

 

[prehistoricgamer]

This is the first I am hearing about this issue. But I assume this is a rare case. All the four cameras have an average rating of about 4.5/5 in amazon that pretty much says the bottom line.

Somehow in your mind it's registered that Canon is not good, so kick it off from the list. I don't think your mind will convince otherwise in less than 24hrs. But still...

Why you should buy,
1200D - Attractive pricing for dual lens. I personally would go for this mainly because of the pricing.
D3200 - If you prefer Nikon over Canon and want to spend less
D3300 - If you want sharper IQ
D5200 - If you want swivel screen
There are more about these cameras than swivel screen, IQ, price. For that you have to look for in depth reviews. And also check sample photos online.

Going by the reviews all the 3 Nikon's IQ is better than 1200D and overall ratings are better too. But still I would prefer 1200D for the pricing. It was even more attractive about a month back.

No, I didn't mean Canon isn't good. The fault could be from the seller. If you read through the 1, 2 or 3 star reviews, you will find a lot of complaints about warranty, lens & bag quality issues. This is for the 1200D. Also, some users complaining about the build quality of this cam. One said it's got a very plasticky feel, flash popup (idk the technical term) creaking when comes up, etc.

I couldn't find the same in D3200 or D5200.

Of course, I take such reviews with a grain of salt. I will probably hit the stores to finalize my decision as I believe comfort is a considerable factor as well since my hands aren't that big to handle heavy or bulky cams easily.

 

[nac]

I will probably hit the stores to finalize my decision as I believe comfort is a considerable factor as well since my hands aren't that big to handle heavy or bulky cams easily.

Yeah, trying them in a local store before buying will help you to decide better. Good you're doing that. And keep us posted what camera you buy and join our TDF photographer community by posting some of your photographs.

 

[sujoyp]

I would anyday prefer D5200 for better built, more features, focus module of D7000 with 39point AF , flip out screen for video and macro ...would buy a D3xxx series only if I cant afford D5xxx range

 

[sujoyp]

whats the update..what did the OP buy

 

[nac]

whats the update..what did the OP buy

No idea is the update from my side.
Even if he did order, it will take few days to reach him. When he buy, he will post and we will know. Until then we have krishnandu.sarkar's travelogue to read.

 

[prehistoricgamer]

whats the update..what did the OP buy

Ah sorry for the delay in update. I wanted to go with D5200. But by the time I tried ordered it, the price had shot up by nearly 4k out of my budget. So, I had to put off the plan of buying it temporarily. I checked around a couple of places and they still are quoting me around 28 to 29k.

I've decided to wait it out until I get a good deal or price.

I missed the offer by just a couple of hours. Oh well

 

[sujoyp]

ooh thats sad.. but just keep patience and keep looking for offers...it pops up very regularly.

 

[prehistoricgamer]

ooh thats sad.. but just keep patience and keep looking for offers...it pops up very regularly.

Yeah, that's the idea. Will do. Fotocircle at Anand Rao Circle (Bangalore) quoted me 29k while Amazon has it currently at 28k. I heard shops provide good deals, but it doesn't look like it.

 

[sujoyp]

shops provide a max discount of 15% on MRP

 

[nac]

Ah sorry for the delay in update. I wanted to go with D5200. But by the time I tried ordered it, the price had shot up by nearly 4k out of my budget. So, I had to put off the plan of buying it temporarily. I checked around a couple of places and they still are quoting me around 28 to 29k.

I've decided to wait it out until I get a good deal or price.

I missed the offer by just a couple of hours. Oh well

I have heard off line stores give good discounts. But most of the time I see good deals online than offline. D5200 price fell to ~25k and it's there for quite some time. If Amazon has hiked check others (or you have Amazon coupons?). FK price is still around 25k.

 

[prehistoricgamer]

I have heard off line stores give good discounts. But most of the time I see good deals online than offline. D5200 price fell to ~25k and it's there for quite some time. If Amazon has hiked check others (or you have Amazon coupons?). FK price is still around 25k.

I'm sticking with Amazon as I didn't see any warranty complaints from Amazon sellers. On the contrary, a lot of warranty issues on Flipkart for the D5200. Happened the same with my 45k laptop from Flipkart. I was supposed to get a 3 year warranty. But WS Retail screwed me over. Since then, I haven't shopped anything on Flipkart, no matter how good a deal I get.

 

[nac]

I'm sticking with Amazon as I didn't see any warranty complaints from Amazon sellers. On the contrary, a lot of warranty issues on Flipkart for the D5200. Happened the same with my 45k laptop from Flipkart. I was supposed to get a 3 year warranty. But WS Retail screwed me over. Since then, I haven't shopped anything on Flipkart, no matter how good a deal I get.

Okay. Anyhow this is where the price is going to be (~25k). I don't know why it's way higher in Amazon, but I believe it will come back to 25k range soon.

- - - Updated - - -

I'm sticking with Amazon as I didn't see any warranty complaints from Amazon sellers. On the contrary, a lot of warranty issues on Flipkart for the D5200. Happened the same with my 45k laptop from Flipkart. I was supposed to get a 3 year warranty. But WS Retail screwed me over. Since then, I haven't shopped anything on Flipkart, no matter how good a deal I get.

Didn't I say? It's back to 25k in Amazon.