It had been the ONLY thing on my Christmas “wish-list” that year and I was hoping that somehow my parents had managed to get my first DSLR. I spent time counting and recounting Christmas presents under the tree, hoping that maybe I only had one present instead of a few. That was the only thing I wanted!! My heart was set on it! Christmas morning came and as the unwrapping began, my mom told me that I needed to open one of my presents before a different one. As the paper began ripping and the box started to become visible, I took a breath and peeked at it. There it was my very first digital camera!!! I could finally return my cousin’s film camera to her and use my very own camera. My parents had gotten me a kit/bundle that included my Nikon D3000, 2 kit lenses, and a camera bag! It was perfect!
As perfect at that camera was for me then, I wanted to share some tips for you to buy your first DSLR camera, especially with all these big Black Thursday Friday and Christmas deals coming out. First, my camera bundle got me started. It was good and I really loved it, BUT now that I understand what a good lens is and what you should look for, there are better ways to spend your money on camera gear than on a kit/bundle. For all you moms, daughters, wives, and anyone else wanting cameras this year, send your “Santa’s” this link 😉
Bundles can include any of the following- camera, lens or two, camera bag, and memory card.
The reason that we don’t love bundles and wouldn’t tell our own family to buy them when interested in a camera is the lenses. Kit lenses usually don’t have really good glass and don’t let you get that really blurry, pretty background in pictures that we love. They also are not our favorite lenses to learn to shoot in manual on. We also know what memory cards are good and what are not worth spending your money on. And usually the camera bag that comes with the kit is not the cutest or able to fit anymore than what comes in the kit.
What we recommend instead of a camera bundle or kit-
Your camera of choice as a “body” only purchase like this Nikon here and Canon here.
A 1.8 50mm lens- Nikon find it here and Canon find it here.
A 1.8 35mm lens- Nikon find it here.
Memory card like this one here.
Cute camera bags from Kelly Moore Bag or Jo Totes. These camera bags look like purses and make it so you can carry it around with you, in case you have the cutest kiddos and need pictures of them all the time! And trust me on needing to take pictures of your kids all the time, it is SO important! Carry your new camera around with you to capture those memories!
We’ve also had success with LowePro backpack bags. We use ours for hiking and being outside on adventures! Find some of those here.
If you have any questions about gear, send us an email- info@michelleandlogan.com
Great article! I have a question. I am looking to buy my first dslr and have come down to the choice of a d7100 with one zoom lens for $550 or Black Friday d3300 with two zoom lenses and a wifi adapter for $500. Either one, I will be buying a 50 mm f/1.8 right away and eventually a 35 mm also. I will be shooting everyday things with my kids and also my husband’s work of landscape design. That will include night shots of Lightscapes. I like the d3300 because it is so small I can carry it around, yet the d7100 is a great camera that I could use as I become better. I was thinking it would be fun to take pics of bday parties and such. Lifestyle type photos. The d7100 is such a great price! Yet the size of the d3300 is awesome. What do you think?
Hi Kiri!!! The 33oo is more of a beginners camera than the 7100 so there differences in their sensor sizes and megapixels. I would personally go with the 7100 or 5300! The Canon vs Nikon question in regards to creaminess all has to do with the lens you shoot with and the settings you use!! I’m going to be offering another beginnners workshop early next year and I will be teaching all about that if you are in the area! 🙂
Also, I am looking at the ones with a lens because they cost the same or less than just the body. I’m checking all options:) I have been looking at d5300s too. I like the creamy color of Canons but notice you have that creaminess. What setting d you use? Thanks!