Nikon D3100 DSLR

       Many friends, family, and coworkers have been asking me for a recommendation of an entry level DSLR(Digital Single Lens Reflex) for them to buy for family and travel photography.  The features and quality that an DSLR will add to you photographic experience is astronomical over the standard point and shoot which most people own.  These features and photo quality can be obtained for only a small increase in price over the high end point and shoot models on the market today.  Many of you will probably be thinking as you read this, the way technology progresses these days what stops a manufacture from creating DSLR quality and features into something that can fit into your pocket.  Well it is happening right now, although you will pay the price for the new technology. It's similar to when you threw away your desktop for that amazing laptop 10 years ago that was more expensive, you paid the price for the new technology. I will revisit these cameras in a future post when I get my hands on one, for now I will stick with whats affordable and capable.

(I hope to review the Sony NEX-7 when it becomes available.  The price is $1399!)
       This first Camera I would recommend for individuals starting out with a DSLR is the Nikon D3100.  This is Nikon's entry level DSLR camera. Don't let entry level shy you away from this camera, I have seen it personally create some amazing results.  The camera always comes with a great 18-55mm VR lens(Vibration reduction to help with blurry pictures). This is a normal zoom lens, which is very versatile and produces some incredibly sharp photos.  

This photo was taken with the 18-55mm VR Central Park in the Winter

        I would recommend adding another lens to your kit, which is the extraordinary 35mm F1.8 Prime lens.  What this F1.8 means is that in low light it's the go to lens.  The lower the "F" number the better in low light without a flash the lens preforms.  It is the go to lens for the kids playing. The other great aspect is the shallow depth of field this lens creates with the wide open Aperture (Aperture is the opening of the lens, and F1.8 is pretty wide open).  The shallow depth of field is that creamy out of focus area behind the subject you are photographing.  This is known in the photograph world as Bokeh.  This results in some very professional images made by you at home! This lens is also great for landscapes. This photo was taken with the 35mm F1.8 lens Santorini's Black Sand Beach at night

  The other addition to you camera bag would be an external flash. I recommend the Nikon SB-400.  Everybody knows that photograph they get when taking pictures with their point and shoot at the dinner party or at home in low light, the light is harsh, unflattering, and there are shadows all over the place and you background is lost in darkness.  This can all be cured by a more powerful battery operated external flash.  One main feature of this battery operated flash that helps you create more pleasing photos, is the ability to bounce the flash of any surface. In many cases this surface happens to be a ceiling indoors.  You will loose the harsh light given off by the direct on camera flash, and it removes a lot of unwanted and unflattering shadows.  This flash is extremely affordable. It will help create that more professional look you will get to your priceless photos.

  Two more impressive features of this camera is the ability to capture those memories in 1080p HD video.  They will come out great on your big screen TV.  The other is that is takes 3 pictures a second at full resolution for those fast moving kids and sports action.
        If you decided to buy please use the links below so you can purchase on Amazon, or if you live near NYC just head on down to the friendly and helpful folks and B&H Photo in NYC.        

       I hope this helps everyone. I you have another questions about this product or anything else that I mention on my blog please feel free to contact me.

Note: Pricing will fluctuate a little bit on some items.  Try to buy from Amazon and not another vendor as you will recieve better customer service.  I f you are willing to wait don't pay anymore than the following prices:
Nikon D3100: $650
Nikon SB-400:$119
Nikon 35mm f1.8: $199