With beginner’s DSLR you do not have to spend a fortune to get good quality images. In fact for less than $1000
Cdn, much less in US$, one can get a decent package that can be used for aviation photography. Sure these be‐
ginner’s cameras have their limitations, for example small buffers and lower frame rates, nevertheless, they of‐
fer surprisingly good specifications but what truly counts is good images. Even today’s beginner’s cameras offer
much better image quality than mid priced or even professional ones from less than a decade ago, of course it
also depends on the lens and the skill of the photographer.
The D3200 is a compact sized camera that is packed inside
with serious Nikon power: a 24.2 MP DX‐format CMOS sensor
that excels in any light, EXPEED 3 image‐processing for fast
operation and creative in‐camera effects, Full HD (1080p)
movie recording, in‐camera tutorials and much more. With
Nikon's optional Wireless Mobile Adapter, you can share your
masterpieces instantly with your Smartphone or tablet too.
The list is $399.95 Cdn. It is available with a kit lens the AF‐S
Zoom‐NIKKOR 18‐55mm, that is good for static photography
but too short in range for anything in the air, list is $529.95
Cdn.
AF‐S DX NIKKOR 55‐300mm f/4.5‐5.6G ED VR is an all‐in‐one
zoom telephoto lens, designed for DX‐format DSLR users. The
300mm telephoto performs admirably thanks to built‐in VR II
(Vibration Reduction) image stabilization. On the long end at
300mm it will have the effective focal point of 450mm or 9X
closer than a standard 50mm lens. It is a compact and light
weight lens ideal for aviation photography from behind the
flightline. List price is $429.95
Another recommended lens would be the AF‐S VR Zoom‐
Nikkor 70‐300mm f/4.5‐5.6G IF‐ED, which is an FX lens, but
works equally well on a DX body. It has similar specification
as the DX lens, but the main advantage is in case of an up‐
grade to full frame camera body, the lens will work, while a
DX lens will not cover the full frame sensor. Over all it is
great lens that can be used for sports, nature, portrait and
wildlife photographers that have a tight budget or want to
be able to travel light. Sharpness and contrast‐wise, it defi‐
nitely beats any other consumer telephoto lens in the 200‐
300mm range category. List is $649.95 Cdn.