Yes, more deals from site-affiliate B&H. It does seem to be that time of year!

First, a quick comment about buying cameras and other photographic equipment as holiday gifts. There is a lot I could say about this topic, but I’ll just offer a few quick thoughts.

• If there is a person on your gift list who is interested in getting started on DSLR photography, the current entry-level cameras from companies like Canon, Nikon, Pentax, and Sony are wonderful tools – and it almost always makes more sense to start someone out with one of these cameras and the bundled kit lenses than to get caught up in the notion that new DSLR shooters need to start with high-end gear. (I’ve listed a bunch of Canon “Digital Rebel” options and a few Nikon choices down further on this page, and many are available at discounts right now.)
• If you are looking for a gift for someone who is already serious about their photography, it is probably best to either ask them what they want, get a gift certificate/card, or possibly offer to take them shopping – perhaps with dinner or lunch included! For such people, choices of equipment are often quite specific and very personal, and it could be quite risky to guess at what they might want or to rely on guesses from other photographers.
• And if you are thinking of someone who just wants a camera, there is a very good chance that they will be quite happy with a point & shoot camera (available in all levels of sophistication, size, quality… and price).

Now, on to the update of current specials at B&H – in some cases you may need to click the item or add it to your cart to see the lower price:

• Nikon D600 Bundle – $2,879.60 value, now $1996.95 – includes Nikon D600 DSLR, 24-85mm lens, extra battery, memory card, camera bag, Oben monopod. Free shipping and eligible for B&H “2% reward” program.
• Olympus E-PL5 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 14-42mm f/3.5 II R Lens – Various versions (different body colors) ranging from $549-$599 (regular price $699)
• Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM Autofocus Lens – $849 now $649
• Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens – 799 now $629
• Nikon D3100 Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm NIKKOR VR Lens – 646.95 now $476.95 (Free Lowepro Toploader Zoom 45 AW bag and 16GB memory card.)
• Canon EOS Rebel T3 Digital Camera and 18-55mm IS II Lens Kit – $549 now $399 (Free: 16GB memory card, shoulder bag)
• Sony Alpha NEX-6 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 16-50mm Zoom Lens plus full boxed version of Adobe Lightroom Mac/Windows – $1099 value, now $998
• Canon PowerShot A3400 IS Touch Screen Digital Camera (Black) – (also available in other colors) $159 now $74.95
• Canon PowerShot A810 Digital Camera (Black) – (available in other colors) $69.95

Information is accurate to the best of my knowledge as of this update, but check the B&H site for accurate and updated details.

G Dan Mitchell is a California photographer and visual opportunist whose subjects include the Pacific coast, redwood forests, central California oak/grasslands, the Sierra Nevada, California deserts, urban landscapes, night photography, and more.
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