5 Editors' Choice Reasons to Take Up Photography

Whether you want to be the next Nick Knight or the next Pete Souza, you've got your work cut out for you if you never pick up a camera. To help you take that first step, we've rounded up the week's best Editors' Choice camera deals. See a pair of entry-level Canon DSLR cameras starting at $252, upgrade to the Nikon D7000 and save $69, or grab the weather-resistant Pentax K-50 for $126 off.

1. Refurbished Canon EOS Rebel T3 12.2-Megapixel DSLR Camera with the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Type II Lens
   Store: Canon
   Price: $251.99 with free shipping
   Lowest By: $215.99

   Is It Worth It?: Everybody has to start somewhere, and this refurbished Canon EOS Rebel T3 is an excellent entry-level DSLR. And at $252, you'll save $162 off the price of a new unit! "This 12-megapixel digital SLR is on the lower-end as far as price and features, but it has all of the options and flexibility an aspiring photographer might need to break out of the tedium of point-and-shoot and cell phone cameras," PC Mag noted. It features a 2.7" vari-angle LCD, 720p video recording, 3 fps continuous shooting, and an SDXC card slot.

   A 1-year Canon warranty applies.

2. Refurbished Canon EOS Rebel T3i 18-Megapixel DSLR Camera with the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II Lens
   Store: Canon
   Price: $335.99 with free shipping
   Lowest By: $213

   Is It Worth It?: If you're looking for a more advanced DSLR than the T3 above, Canon's EOS Rebel T3i is the logical choice. Still an entry-level camera, the Rebel T3i boasts a larger 3" vari-angle LCD, full-HD 1080p video recording, 3.7 fps continuous shooting, HDMI output, and an SDHC/MMC card slot. You'll save $213 off the price of new unit when you grab this factory refurb for just $336.

   A 1-year Canon warranty applies.

3. Refurbished Nikon D7000 16.2-Megapixel DSLR Camera Body
   Store: BuyDig via eBay
   Price: $529.99 with free shipping
   Lowest By: $69

   Is It Worth It?: There comes a point in every photog's life when they need to take off the training wheels. With features like a 3" LCD, 1080p video capture, two SDXC slots, and HDMI, this refurbished Nikon body is a killer upgrade at a $69 savings. "The Nikon D7000 stands out as a great camera for experienced photographers and pros who don't have specific needs like full frame or fastest burst possible," CNET said. "If you're ready to replace your current DSLR with something a little more powerful, a look at the D7000 should top your to-do list."

   No warranty information is provided.

4. Pentax K-50 16.3-Megapixel DSLR Camera Body Bundle
   Store: Adorama
   Price: $396.95 via coupon code "SUMMERSALE" with free shippingEXPIRED
   Lowest By: $126

   Is It Worth It?: Sometimes the perfect shot happens in the worst weather. If you're going to be hanging out in nature, grab this Pentax K-50 body bundle in Black, White, or Red. Purportedly cold-proof and weather- and dust-resistant, the rugged K-50 features a 3" LCD, 1080p video recording, optical image stabilization with shake reduction tech, and an SDXC card slot. This bundle includes a Pentax AF-200FG shoe-mount flash, a camera bag, a copy of Tiffen DFX Essentials for Windows or Mac, and a Kodak 16GB class 10 SDHC card.

5. Golla Sky DSLR Camera Bag
   Store: BuyDig
   Price: $7.99 with free shipping
   Lowest By: $10

   Is It Worth It?: Years from now when you've won the Pulitzer for Feature Photography or had your work displayed in MoMA, you'll be able to afford any camera bag you want. But right now cameras are expensive and, at just $8, the Golla Sky bag in Red isn't. A $10 savings, this petite camera bag accommodates compact DSLR and mirrorless cameras. It sports magnetic closure, a soft interior lining, and a removable interior wall.