Ugly Hedgehog - Photography Forum
Home Active Topics Newest Pictures Search Login Register
Check out Advice from the Pros section of our forum.
Main Photography Discussion
What Camera?
Page 1 of 2 next>
Sep 19, 2013 23:18:30   #
TBrad Loc: SW Florida
 
Hello, I am just getting back into photography. I haven't done anything with it for many, many years. I need some opinions on what camera to start with as there are just so many out there now. I am old school, manual, Minolta camera user. I don't want only a point and shoot. However, point/shoot at times would be nice. Here's what I like to do: distance/nature shots, old buildings, bridges, etc., candid people shots, love black/white; here's what I want to learn to do: storm/lightening shots, portrait shots, maybe macro (afterthought). Video would be nice (afterthought not necessary). My budget is around $500+/

Reply
Sep 19, 2013 23:22:50   #
Jakebrake Loc: Broomfield, Colorado
 
TBrad wrote:
Hello, I am just getting back into photography. I haven't done anything with it for many, many years. I need some opinions on what camera to start with as there are just so many out there now. I am old school, manual, Minolta camera user. I don't want only a point and shoot. However, point/shoot at times would be nice. Here's what I like to do: distance/nature shots, old buildings, bridges, etc., candid people shots, love black/white; here's what I want to learn to do: storm/lightening shots, portrait shots, maybe macro (afterthought). Video would be nice (afterthought not necessary). My budget is around $500+/
Hello, I am just getting back into photography. I ... (show quote)


A Canon refurbished 60D would fit the bill nicely.

Reply
Sep 19, 2013 23:33:35   #
Wahawk Loc: NE IA
 
For what you want to do, and the budget, seriously consider a "bridge" camera like the Canon SX50 that has lots of manual controls, hot shoe, remote shutter release, etc. and a 24mm-1200mm optical zoom.

Use the search here and look for "SX50" and see what many of us are really enjoying!!

Reply
 
 
Sep 19, 2013 23:43:25   #
SharpShooter Loc: NorCal
 
Jakebrake wrote:
A Canon refurbished 60D would fit the bill nicely.


TB, yes the 60D would be great, it has the articulating screen. If you want to spend more, the new 70D.
If you want to do sports or nature, the 7D is a specialist.
If you want to spend less, any Rebel in your price range will do nicely for general shooting. Canon has more shooters than anybody else, making their stuff more accessible and competitive than most. Look at and save money with a refurbished model.
Good luck. SS

Reply
Sep 19, 2013 23:49:23   #
Ambrose Loc: North America
 
Jakebrake wrote:
A Canon refurbished 60D would fit the bill nicely.


Along these same lines, a used Nikon D90 would do as well.

Reply
Sep 20, 2013 00:06:39   #
Merlin1300 Loc: New England, But Now & Forever SoTX
 
Go to a store
Look at Nikon and Canon DSLRs
See which seems most intuitive to you
Then start with that manufacturers camera that you can best afford.
-
Over the years - your REAL investment will be in the GLASS for that camera.
And THAT will be the main impediment to jumping ship to another manufacturers camera body
-
ALSO - consider your primary interests in photography. If landscapes and low-light photography - then go full frame. If sports, consider crop sensor. Another advantage of crop sensor is - you can use both crop and full-frame lenses, whereas if you get a full-frame body - your lenses are more limited (mostly for Canon - I think you can use DX lenses on a Nikon FF body with some degradation ??)

Reply
Sep 20, 2013 06:44:30   #
Gary Truchelut Loc: Coldspring, TX
 
Does the SX50 have a RAW option?
Wahawk wrote:
For what you want to do, and the budget, seriously consider a "bridge" camera like the Canon SX50 that has lots of manual controls, hot shoe, remote shutter release, etc. and a 24mm-1200mm optical zoom.

Use the search here and look for "SX50" and see what many of us are really enjoying!!

Reply
Check out Sports Photography section of our forum.
Sep 20, 2013 06:47:54   #
Gary Truchelut Loc: Coldspring, TX
 
For your wants, I would suggest a full frame camera with good high ISO capabilities. You may even want to consider a used or refurbished one to keep the price down.

Reply
Sep 20, 2013 06:52:16   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
Jakebrake wrote:
A Canon refurbished 60D would fit the bill nicely.

:thumbup: Definitely get a refurb. The camera has been checked by a tech and adjusted as needed. It will probably have under 2,000 shutter actuations, look like new, and come with all the bits and pieces - and a one-year Canon warranty.

Reply
Sep 20, 2013 09:32:18   #
CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City
 
TBrad wrote:
My budget is around $500+/
You can get a nice new camera with 1 or 2 lenses in this budget in the one model back category from Nikon such as the D3100. I think I saw an email about a D5100 in this range as well this week, but can't find the email now. The refurb Canon 60D is a great idea, but you'll spend this budget on the body with no lens ... Do the search on the SX50. You'll find many great examples that might convince you this is the way to go.

Reply
Sep 20, 2013 10:15:40   #
TBrad Loc: SW Florida
 
I do like what I read regarding the sx50 and the price is within my reach. I think for me getting back into photography this might be the way to go as it will help me get back into the swing of things as far as relearning manual settings; and when in the mood use the P&S feature. Seems the camera is great for macro shooting to zoom shooting. I am a bit confused as far as what extras to purchase. I'm not sure if I should buy only the camera and a few extra items or go with one of the bundle packages. I have a pretty nice large camera case. My question is if I buy only the camera, what other items should I buy? Or should I just go with a bundle. I don't want to over buy, and I want to make sure I have everything I need to get started as I can always purchase more things later on. So, what is your opinion? Also, would it benefit me to buy one of the lens kits? Here is an Amazon link http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=canon+sx50
Thanks for your time :thumbup:

Reply
Check out Commercial and Industrial Photography section of our forum.
Sep 20, 2013 11:07:25   #
Gary Truchelut Loc: Coldspring, TX
 
I personally would get the camera first and forget the bundles as they usually don't have much of any value to you. Buy what you need as you find a use for it. This way you don't waste any $ and get exactly what you need.

Reply
Sep 20, 2013 11:09:15   #
haroldross Loc: Walthill, Nebraska
 
Gary Truchelut wrote:
Does the SX50 have a RAW option?


Yes, the SX50 has the RAW option.

Reply
Sep 20, 2013 12:15:37   #
A. J. Loc: PA. USA
 
TBrad wrote:
Hello, I am just getting back into photography. I haven't done anything with it for many, many years. I need some opinions on what camera to start with as there are just so many out there now. I am old school, manual, Minolta camera user. I don't want only a point and shoot. However, point/shoot at times would be nice. Here's what I like to do: distance/nature shots, old buildings, bridges, etc., candid people shots, love black/white; here's what I want to learn to do: storm/lightening shots, portrait shots, maybe macro (afterthought). Video would be nice (afterthought not necessary). My budget is around $500+/
Hello, I am just getting back into photography. I ... (show quote)




I not sure if this is the correct procedure for quote reply, here goes;
I bought a Canon Rebel T4i, I believe it shoot 4 and a half frames per second~which I was told was good for action photography~with a 70-300 lens.
This camera was recommended to me as a good starter DSLR camera at a reasonable price.

If it is a point & shoot you prefer, I'm sticking with the pocket size Canon SX 260 HS with a 20x optical zoom.

Wishing you the very best of luck in your preferred choice.

Reply
Sep 20, 2013 12:19:15   #
Photo Phledgling Loc: tiny island between Hudson and East rivers
 
Merlin1300 wrote:
Another advantage of crop sensor is - you can use both crop and full-frame lenses, whereas if you get a full-frame body - your lenses are more limited (mostly for Canon - I think you can use DX lenses on a Nikon FF body with some degradation ??)


I have a new 60D and am loving it. I still don't know anything, but I'm really enjoying learning.

Bear in mind that any Canon lens marked as EF-S will not work on a full-frame camera. EF-S are for crops only.

Reply
Page 1 of 2 next>
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.
Check out True Macro-Photography Forum section of our forum.
Main Photography Discussion
UglyHedgehog.com - Forum
Copyright 2011-2024 Ugly Hedgehog, Inc.