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+/
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 ... (
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A Canon refurbished 60D would fit the bill nicely.
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!!
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
Jakebrake wrote:
A Canon refurbished 60D would fit the bill nicely.
Along these same lines, a used Nikon D90 would do as well.
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.
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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
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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 ??)
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!!
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.
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.
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.
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+sx50Thanks for your time :thumbup:
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.
Gary Truchelut wrote:
Does the SX50 have a RAW option?
Yes, the SX50 has the RAW option.
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.
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.
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