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Seeking guidance with selection of a digital camera.
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Feb 17, 2017 10:43:56   #
RichardSM Loc: Back in Texas
 
You can never go wrong with the higher-end Canon camera.

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Feb 17, 2017 11:01:06   #
MtnMan Loc: ID
 
Embra wrote:
I just had a look at the Nikon Df - oh if only I had the budget - that camera sounds wonderful for the style of photography I favor!!
Not really "sold" on the whole "retro styling" craze - but the specs it packs with the compatibility to use vintage glass - it's tempting.


Understand Nikon just stopped production of it.

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Feb 17, 2017 11:23:21   #
gessman Loc: Colorado
 
Embra wrote:
I would like to ask advice in regards to narrowing down choices between various digital cameras. <snip>


It would be my humble opinion that if you have the innate talent and can produce images that merit attracting the kind of attention you want your images to attract, about any camera mentioned in this thread is up to that end of the job and a D3300 you mentioned would certainly be adequate and a good place for you to start. If it is inadequate for your needs it won't take you long to see that and if you are serious you will find a way to get the equipment you feel you need when you cannot improve your skills with what you have and you will know when that time arrives. The camera you use will not be the delimiting factor in your ambition whether it be the D3300, a Sony mirrorless, or the Canon 1DX Mark II dslr.

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Feb 17, 2017 11:29:02   #
John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN
 
If you have a walk-in camera store nearby, you might visit and try out all the options that meet your budget. Once you have settled on your best options, try visiting the camera companies web sites to see whether what you want is offered as a refurb. Don't be afraid of a camera company refurb as the unit will meet the company's specifications. The price might be attractive, as well.

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Feb 17, 2017 11:38:45   #
Architect1776 Loc: In my mind
 
John_F wrote:
If you have a walk-in camera store nearby, you might visit and try out all the options that meet your budget. Once you have settled on your best options, try visiting the camera companies web sites to see whether what you want is offered as a refurb. Don't be afraid of a camera company refurb as the unit will meet the company's specifications. The price might be attractive, as well.



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Feb 17, 2017 11:40:42   #
Ray50
 
I am not a person that needs the 'latest and greatest'. I buy 1-2yr old cars AND cameras. I just got a new Sony a3000 mirrorless at a good price and I am happy with it. I replaced an Olympus XZ-1 I got after the XZ-2 came out. Both good cameras at good prices. I would not be afraid to look at some of last year's models. You may get a very good camera at a very good price.

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Feb 17, 2017 11:46:02   #
Oly Guy
 
Found a D3200 24MP Nikon used very good- for 265.00 with 15 55 lens on amazon-most Nikon lenses are sharp, good color etc even their kit lenses-their 50 200 3.5 -? is decent for starting-its probably 100.00 used so for 375.00 you have a great starting camera which takes great pictures- The 3200 shoots quite well in low light at high iso to 2000 at least- so many newer cameras shoot high iso and you save on the lenses-especially Nikons.

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Feb 17, 2017 11:49:38   #
Kissel vonKeister Loc: Georgia
 
Embra wrote:
I would like to ask advice in regards to narrowing down choices between various digital cameras. I began my photography journey using 35mm film cameras. Over time, I have built my confidence staging and shooting digitally using my HTC smartphone. I have tried a couple of lower end point & shoot cameras. Although the lazy sod in me is attracted to the point and shoot, I already basically know my way around using one - my ultimate aim is to find work as a freelance photographer. As I understand it, DSLR is the "professional standard". However, I see that there are some very attractive "mirrorless" cameras with impressive specs giving the DSLR's a run for their money. I have also seen "bridge" cameras - which I think might be a good choice for me as a "step up" from what I've been doing... Though I can't imagine a professional photographer showing up for a paid gig with one - unless they were getting paid to review it.
The overwhelming majority of my photography concerns nature, landscapes, wildlife, sunrise/sunset although I'm also interested in architecture/street photography, and also in exploring macro - I'm interested in creating fine art prints of plant life, flowers, etc.
My budget is very small at this stage - I understand that this will be an investment which I can build upon over time - and I'm not at all averse to using second or even third hand gear, provided it was cared for properly and is in decent working condition. I'd also like to be taken seriously provided I do land any freelance assignments. My gut tells me I would love an Olympus or a Pentax but short of winning the lottery I don't see that becoming a reality any time soon. I've read several gear buying guides and compared features and prices for the "heavy hitters"... Canon, Nikon, Fuji & Panasonic... Leicas look lovely but I doubt I'll ever have the budget for one.
Suggestions will be gratefully received!
I would like to ask advice in regards to narrowing... (show quote)


I really like my Nikon , Olympus, and Panasonic (just one small MFT body) gear. Then I bought a used Fuji X-E2 from a guy, found a new 18-55 lens at a pawn shop, and bought a 23mm f2 from B&H. Anybody wanna buy some Olympus, Panasonic, and Nikon gear? Fujifilm rocks! Outstanding IQ, and the menus make sense.

Fuji 16mm f1.4 on an X-Pro 2 body:

http://www.fujifilmusa.com/products/digital_cameras/x/fujifilm_x_pro2/sample_images/img/index/ff_x_pro2_001.JPG

I'm sold.

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Feb 17, 2017 11:59:56   #
Kissel vonKeister Loc: Georgia
 
Embra wrote:
I would like to ask advice in regards to narrowing down choices between various digital cameras. I began my photography journey using 35mm film cameras. Over time, I have built my confidence staging and shooting digitally using my HTC smartphone. I have tried a couple of lower end point & shoot cameras. Although the lazy sod in me is attracted to the point and shoot, I already basically know my way around using one - my ultimate aim is to find work as a freelance photographer. As I understand it, DSLR is the "professional standard". However, I see that there are some very attractive "mirrorless" cameras with impressive specs giving the DSLR's a run for their money. I have also seen "bridge" cameras - which I think might be a good choice for me as a "step up" from what I've been doing... Though I can't imagine a professional photographer showing up for a paid gig with one - unless they were getting paid to review it.
The overwhelming majority of my photography concerns nature, landscapes, wildlife, sunrise/sunset although I'm also interested in architecture/street photography, and also in exploring macro - I'm interested in creating fine art prints of plant life, flowers, etc.
My budget is very small at this stage - I understand that this will be an investment which I can build upon over time - and I'm not at all averse to using second or even third hand gear, provided it was cared for properly and is in decent working condition. I'd also like to be taken seriously provided I do land any freelance assignments. My gut tells me I would love an Olympus or a Pentax but short of winning the lottery I don't see that becoming a reality any time soon. I've read several gear buying guides and compared features and prices for the "heavy hitters"... Canon, Nikon, Fuji & Panasonic... Leicas look lovely but I doubt I'll ever have the budget for one.
Suggestions will be gratefully received!
I would like to ask advice in regards to narrowing... (show quote)


I have three systems, and recently bought a used Fuji X-E2 body from a pro. Long story short, I found a good price on a new 18-55 in a pawn shop and a 23mm f2 from B&H. Fuji IQ is a real grabber, and there are some very complicated reasons behind that. Many will reject this statement, but Sony doesn't even make cameras. My Nikon and Olympus gear sits in the closet now, although it's all quite capable and I enjoy[ed] using it. I'm not a pixel peeper, but IQ is everything to me. Fuji's got it in spades. Here's an example from Fuji's website:
http://www.fujifilmusa.com/products/digital_cameras/x/fujifilm_x_pro2/sample_images/img/index/ff_x_pro2_001.JPG

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Feb 17, 2017 12:27:54   #
Kissel vonKeister Loc: Georgia
 
sueyeisert wrote:
If you're used to 35mm camera then try Fuji feels a lot like a 35mm camera try the X-E2 get it used from KEH or B&H.


I'll second that. Fantastic results, low priced, and overlooked.

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Feb 17, 2017 12:29:49   #
Kissel vonKeister Loc: Georgia
 
Kissel vonKeister wrote:
I'll second that. Fantastic results, low priced, and overlooked.


Forgot to mention - limited video capability. Good results, but few options.

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Feb 17, 2017 12:39:17   #
royden Loc: Decatur, GA
 
Hi Embra,

My gut tells me I would love an Olympus or a Pentax but short of winning the lottery I don't see that becoming a reality any time soon.

Above from your Opening Post. Please read butch's post about Pentax. I have a Pentax K5lls..awesome cam for the money. Also have a Canon 40D..10 MP. Got it for $150.00 from Keh.com with 33,000+ clicks. Works great. Check out pentaxforums.com for more Pentax news. That said, there are lots of choices and recommendations here. There is no bad cameras and you don't need the latest and greatest. I've seen photos from 6MP cameras that blow me away. Good look and lets know what you end up with.

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Feb 17, 2017 12:45:36   #
Kissel vonKeister Loc: Georgia
 
royden wrote:
Hi Embra,

My gut tells me I would love an Olympus or a Pentax but short of winning the lottery I don't see that becoming a reality any time soon.

Above from your Opening Post. Please read butch's post about Pentax. I have a Pentax K5lls..awesome cam for the money. Also have a Canon 40D..10 MP. Got it for $150.00 from Keh.com with 33,000+ clicks. Works great. Check out pentaxforums.com for more Pentax news. That said, there are lots of choices and recommendations here. There is no bad cameras and you don't need the latest and greatest. I've seen photos from 6MP cameras that blow me away. Good look and lets know what you end up with.
Hi Embra, br br My gut tells me I would love an O... (show quote)

All true. There's been so much churning in the photo market that you can go back in time and select some really good equipment that has great utility value and poor market value.

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Feb 17, 2017 14:55:17   #
Embra Loc: San Diego, CA
 
Thanks I shall check out Ken Rockwell's reviews.

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Feb 17, 2017 14:57:01   #
Embra Loc: San Diego, CA
 
Thank You to All who have responded! You have all given me lots of information and some good choices to follow up on in my research!
Very Much Appreciated!

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