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Seeking guidance with selection of a digital camera.
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Feb 17, 2017 15:03:15   #
Embra Loc: San Diego, CA
 
That sky is spectacular but what's with all the weird colouration on the houses in the foreground? And I've seen a couple desirable Fujis for decent prices: one with a fantastic Ziess lens which I know is good glass

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Feb 17, 2017 15:09:15   #
Embra Loc: San Diego, CA
 
Thanks for the input regarding Pentax, too. I have seen a couple of very desirable models, used, at an excellent price.

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Feb 17, 2017 15:26:42   #
Embra Loc: San Diego, CA
 
Brilliant fall foliage - and this is a good example of how I would be using the camera I end up choosing. Mainly outdoors, natural light, landscapes, travel photography, wildlife, skyscapes.

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Feb 17, 2017 15:27:37   #
D.T.
 
To utilize your current lenses on what you purchase, you should focus on the "Full Frame" bodies and be certain that an adaptor is available. The problem with the 4/3rds is that they increase each lens stated focal length by 50%. Think about a 21 or 35 or 50 mm lenses. They end up being 32, 52, or 75 mm. I would probably save as much as I could to go with the full-frame. One of them, the sony 7S has an ASA range of 100 to 402,000, which is a really good feature for low-light photography-candid's, other existing-light pix. Only 12 MP, but the pixels are much larger so to absorb more light.
Good hunting!
D.T.

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Feb 17, 2017 15:27:47   #
Nosaj Loc: Sarasota, Florida
 
Embra wrote:
Thanks for the input regarding Pentax, too. I have seen a couple of very desirable models, used, at an excellent price.


The Pentax DSLR cameras are top rated. Their new full frame K1 has the features, workmanship, and quality of the top line Nikon and Canon full frame cameras but at a cost under $2K, or about 1/2 the cost of the others. The same is true for the C-sensor models (k5s, K3s, K70, KP, and others). The Pentax lenses are excellent, particularly the "Limited" editions, which are as sharp and versatile as any other in the market. The only thing Pentax lacks is a robust marketing campaign from its owner, Ricoh.

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Feb 17, 2017 15:33:09   #
marty wild Loc: England
 
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)

Full bag of DSLR can get heavy if your investing in equipment. Have you a reasonable level of fitness? You must consider this. Yes I know you don't have to fill your bag, but I always carry two bodies. Why? I here you say. I do get about. if I was to get failure I have a back up plan. Whilst I'am fit enough I will continue to gear up this way. As soon as I start to struggle I will go back. To light and mirror less. I am a Nikon shooter if your after speed shots look at the canon range if you want landscape look at Nikon all rounders go Sony. To keep an healthy bank balance! Stay with your phone. Which ever road you go down keep clicking tiger, n don't stop till ya drop 😜

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Feb 17, 2017 15:44:41   #
Reinaldokool Loc: San Rafael, CA
 
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)


A used or better, a factory refurb Sony or Fuji MILC (mirrorless) would serve you nicely. Because it is three "generations" old, the Sony a6000 is often available for <$600 with a lens. 2014 is not so long ago and the a6000 makes great photos. I am an old Nikon person, but have shot most of the brands. The sony engineers and designers really got this right The a6000 had many features not available on DSLRs, including silent shutter, better autofocus, eye-autofocus. The a6300 has the fastest autofocus on the market right now.

Leicas are the former gold standard, but not so much anymore. Fuji makes cameras as good or better.

KEH has Fuji xe-2 for about $400, but you have to add a lens for another $200.

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Feb 17, 2017 16:26:04   #
ELNikkor
 
If you are considering the Nikon 3000 series, consider that the D5100-D5300 are a bit better, and have the advantage of an articulating screen. This screen can be very helpful for shooting candids, or shots from angles where you can't get your eye on the viewfinder.

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Feb 17, 2017 16:34:09   #
SteveR Loc: Michigan
 
Go to B&H cameras and look for used cameras. They grade them by condition. Since you haven't even shot photos with a p&s yet, my recommendation would be to look for a good quality Nikon D7000 or D7100 and a good kit lens that covers a nice range like the old 35-80mm that came with my D6006 film camera. You should be able to get into that kit for a reasonable price. Buy a book such as Mastering the Nikon D7000 (or D7100), learn the camera, use it, learn composition, the exposure triangle, how to shoot both manually and using both aperture and shutter priority. Learn about iso. Take a photography class. But more than anything, get out and shoot.

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Feb 17, 2017 18:07:57   #
Embra Loc: San Diego, CA
 
Thanks :) I've been able to narrow my choices quite a bit thanks to the excellent advice I've been receiving. My fitness isn't what it once was, however, that being said, I was able to rockclimb barefoot on wet, slippery rip rap tumbled boulders to get some shots of the tide overtaking the rock jetty at Ocean Beach last summer - and I work in a fast paced retail environment where I'm on my feet hustling for the majority of my shift. Good to get your input, it seems many serious photographers carry more than one body and several lenses + gear bag, tripod, etc.

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Feb 17, 2017 18:13:25   #
Embra Loc: San Diego, CA
 
I have used point & shoot cameras but I'm dissatisfied with the quality. I also used to shoot 35mm and I took a Long time to adapt to digital. Since I was so frustrated with digital at the beginning, and there is such a plethora of equipment out nowadays to choose from, I opted to get comfortable using the smartphone before laying out large ducats on equipment.
Point well taken in regards to a photography class - I already had plans to take a few as I feel it will give me an opportunity to become more familiar with various models and their capabilities.

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Feb 17, 2017 18:15:27   #
Embra Loc: San Diego, CA
 
Great information thanks :)

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Feb 17, 2017 18:19:45   #
Embra Loc: San Diego, CA
 
Thank you, D.T. there was a piece of critical information: regarding the effect the four thirds sensors have with the lenses. I was already leaning in the direction of full frame and I also now understand why many photographers are not fans of the four thirds sensors. Pertinent information to have.

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Feb 17, 2017 18:58:23   #
ebercovici
 
I have the perfect answer for you. Although I an a Sony A7Rii owner and fan and love the mirrorless technology, I saw the right purchase for you on the internet today, considering your price constraints. It is a Canon Rebel DSLR kit including two lenses, an external flash, filters, case, etc for about $550 at Beach Camera. I have bought two digital cameras, lenses, etc. from them with good experiences. The link is: http://www.beachcamera.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=E12CNEOSRT6LENSX2&omid=427&ref=email4&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=Email&utm_placement=20170217_FLASH0217BC&smtrctid=5643dccc3b35d0ce1292cfa5%26omid .Look at the ad and let us know if this is what you want.

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Feb 17, 2017 21:09:33   #
photonutt1970
 
well honestly I think it is personal preference, I think the color reproduction on Nikon DSLR's are superior to those of other cameras but that might just because I finished my film days with Nikon and haven't looked back

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