dlavallee

Hi All,

I am a new member and new to dslr photography. I am getting back into the hobby after being away for many years. I have a lot of experience in emulsion photography, and owned Nikon cameras for years and always loved them; however, since I am not committed in any way, I figure why not start with an open mind and see what some folks with experience would suggest..

I definitely want to get a camera with full frame sensor, so I was considering a Nikon D610, or possibly D750 to get my feet wet, but then I noticed that folks are selling used Canon 5D (12.8 mp) used for about 300 (body only).

Thoughts/experience about this model?

I don't have much experience with digital, so especially those with experience printing their photos could help here: my thoughts on megapixels is that 12.8 (12.7 'effective' though I'm not exactly sure what that means) is plenty enough resolution to print up to 16x20" prints..

I appreciate any and all suggestions and advice.

Thanks,

Dave

dirtpusher Loc: tulsa oklahoma

How much money you willing to spend. Then review the features offered in your Priceline. In camera HDR. SO MANY options at different levels.

tdekany Loc: Oregon

definitely go for the Nikon cameras over the old Canon

Shellback Loc: North of Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands - Kansas

Welcome to the forum...

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You are asking questions that are answered with opinions - and you will get many...

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orrie smith Loc: Kansas

Where are you from, do you have a camera store near you? If so, go look at the offerings and get a feel for the camera bodies. I have the d750, and it is a great camera. If I were looking at the d610, I would look into the d810 as well, it is a much better camera body in my opinion. Not that there is anything bad about the d610, I just feel the d810 is a better investment.
When buying your new camera, look at B&H Photo, Adorama, and KEH for used equipment to save a few dollars. Also check out Nikon for refurbished equipment. B&H and Adorama also sell refurbished, and offer warranties on the refurbished equipment.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Why do you feel you need full frame? Personally, I'd stay away from the 5d as well as the 5dii.

According to sales, Sony just passes Nikon, and is slowly creeping up on Canon. What types of subjects do you plan/like to shoot. That'll help narrow down a model for you.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

If a high performance FF is what you've decided on (for all the right reasons), then both the Nikon D750 and the Canon 5D3 (either of which can be had used in the $1500 price range) are both worthy contenders. Before deciding, consider what lenses you want - FX series in the Nikon and EF series in the Canon, and consider the entire package - both lenses and body, before deciding. Either would be a great choice if they fit within your budget and will accommodate anything you want to do, from casual (but high quality) amateur to professional-grade work, and are a foundation for the future.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Why buy from a company that will probably be out of business or acquired by Sony in a few years?

BebuLamar

I don't argue whether which camera is better nor whether Nikon will be out of business. But if the Nikon is better I would not hesitate to buy it even if the company will go out of business.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Neither would I, I think Nikons are great, I just though I would give Thomas a tweak, since it is Easter and he needs to be nailed occasionally!

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

Someone suggested going to a camera store and holding the cameras I your hands to get a feel for how they feel. This is a good idea, you want something that you can hold and operate comfortably.
The camera you mentioned is very old, for a digital. The 5D II was a far better camera than the original and the 5D III was even better still. I shoot both Canon and Nikon so I'm familiar with both. Canon ergonomics are better than Nikon. Canon's are just easier to learn and easier to use. Nikon uses Sony image sensors in their full frame cameras, Canon makes all their own image sensors. Up until very recently, the Sony image sensors were about the best sensors available but Canon has caught up and is now manufacturing image sensors that give the Sony sensors a run for the money.
If you want something a bit smaller and lighter than the average DSLR, you may want to look into mirrorless. Sony, Fujifilm, Panasonic, Olympus and Samsung are the industry front runners when it comes to mirrorless cameras.
Best of luck in your quest for a digital camera, so much to choose from and all the newer stuff is good.

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

Don't overlook the D500. Coupled with FX lenses it is awesome. I almost like it as much as my D810.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Dave Welcome to UHH. I was an emulsion guy with Nikon Cameras.
My suggestion is stick with Nikon.
If your budget will allow it consider a D810. I have the D800(Prior Model)

PM me if you have any questions.
Stan

OutBack Loc: North Central Florida

Get a good used one and then buy a lens. It is a no-brainer!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Nikon is having financial trouble. Buy an expensive Nikon. :D

The first thing to decide is how much you want to spend. Megapixels are like horsepower in a car - lots of bragging rights, but still nice to have. If you get any decent DSLR, it will have enough MP. Decide on a price, a brand, and a few models. Then do comparisons. Whatever you get will be capable to taking great pictures. I like the D750.

Read comparisons and specs, and decide what features are important to you.
(Reviews) https://www.youtube.com/user/TheCameraStoreTV/videos
http://www.cameradecision.com/
http://cameras.reviewed.com/
http://camerasize.com/
http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM
http://snapsort.com/compare
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/cameras?utm_campaign=internal-link&utm_source=mainmenu&utm_medium=text&ref=mainmenu