741cob

I am wanting to get better at photography and am looking for opinions on a couple of equipment choices. I am interested in shooting landscapes, Milky Way/star photos, sunrise/sunset, travel and family photos. I like to make 16 x 20 prints of the really good ones. I may have the need for video capability on an upcoming hike along the Appalachian Trail. I currently use a smartphone (LG G3) and I think it takes surprisingly good pictures. I am told that I have a good sense of what is a good picture and I want to get better and see how much better the photos can look.

I am wanting a mirrorless system and am torn between the Sony a6300 or 6500 with a Vario-Tessar T*E 16-70 mm f/4 OSS and the Fujifilm xt2 with the 18-55 f/2.8-4 kit lens.

I am not made of money and want to try to stay below $2000 (I know that the 6500 would put me above that, I just don't know if the improvements are worth the money to me).

Please hit me with your opinions and advice, I enjoy reading and learning from the forum and am anxious to get started.

Appalachian Mountain Sunset


Skagway, Alaska Train Ride


Red Rocks Park, Las Vegas

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Yes, you have a decent eye for composition.

Look at the Panasonic LUMIX G85 with 12-60mm zoom (kit). I like that better than either of the others, as it is MUCH lighter to carry on a hike.

Of the setups mentioned, the XT-2 is the best choice.

Beyond gear, invest time in self-education and training. Read the fine manuals, Tony Northrup's "Stunning Digital Photography", and Bryan Petersen's "Understanding Exposure". Then go make images!

Jcmarino

Look at the You Tube videos from Gary Fong on both these cameras to help in your decision. If it was me I'd go for the 6500. Just depends on your budget.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Your smart phone and you are a good combination. I do not believe pictures from a smart phone can be enlarged to the size you want and I agree you need a digital camera.
The used market is full of excellent cameras and lenses and there is always the refurb gear. I am saying this because it seems your intention to save money and I do not blame you.
If you have good photographic expertise and have learned the basics of photography any camera with the features you need will do the job. It does not matter if it is an old or a new camera, if it has the features you need camera and lens will do their part when you do yours.
I am not familiar with the Nikon D6500 but I am sure it will not let you down from what I know. Do not forget to buy a good tripod. It is essential for good photography.

johneccles Loc: Leyland UK

I use an Olympus EM10 with a couple of Panasonic lenses, so you ought to consider a micro 4/3 rds camera as well such as Panasonic or Olympus.
I also use my LG G3 to take photographs and the image quality is excellent. A few weeks ago I posted a couple of photographs of the same subject, one taken with the phone camera and the other with my EM10 to see if members could tell which camera took which picture.
The answers were quite surprising, the majority did not guess correctly and considered the photograph taken with the phone was the best.

leftj Loc: Texas

The Fuji XT-2 is a far better camera but by the time you buy the camera and a couple of lenses you will be well above $2,000.

D74M

About 2 months ago, purchased my first digital camera. I had made the decision to go mirrorless (size, weight, etc) and decided on the Fuji X-T1 (would have selected the X-T2, but had a $ limit). Love the feel, retro design (most of your exposure controls are located on readily available dials), and weather resistant build. The Sony is a bit smaller and lighter: check out this link for comparison: http://mirrorlesscomparison.com/sony-vs-fujifilm/a6500-vs-xt2/. Either decision will serve you well...

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

I am sure they are both very competent - I have Fuji film cameras and Sony digitals. I would be leaning to the Sony/Zeiss - not sure you need the 6500 tho. - a 6000 or 6300 would be much cheaper - but with the same Zeiss lens. For me, the only attraction for the Fuji would be their wide aperture lens line up.

bweber Loc: Newton, MA

I think you are better off with the a6500 and the Zeiss lens. The 6300 does not have image stabilization in the body, it relies on the lens and the Zeiss lens does is not stabilized. IS is a good thing to large prints of landscapes. This combination will give you very sharp images. I recently purchased the 6500 with the Zeiss lens as a walk around camera. I like it although I am still getting used to the electric view finder. However, I use a Cann 5DSR for large print landscapes as the images are very sharp and I own many Canon "L" lenses that I have collected over the past 15 years.

phlash46 Loc: Westchester County, New York

There's someone in the Buy/ Sell forum offering three of Bryan Peterson's books for $45. Good buy.

hankm1 Loc: Mount Prospect IL

Welcome to the Forum!
You're captures are nicely composed. Keep at it.

Jer Loc: Mesa, Arizona

I have a Sony a6000 and an a6300. If you are concerned about money try the a6000. It's a great small camera as all three of the Sony's are....the a6000, a6300, and the a6500. Just depends what features you want.

Toment Loc: FL, IL

Welcome
Looks like whatever you shot with is a good camera LOL

Dennis833 Loc: Australia

I would recommend a Sony A6000 or the Fujifilm X-T20 to start with. Put your extra money into a second lens.

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

One of the best ways to decide which camera is to compare the specifications. Websites like B&H list them in a pretty complete list for most gear. This will let you decide which features are important to you and which you do not care so much about. That translates as which ones you think are worth extra money!

Pre-owned or refurbished can let you buy a newer model for less than regular retail. The only caution is to buy from a "trusted vendor" rather than choosing based only on price. There are a number of reputable trustworthy vendors where you can start checking their offerings and prices [availability and price will vary between stores]. Also, if you have any questions, their customer service people will help. B&H, Adorama, Cameta, KEH are some names. I have dealt with both B&H and Adorama, very satisfied with my purchases. [Living in Vermont, it is very convenient for me to deal with these two, both of which have physical stores in New York City. Shipping to my house is seldom more than two days!] Of course you can also check out the manufacturer's website for refurbished cameras and lenses.