jburlinson wrote:
Chris -- Why do you purchase so many cameras in the entry to intermediate level APS-C dslr range? Do you teach people who might have a big range of cameras and you want to be able to guide them through their specific quirks?
When it comes to taking photographs, do you have a specific preference among your various cameras regarding image quality? I just wonder if there's much difference between the brands at this level?
So many, J? ... I bought the most affordable beginner DSLR, initially, the T3 (12MP) - which was my very first DSLR. A year later, I found the D3200 (a 24MP camera) was selling for not much more than I paid for the T3. Later, there was a sale on both the Canon EOS 60D - a semi-pro camera, and the T4i - an intermediate APS-C DSLR - and the first one with a Touch Screen, EVER - so I bought both of these on successive months. That wrapped up my Canon purchases. Then, I concentrated on EOS glass for a while, as I experimented, with both my Canon system, and my one Nikon body - enjoying the comparison of the results. Then, I decided to expand the Nikon system, by picking up the D5300 - which had GPS. Along the way, realizing I could not afford a more advanced Nikon DX new, I purchased a refurbished D7000 - so that I would have the capability of using two D lenses I'd already purchased, which would not work in AF on the D3200, or D5300 models. Then, as I got older, and found I could no longer hold my cameras as steady, anymore, as I did, a few years, before - I started looking at IBIS models. The first I found I could easily afford, was the Pentax K-50, so I got one of those. That camera has served me well, and I have probably used it more now, than any other, but for the T3. When I decided to expand the Pentax system, I elected a K-3, which I purchased used, but, found I could not keep it, because it emitted a wet electrical smell, so, I decided to return it. By then, the price of a new K-3 had escalated beyond accessibility, for me, so I lost interest in replacing it. Whilst I was waiting for the credit on the K-3 to be processed, the first Touch-Screen Nikon - ever - came out (the D5500) so I picked up one of those. Several months later, since I still could not afford a K-3, and found out not ALL Nikon lenses ever released, would fit the D7000, and the price on the D7100 had come down to an affordable level, I picked up a D7100, using the credit B&H issued, finally, on the K3. In 2014, I became interested in the Sony SLT system - also IBIS, and decided to purchase the very affordable a58 - my first SLT entry. I had wanted an a77, but could not afford to get one, at the time - so, I settled for the a58. Later, my fortunes changed, and I found I COULD afford the a77 - back when it was less than $700 ... now, of course - they sell for twice that, because of the GPS no doubt. No sooner had I made that purchase, than the announcement of the a77 II was made - a semi-pro camera (like the a77 before it) so I vowed to save up for that one - which had 79 focus points, and a more advanced system, altogether, than the a77. That was my last DSLR purchase.
As for the differences between them, I really cannot speak to that, fully, as they are ALL very capable cameras. However, the overall result from the IBIS-based ones, are very much more desirable, than the results I am getting from the ILIS cameras, currently. Though, the results I obtained from the ILIS cameras, were acceptable to me, five or six years ago. But, now - not so much. Except for the K-50, though - whose top ISO is 51000 - the SLTs are thwarted somewhat, by less capability in that arena. So, obviously, when it's overcast, the K-50 is my camera of choice. When it's bright and sunny, ANY of the SLTs might be taken. When I expect to be shooting lots of close-up work, the one I use, is the a77 II, which has on it my Sigma 105 Macro.
Recently, though, when I shot the terrifying results from the Quasi-Tornado, which hit this area on May 15th - I chose to use the Nikon D7100 ... glad I did, too ... as, because of the associated slow-down of traffic, I found I could take all the time I needed.