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Seeking guidance with selection of a digital camera.
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Feb 16, 2017 19:58:43   #
Embra Loc: San Diego, CA
 
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!

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Feb 16, 2017 20:03:42   #
snfapm1983
 
Can't go wrong with Sony A6000. Cost vs. benefit is high.

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Feb 16, 2017 20:09:06   #
Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.
 
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 love my Nikon Df.

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Feb 16, 2017 20:12:24   #
JPL
 
It seems like your budget will make this very difficult to answer. But maybe a Nikon D700 and some Nikon D lenses could be the right choice. The D700 is a former top of the line model from Nikon that was very popular for serious and professional photographers. The model was replaced some years ago with the D800 but is still a very good camera and has the looks and image quality expected for serious work. Look at this option. But it would also help if you could give us a number for your budget.

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Feb 16, 2017 20:20:02   #
Embra Loc: San Diego, CA
 
The Sony - I was looking at specs for these: they seem pretty feature - rich, for the price. Unfortunately they are beyond my budget at present... I shall keep my eyes open, however!

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Feb 16, 2017 20:32:53   #
Embra Loc: San Diego, CA
 
Thank you, from my information gathering I have heard good reports regarding the Nikon D700 camera.
I noticed a listing for a Nikon D3300 Digital SLR Camera Black + 3 Lens: 18-55mm Lens + 16GB Bundle - list price was $379 - marked down 41%. Obviously I would want to buy a larger capacity SDHC card 16gigs isn't much.
The bundle seems like a decent value... There are so many choices today, and new technology allowing upgrades leaps and bounds in 6 - 12 months time - almost makes me wonder should I wait for next year, as there will be many cost effective offerings.

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Feb 16, 2017 21:07:34   #
Embra Loc: San Diego, CA
 
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.

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Feb 16, 2017 21:08:01   #
rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin
 
Suggest you look hard at a wide range of cameras currently offered in used condition with high ratings by reputable major vendors such as B&H, Adorama, KEH, And Cameta. Don't overlook your local/regional camera stores. I'd start with a good brand of 16MB SD memory card and supplement that with others rather than buying a mega-large card which puts all your images in one basket susceptible to catastrophic failure. After choosing a camera, consider buying one of the often helpful 3rd-party user guides. Practice, practice before hanging out your shingle as a commercial photographer. Digital is both similar and also very different than film.

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Feb 16, 2017 21:19:55   #
Embra Loc: San Diego, CA
 
Excellent ideas, Ralph - thanks! Feeling you on both the differences and the similarities of film vs. digital photography. And I am definitely taking my time, gathering intel, comparing various brands/features/styles/price ranges - have already begun comparing a few different buying guides along with a variety of in depth reviews from reputable sites - ones more invested in giving honest information for serious buyers to make informed choices rather than marketing pages trying to capture a sale. I'm a firm believer in supporting local business - and I've been a secondhand store diva from way back - long before it became "trendy" to flaunt your thrift store finds :) I often buy used, refurbished, or "open box" so long as the item is in good working order or is returnable if damaged, it suits me just fine.

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Feb 16, 2017 22:43:36   #
Silverman Loc: Michigan
 
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)


Also, check refurbished DSLR cameras, and lens, b&h, Adorama, Cameta Camera, etc.

I personally as a newbie to DSLR Photography chose the Nikon D3300, now the D3400 (newest), with 18-55 dx vrII lens, 55-200 dx vr II lens, and just purchased a Prime 35mm 1.8g lens, many great reviews on this camera as a beginner's camera. great camera for a reasonable price.

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Feb 17, 2017 00:29:58   #
Tinkerbell Loc: Bethalto IL
 
Love my Canon 5D Mark III

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Feb 17, 2017 01:53:41   #
rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
 
rjaywallace wrote:
Suggest you look hard at a wide range of cameras currently offered in used condition with high ratings by reputable major vendors such as B&H, Adorama, KEH, And Cameta. Don't overlook your local/regional camera stores. I'd start with a good brand of 16MB SD memory card and supplement that with others rather than buying a mega-large card which puts all your images in one basket susceptible to catastrophic failure. After choosing a camera, consider buying one of the often helpful 3rd-party user guides. Practice, practice before hanging out your shingle as a commercial photographer. Digital is both similar and also very different than film.
Suggest you look hard at a wide range of cameras c... (show quote)


Seriously!? 16MB?! The image files my walkabout camera creates are larger than that. Anything smaller than 16GB is ridiculously small in a modern digital camera. As for catastrophic failure, I've been shooting on CF and SD and now XQD cards for many, many years now and in all that time I've had exactly one SD card fail, and it was a cheap one. The bulk of my CF and SD cards are pro grade Lexar, SanDisk and Transcend and not a single one has ever failed.

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Feb 17, 2017 05:08:33   #
Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI
 
Depending on the body style you like...a Panasonic G7 or GX85 are great cameras. Personally I'd get whichever one comes with the 12-32 lens. For a kit lens, it's quite nice (and absolutely tiny). You can also find a used EM1 for around $400-500...a really great option if you wanted to get that Olympus.

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Feb 17, 2017 06:33:39   #
grammabd Loc: Matagorda county texas
 
Have you read ken Rockwell reviews? Ii liike how he compares past models to a current one....

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Feb 17, 2017 06:59:52   #
sueyeisert Loc: New Jersey
 
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.

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