What camera to buy: I am saving to buy an SLR but I know nothing about cameras. I have been using a Nikon Coolpix P90 which has been an easy camera. I love the movable screen, but I am...

Lagace4 Loc: San Diego, CA

I am saving to buy an SLR but I know nothing about cameras. I have been using a Nikon Coolpix P90 which has been an easy camera. I love the movable screen, but I am looking to grow and want to get a good camera before I take a class. I am looking at the Nikon D5200. What are your thoughts? Also what is the difference between DX and FX? Thanks in advance for everyones help

jamm Loc: northumberland uk

Lagace4 wrote:

I am saving to buy an SLR but I know nothing about cameras. I have been using a Nikon Coolpix P90 which has been an easy camera. I love the movable screen, but I am looking to grow and want to get a good camera before I take a class. I am looking at the Nikon D5200. What are your thoughts? Also what is the difference between DX and FX? Thanks in advance for everyones help

well Lagace4 if ihad my time again instead of buying a cheap camera like i did i bought a sony 200 for my 1st camera but i wish i had just pushed the boat out and bought a top of the range plus a good lens because if you buy cheap you will always want better i now have a sony A77 with a 70/400mm lens price around £2700 it sounds alot but i prob spent about £600 on rubbish lenses ect , hope this helps , jimmy

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Lagace4 wrote:

I am saving to buy an SLR but I know nothing about cameras. I have been using a Nikon Coolpix P90 which has been an easy camera. I love the movable screen, but I am looking to grow and want to get a good camera before I take a class. I am looking at the Nikon D5200. What are your thoughts? Also what is the difference between DX and FX? Thanks in advance for everyones help

Cameras come and go, but lenses are forever. You can get the D5200 with a kit lens, and then plan on getting a top quality lens that you'll keep through the rest of your camera upgrades. Below are links to camera reviews - lots to read.

Camera Reviews
http://www.kenrockwell.com
http://www.dpreview.com
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/cameras - comparisons
http://www.snapsort.com
http://www.whatdigitalcamera.com/equipment.html

FX vs DX
http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/full-frame-advantage.htm
http://www.google.com/search?q=fx+vs+dx

http://camerasize.com/
http://www.digicamdb.com/compare/nikon_d7000-vs-nikon_d800/

bogeyeliot Loc: Signal Hill, CA

Lagace4 wrote:

I am saving to buy an SLR but I know nothing about cameras. I have been using a Nikon Coolpix P90 which has been an easy camera. I love the movable screen, but I am looking to grow and want to get a good camera before I take a class. I am looking at the Nikon D5200. What are your thoughts? Also what is the difference between DX and FX? Thanks in advance for everyones help

I got the Nikon D5100 kit from Costco for Christmas of 2011...it's been great for me, I imagine the 5200 would be great for you...I too like the moveable screen, very handy....DX vs FX--focal length in mm on lenses relates to FX-sized sensors, since DX sensors are smaller, the APPARENT focal length of lenses is larger, about 1.5x the mm.....a 400mm lens on an FX sensor equates to a 600mm lens on a DX sensor...hope this helps you....

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

Lagace4 wrote:

I am saving to buy an SLR but I know nothing about cameras. I have been using a Nikon Coolpix P90 which has been an easy camera. I love the movable screen, but I am looking to grow and want to get a good camera before I take a class. I am looking at the Nikon D5200. What are your thoughts? Also what is the difference between DX and FX? Thanks in advance for everyones help

Can I suggest before asking you check out the search tab above for all the previous answers

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/search.jsp?q=which+camera+to+buy&u=&s=0

I have linked for your help

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

Considering that you don't have much experience with cameras, I wouldn't recommend a more expensive DSLR. The pricier cameras are often harder to learn on because of the many more menu options and functions. Even the cheapest entry level DSLR's can produce great photos. After a few years, you can then decide if you want to upgrade to a better camera as you will have a better understanding what additional features you want your camera to have. Or perhaps you will find that your initial, cheaper camera is good enough for your photographic needs.

With lenses, it's a different story. I'd rather have a low-cost entry level camera with a great lens than an expensive camera with a bottom budget lens.

RED-LOU

I HAVE BEEN SHOOTING FOR A WHILE NOW. THE ONLY THING I COME ACROSS IS SPORTS AND ACTION SHOTS. WHAT INEXPENSIVE CAMERA CAN I GET . I HAVE AN OLYMPUS EPL1 NOW.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

rook2c4 wrote:

Considering that you don't have much experience wi... (show quote)

Correct... to a point.... If I truly wanted to learn photography, I would NOT get an SLR with those various modes... sports, landscape, macro (which isn't , by the way), et al. They are crutches and unnecessary to one wishing to learn photography....

Sometimes higher end models are actually simpler in design and easier to use.

Focusing on glass is good advice.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

LoneRangeFinder wrote:

Sometimes higher end models are actually simpler in design and easier to use.

Correct! They have more controls to change settings, rather than having to go into the Menu for everything.

Griff Loc: Warwick U.K.

Are you sure you want an SLR?
I think they may be yesterday's technology.
Few people actually enjoy the SLR's weight and bulk, and frequently such cameras are left in the car when they should be with you.
Unless you actually require the ultimate in resolution(when you should consider medium format) have a look at the modern mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras.
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/0344780582/mirrorless-cameras-a-primer deals with this subject.

Whatever camera you choose do make sure it has a viewfinder and a tilting screen.
I favour the Sony NEX 7, but you may find that a sophisticated 'point and shoot' such as a late model Canon 'G' series will be a good cheap stepping stone to help develop your technique.
Moreover, it will still be a handy back-up if, and when, you splash out on all those lovely spectacular lenses for your Nikon D800 . . .

Bret Loc: Dayton Ohio

I think you will be very pleased with the D5200...lens selection....well that's another story...good luck.

wISOr Loc: Austin, TEXAS

Lagace4 wrote:

I am saving to buy an SLR but I know nothing about cameras. I have been using a Nikon Coolpix P90 which has been an easy camera. I love the movable screen, but I am looking to grow and want to get a good camera before I take a class. I am looking at the Nikon D5200. What are your thoughts? Also what is the difference between DX and FX? Thanks in advance for everyones help

I jumped into the DLSR camera world last Sept and purchased the D7000. A bit over my head as far as all its functions, but am GLAD I chose it as I am constantly learning different ways to shoot what I love to shoot, wildlife. Not a pro by any means but it sure is fun!

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jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

patrickwilson86 wrote:

Before you make the plunge, read some reviews and take suggestions from the forum. Don't aim too low when choosing a camera. I've never heard anyone complaining that the camera they bought is too good.

Good point. Getting a betting camera to begin with can save the expense of selling the original and buying the one you really want. It's better to upgrade right from the start. Of course a beginning photographer probably shouldn't begin with a D3.

ole sarg Loc: south florida

hold a nikon and a canon the one that is most comfortable get. lenses. hard part of the purchase. me, I would probably start with a "kit" lens. Why because you are learning. If you find that you like photography up grade but if you find that your camera lays in a drawer or is mostly stored in a closet you have invested way too much already!

ole sarg Loc: south florida

hold a nikon and a canon the one that is most comfortable get. lenses. hard part of the purchase. me, I would probably start with a "kit" lens. Why because you are learning. If you find that you like photography up grade but if you find that your camera lays in a drawer or is mostly stored in a closet you have invested way too much already!