Newbie needs direction
Mar 19, 2014 13:27:41 #
Up to this point I have been just a point and shoot guy. IT Guy for 30 yrs and I am a woodworker looking to show off my products, both stills and video. I have been looking at NIKON 5200 DSLR to fill my needs and hopefully not be too overwhelmed. I probably will never be deep into photography as I already have a hobby or two and just want to take some nice photos and videos of my work. My question is the 5200 good enough, or overkill and will I be able to use it well without a lot of knowledge or training. Any help and advice is appreciated
Mar 19, 2014 14:16:51 #
If you are not really into photography and just want to shoot your projects then I think a DSLR is over kill. the newer point & shoot or bridge cameras do a get job for a less money.
thats my 2 cents
thats my 2 cents
Mar 19, 2014 20:50:56 #
Overkill(for your intended shooting). As mentioned, some excellent point 'n' shoots at half the cost.
Mar 19, 2014 21:16:19 #
I agree also. However, if you still want a camera you can change lenses on, why not look at a used one or reconditioned. There are a lot of great used cameras out there that will do the job for you. You will need to make a decision on which lens to purchase, but an 18-55 would work fine. Cheap and sharp!
Mar 19, 2014 21:49:02 #
popsworkshop wrote:
Up to this point I have been just a point and shoo... (show quote)
My opinion: Yes, it would be overkill. You can do well with a good P&S or if you want to move-up a little I suggest the Canon SX-50. Great 'bridge' camera (midway between P&S and DSL camera). You can view some great shots on this site shot with that camera. I love mine! Let's see some of your shots of your woodwork when you can, ok?
Mar 19, 2014 22:08:32 #
Mar 19, 2014 22:17:43 #
popsworkshop wrote:
Up to this point I have been just a point and shoo... (show quote)
Our local camera shop is selling refurbished Nikon D3000 with 18-55mm zoom lens for $199. You can't beat such a deal for a 10 megapixel camera. I doesn't have live view or video capabilities, but it will take some good pictures.
Mar 19, 2014 23:26:29 #
popsworkshop wrote:
Up to this point I have been just a point and shoo... (show quote)
By the time you get the 5200 and a lens you are looking at $800 plus. For half the money look at the Panasonic lumix FZ200. It will more than meet your needs. It's a very good "bridge" camera.
Mar 19, 2014 23:47:31 #
amehta
Loc: Boston
boberic wrote:
By the time you get the 5200 and a lens you are looking at $800 plus. For half the money look at the Panasonic lumix FZ200. It will more than meet your needs. It's a very good "bridge" camera.
:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
Mar 19, 2014 23:50:37 #
Papa Joe wrote:
My opinion: Yes, it would be overkill. You can do well with a good P&S or if you want to move-up a little I suggest the Canon SX-50. Great 'bridge' camera (midway between P&S and DSL camera). You can view some great shots on this site shot with that camera. I love mine! Let's see some of your shots of your woodwork when you can, ok?
Remembered seeing this from the other day. A used SX-40. A great bridge camera, and altho not new...easily worth the money. If I had the extra, I'd have already snagged it.
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-194595-1.html
Mar 20, 2014 02:05:53 #
popsworkshop wrote:
Up to this point I have been just a point and shoo... (show quote)
Pops, first, welcome to the Hog.
From one woodworker to another, if you want to really, "show of your work", I would keep the DSLR in mind. If you want to really show off your work, you need to do it right, that means making it look like a studio shot, if you want it to look really good. It's basically product photography.
Now if you just want snapshots for your Facebook, your iPhone may be fine.
Just a different point of view. And don't discount something like a Canon SX model, which are VERY popular, if you don't need a DSLR. Good luck. ;-)
SS
Mar 20, 2014 02:56:46 #
I'd agree with Sharpshooter
do not discount using a DSLR out of hand.
Depending on what kind of woodworking you do, you may want a camera that allows use of a macro lens for smaller works, or to show some details of your woodworking creations.
After you put all that effort into your creations, a little bit more effort to record them, or sell them, may be in order.
- Marc
Depending on what kind of woodworking you do, you may want a camera that allows use of a macro lens for smaller works, or to show some details of your woodworking creations.
After you put all that effort into your creations, a little bit more effort to record them, or sell them, may be in order.
- Marc
Mar 20, 2014 08:20:34 #
I have both and I use my P&S a lot. I can put it in my pocket rather than lug a DSLR around. Now when I wish to get serious and more creative I will then use the DSLR because it has more features. DSLR requires knowledge and if not used a lot you will always be referring back to the owner's manual.
Mar 20, 2014 09:34:50 #
I agree that a DSLR is overkill for what you want to do. Even if you later decide you really are interested in photography and want to get more involved, a camera just to take some pictures of your wood projects will be easier to use when what you want is just a quick and easy snapshot.
I've used a Nikon Coolpix S9100 for this kind of thing and can recommend it. It's now an older model but reviews I've seen say it really is better than the update (I think that is the S9500). You can probably now pick up an S9100 for well under $100.
Here's a picture of a carving I finished recently which I took using this camera.
I've used a Nikon Coolpix S9100 for this kind of thing and can recommend it. It's now an older model but reviews I've seen say it really is better than the update (I think that is the S9500). You can probably now pick up an S9100 for well under $100.
Here's a picture of a carving I finished recently which I took using this camera.
Mar 20, 2014 09:44:18 #
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