looking to move up to DSLR
Jan 6, 2012 18:53:11 #
I am going to get pounded with opinions. I currently have a near DSLR and want to move up to a formal DSLR. I have read reviews and have read reviews. Based on all your experiences, what would be the best 1st DSLR acquisition to make (and why) if the price point is max $700 (I'm not a Rockefeller or a Kennedy). Let the opinions begin. Bring 'em on.
Jan 6, 2012 20:19:58 #
Here's a starting point (the big two makes):
Nikon D3000 - $499.94
Canon T3 - $549.95
Both are good "starter" dSLRs, giving you something to build on.
Visit the websites for details, but generally, you get the same features for the same price. Check out Sony, Sigma, Olympus and Pentax as well.
Go pick a couple up and make sure they feel tight in your hands.
Don't get too wrapped up in megapixels - it mostly matters when you want to make large prints.
Nikon D3000 - $499.94
Canon T3 - $549.95
Both are good "starter" dSLRs, giving you something to build on.
Visit the websites for details, but generally, you get the same features for the same price. Check out Sony, Sigma, Olympus and Pentax as well.
Go pick a couple up and make sure they feel tight in your hands.
Don't get too wrapped up in megapixels - it mostly matters when you want to make large prints.
Jan 6, 2012 20:29:12 #
Visit a good-size camera store, and handle a few cameras with kit lenses. Each has a different feel. Hopefully, one will strike your fancy.
Jan 7, 2012 07:16:18 #
In an earlier thread someone recommended a late model used. I have been very happy purchasing used from ebay. They offer buyer protection and if the seller has a high rating you should fine. Other excellent advice I've read on these threads is to actually go to where they sell cameras and get the feel for what you like and how the controls are placed. Nikon / Canon, Chevy / Ford.
Jan 7, 2012 08:10:49 #
Consider purchasing used or refurbished from B&H. I bought a used Nikon D60 back as a backup camera from them and it is in better then excellent condition- very reputable company.
Jan 7, 2012 09:21:05 #
Nikonian72 wrote:
Visit a good-size camera store, and handle a few cameras with kit lenses. Each has a different feel. Hopefully, one will strike your fancy.
I second this approach. A year ago at this time I was ready to make the move like you describe in your opening comment.
Thanks to good advice like N72 offers here I went to SEVERAL local camera stores where professionals put cameras in my hands. Hearing their advice and looking through the viewfinders at the same time established a "sense of feel" for the cameras. The photographic results I have achieved since that patient search for my first DSLR added many bright spots to an otherwise difficult year.
Jan 7, 2012 10:57:43 #
I went with Canon because I had a Canon Film camera with several lens - All the Lens worked with the DSLR. My only problem has been a pin problem with the memory card and my son fixed that at home. I bought a second Canon DSLR two generations newer than my original DSLR and have been happy with that. I live in the St. Louis area and I bought the second used camera at Schillers in Rock Hill, MO., for $200. It was a trade in on a newer camera and has worked very well for the past year, and several thousand shots. The first one I purchased from B and H in NYC, online. Their prices are generally good. The recommendations to get one in your hand is are good ones. If you have a friend that owns one see if you can borrow it for an afternoon and do some shooting. Also when you finally purchase one, look at Amazon for any accessories because I have found them to be cheapest overall.
Jan 7, 2012 12:12:25 #
Try starting with a kit camera from Costco, that's what I did. A camera body, 2 lenses, bag, and accessories all in one package. They have Nikon and Canon, so do a bit of research and take your "pic". HAHAHA pun intended.
Jan 7, 2012 13:10:50 #
Jan 7, 2012 13:58:06 #
nikondaddy
Loc: Mayfield,Kentucky
best bet if your moneyis shaky buy a model of camera you would like at least 10 megs used. Like a NikonD40 or Canon Rt or a Sony 330 we talking between 250 - 300 for a camera that ,s probably not used much just traded for a newer model. I bought my first cameras that way both Nikons a D-50 and D-70 and I can shoot a 1000 photos in a day.
Jan 7, 2012 14:59:30 #
CanonShot wrote:
quote=Nikonian72 Visit a good-size camera store, ... (show quote)
Canonshot, I just have to say that you sure made a light bulb go off! (Off camera flash??)
I received my D5000 for my birthday last year...and now that you mention it,boy, did it ever help to get through an otherwise difficult year. To be able to take a little time and shoot a hundred or so pics certainly takes a person's mind off of the curves that life seems to throw at times. Kind of like a golf game. You immerse yourself in it.
I love my camera even more, now!!!
Jan 7, 2012 15:21:41 #
How can you tell how many pictures a particular camera has taken?(Nikon DSLR)
Jan 7, 2012 18:02:02 #
jpy56 wrote:
quote=CanonShot quote=Nikonian72 Visit a good-si... (show quote)
I would bet, jpy56, there are many, many others that would say the same thing about 2011.
Jan 7, 2012 19:10:46 #
BarbK wrote:
How can you tell how many pictures a particular camera has taken?(Nikon DSLR)
Barb,
Here is a link to the FREE software I use, it is a Picture Information Extractor, and it will give you MORE information than you ever knew existed about an image. (Including your cameras total picture count).
Its also a very handy tool if you are having trouble figuring out exposure settings, just shoot one subject in as many different combinations as you want to, look at them in PIE and see which ones you like, and the EXIF date will show you EXACTLY what settings were used for that pic. You can take notes and learn how to manually adjust your camera for almost any circumstance that way.
Its not just a free trial, it is FREE software. They have an upgrade which allows you to do a lot of manipulation of your image too, but I don't use that as I already have Capture NX2 and PSE9.
Good luck
Jan 7, 2012 19:37:45 #
MT Shooter wrote:
quote=BarbK How can you tell how many pictures a ... (show quote)
MT S, in what ways do Capture NX2 and PSE9 compliment each other? Briefly please or PM me since my inquiry is separate from this strand. Thanks.
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