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Oct 27, 2015 10:07:01   #
CHOLLY Loc: THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE!
 
eesileon1 wrote:
I haven't used an slr for many years, have used pns or bridge cameras. Would like to start using dslr but don't want to break the bank. Have been looking at refurb nikon 53 $ 5500 or canon t5 or new t6. Thoughts or suggestions.


Check out the Sony A77II. It is an EXCELLENT camera packed full of features with some of the best image quality available in the APS-C sensor format.

It gives you the BEST value for price of any camera in the enthusiast level range.

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Oct 27, 2015 10:21:35   #
burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC
 
eesileon1 wrote:
I haven't used an slr for many years, have used pns or bridge cameras. Would like to start using dslr but don't want to break the bank. Have been looking at refurb nikon 53 $ 5500 or canon t5 or new t6. Thoughts or suggestions.


1) Try before you buy!
2) See #1!

There are lots of good cameras available new and used these days. The one you pick will probably lock you into a lens mount for a long time, so perhaps you should try several models of each brand to see the similarities and differences of control layouts, feel in hand, ergonomics, etc.

Don't overlook the mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras from Sony, Fujifilm, Olympus, Panasonic, and Samsung. Olympus and Panasonic cameras share the Micro Four-Thirds format, which has the most lenses available and can adapt the most lenses from other systems.

Used lenses are available at a substantial discount from new ones.

Whatever you do, investigate every dealer's RETURN policies before purchasing anything.

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Oct 27, 2015 11:03:21   #
rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona
 
eesileon1 wrote:
I haven't used an slr for many years, have used pns or bridge cameras. Would like to start using dslr but don't want to break the bank. Have been looking at refurb nikon 53 $ 5500 or canon t5 or new t6. Thoughts or suggestions.


You can get a D800e for 1/2 that amount.
--Bob

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Oct 27, 2015 14:51:03   #
DJO
 
"f/8 and be there" -- Arthur Fellig

Always wondered where that phrase originated. Thanks.

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Oct 27, 2015 15:07:02   #
amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA
 
Nikon users are gonna tell you to get a Nikon.

Canon users are gonna say only a Canon will do.

Then the Sony, Olympus and Pentax fanboyz and fangirlz will chime in why each of their favs should also be your fav. And some are gonna tell you that full frame is the way to go, while others will instead recommend crop sensor models (such as you're already considering). That's one of the problems with asking this sort of question on a forum like UHH!

The fact is, any of them are darned good and quite capable. Even the most entry-level today can out-perform digitals from 5 or 10 years ago. You should go to a store, handle, fiddle and play around with as many different DSLRs as you can, to see what "feels" best to you. Are the controls comfortable in your hands? Power them up to see if the menus seem intuitive and easy to navigate. If possible, even snap a few shots.

Stepping up from a point-n-shoot or bridge digital camera to a DSLR will give you two major advantages: A wider selection of lenses for various purposes and, in most cases, a significantly larger sensor that will make for better image quality, particularly noticeable at higher ISOs.

Canon and Nikon have the largest selection of lenses available and both of them offer a lot of models with image stabilization (Canon, who pioneered stabilizing SLR/DSLR lenses, calls it "IS" and Nikon calls it VR or "Vibration Reduction" ). Sony, Pentax and Olympus also offer stabilization, but they put it in the camera instead of the lens. This has an advantage that any and all lenses used on that camera are stabilized. But, in-lens stabilization such as Canon and Nikon use is often though to be better and has an advantage that the viewfinder image is also stabilized, which can be helpful when using telephotos and shooting moving subjects (much like image stabilization in binoculars is helpful).

Canon makes EF or "full frame capable" lenses and EF-S or "crop only" lenses. Both these types are fully usable on the crop sensor Canon DSLRs you're considering. With the exception of a few specialized, manual focus only lenses, all Canon EF and EF-S lenses will autofocus on all Canon EOS DSLRs.

Nikon also makes full frame capable "FX" and crop-specific "DX" lenses. Different from Canon, many of Nikon's full frame cameras also will work with their DX lenses. But, the Nikon DSLRs you're considering are DX or crop models, that will work with both types of lenses. More of a concern, Nikon offers AF-D and AF-S lenses. AF-S lenses have a focus drive motor built in and will autofocus on all Nikon DSLR models. However, AF-D lenses do not have that focus motor built in, so in order to autofocus require a DSLR model that has a focus drive motor built into the camera body itself. Only the higher-end Nikon DSLRs have that drive motor built in.... So whatever Nikon model you are considering, assuming you'd prefer auto focus (modern DSLR are not very "manual focus friendly), check if it can handle AF-D or if it requires AF-S lenses (and thus limits your lens selection to some extent). An advantage with Nikon is that many of their vintage manual focus lenses from the 1980s and earlier can be used directly on their current DSLRs. In comparison,s Canon's earlier FL/FD mount lenses basically cannot be used on their modern EOS/EF cameras.... So you're limited to "only" about 100 million EF/EF-S lenses that have been produced over the past 25 years.

Olympus cameras all use a "four/thirds" sensor that's smaller than even the "crop" or "APS-C" sensors used by everyone else, in the type of models you are considering. This allows Oly to produce more compact cameras and lenses.

Pentax currently only produces APS-C models (same format as Nikon DX), instead tends to emphasize weather sealing and durability.

Sony also produces APS-C models (as well as full frame). They have been doing some interesting new things with their models, such as producing mirrorless DSLRs, electronic viewfinders and electronic shutters. Sony also is a major maker of image sensors, selling them to Nikon and Pentax (I don't know about Oly). Canon, on the other hand, makes all their own sensors. There was a major shift a few years ago, from using CCD type sensors to using CMOS. Canon used CMOS all along, which is one reason they developed their own manufacturing. Those were superior to CCD in several ways, so in the past 6 or 8 years everyone else has switched to using CMOS. The Sony/Nikon sensors have slightly wider dynamic range than Canon's, at low ISOs. However, by ISO 1600 there's no difference, and at higher ISOs where DR is possibly more important, the Canon sensors are slightly better.

I'd recommend once you pick a brand, then shop for the least expensive DSLR you feel comfortable with, within that brand. Saving money on the camera would hopefully allow you to spend more on the lenses, which are arguably more important than the camera they are used upon. The camera simply captures what the lens "sees". And better quality lenses can produce better images, even on cheaper camera bodies. Upgraded lenses also often add features like higher performance autofocus, image stabilization, improved weather/dust resistance, and more.

When looking at cameras, also be careful to compare apples to apples. For example, Canon's T6i/T6s are their top-of-the-line among the Rebel series, with some features never before seen on Rebel series models and the most advances APS-C sensor Canon has made, to date. The T5i also is near the top of the Rebel line, but the T5 (no "i" ) is their most entry-level model. Those are quite different cameras!

And, with DSLRs it's important to try to think in terms of a system, rather than just comparing camera bodies. Decide what you want to shoot and the lenses you'll need to do so, then compare what's available to meet your needs from the different manufacturers. I'll use a Canon example, simply because that's what I shoot and am most familiar with. For their APS-C cameras, Canon offers...

A choice of ultrawide lenses: EF-S 10-18mm IS STM, EF-S 10-22mm USM. These would be good for landscape, architectural interiors, and more. The 10-18mm is one of the least expensive offered by anyone and even includes stabilization, which most ultrawides lack.

A choice of "walk-around", general purpose zooms: EF-S 18-55mm IS (cheapest), 18-55mm IS STM ($50 more, better AF), 18-135mm IS (more tele range), 18-135mm IS STM ($50 more, better AF), EF-S 15-85 IS USM (higher price with unusually wide range of focal lengths and top image quality) and EF-S 17-55/2.8 IS USM (higher price, larger aperture, top image quality).

A choice of larger aperture 50mm lenses (excellent short telephotos for portraits on an APS-C camera): EF 50/1.8 II (cheapest Canon lens of all), EF 50/1.8 STM (just as cheap, w/better focusing), EF 50/2.5 Compact Macro (can double as a macro and portrait lens), EF 50/1.4 USM (larger aperture, better IQ), and EF 50/1.2L (premium quality and pricing, ultra large aperture).

A selection of macro lenses: EF 50/2.8 Compact Macro, EF-S 60/2.8 USM, MP-E 65/2.8 (ultra high 1:1 to 5:1 magnification, manual focus only), EF 100/2.8 USM, EF 100/2.8L IS USM and EF 180/3.5L USM.

A selection of tilt shift lenses (all manual focus): TS-E 17/4, 24/3.5, 45/2.8 and 90/2.8 (besides architecture, the latter two have interesting portrait, small product and other close-up uses).

Four 70-200mm options: f2.8, f2.8 IS (Mark II), f4 and f4 IS.

Above are just some examples. I know for certain that the other manufacturers each offer some products that directly compete with certain of what Canon offers, as well as offering some unique choices of their own. Deciding what lenses you want now as well as the lenses you think you'll want in the future, then comparing what's offered and the pricing of them in each brand just might help you narrow down which manufacturer to go with.

Also consider other system accessories that might be important to you. For example, Canon has a good selection of dedicated flashes, but some people prefer the Nikon flash system.

Third party manufacturers offer more lenses, flashes and other accessories for Canon and Nikon, than they do for the other three major DSLR manufacturers. For example, almost all Sigma, Tamron and Tokina lenses are offered in both Nikon and Canon mount... While they offer fewer for Olympus, Pentax and Sony.

It also may be useful to look at the corporations behind the five major brands, which can make a difference over time, with new product development, service and support, and more. Sony is the largest in terms of gross sales, with $77 billion (compared to $35 billion for Canon). But Canon has the largest market capitalization ($49 billion, compared to $34 billion for Sony). The other three are considerably smaller. Compare gross sales and market capitalization as follows:

Sony................... $77B, $34B
Canon.................. $35B, $49B
Ricoh (Pentax)...... $21B, $8.2B
Nikon.................. $10B, $6.4B
Olympus................ $7B, $12.2B

Keep in mind that cameras and lenses are only some portion, more or less, of each these companies' business. Sony, Canon and Ricoh are all rather diverse companies, while Nikon and Olympus tend to be much more specialized.

Have fun shopping!

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Oct 27, 2015 15:37:29   #
Reinaldokool Loc: San Rafael, CA
 
DaveO wrote:
Refurb Nikon D7100.


:thumbup: :thumbup:

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Oct 27, 2015 16:31:53   #
burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC
 
Alan Myers, this is a great piece of work!

I would love to see Panasonic LUMIX cameras mentioned in any discussion of Micro Four-Thirds. Matsushita, Panasonic's parent company, is quite huge, and in solid financial shape, too.

Their LUMIX cameras are quite solid, and revered by those of us who record lots of video as well as still images and want one superset of lenses to do it all.

Principal differences between Olympus and LUMIX are:

• Oly concentrates on still photography but also does video.
• Panny concentrates on being the best at video in this format, while equaling Oly's still image quality.
• Oly cameras are generally smaller and lighter, well-suited to those with small hands.
• Panny cameras are often larger and fit larger hands more naturally. Their styling is decidedly modern... Canon-ish.
• Oly OM-D cameras feature that "retro" look of the OM-1 from the 1970s.
• Most LUMIX cameras do not have image stabilization in the body (The GX8 does, and it works in tandem with Panasonic's in-lens stabilization). SOME Panasonic lenses have O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization). If said lenses have an O.I.S. on-off switch, they can be used with Olympus bodies with ONE mode of stabilization used (I.B.I.S. OR O.I.S., but not both).
• Some Olympus bodies have I.B.I.S. (In-Body Image Stabilization) that works with OLYMPUS and some other lenses.
• Some LUMIX bodies have software correction built into the JPEG processing that removes chromatic aberrations and other lens faults. Of course, it only works with Panasonic-built lenses.
• The Panasonic LUMIX GX8 is currently the highest resolution m43 body, at 20MP.

Both Oly and Panny cameras can use lenses from each other's stable, plus Leica-branded lenses built by Panasonic, and several other brands of native m43 lenses:

http://hazeghi.org/mft-lenses.html

Most Nikon and Canon lenses adapt well to the GH4 for video, as do many cine lenses and a few other brands of SLR/dSLR lenses.

One of the more significant things to mention is that m43 cameras with EVFs show you a processed image. Whatever menu selections you make will be displayed in the finder. So if you shoot in monochrome, you see a black-and-white image. You see the effects of exposure and image property settings, too. This makes working in JPEG mode MUCH easier than with a dSLR.

Those of us who mix media love this format, because we can get exactly the same "look" in our stills and video, and we can inter-cut stills with video to make a final video edit, all without noticing color shifts, brightness changes, or other image anomalies. Work in 4K mode on a GH4, and we can save 8MP stills while recording video.

All that said, m43 IS NOT for everyone. I would not (yet) recommend it to high end sports, wildlife action, and landscape photographers. It's not for those who make 40x60 inch point-of-purchase displays on a regular basis. It's not for those who need to do extensive night time surveillance or street photography. It's not for "shallow depth of field freaks". All of those folks would be better served by full frame dSLRs.

But m43 IS a very good compromise format for general purpose photography. It has 1/3 to 1/4 the size, bulk, and weight of full frame systems of similar intention. Image quality is generally very good to excellent, lens selection is amazing, and the cameras are not imposing.

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Oct 27, 2015 16:41:59   #
mickeys Loc: Fort Wayne, IN
 
if you go with canon- sl1
Nikon d3300

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Oct 27, 2015 20:37:39   #
Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI
 
If you are used to bridge cameras, consider mirrorless then.

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Oct 27, 2015 20:50:09   #
tinplater Loc: Scottsdale, AZ
 
Having owned half a dozen Canon bodies from SL1 to 5D III, I currently am almost exclusively using the little SL1 with my Canon glass, and love my Sony A7r II and Sony A6000. For around $600 you can have a great Canon traditional DSLR outfit, for the same amount a fantastic Sony A6000. The CanonSL1 with a 24mm pancake 2.8 lens is a fabulous just carry it with you camera.

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Oct 27, 2015 23:14:12   #
Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI
 
tinplater wrote:
Having owned half a dozen Canon bodies from SL1 to 5D III, I currently am almost exclusively using the little SL1 with my Canon glass, and love my Sony A7r II and Sony A6000. For around $600 you can have a great Canon traditional DSLR outfit, for the same amount a fantastic Sony A6000. The CanonSL1 with a 24mm pancake 2.8 lens is a fabulous just carry it with you camera.


Aren't you leaving quite a bit of dynamic range and image quality on the shelf by opting for the sl1 over the a7rii and a6000?

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Oct 28, 2015 00:54:26   #
CHOLLY Loc: THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE!
 
Sony sells Sensors to Olympus. Olympus gave Sony 5 axis image stabilization.

Sony owns controlling interest in Olympus.

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Oct 28, 2015 06:38:12   #
Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI
 
CHOLLY wrote:
Sony sells Sensors to Olympus. Olympus gave Sony 5 axis image stabilization.

Sony owns controlling interest in Olympus.


True that they are partners, and that Olympus uses Sony sensors, but I've read that the 5 axis stabilization technology was not shared with them. They developed their own form of it. Perhaps reverse engineered,but not given.

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Oct 28, 2015 08:42:27   #
CHOLLY Loc: THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE!
 
^^^I'll bet there was cooperation.

5 axis image stabilization was patented... and there are a limited number of ways you can mimic that system without running afoul of the law. ;)

I'm thinking this was the way that Olympus which has mastered small body m4/3 cameras... was able to TEACH Sony how to incorporate 5-A IBIS into it's smaller bodied E mounts.

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Oct 28, 2015 08:44:38   #
CHOLLY Loc: THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE!
 
BTW, I should add that with mirrorless cameras, the EVF feed comes FROM the imaging Sensor. So any sensor shift stabilization results are shown in the viewfinder.

What you see is what you get. ;)

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