Begginer Advice Needed
Oct 18, 2017 07:07:52 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
Nlaw1219 wrote:
I am wanting to purchase a camera for landscape photography and at times kids and dogs. I know nothing about the cameras but am eager to learn. Taking pictures is my passion. I need recommendations on what camera to purchase. I have been looking at Nikon Mirrorless, what do you think? My son says Cannon.
As of this edition of the HOG, Sony currently makes the most variety of mirrorless camera's and it looks like they will continue to dominate the market for some time. So, you may want to consider the Sony A6000 with a kit lens. I will even give you the link to a good deal
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00I8BICB2/ref=s9_acsd_bw_wf_a_EDG1009A_cdl_35?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-10&pf_rd_r=9QF83F1WDCQEJHE8GCCW&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=fbaacc02-319c-45d4-8e60-0ee0709d453f&pf_rd_i=15450564011
Oct 18, 2017 07:12:19 #
You should look and handle Fuji's X-T2. Ton of features including live view through the viewfinder . I hold my Nikon D7100 in one hand and the mirrorless Fuji in the other and the Fuji is much lighter. Great ergonomics too
Oct 18, 2017 07:13:22 #
From another Canon shooter....you won't be disappointed. Welcome to the forum.
Oct 18, 2017 07:28:03 #
LXK0930
Loc: Souh Jersey
Welcome to UHH. You will receive lots of advice-- some good, some not so good. Let me throw in my 2 cents worth:
(1) Don't be too stuck on brands. Most make very fine cameras. However, brand does become important if you have someone with which to lend or borrow equipment. Note that even with same brand, not all equipment is interchangeable. For example, if you buy a full frame camera and your friend has a cropped camera of the same brand, you are out of luck as far as borrowing lenses.
(2) I like cameras with viewfinders (actual or EVF). I find that screens wash out in bright light, no matter what the vendor claims.
(3) If wide angle is your thing, go for a larger sensor. Smaller sensors (such as "cropped" or M4/3) introduce a "telephoto" effect. Unfortunately, larger sensors means larger, heavier, and more expensive cameras.
(4) If weight or cost is an issue, reverse of above.
(5) Try to anticipate future needs. For example, if you think that you may someday want to use filters, make sure that your camera accepts them.
(6) Try any camera that you are considering. Specs and reviews won't tell you how a camera feels to you (size, shape, menus, etc).
Have fun!!
(1) Don't be too stuck on brands. Most make very fine cameras. However, brand does become important if you have someone with which to lend or borrow equipment. Note that even with same brand, not all equipment is interchangeable. For example, if you buy a full frame camera and your friend has a cropped camera of the same brand, you are out of luck as far as borrowing lenses.
(2) I like cameras with viewfinders (actual or EVF). I find that screens wash out in bright light, no matter what the vendor claims.
(3) If wide angle is your thing, go for a larger sensor. Smaller sensors (such as "cropped" or M4/3) introduce a "telephoto" effect. Unfortunately, larger sensors means larger, heavier, and more expensive cameras.
(4) If weight or cost is an issue, reverse of above.
(5) Try to anticipate future needs. For example, if you think that you may someday want to use filters, make sure that your camera accepts them.
(6) Try any camera that you are considering. Specs and reviews won't tell you how a camera feels to you (size, shape, menus, etc).
Have fun!!
Oct 18, 2017 07:29:10 #
Visit a local camera shop? Good luck. Ocala FL has a Best Buy, with a very modest selection. The times I have wandered through the camera section there was no one, Best Buy employee, or potential customer, in sight. I walked over to the computer department and asked that sales person to page someone to the camera shop. I never heard the page and no one ever showed up. The nearest dedicated camera shop I have heard of is in Orlando, about 100 miles from Ocala.
Oct 18, 2017 07:39:12 #
A pro once told me he would switch to Nikon but he has too much invested in Canon lenses. I did not want to make a mistake so I bought Nikon.
Oct 18, 2017 07:40:29 #
A camera shop will try to do a sell-job on you, and will say anything to please you. Consider buying your photography gear online for a better price, more selection, and no sales tax.
Read camera reviews online to determine what appeals to you. Before buying you could first rent to try a given camera.
You may wish to buy a used camera or a refurbished camera in the beginning, to spend less.
As a beginner, you probably should acquire a cropped sensor camera with a moderate zoom lens. Replace the camera only after you have gained enough experience to see the limitations of your gear.
Buying a camera, whichever you choose, will involve a learning curve. Attend a workshop in basic DSLR operation to give you a foundation.
Your taking of pictures likely will result in your wanting to process the pictures to bring out their potential. Attend a workshop in basic photo editing,
again to give you a foundation.
Study composition and the exposure triangle along with the importance of subject.
Know that photography functions as a craft. So you learn photography by doing it.
Take many pictures. Learn from your mistakes and your successes.
Good luck.
Read camera reviews online to determine what appeals to you. Before buying you could first rent to try a given camera.
You may wish to buy a used camera or a refurbished camera in the beginning, to spend less.
As a beginner, you probably should acquire a cropped sensor camera with a moderate zoom lens. Replace the camera only after you have gained enough experience to see the limitations of your gear.
Buying a camera, whichever you choose, will involve a learning curve. Attend a workshop in basic DSLR operation to give you a foundation.
Your taking of pictures likely will result in your wanting to process the pictures to bring out their potential. Attend a workshop in basic photo editing,
again to give you a foundation.
Study composition and the exposure triangle along with the importance of subject.
Know that photography functions as a craft. So you learn photography by doing it.
Take many pictures. Learn from your mistakes and your successes.
Good luck.
JR45 wrote:
Most will promote the brand they are using.
Find a good local camera shop. Have them explain the opperation.
See which feels better to you.
Find a good local camera shop. Have them explain the opperation.
See which feels better to you.
Oct 18, 2017 07:46:13 #
Jakebrake wrote:
Listen to your son! 
And WELCOME to our forum!
And WELCOME to our forum!Of course it depends on your budget. A wide lens is nice. I own a Sony a6000 and Nikon D500. Would like a full frame one day. Looking to pick up a Nikon D810 when price drops further due to the D850.
Nikon Sony guy here.
Oct 18, 2017 08:07:06 #
Best advise I read on here was go to a camera shop and handle the cameras. See where the buttons are, how the camera feels in your hand, etc.
Oct 18, 2017 08:12:19 #
Peterff wrote:
I agree. I wouldn't buy either a Canon or Nikon mi... (show quote)
Mirrorless is one word.
Oct 18, 2017 08:22:26 #
Ive used the Fuji X T2 Mirroles and love it, from the ease and sipmlicity of its dials and ergonomics to its excellent imige quality. not to mention its light weight.
Nlaw1219 wrote:
I am wanting to purchase a camera for landscape photography and at times kids and dogs. I know nothing about the cameras but am eager to learn. Taking pictures is my passion. I need recommendations on what camera to purchase. I have been looking at Nikon Mirrorless, what do you think? My son says Cannon.
Oct 18, 2017 08:32:03 #
Oct 18, 2017 08:42:37 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
NoSocks wrote:
Mirrorless is one word.
Many thanks to the "word Nazi's" found only here at UHH. Many thanks and live long and prosper. Where is your red marker that you can use to MARK other's error's. Leave it at the school house again? Poor baby.
Oct 18, 2017 08:44:50 #
Haydon wrote:
You answer requires more detail just like the OP unfortunately. You listed a car manufacturer and not the car :)
More information on the budget of the OP is key as to making any kind of meaningful recommendations.
The recommendations will vary based on budget. Personally I think professional or advanced consumer cameras are actually easier to
learn to use that the consumer cameras with a bunch of programmed modes. Learn the exposure triangle and 3 to 4 modes of shooting are fine.
Best,
Todd Ferguson
Oct 18, 2017 08:51:20 #
[quote=wteffey]Visit a local camera shop? Good luck. Ocala FL has a Best Buy, with a very modest selection. The times I have wandered through the camera section there was no one, Best Buy employee, or potential customer, in sight. I walked over to the computer department and asked that sales person to page someone to the camera shop. I never heard the page and no one ever showed up. The nearest dedicated camera shop I have heard of is in Orlando, about 100 miles from Ocala.[/quote
Hard to find a good brick and mortar shop in most places these days. Even the big box stores mostly have lower end DSLRs and point and shoot cameras. The other thing is that these local shops and employees can have their favorites just like people on this forum. Best to do your own research and learn yourself unless you are in a super hurry to buy something. This is the process I used 40 years ago to buy my first SLR. If you spend $600 for a kit and then learn you need something better or different then don't be afraid to make a change provided you can afford it. If you are going in at $5,000 then it is better to be a little more sure about what you are buying and why.
Best,
Todd Ferguson
Hard to find a good brick and mortar shop in most places these days. Even the big box stores mostly have lower end DSLRs and point and shoot cameras. The other thing is that these local shops and employees can have their favorites just like people on this forum. Best to do your own research and learn yourself unless you are in a super hurry to buy something. This is the process I used 40 years ago to buy my first SLR. If you spend $600 for a kit and then learn you need something better or different then don't be afraid to make a change provided you can afford it. If you are going in at $5,000 then it is better to be a little more sure about what you are buying and why.
Best,
Todd Ferguson
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