gretchenk Loc: DC

Hello,
I came from point and shoot and love taking pictures. I enrolled in a photography class in Feb and have been using a borrowed Nikon D3200 with kit lenses on photo taking field trips. But for recent travel I bought a Lumix FZ1000 (my point and shoot died).
If I continue with photography, I'll need to have a DSLR of my own because I should return the D3200 to its owner.
I figure I'll keep the camera I'll buy for a long time. I don't want to part with oodles of money on upgrades. I decided against mirrorless because I don't like to have to change batteries often. I figured I'd go with D7500. I didn't want the heavy weight of FF.
But when I talked to my teachers, they thought I should go FF. And when I read this forum, it seems many people say they never look back once they have a FF.
So I did some more research and decide if I go FF, it will be D750.
And I'm torn. D7500 vs D750 vs mirrorless vs D3200 until owner demands it back (but then I have to know what to buy) vs forgetting about DSLR and just be happy with Lumix FZ1000 (although if I stick with the photography class for the next few years, DSLR is a must).
What kind of photos do I take or do I want to learn to take? Almost everything. I love to hike in national parks and take pictures of mountains, wildlife, waterfalls, flowers, birds. My grandchildren are involved in sports, so I'll have to learn sports photography. I haven't done much portraits, but I have 2 beautiful grandchildren to take pictures of.
I appreciate any advice. Thanks in advance.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Is this a decision you feel you have to make right away? If you wait a year, there could be even more "new and improved" models

Consider the weight and bulk of full frame; test drive one, if you can (maybe rent?). You said, "If I continue with photography..." Personally, I wouldn't want to invest that much money until I'm really, really sure of my goals and interests.

BebuLamar

Your picture taking needs as you described (actually very similar to most beginners) are of very tall order and would generally need the best camera available. What I learned over many years is to limit what I want to photograph. For example I would not try to take pictures of birds in flight. I think asking your teacher for recommendation is best besides deciding on your own as really only you know what you want.

NJFrank Loc: New Jersey

Since it going to be a fairly big commitment dollar wise , why not rent them and see how you fell about them after you use them. It is hard for someone to suggest a particular camera. We all have out bias to a brand or style of camera etc. Good luck in whatever you decide.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Lensrentals.com
Borrowlenses.com

Both the above rent cameras and lenses and other accessories.

At this stage, I'd wait as long as possible before buying. RENT to TRY before you buy. It avoids buyer's remorse!

Don't write off mirrorless just because a FEW select models drink battery juice by the six pack. Most of the innovation in the industry is happening in that arena these days.

If your intention is to be a professional, know that we use many different formats. Full Frame has its merits. But so do APS-C (Nikon DX) and Micro 4/3. Medium Format gear is available, too, but is priced in the stratosphere. Then there's still large format film (4x5/8x10) and a few folks still use 35mm perforated film and size 120 roll film.

So don't let someone convince you to spend money you don't have! Study the gear reviews carefully. Know what each format does, and why/when/where it is useful.

Will you make really big prints of highly detailed subjects quite often? Consider Full Frame, Medium Format digital and film, and even large format view cameras. Either dSLR or mirrorless will be fine.

Do you need to travel light? Just post images on the Web and make prints smaller than 13x19? Consider Micro 4/3 cameras from Panasonic and Olympus.

Do you need to make great low budget cinematic videos (i.e.; "film")? Consider Micro 4/3 cameras from Panasonic.

Do you want the sweet spot compromise between size, weight, cost, image quality, and features? Consider APS-C/DX and lenses unique to that format. Either dSLR or mirrorless will be fine.

Always remember, the most important tool in all of photography isn't found in a camera, but six inches behind it! Invest first in knowledge, training, study, practice, and experience, and you will learn what you need for the images you want to make.

I, too, started (in 1968) with a friend's borrowed camera. It was a Canon FX. A year later, I bought a Nikkormat FTn, then a Nikon FTn fell into my lap via inheritance. I used both Canons and Nikons (SLR and dSLR) for decades, along with a LOT of medium format gear, long roll film portrait cameras, and a 4x5. Now I use Panasonic (I need to travel light and record equal amounts of stills and video.).

My take? It's all photography. Use the right tool for your job. It won't necessarily always be the same tool.

Remember, too, when 99% of people look at your work, they won't give a flying rat fink what camera you used! They'll remember what you made them think and feel, because photography is a visual language that communicates on many levels. The message is more important than the medium.

orrie smith Loc: Kansas

A lot of photography classes either prefer or require a full frame (FX) camera, mostly because they best compare to cameras of the film era. Full frame is nice, but not necessary. I personally do not like the D7500 simply because I have become accustomed to two card slots and I like to use one slot for photos and one slot for backup. That said, I own a full frame D750 and a cropped frame (DX) D500. I like the D750 for general use, landscape, portrait, macro, and stills. It also works well enough for wildlife. I prefer the D500 for sports, action, and wildlife. The 1.5 crop factor of the D500 helps get a little extra reach when needed. Choose what you will and have fun with what you choose. If you have a camera store near you, you could go in and handle the different cameras to see how they feel, or you could rent the cameras and use them for a few days to see if they will do what you desire. When you decide to buy, check Nikon for refurbished, or check B&H Photo, Adorama, and KEH for refurbished and used units to save a little money. Stay away from what is called "gray market" as Nikon will not work on non-USA products.

Blaster34 Loc: Florida Treasure Coast

Buy the best you can afford now, start your collection early because you eventually succumb to GAS....decades later you can look back and say, sure could have done a lot of other things with ALL that money...

Seriously, purchase what you can afford now to meet your minimum needs/goals and then you can continue to build your photo gear wardrobe as your experience grows and/or if your focus changes.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Burkphoto outlined the options expertly (that's 'cause he is one, lol), but to me this sentence of his that I quoted is the most important of all. And if that sentiment speaks to you, check this article: What's important in a photograph and what isn't.

You will see references on this site - not often enough IMO - about how impact and creativity are not related to megapixels or uber-sharpness. There are bunches and bunches of boring photos that are pixel-peeping perfect technically.

btw, I went to mirrorless last year from a crop sensor Canon T3i. I have two, and the Panasonic G7 doesn't drain the battery any worse than the Canon did. It has a rotating LCD which can be closed, so you just use the viewfinder (the viewfinder is very clear and bright). That helps a lot with battery usage. Plus a rotating LCD comes in very handy for low-angle shots

Here's one I took the first week I bought it if you are interested in the image quality. I chose the 14-140 mm lens for more versatility. The size of the 14-140 is about 1/3 that of the Canon EF-S 18-135 I used with the T3i. (a money-saving idea, which is kind of reverse what I told you in my earlier posting: buy a model after the next one comes out!)

(Download)

deer2ker Loc: Nashville, TN

I agree as well with the advice from these knowledgeable folks before me. I bought a D5500 (great camera by the way) and wanting to upgrade to a D7200 or FF but went and put my hands on a lot of cameras. This is the best advice...handle all of the cameras you are interested in! I fell in love with the Fuji X-T2 immediately as it was smaller and easier to handle (the FF cameras were way too heavy and bulky for my small hands) I do not regret it one bit! The batteries are small and I haven't had a real problem at all with them and the upgrades that Fuji regularly puts out increases the battery lengths. I have rented several cameras from lensrentals.com and that is great advice too - real world trials! All of the "enthusiast/pro" including mirrorless cameras are capable of putting out fantastic pics nowadays - it's "your" capabilities that are at play - good luck and have fun!

deer2ker Loc: Nashville, TN

Linda, I think you could get great photos from a Kodak disposable camera :D

throughrhettseyes Loc: Rowlett, TX

Wow! That was a lot said. I have an older Nikon D200 and love it. The D3500 and D5500 are junk. You are on the right track with the D7500. I know it's the newest but consider a used D7200 with some great lens you can buy the whole kit used every where for around $700.00. AND you get video too.
I own a D500 mainly for fast focus and greatest sensor for the money. The next best camera is the D850 full frame. They say it's better than the D5. The D750 has way too many factory recalls so stay clear. The D810 is a great full frame camera you can get used also. Good luck. My lens choices for a crop sensor is the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 , the Nikon 16-80mm f/2.8, the Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 , and the Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6. This took me 2 years to save up to collect.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Gretchenk - A D7100 or D7200 might be a less expensive and extremely functional option to your present quandary.
— Ralph

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

Given your solid decision to buy a full frame (probably) DSLR that you are going to keep for a long time, you might want to buy the most recent body you can afford. Personally have Nikon D7200 and D500 DX bodies. I do a lot of birding, so like the DX format that gives me a reach of 1.5 x focal length. Others make a good points though. The photo schools will push you towards history with a full frame camera with a natural prime lens like a 35mm f1.8 or 50mm f1.8 lens so why not go with the flow. In which case, I would look at a D810. Take a look at the reviews on DxOMark.com . Good luck! I really love photography as it is at the intersection of technology and creativity.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Thanks! Nice photo. Are those grape vines, or fruit trees, or ???

n3eg Loc: West coast USA

Seems someone bought all the hype...By the way, "hype" is short for "hyperbole"...