Camera Recommendation: Hello, I recently retired to a very scenic area and am wanting to upgrade my equipment. I am look for a small (light weight because I travel) SLDR camera. I take...

Doc Mike Loc: Colorado

Hello, I recently retired to a very scenic area and am wanting to upgrade my equipment. I am look for a small (light weight because I travel) SLDR camera. I take pictures of nature and action photos of sports. I've been looking at the Nikon D3200. I have an old Nikon D70s with an AF-S Nikkor 18-70mm lens. I would like something lighter with more MP. Is the D3200 my best choice or should I consider others? I take pictures for my own enjoyment and for the family. Probably not going to sell them. I need to keep the price of the camera down since I am retired!

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

The D3200 is an excellent choice as a beginner DSLR, but it will NOT AF your existing lens so you would have to buy a "kit" lens with it. I would suggest spending the extra money for the D7000, a true upgrade to your current camera.

oldmalky Loc: West Midlands,England.

If you are open to all cameras have a look at the Sony a37 small and light.

patrickwilson86

The brand of camera is not important. Go to your local camera dealer, with a fixed budget, and handle various different models. I think your only question need be, do I want interchangable lenses, or will a fixed lens suit me better. Buy the one which you think is the best for your style of photography. Remember you want to be a photographer NOT an equipment junkie.

bvargas Loc: Palm Harbor, Florida

Lumix SZ200, is coming out this month. Check it out. Has a LEICA Lens, 25-600mm, f2.8 , constant aperture. HD 1080p Video. Sell your outfit, including lens and you have the best in a small package. Selling for $600.
Let me know what you think? I am planning on doing the same.

ole sarg Loc: south florida

I am thinking of doing the same. Like the f2.8 being constant.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

bvargas wrote:

Lumix SZ200, is coming out this month. Check it out. Has a LEICA Lens, 25-600mm, f2.8 , constant aperture. HD 1080p Video. Sell your outfit, including lens and you have the best in a small package. Selling for $600.
Let me know what you think? I am planning on doing the same.

Just so you know, its NOT a LEICA made lens. Its a lens made entirely by Panasonic as clearly stated on their webpage. The lens clarity was "tested" to Leica standards using equipment purchased from Leica. Is it good? Maybe, only tests and time will tell.

bvargas Loc: Palm Harbor, Florida

The biggest feature here is Constant f2.8, 25-600mm and at a cost of only $600. I do not see anything at present that would beat this. If so, let me know, before I make a mistake. Remember, we are trying to stay with a one camera, one lens, that does most of it all, including HD 1080p video.

prl0712 Loc: Pennsylvania

Hi, I just joined this forum today and I, too, am looking to upgrade to a DSLR. What about the Cannon Rebel XS line? I don't want video, just a good mid-priced camera just like Doc Mike.

ole sarg Loc: south florida

The Canon Rebel line is great as is the Nikon line. Both offer a huge selection of lenses.

Go to a camera store and hold the cameras. Then look at the menus. The one that seems most friendly to your hands and mind is the one to get. You can't go wrong with either.

prl0712 Loc: Pennsylvania

Thanks for your comment.

Greg-Colo Loc: Fort Collins,Co

ole sarg wrote:

The Canon Rebel line is great as is the Nikon line. Both offer a huge selection of lenses.

Go to a camera store and hold the cameras. Then look at the menus. The one that seems most friendly to your hands and mind is the one to get. You can't go wrong with either.

Take a peek at cannon sx 40 hs or Nikon P510 , focal range 24mm to 840 and 1000 mm optical range , very versatile and light weight cameras for around 365 to 400 dollars .

prl0712 Loc: Pennsylvania

Another good suggestion. Thanks

Doc Mike Loc: Colorado

These choices vary in the number of MP. How many MP should I look for so that cropped images still look good when blown up? I don't want to settle for less than I need but don't want to pay for more either.

Doc Mike Loc: Colorado

One more consideration, I want to be able to use a polarizing filter so I need to be able to screw one on to the front of the lens.