Prosumer grade camera choices for less than $850
Mar 14, 2019 13:49:38 #
Besperus
Loc: Oregon
What I was aiming at was to list what YOU need and fill in the blanks. Wise to limit those to your needs and go from there. My old Canon T1i still works and dies what I need. My film cameras do the rest. I rent when I need a special need filled. Not very often. I’m retired.
Mar 14, 2019 13:54:19 #
Both cameras are excellent entry level cameras. I don't know if you have an older Nikon or Canon DSLR system. If you have one of those systems, then stay with that make so you don't have to invest in lenses or such. If your new to the DSLR's then visit a reputable camera store(not an electronic store such as Best Buys or even Costco, etc) and check out the cameras. See how they feel in your hands and ask the sales rep questions. The final decision is yours. Whatever camera you buy, study the manual and keep it with you when you shoot. Good luck.
Mar 14, 2019 14:13:47 #
davyboy
Loc: Anoka Mn.
Wingpilot wrote:
Certain cameras are definitely meant to be used by... (show quote)
My canon T6s has stood up to daily use for years!
Mar 14, 2019 14:22:59 #
CHG_CANON wrote:
Go to a store and handle them for yourself. The one the feels right is the one that is right for you.
Yes, absolutely do handle both. In addition to feel, check the menus to see which is most intuitive for you.
Mar 14, 2019 14:42:26 #
amfoto1
Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA
I would normally point you toward Canon because that's what I use... 
The T71 is a fine camera. Or for the same price, 77D is an alternative with a few different features.
However, the current $697 sale price on the Nikon D7200 is pretty amazing right now (this is a $400 discount and is only $100 more than D5600 or the same price as the Rebel T7i).
The D7200 is a considerably step up from both Canon Rebel-series and Nikon D3000/5000-series cameras. D7200 is roughly comparable to Canon 80D, which is selling for $1000, body only.
D7200's uses a true pentaprism, which helps make it's 100% viewfinder bigger and brighter. All the Rebels (and the 77D) and all the D3000/5000 use a "penta-mirror" to save weight and cost. This makes their viewfinders (typically 95%) a little smaller and dimmer.
The D7200 also has a higher specification shutter.... 1/8000 top speed, 1/250 flash sync (compared to 1/4000, 1/200 on all the others). I think it also has a 150,000 actuation "life expectancy".... where the others are likely 75,000 or 100,000.
D7200 also has more robust build and better sealing for dust/weather resistance. It also has dual memory card slots,
D7200 also has more advanced 51-point autofocus system, with 15 higher performance "cross type" points. D5600's AF system is 39-point, with 9 cross type. The D7200's AF is able to work in light conditions as low as -3EV (approx. moonlight)... while the D5600s is rated to -1EV. The D7200's AF is also "f/8 capable", the D5600's is "f/5.6 limited". Basically, this means the D7200 can autofocus with more lens/teleconverter combinations.
Another consideration with Nikon D3000/5000-series is that they do not have the in-body focusing motor need to be able to autofocus some Nikkor lenses. Basically, to autofocus with those models you need AF-S or, AF-P lenses. There are a lot of those now, so still plenty of choices... but there are also a lot of the AF and similar around that the D3000/5000 are unable to autofocus. The D7200 has an in-body focus motor, so it's able to autofocus both types of lenses. (There are no worries with the Canon cameras, any of them can autofocus any of the 125 million EF or EF-S lens made the last 30 years or so.)
D7200 uses the same 24MP sensor as D5600. They both use the same EXPEED 4 processor, too.
D7200 has faster continuous shooting frame rate (6 fps versus 5 fps in D5600).
D7200 has dual SD memory card slots (versus single SD memory card slot in the Rebels and D3000/5000 series).
Nikon also offers a vertical grip/dual battery pack for the D7200. They don't offer one for the D5600 (Vello does, though). It's similar with Canon now. You have to "step up" to D80 if you want a battery grip. They no longer offer one for any of the current Rebel series (which includes the 77D, in spite of the way they named it).
The D5600 does have a fully articulated Touchscreen LCD monitor on the rear. The D7200 doesn't.
Something none of these Nikon have is the Anti-Flicker feature found on the Canon. This makes for much better exposures under certain types of lighting, solving an age-old problem when we have to shoot under fluorescent, sodium vapor and similar types of lamps. Those lamps cycle on and off rapidly... 120 times per second. We don't see it with our eyes, but our cameras sure do! Before Anti-Flicker it was common for half or more of all images shot under those lights to be badly under-exposed. Anti-Flicker detects the cycle of the lighting and times the shutter opening to coincide with the peak output of the lights. I use a pair of 7D Mark II with it under sodium vapor fairly often and can tell you IT WORKS very well! It's a real game changer for anyone who has to shoot under that type of lighting a lot.
AFAIK, among Nikon DSLRs only the top of the line D500 and D850 models have that their Flicker-Free feature. Canon introduced it in 2014 on the 7D Mark II and now includes it in all models except for the most entry-level Rebel T7 (In other words, you'll find Anti-Flicker on Canon T7i, 77D, 80D, 7D Mark II and all current Canon full frame DSLRs... I'm pretty sure all the Canon mirrorless M-series and R-series have it too.)
I suspect that the D7200's super low price is because they're clearing out old stock... Technically, Nikon has discontinued the D7200 and superseded it with the D7500. However, the D7500 is a very different camera and a lot of people don't consider it a direct replacement for the D7200. Depending upon their uses, some even thing the D7500 is a downgrade (D7500 has lower resolution sensor, lower resolution rear LCD monitor, single memory card slot... but has a faster frame rate and some other enhancements.)
Maybe there's something new is coming from Nikon. I get suspicious when I see certain models heavily discounted, the way the D7200 is right now. They have similar very large discount on the D750 FX camera, as well. It's anyone's guess if this means there are one or more new Nikon DSLRs coming... Or if they are to concentrate on developing and expanding the Z-series mirrorless models and the lenses/accessories for those. There is rumor of a DX format Z model.
I would recommend you pay more attention to the lenses you get, than to the camera. Overall, quality glass makes more difference than the camera it's used upon. Nikon D7200 and D5600 are offered in kit with an inexpensive and pretty basic 18-55mm DX VR. A more expensive 18-140mm DX VR kit alternative is a better choice, if at all possible. Another option, two-ens kits from Nikon now usually include the 18-55mm DX VR and a 70-300mm DX. That telephoto zoom in the kit is a real cheapie that lacks VR image stabilization. For $50 more, I'd recommend at least upgrading to the VR version of the 70-300mm, instead (image stabilization is much more helpful on telephotos like the 70-300, than it is in an 18-55!)
It's similar with Canon. They usually offer a basic 18-55mm IS STM in kit with the cameras. It's okay, just be sure it's the STM version (the cheaper one not marked "STM" uses a slower/noisier micro motor for autofocusing). But a better alternative sometimes offered in kit, for more money, is the EF-S 18-135mm IS STM... or even better EF-S 18-135mm IS USM (2X to 4X faster focusing). Another option often is a two-lens kit.... either the 18-55mm IS STM with EF-S 55-250mm IS STM (good) or the EF-S 18-55 IS STM with EF 75-300mm "III" (cheap and bad! no image stabilization, slow/noisy AF and poor image quality).
Also, look beyond your initial purchase, at things you might want to add in the future. Both Canon and Nikon offer highly capable and very extensive systems of lenses and accessories. There are a few things that one system offers, but the other doesn't. I've also found that in general Canon camera and lens kits tend to be a little more expensive than comparable Nikon.... But after the initial purchase, lenses and accessories for Nikon tend to be a little to a lot more expensive than comparable items from Canon.
Have fun shopping!
The T71 is a fine camera. Or for the same price, 77D is an alternative with a few different features.
However, the current $697 sale price on the Nikon D7200 is pretty amazing right now (this is a $400 discount and is only $100 more than D5600 or the same price as the Rebel T7i).
The D7200 is a considerably step up from both Canon Rebel-series and Nikon D3000/5000-series cameras. D7200 is roughly comparable to Canon 80D, which is selling for $1000, body only.
D7200's uses a true pentaprism, which helps make it's 100% viewfinder bigger and brighter. All the Rebels (and the 77D) and all the D3000/5000 use a "penta-mirror" to save weight and cost. This makes their viewfinders (typically 95%) a little smaller and dimmer.
The D7200 also has a higher specification shutter.... 1/8000 top speed, 1/250 flash sync (compared to 1/4000, 1/200 on all the others). I think it also has a 150,000 actuation "life expectancy".... where the others are likely 75,000 or 100,000.
D7200 also has more robust build and better sealing for dust/weather resistance. It also has dual memory card slots,
D7200 also has more advanced 51-point autofocus system, with 15 higher performance "cross type" points. D5600's AF system is 39-point, with 9 cross type. The D7200's AF is able to work in light conditions as low as -3EV (approx. moonlight)... while the D5600s is rated to -1EV. The D7200's AF is also "f/8 capable", the D5600's is "f/5.6 limited". Basically, this means the D7200 can autofocus with more lens/teleconverter combinations.
Another consideration with Nikon D3000/5000-series is that they do not have the in-body focusing motor need to be able to autofocus some Nikkor lenses. Basically, to autofocus with those models you need AF-S or, AF-P lenses. There are a lot of those now, so still plenty of choices... but there are also a lot of the AF and similar around that the D3000/5000 are unable to autofocus. The D7200 has an in-body focus motor, so it's able to autofocus both types of lenses. (There are no worries with the Canon cameras, any of them can autofocus any of the 125 million EF or EF-S lens made the last 30 years or so.)
D7200 uses the same 24MP sensor as D5600. They both use the same EXPEED 4 processor, too.
D7200 has faster continuous shooting frame rate (6 fps versus 5 fps in D5600).
D7200 has dual SD memory card slots (versus single SD memory card slot in the Rebels and D3000/5000 series).
Nikon also offers a vertical grip/dual battery pack for the D7200. They don't offer one for the D5600 (Vello does, though). It's similar with Canon now. You have to "step up" to D80 if you want a battery grip. They no longer offer one for any of the current Rebel series (which includes the 77D, in spite of the way they named it).
The D5600 does have a fully articulated Touchscreen LCD monitor on the rear. The D7200 doesn't.
Something none of these Nikon have is the Anti-Flicker feature found on the Canon. This makes for much better exposures under certain types of lighting, solving an age-old problem when we have to shoot under fluorescent, sodium vapor and similar types of lamps. Those lamps cycle on and off rapidly... 120 times per second. We don't see it with our eyes, but our cameras sure do! Before Anti-Flicker it was common for half or more of all images shot under those lights to be badly under-exposed. Anti-Flicker detects the cycle of the lighting and times the shutter opening to coincide with the peak output of the lights. I use a pair of 7D Mark II with it under sodium vapor fairly often and can tell you IT WORKS very well! It's a real game changer for anyone who has to shoot under that type of lighting a lot.
AFAIK, among Nikon DSLRs only the top of the line D500 and D850 models have that their Flicker-Free feature. Canon introduced it in 2014 on the 7D Mark II and now includes it in all models except for the most entry-level Rebel T7 (In other words, you'll find Anti-Flicker on Canon T7i, 77D, 80D, 7D Mark II and all current Canon full frame DSLRs... I'm pretty sure all the Canon mirrorless M-series and R-series have it too.)
I suspect that the D7200's super low price is because they're clearing out old stock... Technically, Nikon has discontinued the D7200 and superseded it with the D7500. However, the D7500 is a very different camera and a lot of people don't consider it a direct replacement for the D7200. Depending upon their uses, some even thing the D7500 is a downgrade (D7500 has lower resolution sensor, lower resolution rear LCD monitor, single memory card slot... but has a faster frame rate and some other enhancements.)
Maybe there's something new is coming from Nikon. I get suspicious when I see certain models heavily discounted, the way the D7200 is right now. They have similar very large discount on the D750 FX camera, as well. It's anyone's guess if this means there are one or more new Nikon DSLRs coming... Or if they are to concentrate on developing and expanding the Z-series mirrorless models and the lenses/accessories for those. There is rumor of a DX format Z model.
I would recommend you pay more attention to the lenses you get, than to the camera. Overall, quality glass makes more difference than the camera it's used upon. Nikon D7200 and D5600 are offered in kit with an inexpensive and pretty basic 18-55mm DX VR. A more expensive 18-140mm DX VR kit alternative is a better choice, if at all possible. Another option, two-ens kits from Nikon now usually include the 18-55mm DX VR and a 70-300mm DX. That telephoto zoom in the kit is a real cheapie that lacks VR image stabilization. For $50 more, I'd recommend at least upgrading to the VR version of the 70-300mm, instead (image stabilization is much more helpful on telephotos like the 70-300, than it is in an 18-55!)
It's similar with Canon. They usually offer a basic 18-55mm IS STM in kit with the cameras. It's okay, just be sure it's the STM version (the cheaper one not marked "STM" uses a slower/noisier micro motor for autofocusing). But a better alternative sometimes offered in kit, for more money, is the EF-S 18-135mm IS STM... or even better EF-S 18-135mm IS USM (2X to 4X faster focusing). Another option often is a two-lens kit.... either the 18-55mm IS STM with EF-S 55-250mm IS STM (good) or the EF-S 18-55 IS STM with EF 75-300mm "III" (cheap and bad! no image stabilization, slow/noisy AF and poor image quality).
Also, look beyond your initial purchase, at things you might want to add in the future. Both Canon and Nikon offer highly capable and very extensive systems of lenses and accessories. There are a few things that one system offers, but the other doesn't. I've also found that in general Canon camera and lens kits tend to be a little more expensive than comparable Nikon.... But after the initial purchase, lenses and accessories for Nikon tend to be a little to a lot more expensive than comparable items from Canon.
Have fun shopping!
Mar 15, 2019 00:54:40 #
BebuLamar wrote:
The nikon d7200 is only $700
Best bang for the buck in the Nikon DX line.
Mar 18, 2019 07:52:40 #
Very well stated
"It is the photographer who makes the photo. The camera merely records the image."
And adding to that it is the viewer who accepts or discards the emotional moment of the image.
My best photo "Winter Snow at Ludwig University, Munich, was taken 50 years ago with an Oat Meal box, pinhole, camera. Guess it was a "consumer grade" camera as I, being hungry, consumed the oatmeal before making he camera. I could debate that a Quaker Oats box had better cardboard then the store brand?
"It is the photographer who makes the photo. The camera merely records the image."
And adding to that it is the viewer who accepts or discards the emotional moment of the image.
My best photo "Winter Snow at Ludwig University, Munich, was taken 50 years ago with an Oat Meal box, pinhole, camera. Guess it was a "consumer grade" camera as I, being hungry, consumed the oatmeal before making he camera. I could debate that a Quaker Oats box had better cardboard then the store brand?
Mar 18, 2019 07:53:47 #
Very well stated
"It is the photographer who makes the photo. The camera merely records the image."
And adding to that it is the viewer who accepts or discards the emotional moment of the image.
My best photo "Winter Snow at Ludwig University, Munich, was taken 50 years ago with an Oat Meal box, pinhole, camera. Guess it was a "consumer grade" camera as I, being hungry, consumed the oatmeal before making he camera. I could debate that a Quaker Oats box had better cardboard then the store brand?
"It is the photographer who makes the photo. The camera merely records the image."
And adding to that it is the viewer who accepts or discards the emotional moment of the image.
My best photo "Winter Snow at Ludwig University, Munich, was taken 50 years ago with an Oat Meal box, pinhole, camera. Guess it was a "consumer grade" camera as I, being hungry, consumed the oatmeal before making he camera. I could debate that a Quaker Oats box had better cardboard then the store brand?
Mar 18, 2019 09:33:22 #
i have a cannon sl-1 and sl-2 love them both i use a cannon 85 1;8 on the sl-1 and a sigma 18-250 on the sl-2 what do you think of those chices and how can i get more out of them fspero6@gmail.com
Mar 18, 2019 11:49:50 #
frankysp wrote:
.........
have a cannon sl-1 and sl-2 love them
both i use a cannon 85 1;8 on the sl-1
and a sigma 18-250 on the sl-2 what do
you think of those chices and how can
i get more out of them
fspero6@gmail.com
have a cannon sl-1 and sl-2 love them
both i use a cannon 85 1;8 on the sl-1
and a sigma 18-250 on the sl-2 what do
you think of those chices and how can
i get more out of them
fspero6@gmail.com
Seem perfect just as it is.
If you got no complaints,
maintain status quo. "If
it ain't fix, don't broke it".
You ask how to get more
out of them. Use them a
lot more ... even if if you
already use them a lot. If
you use them more than
you already do, that will
push you into some new
photographic territory in
terms of subjects, light,
action, etc.
==============
If you feel GASsy get the
10-18. Inexpensive, very
light and easy to add to
your kit, opens up whole
new worlds.
It's a very good lens. The
cost is kept low by having
under 2:1 zoom ratio and
a modest max aperture.
Neither of those two cost
cutting measures has any
negative effect on quality
of the optics and images.
.
Mar 18, 2019 17:07:46 #
I just joined and have been shooting for years starting with a D50. I now have a D750 and love it. Everyone talks about refurbish cameras but I bought all of mine used and got great deals. I’ve bought 5 bodies to date. I never had a bad deal because I know what
I’m looking got. Shutter counts to me is number one. It tells me the condition and usage. Craig’s list is the best, try before you buy! Some day I’m crazy, but I’ve done good........
I’m looking got. Shutter counts to me is number one. It tells me the condition and usage. Craig’s list is the best, try before you buy! Some day I’m crazy, but I’ve done good........
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