A friend asked me recently what kind of DSLR he should buy. This is not an easy question to answer. First I would need to know what kind of pictures and what kind of subjects is he planning on shooting. I don't know the answer to that. Of course available dollars play a part too. But then, with changing technology, should he consider a mirrorless camera, the wave of the future.
I would be interested in thoughts on what approach to take to answer this question.
bobburk3 wrote:
A friend asked me recently what kind of DSLR he should buy. This is not an easy question to answer. First I would need to know what kind of pictures and what kind of subjects is he planning on shooting. I don't know the answer to that. Of course available dollars play a part too. But then, with changing technology, should he consider a mirrorless camera, the wave of the future.
I would be interested in thoughts on what approach to take to answer this question.
The answer here on UHH will be very biased. I am a Nikon guy so I would suggest a DSLR 850. Not into mirrorless.
bobburk3 wrote:
A friend asked me recently what kind of DSLR he should buy. This is not an easy question to answer. First I would need to know what kind of pictures and what kind of subjects is he planning on shooting. I don't know the answer to that. Of course available dollars play a part too. But then, with changing technology, should he consider a mirrorless camera, the wave of the future.
I would be interested in thoughts on what approach to take to answer this question.
A lot depends on what type of photography he plans on doing. I shoot wildlife so I us a D500 Nikon. If I was going to shoot landscapes I would shoot full frame. We really need more information.
bobburk3 wrote:
A friend asked me recently what kind of DSLR he should buy. This is not an easy question to answer. First I would need to know what kind of pictures and what kind of subjects is he planning on shooting. I don't know the answer to that. Of course available dollars play a part too. But then, with changing technology, should he consider a mirrorless camera, the wave of the future.
I would be interested in thoughts on what approach to take to answer this question.
Does your friend have a budget? Is it Mike from state farrn?
Go to a camera shop, talk to the people, hold one or two of their recommendations.
Make sure the camera is comfortable to hold and the controls easy to work.
A good shop will ask many questions to get him a good fit, including economically.
Each successive question should be based on the answer to the previous question.
Everyone here will recommend the camera(s) that they own.
which may or may not fit him or his wallet.
What experience does he have? How much will he use the camera, maybe once a year to take snaps of the Grand Canyon or another tourist area, every day on walks, only when grandkids visit, to make artsy style photos or simple snapshots. You correctly brought up price, what type of photography, landscapes, fast moving sports photography, long range wildlife photography, birds in flight, birds at the top of a tree 50 yards away, fast moving grand kids. An entry level Canon, Nikon or maybe Sony (yes I know there are other brands out there) will pretty much do all of the above depending on the lens purchased.
It used to be that a Nikon F did most everything but then cameras became somewhat specialized for fast sports. Consumers became interested in longer lenses, micro photographs are done more these days. There is a lot of information to gather from your friend. Otherwise he can't do too bad with a Canon or Nikon medium camera and an 18-55 lens to start.
Dennis
AndyH
Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire
Your approach is correct - it all depends on what he wants to photograph and what kind of a budget he has. Hard to believe anyone would have a suggestion without knowing the basics. I'm sure you'll get some ideas, both realistic and unrealistic, with more information.
Saying "I want to buy a camera" is a little like saying "I want to buy a book".
Andy
The answer will depend a lot on what their budget is. If there’s a camera shop in your area, a visit is definitely in order. I happen to have 2 Sony bodies that I like. Thirty plus years ago when I purchased a Minolta Maxxum 7000i, if the Nikon 8008 had a spot meter, I would probably be carrying a D850 & be a Nikon snob ;}. Hands on is the best way to decide.
The answer will depend a lot on what their budget is. If there’s a camera shop in your area, a visit is definitely in order. I happen to have 2 Sony bodies that I like. Thirty plus years ago when I purchased a Minolta Maxxum 7000i, if the Nikon 8008 had a spot meter, I would probably be carrying a D850 & be a Nikon snob ;}. Hands on is the best way to decide.
bobburk3 wrote:
A friend asked me recently what kind of DSLR he should buy. This is not an easy question to answer. First I would need to know what kind of pictures and what kind of subjects is he planning on shooting. I don't know the answer to that. Of course available dollars play a part too. But then, with changing technology, should he consider a mirrorless camera, the wave of the future.
I would be interested in thoughts on what approach to take to answer this question.
1. What is your Photography Budget?
2. Do you have any Photography experience?
3. How much Research are you willing to do?
4. What Technology are you considering, DSLR or Mirrorless?
5.Do have any Specific brands you are considering?
6. Are you a Beginner, Advanced, or Professional?
Answer these questions honestly, then you may be ready to go shopping.
bobburk3 wrote:
A friend asked me recently what kind of DSLR he should buy. This is not an easy question to answer. First I would need to know what kind of pictures and what kind of subjects is he planning on shooting. I don't know the answer to that. Of course available dollars play a part too. But then, with changing technology, should he consider a mirrorless camera, the wave of the future.
I would be interested in thoughts on what approach to take to answer this question.
My advice to your friend:
I don't think there are any bad ones. Grab one and start shooting. Time's a wasting.
Mike
bobburk3 wrote:
A friend asked me recently what kind of DSLR he should buy. This is not an easy question to answer. First I would need to know what kind of pictures and what kind of subjects is he planning on shooting. I don't know the answer to that. Of course available dollars play a part too. But then, with changing technology, should he consider a mirrorless camera, the wave of the future.
I would be interested in thoughts on what approach to take to answer this question.
You have the right answer. The question can not be answered. Sure a lot of people will suggest a bunch of different cameras model and in the end there are still many choices. The best approach would be to educate your friend (if he/she interested) about cameras so that he/she can make the choice his/herself.
By the way don't set a budget. Teach him about cameras from the least expensive to the most expensive. When he makes the decision he would know what he is going to miss (if any) when he has to keep cost down.
Blenheim Orange wrote:
My advice to your friend:
I don't think there are any bad ones. Grab one and start shooting. Time's a wasting.
Mike
Basically what I did.
Had experience with two Canon film cameras, saw a Canon DSLR at Costco, bought it.
Going on ten years now.
PixelStan77 wrote:
The answer here on UHH will be very biased. I am a Nikon guy so I would suggest a DSLR 850. Not into mirrorless.
Nikon makes a mirrorless line now so your bias must be to DSLR
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