7207327689 wrote:
Which DSLR Camera would you buy, I am a beginner, and maybe you should choose one for lowest price for the money, next medium price, and highest price. Landscape and wildlife photography is what I want to start with, and if you think I should start with something else first then say so!! Debra
Hi Debra. Welcome to the forum, and, more importantly, welcome to the world of photography. I don't usually get involved in these discussions, since in my experience they are usually filled with lots of opinion and bad advice. There is certainly no guarantee that anything I might say is significantly any different, but I'll have a go at it anyway.
First off...disregard any comments around what "type" of photography you want to do. There are two reasons for this. The first is that in today's world, most cameras can handle most types of photography, especially as you are learning. The second is that it is very likely that as you learn just what a camera can do under your control, you are very likely to decide to try many genres beyond the one(s) that initially got you interested. So some level of flexibility and adaptability is desirable...don't lock yourself in to any one form.
Second...there is a big battle going on in society as a whole and on this forum between SLR and "mirrorless" cameras. I suggest that you ignore that battle altogether, although it is fine to have an awareness of the two technologies. Apparently, somewhere in the discussion it has been revealed that you are somewhere in the Denver area. If that is correct, a quick search just now revealed that there are at least four dedicated camera stores in your area. I suggest that you go and take a look at the variety of options are available. Look specifically at camera models just above the ones that you might be thinking about right now, even if for no reason than to understand what options you might be deciding to forego if you choose the more basic option.
Third...and I am prepared to get a bunch of pushback on this...you don't mention your budget, and it's none of my business anyway, but if you can afford it, and especially if you already feel that your interest in photography will be more than just a passing thing, I do not recommend that you consider any of the "entry level" cameras." I have worked with kids at school using these (Nikon D3xxx and D5xxx models), and they do a great job of capturing images. There is nothing wrong with them until you want to go beyond simple automatic shooting modes and start using some of the incredible advanced capabilities built in to today's cameras. They then can get incredibly awkward and can create disincentives to continued learning and development compared to more advanced models. This comment is based on experience, and I can discuss it in detail at more length via PM if you wish.
Fourth...there used to be some real image-related reasons to choose one brand of camera versus another. Some were better with photographs of people, others were better with photographs of flowers and landscapes. The differences were very real. As camera models have matured, and as more extensive controls have been implemented, especially on more advanced camera models, these reasons have diminished in importance. Nowadays, camera size and weight and (even more importantly) control layout have become much more important in selecting a camera brand. When I bought my first digital camera about 14 years ago, I went to my local camera store intent on buying one particular brand and model of camera. But when the sales person suggested that I should at least look at another option, I discovered that the camera I had intended to buy had what would have been for me a very serious control placement problem. I ended up choosing the other camera.
You need to know that I do not work for any camera manufacturers, nor for any camera vendors. I am a retired industrial engineer. It doesn't matter to me what camera you choose, except that I do have a vested interested interest as a fellow photographer that you are happy with your choice and that you use it.
Have fun deciding, then have fun shooting.