Camera Choice for Photography Novice
Jan 15, 2021 09:27:22 #
I agree with your assessment that the D7500 is too bulky (as compared to the D5600) which is why I chose the D5500 over the D7200 a couple of years ago. As an enthusiast, the D5500 offers enough bells and whistles to satisfy my demands and I really liked the D5500's touch screen and compact, light design. Based on UHH advice, I chose to stay away from the two bundled lenses the D5500 came with and instead, chose Nikon's 18 - 200mm lens as a good, all-purpose lens. I really like the lens and suggest you do the same.
I will admit there are a host of alternatives to the "industry standard" Canons or Nikons. I purchased a Sony DSC-HX400V for my wife that has a "super zoom" 24 - 1,200mm Zeiss lens and takes picture rivaling my Nikon. If you aren't concerned about being able to change lenses, this or a similar camera might be a good choice.
I will admit there are a host of alternatives to the "industry standard" Canons or Nikons. I purchased a Sony DSC-HX400V for my wife that has a "super zoom" 24 - 1,200mm Zeiss lens and takes picture rivaling my Nikon. If you aren't concerned about being able to change lenses, this or a similar camera might be a good choice.
Jan 15, 2021 09:36:07 #
gvarner
Loc: Central Oregon Coast
Your Fuji gives you great control in Manual mode and an impressive zoom range. Experiment with that before you leap.
Jan 15, 2021 09:43:13 #
ejpeters
Loc: New Jersey, USA
The D7200 is a real nice camera at a good price, but if you are looking for lightweight the Z50 is a great choice.
Jan 15, 2021 10:25:14 #
Jan 15, 2021 10:32:33 #
1ArtPhoto wrote:
Beginning Photographer with limited budget ($1,000... (show quote)
Consider looking at preowned. MPB and KEH are great places to find great bargains on used equipment, and their excellent or like new ratings are hard to tell from new. They both offer six month warranties. I have never hesitated to making a purchase from either. For the past two years I have been shooting with a Fuji XT3 which I absolutely love. Fuji lenses are of very high quality. Just a suggestion, buy what you really want.
Jan 15, 2021 11:47:05 #
My 1st recommendation is the Sony a6000. But, Beyond brand, I would recommend any mirrorless camera. All mirrorless cameras let you see what you get. DSLR cameras only let you see what you get when you are in Live View. Mirrorless also have Focus Peaking, which assist with manual and night (star) focus. Good luck and welcome to UHH.
Jan 15, 2021 11:50:55 #
Also consider buying a used camera rather than new. One can find great deals on cameras that are only a few years old, sometimes as much as half the original price they once sold for. For a beginner, a slightly older model should be plenty good enough.
Jan 15, 2021 13:06:46 #
Flying Boar
Loc: Near where three states meet in the SE
I second "repleo"'s answer.
"If you are just starting out with interchangeable lens cameras forget DSLR's - go mirrorless. No benefit to DSLR's unless you have a bag full of old gear or are entrenched in a 'back-in-the day-when-I-shot-film-and-men-were-men' mentality. Also, you find it much easier to migrate from a point and shoot to mirrorless than to a DSLR.
Any of the Sony A6xxx series would be great system for you - just pick your price point. The A6000 and Sony E 18-105mm f4.0 OSS would be a great combination for around your $1000 budget."
"If you are just starting out with interchangeable lens cameras forget DSLR's - go mirrorless. No benefit to DSLR's unless you have a bag full of old gear or are entrenched in a 'back-in-the day-when-I-shot-film-and-men-were-men' mentality. Also, you find it much easier to migrate from a point and shoot to mirrorless than to a DSLR.
Any of the Sony A6xxx series would be great system for you - just pick your price point. The A6000 and Sony E 18-105mm f4.0 OSS would be a great combination for around your $1000 budget."
Jan 15, 2021 13:27:53 #
My first question is what kind of "point and shoot" is (s)he coming from? If a basic one, a bridge camera might suffice. If not, a mirrorless ILC would be appropriate.
Jan 15, 2021 14:05:39 #
Jan 15, 2021 14:43:39 #
Chrishants
Loc: England
1ArtPhoto wrote:
Beginning Photographer with limited budget ($1,000... (show quote)
With that amount of money why not look at something used? D300 with an F2.8 17-55mm can probably be had for half of your budget and while its not particularly light will teach you an awful lot for very little money. Its worth remembering that if you choose a non screw drive Nikon body, then you lose the possibility of being able to use a very wide range of excellent and cheap lenses with full AF functionality.
If you are looking for light and compact probably a used XT1-2 Fuji will work well, but lenses more expensive and nowhere near as wide a range as Nikon. The other alternative is some sort of consumer camera bought new, which will be fine, but not as nice to use as what I have mentioned above.
Jan 15, 2021 14:59:07 #
I sold off about $3K of Sony gear that included the a6400, and replaced it with a Canon RP and its kit 24-105mm IS f4-7.1 lens. The price has just been reduced to $999. I added two more lenses to the mix: The Canon RS 50mm 1.8 for $199 that makes this a perfect inconspicuous street shooter, and a used (9+) Canon 70-300mm IS f4-5.6 for about $600, including the Canon EF adapter. I'm a travel advisor (steve@cruisesandcameras.com) who hopes to once again start traveling the world in December on luxury small ships. This gives me an $1800 outfit weighing less than 8 pounds (with a gadget bag and accessories), which should enable me to take full-frame photos in any conceivable situation. It will also fit underneath an airline seat! For my backup camera, I've sold my Sony RX100 Model VII and replaced it with the Apple 12 Pro Max smartphone which has amazing photo capabilities. Since I also have the RP, I don't have to worry about the small sensor.
Jan 15, 2021 16:59:26 #
JeffL
Loc: New Jersey
Getting directions from the hoggers on this site is like trying to drink from a fire hose. You will get the people who believe the DSLR is dead and that mirrorless is the only way to go. Others will say stick with DSLR, and a third group will swear by cellphones as the wave of the future. They are all wrong and right simultaneously. They are entitled to their opinions on how to spend your money. My suggestion is to do your research, look at the market, talk to people at B&H who will sell you either technology, usually without prejudice, and decide where to spend your money. There are many refurbished bodies and lenses out there from reputable dealers where you can choose a technology without a huge expenditure. If you want to change, you can trade in what you bought or sell it on this site or eBay, and move on to a different technology. Good luck.
Jan 15, 2021 17:13:59 #
Chrishants
Loc: England
I would have thought the main concern of the OP should be to avoid the very common idea that its the camera that takes the picture and not the person holding it?
Jan 15, 2021 17:24:29 #
John Hicks
Loc: Sible Hedinham North Essex England
Of you have your heart on buying a certain camera you will never be happy if you do not buy it
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