Camera selection help please: Hi all, I was introduced to this forum some months ago and have found some very educational topics. I have for the last two or so years had a Panasonic...

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Camera selection help please

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Nov 10, 2012 23:23:40 #

Sam Kopke Loc: Hamilton New Zealand

Hi all, I was introduced to this forum some months ago and have found some very educational topics.
I have for the last two or so years had a Panasonic FZ35 camera. I have enjoyed the macro ability of this camera as well as the compactness or the 27-486mm zoom, an all in one camera. I wish to upgrade to a DSLR to be able to have the additional features that these cameras have; hot shoe, ablility to add remote flashes and timer trigger. Main points of interest are: macro photo's, flowers, scenery, water falls, night lights sport and wish to learn more about potrait photography.
The Nikon D5100 body seems to draw my attention but what lens/s. I thought I may keep my FZ35 for macro photos
My Budget is about USD900, options i have considered but your suggetions and advice would be appreciated.
D5100 and 18-55 + 55-200 Nikon kit
D5100 and 18-55 + 55-300 Nikon kit
D5100 and 18-105 Nikon kit plus other
D5100 and Tamron 18-270 PZD
Thanks
Sam

Nov 10, 2012 23:28:13 #

sarge69 Loc: Ft Myers, FL

With my D5100 I was not satisfied with the 300 kit lens.

Sarge69

Nov 10, 2012 23:50:31 #

busted_shutter

Been thinking of that package deal. Sarge...what about the 300 didn't you like?

Nov 10, 2012 23:53:44 #

JesseMurphy Loc: Ste-Sophie Quebec Canada

well i enjoy My Canon 60D and it does more than what i ever expected. Why do you want to go with a Nikon? Is there any reason?

Nov 10, 2012 23:57:12 #

Sam Kopke Loc: Hamilton New Zealand

sarge69 wrote:

With my D5100 I was not satisfied with the 300 kit lens.

Sarge69

Thankyou

Nov 10, 2012 23:59:00 #

Sam Kopke Loc: Hamilton New Zealand

jesseleduc wrote:

well i enjoy My Canon 60D and it does more than what i ever expected. Why do you want to go with a Nikon? Is there any reason?

This camera has been rated as one of the better bigginers DSLR and I'm hoping the price will come down soon as the D5200 is coming onto the maket

Nov 10, 2012 23:59:45 #

Pepper Loc: Planet Earth Country USA

You said you'd also like to delve into portrait photography so here is my thought. I'd look at the Nikkor Macro 105mm lens very closely. This lens is not only great for Macro but it's an excellent portrait lens as well. It allows you to get back a ways from your subject so your not right on top of them which will make them a bit more relaxed. I use it on my D90 and can tell you it really is a nice lens.
By the way welcome to the forum, you'll find some really great folks hanging out here and always ready to help.

Nov 11, 2012 00:02:34 #

tlbuljac Loc: Oklahoma

Because its better than a Canon

jesseleduc wrote:

well i enjoy My Canon 60D and it does more than what i ever expected. Why do you want to go with a Nikon? Is there any reason?

Nov 11, 2012 00:02:55 #

tlbuljac Loc: Oklahoma

I would go for the Nikon D5100

Nov 11, 2012 02:33:19 #

Sam Kopke Loc: Hamilton New Zealand

Pepper wrote:

You said you'd also like to delve into portrait ph... (show quote)

Thanks for that

Nov 11, 2012 04:33:22 #

oldmalky Loc: West Midlands,England.

tlbuljac wrote:

Because its better than a Canon

jesseleduc wrote:

well i enjoy My Canon 60D and it does more than what i ever expected. Why do you want to go with a Nikon? Is there any reason?

Is that because you have tried the canon and find it not as good or just because you think your brand is best because that is what you have.

Nov 11, 2012 05:10:13 #

Bret Loc: Dayton Ohio

Hi Sam and the D5100 is an excellent choice. I wouldn't bother with any of the kit lens's...not bad lens's but really not all that great at the long end. Maybe get the body and have a look at this lens...60mm 2.8D macro.

60mm 2.8D

Nov 11, 2012 05:34:30 #

katbandit Loc: new york city

if you can possibly swing it why not go for the d7000 body only ..the price has dropped and it is able to do a lot more than the d5100 in the long run..like commander flash settings etc.the kit lenses aren't all that terrific..go for at least a 50mm prime lens and build from there..lets say an 85mm prime lens and then if money is tight try for a tamron 28-75mm..i found that this set up is quite enough for starting out with a basic set up..i've been saving up for a while to try for the nikon 70-200mm ..then i would feel like i have a complete setup..

Nov 11, 2012 05:57:20 #

erniehatt Loc: Queensland Australia

Before you jump in with both feet, take a look into the Mirrorless cameras out there, whether we like it or not they are the future. I have one and consider them far bette than the other cameras I have. Ernie

Nov 11, 2012 06:12:24 #

subroto mukerji Loc: New Delhi, INDIA

I agree with Ernie. I'd recommend you check out the Olympus OMD EM5 with one good weather-resistant zoom that has close focusing ability. I'm not running down the Nikon D5100, mind you: I have one and find it's excellent for portraits with the 18~105mm lens...but I also use the 50mm afs 1.8G Nikkor. The Tamron 18~270 PZD has given me surprisingly good results, even at wider apertures such as F6, which few users recommend, since this lens's sweet spot is said to lie between 60 - 80mm @F9 or so. That said, I have taken some of my SHARPEST portraits with this camera / lens combination, including some fantastic outdoor shots @400 ISO F8~9 at the longest 270mm setting. Go figure...
Just buy the gear you have faith in and feel comfortable with, get familiar with it and go shoot -- the more, the better.

erniehatt wrote:

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