another "which camera should I buy?" question
Nov 3, 2011 14:18:00 #
I have a Nikon D70 which I have had several years and don't like - I never have. I want to get another good digital that is lighter and easier to use and not too expensive. I do mostly PR and more or less street photography, sometimes published. Thank you for any actual cameras you could recommend.
Nov 3, 2011 14:30:31 #
I had Nikon film cameras for years. Then I sold everything and bought a Canon XS20i and never liked it, just sold it after I recently purchased a Nikon D3100, which I love! I find it very light weight compared to my old N90s and compact too, yet still an SLR. Everything on it is very straightforward and much easier to understand compared to the Canon, or so it seemed to me.
Nov 3, 2011 14:36:25 #
Few things you need to do:
1) budget
2) expected use
3) practicality
From there go to site like http://www.dpreview.com/ where you can see past/present cameras, compare cameras side by side, view sample pictures (full size)
If you decide one one camera, purchase a memory card for 'your' camera, go to a store, take a few sample shots, look at them at home. If all of this (use and image quality) is good, go on line and find the best deal. AVOID bundles that will sell you crappy lenses in case you decide to return to a DSLR.
Brand does not matter unless you have already invested a big chunk of dough in it.
1) budget
2) expected use
3) practicality
From there go to site like http://www.dpreview.com/ where you can see past/present cameras, compare cameras side by side, view sample pictures (full size)
If you decide one one camera, purchase a memory card for 'your' camera, go to a store, take a few sample shots, look at them at home. If all of this (use and image quality) is good, go on line and find the best deal. AVOID bundles that will sell you crappy lenses in case you decide to return to a DSLR.
Brand does not matter unless you have already invested a big chunk of dough in it.
Nov 3, 2011 14:40:34 #
Oh, I have a weakness for D7100 that seems to beat the D300s both in price and feature. Did not try it thought.
Remember the lens is what makes the sharpness of a shot so you can cut on the price of the box (within reason) and spring for a good gem.
Remember the lens is what makes the sharpness of a shot so you can cut on the price of the box (within reason) and spring for a good gem.
Nov 3, 2011 15:19:14 #
Go to the Canon site and look at a Canon SX30IS it has a 35 x zoom. Compared to 35mm cameras the zoom on the SX goes from 24mm to 840 mm. It has all the functions, plus movie capability, and best of all a 3 inch LCD viewer that can be twisted and turned to let you see what you are going to shoot. For the amateur or novice this one camera will cover all the bases. It is light weight and sooooo convenient
Nov 3, 2011 15:31:37 #
Thank you all for the suggestions...I am checking each one out. And...what if I wanted a slightly higher-end camera?
Nov 3, 2011 15:33:32 #
Higher end: budget, budget, budget, NOT BRAND.
The rest stays the same (remember your weight complaint).
The rest stays the same (remember your weight complaint).
Nov 3, 2011 15:59:10 #
donrent
Loc: Punta Gorda , Fl
English_Wolf wrote:
Higher end: budget, budget, budget, NOT BRAND.
The rest stays the same (remember your weight complaint).
The rest stays the same (remember your weight complaint).
=======================================
Except of course when you start looking a Leica's......
Nov 3, 2011 16:04:14 #
what about the d-70 did you not like? your the first one ive run across that didn'y like it. if you have nikon lenses i suggest staying with nikon. If weight is a mani concern look at 4/3rds sytem in either olympus or panasonic. or the ilc class of cameras. best advice go to a real camera store (not ritz/wolf or big box and try out as many as you can to see which fits best.
Nov 3, 2011 16:05:15 #
[/quote]
=======================================
Except of course when you start looking a Leica's......[/quote]
BUDGET
=======================================
Except of course when you start looking a Leica's......[/quote]
BUDGET
Nov 3, 2011 16:12:33 #
I've had only three cameras I've really used - a Nikkormat '63, a Nikon f2 and now this D70--it's too complicated!!! (and a little heavy - I carry my cameras everywhere.)
Nov 3, 2011 16:41:38 #
Higher end camera.
How high do you want to go? Nikon D3X $7K, D3 $3K.
At a "mid" level, I would not hesitate to recommend the Nikon D7000 (about $1200 kit) or a lower end the D7100 ($500).
I do own the D7000 and love it.
Review them all (not just Nikon, which is my choice) and make your choice.
How high do you want to go? Nikon D3X $7K, D3 $3K.
At a "mid" level, I would not hesitate to recommend the Nikon D7000 (about $1200 kit) or a lower end the D7100 ($500).
I do own the D7000 and love it.
Review them all (not just Nikon, which is my choice) and make your choice.
Nov 3, 2011 17:08:13 #
What lenses do you have, how much did they cost, can you sell what you have?
(Budget one again)
Semi pro-sumer camaras are usually heavier than consumer camera (heavier body - magnesium vs plastic -, dust resistant, sometime moisture resistance, choice of lenses.
A good lens from any DSLR brand (made for that brand of course) will fit your new camera (BUT you will need to make sure as there can be some caveats). Remember that all lenses are not born equal so the use you will have must be the determining factor (other than budget)
If you want to stay with Nikon take a look here:
DPReview.com (mentioned above, I think, and do a comparison.
If the bells and whistles seen too complicated us 'full automatic and then when comfortable start playing with the mode priority (aperture, speed) then with the ISO then with the white balance but always keep the highest resolution with RAW format if available. That format registers what the sensor really sees vs a JPG that compresses the image, and create a loss of both chromatic data and sharpness.
THIS GOES WITH ALL BRANDs. I do not enter the stupid fight to know which is better than the other. I only enter what responds to your need within your (once again) budget.
(Budget one again)
Semi pro-sumer camaras are usually heavier than consumer camera (heavier body - magnesium vs plastic -, dust resistant, sometime moisture resistance, choice of lenses.
A good lens from any DSLR brand (made for that brand of course) will fit your new camera (BUT you will need to make sure as there can be some caveats). Remember that all lenses are not born equal so the use you will have must be the determining factor (other than budget)
If you want to stay with Nikon take a look here:
DPReview.com (mentioned above, I think, and do a comparison.
If the bells and whistles seen too complicated us 'full automatic and then when comfortable start playing with the mode priority (aperture, speed) then with the ISO then with the white balance but always keep the highest resolution with RAW format if available. That format registers what the sensor really sees vs a JPG that compresses the image, and create a loss of both chromatic data and sharpness.
THIS GOES WITH ALL BRANDs. I do not enter the stupid fight to know which is better than the other. I only enter what responds to your need within your (once again) budget.
Nov 3, 2011 18:31:32 #
Ridesthewind
Loc: The West
English Wolf hits the target with his advice on shooting full auto, till the bug gets to you. Full auto very rarely misses. When it does you will know it and wonder what went wrong. This is where you have to be careful, because that's when the bug bites you and your life in photography will never be the same again.
Do you have a Price Range? As far as weight goes the newer dslr cameras start out at about 18oz., give or take and ounce or two. From the cameras you have had in the past I think I would start looking at the mid priced cameras such the Nikon D5100 or D7000 at about $700 and $1,100 respectively. The Canon T3i-the 7D at about $700/1500 or Pentax K-r or K-5 at about $850-$1400. I give you these cameras only as a starting point, because there are many fine cameras and makers to choose from in these price ranges. You may even be interested in a high quality compact. Both Nikon and Canon make excellent cameras that even pros find appealing in the category.
I was just looking at the great buyers guide in a digital photo magazine this morning. Lots of good info in those. Hope I haven't confused you even more, but the camera industry has exploded with the advent of the digital age. You need to be even more specific if you can in your needs, because almost all the digital cameras today are better than film. It would be hard for you to go wrong if you even start with one of todays entry level cameras.
Do you have a Price Range? As far as weight goes the newer dslr cameras start out at about 18oz., give or take and ounce or two. From the cameras you have had in the past I think I would start looking at the mid priced cameras such the Nikon D5100 or D7000 at about $700 and $1,100 respectively. The Canon T3i-the 7D at about $700/1500 or Pentax K-r or K-5 at about $850-$1400. I give you these cameras only as a starting point, because there are many fine cameras and makers to choose from in these price ranges. You may even be interested in a high quality compact. Both Nikon and Canon make excellent cameras that even pros find appealing in the category.
I was just looking at the great buyers guide in a digital photo magazine this morning. Lots of good info in those. Hope I haven't confused you even more, but the camera industry has exploded with the advent of the digital age. You need to be even more specific if you can in your needs, because almost all the digital cameras today are better than film. It would be hard for you to go wrong if you even start with one of todays entry level cameras.
Nov 4, 2011 05:22:25 #
I'm not so much telling you what to buy as what you might consider, namely the Olympus PEN series or the Sony Nex-5. My direct experience is with the Nex-5 which I find produces some wonderful pictures with the two lenses I have.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.