If you were going to upgrade...... OK, I've been using P&S cameras as well as superzooms (Fuji HS20 and Canon SX40) for awhile now but I find that I want to step up and venture into...

BuckeyeBilly Loc: St. Petersburg, FL

OK, I've been using P&S cameras as well as superzooms (Fuji HS20 and Canon SX40) for awhile now but I find that I want to step up and venture into DSLR territory. So......if you were in my shoes, are interested in just general photography subjects including scenery and landscape, AND had up to $1500.00 to spend on equipment.....what camera and lens/lenses would you get? Also, keep in mind that I am NOT loyal to any one brand. And, by the way, I only want to consider new cameras.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

BuckeyeBilly wrote:

OK, I've been using P&S cameras as well as superzooms (Fuji HS20 and Canon SX40) for awhile now but I find that I want to step up and venture into DSLR territory. So......if you were in my shoes, are interested in just general photography subjects including scenery and landscape, AND had up to $1500.00 to spend on equipment.....what camera and lens/lenses would you get? Also, keep in mind that I am NOT loyal to any one brand. And, by the way, I only want to consider new cameras.

For most photographers, it's not if, but when they're going to upgrade. Since I have always used Nikon cameras, I'd recommend the D7000 and a lens in the range of 18-200mm. Sigma makes a good one for about $400, that's with a temporary reduction of $150.

Before you buy a lens, read reviews and ask for advice here.

Lens Reviews
http://kenrockwell.com
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/
http://lens-reviews.com/
http://photozone.de/
http://dpreview.com

https://www.google.com/search?q=nikon+50mm+1.8+vs+nikon+50mm+1.4

Info:
http://photonotes.org/articles/beginner-faq/lenses.html

GWR100 Loc: England

I would try a Canon 60d or 7D, with a 18 -135 lens which I believe will get you in to most things until you decide what you really like photographing. If you not to confident then go for a 600d. I have said Canon because I have had them all my life, but there are a lot of good cameras on the market so it would be
prudent to try them all and see which one sits in you hand the best.
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BuckeyeBilly wrote:

OK, I've been using P&S cameras as well as superzooms (Fuji HS20 and Canon SX40) for awhile now but I find that I want to step up and venture into DSLR territory. So......if you were in my shoes, are interested in just general photography subjects including scenery and landscape, AND had up to $1500.00 to spend on equipment.....what camera and lens/lenses would you get? Also, keep in mind that I am NOT loyal to any one brand. And, by the way, I only want to consider new cameras.

Db7423 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

The very best DX body Nikon makes is the D7000. Body only about $900 at B&H Photo. They also have several kits assembled with the body at or near your budget. What are your immediate lens requirements? What do you like to shoot? Best advice I can give you is not to skimp on them- good lens are forever. Good luck with whatever you decide.

oldmalky Loc: West Midlands,England.

If it were me I would buy a relatively cheap camera as they are all good (mine is the a57)and spend the majority of my cash on a good lens, lens are forever.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

jerryc41 wrote:

quote=BuckeyeBilly OK, I've been using P&S ca... (show quote)

I agree with Jerry.
I use a Nikon D7000 and the last camera I owned that I liked this much was an Olympus OM-1 that I had in the 1970s. I also agree on the 18-200mm lens. It is versital in the it gives a focal length range from wide angle to telephoto. I have the Nikkor 18-200mm, but have never tried the Sigma, so I can't recommend one over the other for you. But in my opinion that range is the way to go.
Good luck.

Pepper Loc: Planet Earth Country USA

Right now at this moment in time Nikon's D7000 could be (I said COULD be) the best DX body on market in the price range you're requesting. Add to that the value in and advantages of Nikon lenses you have a winning combination. Having said that I'd confess that I am a Nikon user and fan and I know very little about other makes.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Pepper wrote:

Having said that I'd confess that I am a Nikon user and fan and I know very little about other makes.

And you have very little need to. :D

Bubu Loc: Out of this solar system

What i have learned. I would never buy a kit lens again. Formula: a Sony, Pentax K, Canon, Nikon body have good sensors. Buy a good quality lens for the type of photography you care the most; that is, focal length depending on what you like to shoot. I am also using a walk around lens 28-300. I plug it in and don't have to change lens when I am on the go. I jus sold the kit lenses on my camera to buy these two.

Pepper Loc: Planet Earth Country USA

Bubu wrote:

What i have learned. I would never buy a kit lens again. A Sony, Pentax K, Canon, Nikon body have good sensors. Buy a good quality lens for the type of photography you care the most. that is, focal length depending on what you like to shoot. I am also using a walk around lens 28-300.. I plug it in and don't have to change lens when I am on the go. I jus sold the kit lenses on my camera to buy these two.

I would be hesitant to say "never". I have the Nikon 18-105mm lens. I guess I'm assuming it's a "Kit" lens as it's the lens that came with my D90 and I like it a lot. I'd personally recommend it without hesitation.

Bubu Loc: Out of this solar system

Pepper wrote:

quote=Bubu What i have learned. I would never buy... (show quote)

Yes, you may be right. I acknowledge the most be some good kit lenses out there. But good is a perception and we never know what good means for a user. For me, for example. I am also using my perception of good when I give an opinion, so, the alternative is to research and conduct a personal poll on lens quality and viability for your use. Use many venues, places where photos are posted. Though light and condition and the photographer skills play a big part in the outcome, a picture of "image quality" can emerge that will help you in that decision making process. I find that looking at photos and the lenses that were used can help me calibrate my opinion. That is why have asked too often to the point of bothering some members, " What lens did you use? That is a veiled acknowledgment that I consider their photos "good". That was the long answer.

dannyp59 Loc: Granite Falls, WA.

I use a Nikon D-3200, I like the fact that it was an easy upgrade to DSLR, it has a guide mode to help you learn how to use it. I have had it for about 9 months now and can use it manually now and love it. Only downside is the lens that came with it are low end at best, there are better lens out there and I will be getting some in the near future.

oldmalky Loc: West Midlands,England.

Never mind spending money on the camera spend the most on a top lens.There is a lot of snobbery depending on what you use.

BuckeyeBilly Loc: St. Petersburg, FL

jerryc41 wrote:

quote=BuckeyeBilly OK, I've been using P&S ca... (show quote)

Thanks, Jerry.....you always give great advice!

BuckeyeBilly Loc: St. Petersburg, FL

GWR100 wrote:

I would try a Canon 60d or 7D, with a 18 -135 lens... (show quote)

Thanks, GWR! You mentioned the 60D, which is one that I am considering.