Chaxl

Dear friends,

I am an amateur photographer that has use of only one hand. For the past 7 years I've been shooting with high-end Point &b Shoots with massive zoom. While my passion for photography continues to grow, I am thinking about looking into an SLR for the first time, but don't want to make a big mistake. Below is a list of questions (I apologize for being long) for someone who really knows about SLR's and would give helpful opinions.

Thanks,
Chad

SLR DIGITAL CAMERA
PREFERENCE: Nikon

1. I am a fan of Nikon cameras. What SLR would be a good upgrade camera to my Coolpix P500?
2. Is the P550 worth looking into?
3. Is the Nikon 1 worth looking into?
4. I don’t need an SLR with high video capabilities, but need one with very crisp images that can handle big image sizes.
5. Do I need to rotate the lens manually with my hand each time I want to focus on something, or can I do all the focus features in the camera’s Menu?
6. Mostly I do landscape and nature photography. Also I do a lot of Macro shots. How much zoom do standard lenses have, and how hard is it to take lenses on and off?
7. Are there certain SLR models that are only capable of certain lenses, or do all SLRs pretty much support all lenses from the same brand? I’d prefer a camera body that I could have for a very long time, and keep purchasing just lenses over time.
8. Since I do a lot of outdoor shots, I’ve seen some lenses with long shields so the lens itself isn’t directly in the sun.
9. Due to being physically challenged, I occasionally shake while snapping pictures, making them blurry. I’ve heard some SLR’s offer remote controls? Do you sell any Nikon’s with this capability?
10. I’ve heard some SLR’’s you can not use the live view as a substitute for your actual eyehole while snapping; it only works when you want to take a look at previous shots. Having difficulty looking through the small peek hole, what SLR’s could I use the Live View for all functions?
11. Do some SLR’s offer tilt screens with the Live View?
12. Do all SLR’s come with a standard flash since most are interchangeable?

Nikon_DonB Loc: Chicago

Not being a Nikon expert by any means I think the D3200 or D3100 would suit your needs. It is the lightest Nikon DSLR as far as weight. It will auto-focus(this is done by pushing the shutter release half way down.) Although to Zoom you'll have to turn the ring on the lens(you can set your zoom beforehand.) The D3100 has only a wired remote capability. The D5100 has a tilt screen though. It is the next level up and more expensive. They all have built in flashes. Most of the lenses for them are called DX lenses and many have VR(vibration reduction.) The D3100 and D3200 are entry level DSLR's and have a built in guide mode that will get you shooting in a hurry. Hope this info helps. Check out Cameta.com camera. They are quite helpful and will give you a fair shake. Check out their web-site and give them a call. Good Luck

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

I would say that FIRST you need to research "SLR" to see what it is you are talking about. Your questions are bouncing all over from bridge cameras to mirrorless to DSLR.

camerabuff58 Loc: Ontario, Canada,

Ditto

Robert W

While the attraction to buying an a DSLR is great think before you act. I hope I do not sound presumptuous. I would ask myself the following questions before making such an epensive purchase.
1- Have I discovered and used all the features of my present camera?
2-Can I buy supplemental equipment to enhance those features that are not available in my present camera.(lenses)?
3- Have I grown into the purchasing of such a more suphisticated piece of equipment?

Good luck
bob