Trying to make an informed decision...
Dec 3, 2013 12:23:31 #
lukan
Loc: Chicago, IL
Angelab: Now that's a horse of a different color! If you have boys, there'll most likely be sports involved You'll need (want) a camera that has image stabilization either in the body or in the lens(es). If you want to be into photography and create images worth keeping forever, then you'll want a good camera with a sensor larger than that of a cell phone or pocket point-and-shoot. Image stabilization in the body makes for slightly lower cost lenses because they don't need to be stab'd since the body already is. Stab'd lenses can be used on non-stab'd bodies, but the action you'll see going forward will priceless, fun, and make you proud. My suggestion is: Canon Rebel 4ti with the 18-135mm lens; OR Nikon D7100(factory refurb) with the 18-140mm lens. Super good.
Dec 3, 2013 12:37:51 #
May want to consider a bridge camera like Sony HX200 or Canon SX50 or Nikon P520 large zoom capabilities to quickly reach out for sports, action and kid shots. I don't have one, but I know that there are lots of UHH members who do and can speak from experience regarding strengths and weaknesses for these type of application.
Dec 3, 2013 13:00:23 #
To follow your boy's action a fast shutter speed is going to freeze the action. Image stabilization WILL NEVER stop action it rather stabilizes the image when using the camera hand held.
Obviously, the shutter speed should be higher than the focal length of the lens in use. As an example, if you are using a 200mm lens your shutter speed should be higher than 1/200sec. You can also use a higher ISO speed to achieve it.
Hope this helps.
Obviously, the shutter speed should be higher than the focal length of the lens in use. As an example, if you are using a 200mm lens your shutter speed should be higher than 1/200sec. You can also use a higher ISO speed to achieve it.
Hope this helps.
Dec 3, 2013 13:09:22 #
angelab371 wrote:
I am buying my first SLR camera. I have been researching for months and have come down to two cameras. I would love some input before I make my purchase. Nikon D3200 or Nikon D5200? Help?
Have you been to a REAL camera store and check them out side by side?
I'm not talking Best Buy... I mean a full service camera shop.
If you don't have one close by, find one within driving distance, pile the boys in the car and make a trip out of it.
When you reach the store, make sure you get their most experience salesperson/tech available and get him or her to explain the merits of each to you.
You'll know if they are good or not IF they ask you what you will be primarily using the camera for. ;)
Don't necessarily be concerned with customer service; this is a research visit. But IF the price is right and the service/knowledge good, then give them some consideration when it's time to buy. :thumbup:
I would also check out reviews of each camera in publications and online if you haven't already.
Have fun and GOOD LUCK!!!
Dec 3, 2013 13:10:28 #
angelab371 wrote:
I am buying my first SLR camera. I have been researching for months and have come down to two cameras. I would love some input before I make my purchase. Nikon D3200 or Nikon D5200? Help?
Angela, by now you are completely confused. If the decision is that hard, I suggest you get the one that cost the least, and spend the difference on a nifty 50 lens. In a year or two you will know exactly what you really need. Sell the 3200, and get a better camera. That's how I started, and it worked very well for me.
Good luck
SS
Edit: I started with a used $200 camera and a used $75 zoom lens. ;-)
Dec 3, 2013 13:14:21 #
lukan
Loc: Chicago, IL
To further address the srabilization issue, it enables you to take a photo at a few stops slower shutter speed without vibration or hand-tremor affecting the shot. With 3 boys on the doorstep of the teen years, you'll be tremoring plenty, I'm sure (speaking from experience). It won't help at all if both of your hands are around any of their necks.
And I concur with several posters above: go to a real camera store, get informed and HOLD the camera and its lens in your hand, then decide. Go for less expensive then upgrade in the future after you know more about it all.
And I concur with several posters above: go to a real camera store, get informed and HOLD the camera and its lens in your hand, then decide. Go for less expensive then upgrade in the future after you know more about it all.
Dec 3, 2013 13:27:26 #
Thanks. You have made me laugh out loud for the first time today. :) I live in a small, rural town, so it will be a bit of a drive for me but I will definitely take that advice. Thanks again.
Dec 3, 2013 13:28:16 #
Dec 3, 2013 19:46:14 #
amehta
Loc: Boston
angelab371 wrote:
I can't thank each of you enough for taking the time to respond to my inquiry. I have one more question that I would really appreciate your input on... I have 3 boys, 13, 9 and 7. They play sports and are just never still in general. Will the fact that neither camera has image stabilization make me regret not getting an advanced point and shoot? Trees and landscapes stand still enough, but the boys are a different story.
With your three boys, the DSLR will be significantly better than an advanced P&S because it simply operates faster, especially focusing and the shutter lag. The better DSLR will also operate faster than the cheaper one.
Also, the better ("faster') lens will also make pictures of moving kids much better. It will let you use a faster shutter speed to capture the motion. It will also get more light to the AF sensor, so it can focus faster, especially in lower light (indoor sports). You may not decide to do that right now, but keep that in mind if you find you're not quite satisfied with the results from a slower zoom (f/4-5.6 would be slow, f/2.8 would be faster).
Dec 3, 2013 21:47:19 #
sirlensalot
Loc: Arizona
I agree inasmuch as the shutter lag on a P&S can be maddening if you are considering using it for sports and would advise against it. They are wonderful for almost any other type of photography in most cases.
Suggest considering an entry level dslr with a mid range zoom or a 50mm or 85mm prime lens, either a f/1.8 or f/1.4. Pentax and Sony both make cameras with in body stabilization. Nikon and Canon provide stabilization in individual lenses and it comes at a premium. There are sports photographers that say image stabilization is useless for action sports, others who swear by it.
Suggest considering an entry level dslr with a mid range zoom or a 50mm or 85mm prime lens, either a f/1.8 or f/1.4. Pentax and Sony both make cameras with in body stabilization. Nikon and Canon provide stabilization in individual lenses and it comes at a premium. There are sports photographers that say image stabilization is useless for action sports, others who swear by it.
Dec 4, 2013 11:42:35 #
I really appreciate your comments, amehta and sirlensalot. That helps me a lot.
Dec 4, 2013 14:26:10 #
Dec 4, 2013 14:49:32 #
Dec 4, 2013 14:59:35 #
I've found a photography shop about an hour away! I'm hoping to be able to go this weekend and get my hands on some cameras. Yall wish me luck!
Dec 4, 2013 15:11:19 #
Don't be afraid to ask for the most experienced/knowledgeable salesman/technician. And let them know you are going to pull the trigger, but need a hands-on test to make the final decision so they won't think you are wasting their time.
GOOD LUCK and most of all, EMJOY YOURSELF!!!
GOOD LUCK and most of all, EMJOY YOURSELF!!!
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