Trying to make an informed decision...
Dec 4, 2013 15:56:00 #
lukan
Loc: Chicago, IL
... and tell them that you have a bunch of friends (on this forum) who'll all come in there and quiz them mercilessly if they don't treat you right! And, we're all waiting for a full report from you on what you're findings are and what you end up liking the most.
Dec 4, 2013 18:15:06 #
sirlensalot
Loc: Arizona
Ditto CHOLLY's post. I found establishing a good customer relationship with our local store was worth far more than the price difference from a big box store. Sales staff are often photographers themselves. Some may be pro's and they love to talk about most or all aspects of their craft. Best advice I can offer is to set some basic parameters, then stick to them as close as you can. Good hunting and check back if you would when your initial quest is accomplished.
Dec 5, 2013 02:59:59 #
Just make sure that what you get feels right to you. Don't be afraid to also pick up the other brands that are available in the store, and try those also. Definitely let us know what you wind up with. Good luck, and have fun with what you pick out.
Dec 5, 2013 05:58:12 #
rosscob44
Loc: Australia
I had a very similar decision to make not so long ago. After some feedback from this forum, I went to our local camera shop, spent nearly two hours with a very informative sales guy, held the nikon and cannon cameras, played with them, loaded photos onto a laptop to gauge differences, looked at the pros and cons of each, then walked away with a pentax k30. This was my choice based on my likes and dislikes,. What I am saying is go look at and feel the cameras and and make your own choice as you will have to use it anyway. I love my camera.
Dec 5, 2013 08:38:25 #
daninr8 wrote:
Just make sure that what you get feels right to you. Don't be afraid to also pick up the other brands that are available in the store, and try those also. Definitely let us know what you wind up with. Good luck, and have fun with what you pick out.
^^^ESPECIALLY Sony products. :thumbup:
Their menu layout is logical and camera operation intuitive and easy.
And their prices can't be beat! ;)
Dec 8, 2013 08:35:27 #
Well, I went to the photography store. Met with the owners and spoke to a very nice sales lady. They carry several different brands and didn't recommend either the Nikon 3200 or the 5200. When I explained what I want to shoot (my boys and landscapes), she recommended the Pentax KX50. It has weatherproofing, sturdy, 5 shots per second, does very well in low light, stabilization in the body and the lenses and several buttons so you don't have to dig through a menu to make simple changes. The kit is $800. Includes the camera body and two lenses. Has anyone ever used one and could I get your opinions?
Dec 8, 2013 08:40:55 #
lukan
Loc: Chicago, IL
Check rosscob's post above! Pentax is excellent, you get everything necessary that we've all spoken to you about, is VERY reasonably priced (high-value for what you get), and will provide you with years of picture-taking pleasure. If you wanted/ needed to upgrade the body in the future, you can, and still get a great system without having to spend an arm and a leg. Good choice, I approve, as long as it feels good to you in your hand and to your eye.
Dec 8, 2013 09:03:45 #
sirlensalot
Loc: Arizona
You can check the sensor rating at DxO mark. They think pretty highly of them.
Dec 8, 2013 14:12:35 #
angelab371 wrote:
Well, I went to the photography store. Met with th... (show quote)
The KX50 is a good camera. You can't go wrong.
And there are plenty of lenses available for you to expand your photographic technique around as you get more interested in photography.
If the camera felt good and was easy to use then that is all that counts!
GOOD LUCK!!
Dec 8, 2013 15:41:01 #
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?
Either one is a good choice although the D5200 is more advanced since it is newer.
Since it is your first DSLR approach it cautiously. Some spend a bundle starting out and then find that its not for them. Get the camera with the kit lens and see where it goes.
Dec 11, 2013 14:50:07 #
After months of researching and asking questions, I think I am about to go with the Nikon D3200 two lens bundle. I decided to back off of the price a little since this will be my first DSLR. I was impressed with the Nikon guide on the screen to learn-as-you-go, since I learn more easily that way. I juggled around the weather-proofing and image stabilization of the Pentax, but so many different reviews stated that the pictures were less than expected. For the money, I think the D3200 is going to be my best bet. Any final words of advice?
Dec 11, 2013 15:42:08 #
Check out the Sony Alpha A65 and the Sony A58. Both are around what you will pay for that D3200, (A65 on the high end, the A58 on the low end) but each is a much more advanced camera with superior video and equal (A58) or superior (A65) image quality.
I should add that Sony lenses are much less expensive than Nikon because the image stabilization is built into the body, not the lenses... a huge advantage for me.
Both Sonys sport on screen guides also and Sony customer service (if you ever need it) is excellent.
Just a suggestion... though IF you buy the D3200, you won't be dissatisfied.
GOOD LUCK!!!
I should add that Sony lenses are much less expensive than Nikon because the image stabilization is built into the body, not the lenses... a huge advantage for me.
Both Sonys sport on screen guides also and Sony customer service (if you ever need it) is excellent.
Just a suggestion... though IF you buy the D3200, you won't be dissatisfied.
GOOD LUCK!!!
Dec 11, 2013 18:44:05 #
Wabbit
Loc: Arizona Desert
angelab371 wrote:
After months of researching and asking questions, ... (show quote)
Good choice but I'd go with a D3100 .....
..... read this, I make fun of Ken Rockwell but there's a lot of valuable information there ..... I agree with his recommendation of the D3100 .....
http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/recommended-cameras.htm
Dec 12, 2013 05:58:56 #
lukan
Loc: Chicago, IL
If you like the Nikon D3200, great, buy it! Get the best lens that spans from about 18 to 150mm(taking into account the 1.5x crop factor of that sensor) that you can afford and then go shoot. You'll love it, it's a new model, and it's a fine brand. Any of the ones you were considering would have been good, but you aren't going wrong here.
Dec 18, 2013 12:01:31 #
I did it! I bought the Nikon 3200! Now if I could just learn how to use it! Lol I would like to get an 18 to 150mm lens to add to my kit. It came with the 55mm and the 200mm, but I would really like a general lens that I could keep on most of the time. Where's the best place to look and would y'all recommend used lenses?
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