Still researching for that first DSL!!
Feb 4, 2014 10:25:34 #
Feb 4, 2014 10:28:46 #
SX2002 wrote:
I always tell people to buy the best they can afford, whatever brand they choose...
YES! :thumbup:
But don't compare the D5300 to the 70D. The 70D is a lot better. If you want to consider the 70D compare it to the D7100. They are really closely matched.
I prefer Canon, it feels right to me. But go to a store and hold them.
Get the best you can afford and grow into it.
Feb 4, 2014 10:30:14 #
My FIRST DSLR was a Nikon D2x that I bought off of ebay. This was my "Training Wheels" camera to learn how to use Nikon's autofocus system. The ISO was not high enough for my needs. I sold it and bought a Nikon D90 which is my current camera. You can get GOOD, LOW USEAGE used D90 for about $300. Don't be afraid of refurbished gear. It is like a used car that has been checked over by the factory. Better gear, lower price.
AFTER you buy your first camera, go buy the Magic Lantern book on your particular camera. Then go and READ the Magic Lantern book on your particular camera. I buy LOTS of camera gear from people who spent BOATLOADS of money on new gear and then never learned how to use it! DON'T become my next equipment vendor! Buy it, learn it, use it, enjoy it!
regardless of the camera you end up with.
AFTER you buy your first camera, go buy the Magic Lantern book on your particular camera. Then go and READ the Magic Lantern book on your particular camera. I buy LOTS of camera gear from people who spent BOATLOADS of money on new gear and then never learned how to use it! DON'T become my next equipment vendor! Buy it, learn it, use it, enjoy it!
regardless of the camera you end up with.
Feb 4, 2014 10:49:51 #
garwig wrote:
Since my last post, I have narrowed the choices do... (show quote)
There are a couple of other options:
buy a refurbished camera direct from Canon, (Im a Canon guy.I'm sure Nikon has the same). I did this several years ago on my first DSLR and I couldn't tell the difference, new vs. refurbished and saved approx. 30% over a new one. In fact I still use it as a backup.
Also, most camera shops rent out cameras and lenses at a reasonable rate, usually under $100 for a weekend (3 days). That way, you can get the feel of the camera and maybe also see if you have a real passion for photography before you plunk down the big $.
Feb 4, 2014 10:49:52 #
I'm new here but I couldn't help but put in my own two cents on this one. How many dealers in your area? I have only one and since I was just starting out it is embarassing going in and asking why something doesn't work on a camera you bought some place else. See what they offer, not suggest but offer, and make a decision there. You will feel a little more secure with a close by backup, I did. I went with Nikon because it felt better in my hands than the Canon but you will be different. Now that I have some experience, not a lot, but some I am switching to Pentax because 55 years ago when I first got interested in photography and started reading about it the only SLR out there that anyone ever saw was a Pentax. It was the camera for serious photographers. In the years between I used cheap cameras, point and shoot, and dreamed until I got my nerve up to try it. And thanks to those dealers for the early part I am now going where I always wanted to go. Good luck.
Feb 4, 2014 11:41:40 #
garwig wrote:
Since my last post, I have narrowed the choices do... (show quote)
My best advice is to start with a used or refurbished . . . older model is fine . . use it for six months 'til you know the level you are interested in. Buying a top end camera to take a few scenic shots is throwing money down the drain. After six months you won't need to ask this question . . . you'll know what's missing in your gear.
Feb 4, 2014 13:13:42 #
TODAYS cameras no matter what brand it may be their are no real dogs in the bunch... pick one and go for it...
Feb 4, 2014 14:00:37 #
I am going out on a limb here and summarize the thread to date.
You can't pick a bad camera out of the ones proposed so far.
Stop over-thinking this and get on with it.
The only bad decision here is not making one.
You can't pick a bad camera out of the ones proposed so far.
Stop over-thinking this and get on with it.
The only bad decision here is not making one.
Feb 4, 2014 14:52:34 #
sr71 wrote:
uh that is incorrect, with the proper nikon body you can use just about any lens since the day Nikon first built cameras..... this does not include any specialty lens..... I.e. ones that stick way down into the camera body..... but that is a lot of lens.... to choose from.... that's what you get for NOT changing your lens mount system....
71, you are exactly right. But why would anyone, other than an old dinosaur with a closetfull of old antiquated lenses even want to use those old manual lenses. If you spend all your photography shooting things that will never move, sure, go ahead. There is not ONE old lens that is better than its new modern counterpart. To plan ones photo carreer around being able to use an antique lens collection would not be for me.
What else does one get for NOT changing their lens mount? You get the privilege of NEVER having the ability to use a fast lens. Some shooters don't need speed. Some would even think the 50mm f1.4 is fast. It's fast if it's all you got! Try 50mm f1.0 for fast! Or even 50 1.2.
I still stick to more, faster, lighter, its what really counts, and there is only one brand that offers that. Don't be held back by the wrong choice. Most think it doesn't matter, I guess for them it never will.
71, you want to use old manual glass, get a rangefinder.
You wanna use fast, auto glass, get a real system. ;-)
SS
Feb 4, 2014 15:01:41 #
Dave_TX wrote:
Good advice! Doing so will save you money in the long run because it will delay the day you need to move up to a higher level model.
Agreed to some extent. Then you get someone like me who is not only a camera guy i am also a tech geek lol. When you have that combination, you always want the "newest" toys lol
Feb 4, 2014 15:11:38 #
oldmalky wrote:
I am a Sony shooter but as you seem to have made your mind up on what you want (Canon or Nikon) i would say try the Nikon 3100 a damn nice camera with everything in the right place or if you suddenly see the light go Sony.
What model in Sony is comparable to the Canon 70D or the comparable Nikon which I forget it's number?
Feb 4, 2014 15:56:32 #
garwig wrote:
Since my last post, I have narrowed the choices do... (show quote)
I used to have a lot of canon film gear almost a full set of FD lenses when canon moved to the eos they cut off my path of upgrade so when I went digital I had to make a different choice or buy a lot of glass again. I decided to go micro 4/3. With an adapter I can still use many of my old FD lenses. I'll never buy canon cameras. On the plus side it's hard to beat the Olympus OMD EM5 maybe the EM1 not tried it yet.
Feb 4, 2014 16:18:51 #
I agree whole-heartedly with the fella that said look at some of the BETTER models of cameras. Nikon and canon are Not the best.. check out PENTAX the K-3, check out olympus and sony. Rjm
Feb 4, 2014 17:01:32 #
moorehead
Loc: Texas
I am going through the same journey as yourself. I have nearly landed on the Nikon 5300 based on feature/price, wireless w gps and broader array of lenses. Have been leaning toward the 18-300 MM lense, although orciey a great range of flexibility. I don't believe Canon offer such a lens :)
Feb 4, 2014 17:08:22 #
moorehead wrote:
I don't believe Canon offer such a lens :)
Moorehead, you may be right, but Canon does offer 200 other lenses. Some of those you may find useful as your photographic journey gets further from the egg.
Good luck and enjoy the ride. ;-)
SS
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