George Kelling Loc: Berlin, NJ 08009

Argus C3. Been there, done that. Kodachrome or Kodachrome II. Ya, that too. Now I need an idea for scanning 1,500 or so slides. I guess I just gave away my age. My Nikon D200 will let me use a different ISO for each frame. What a leap forward in flexibility. What will tomorrow bring?

warrior Loc: Paso Robles CA

Try DP Review

Ron Dial Loc: Cuenca, Ecuador

35 years ago, I had to choose either Nikon or Canon. I made my choice on the features at the time that inspired me. In the years, Canon comes out with an improvement, then Nikon comes out with an improvement and they seesaw back and forth. Both are great systems and produce pictures that you cannot tell apart. My advice to anyone is to pick a brand and stick with it. Lenses, strobes and all matter of accessories, you will be money ahead if you stick with one brand and do not hop around.

Idaho

Something I never see mentioned here is owning two cameras - a big and a small. In many cases you don't want to carry around a big camera and may not even be sure you'll use it in a given situation. Hence, the small camera that will fit in pocket or purse. Many can give you very high quality pictures dependent somewhat on the size of the sensor. You decide on your price point and get the small camera first. You use it for a time while you contemplate your "big" camera. You also learn a lot about digital as you use it. Eventually you'll choice on a "big" camera will firm up. Consider a mirrorless system as mentioned. Don't worry - that small camera will never gather dust. It may even be used more then the big camera due to the portability feature. My "small" is a Sony RX100 II which I use on a regular basis. This Sony RX series is pricey and I suggest you consider a used one. Some are returns which have little or no use.

alliebess Loc: suburban Philadelphia

I have two refurbished Nikons and have had no problems with either. Also purchased a refurbished Nikon film camera many years ago and used it until I switched to digital. Purchasing from a reputable dealer you should have no problems and save considerable money.

DanielB Loc: San Diego, Ca

Don't get overwhelmed with all the settings of a camera. It's okay to get something that seems advanced for you. You will learn it in time anyway. Every mid to pro camera has basically the same main functions - it's setting them through the menu's and dials that is different for each system. I know at first glance the menu's in these cameras can be overwhelming but trust me with time and practice you'll get to know your way around them. I've been a Canon user for decades because that was my first digital system that I used. I am, however getting really interested in the Sony Mirrorless systems for may reasons (Compact design and portability, remarkable image quality;even in low light, high dynamic range right out of the camera, fewer moving parts and I think that mirrorless could be the future of digital imagery anyway). I had a chance to play with the a9 last weekend and I'm very impressed with what I saw.
Don't buy a camera without holding it in you hands and playing with it a bit. Go to a good, high end, camera retailer that has knowledgeable reps. Let them talk to you but be cautious because everyone is a little biased in their opinions. DPreview is a great website for reviews and sample images. I suggest looking up your favorites there and do some research. Good luck.

Kuzano

First and largest mistake stated by you.

Deciding out of the chute that only Full Frame will work for you. Truly an insult to tons of really great, capable, and perhaps even better equipment. Furthermore, I will bet you don't even have a truly valid reason for that restriction on your photography......???????????

jackpinoh Loc: Kettering, OH 45419

chrisg-optical Loc: New York, NY

Yeah, it's a common misconception that the D500 is a FF DSLR...but it's a damn good crop sensor one - for birding and action/sports photos especially.

Just keep in mind starting with a FF camera lenses will cost a bit more than APSC/crop equivalents, and weigh a bit more, but IQ will be sweeter by a stop or two in low light (more DR and less noise). I want to have both so I started with crop body (D3300/D7200) and added FF lenses so the upgrade to FF will be easier on the wallet down the road (maybe this year, D8xx series). For FF Nikon, D610 is a good starter you can grow with if the D750 is out of budget, or you can get a used D800/800e on ebay around the same price as a D610 new or refurb.

OTOH, you may want to look at mirrorless FF - Sony (A7 series)- if you are just starting out.

Do try the cameras in the store before making a final decision though...don't judge solely on comments here.

my 2 cents...

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

Than you looked at the wrong camera, the D 500 is not a full frame camera!

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

First - WELCOME to UHH!

Choosing the first ILC (Interchangeable Lens Camera) is a daunting task. You have given no reasons for your choice of FF or of Nikon, so I'll assume they are not cast in concrete.

First decision: FF or crop sensor camera? Each has advantages. FF is better in low light. Crop sensor is less expensive, lighter, and has many more choices of lenses. They can use lenses made for either, but FF cameras need FF lenses or the image will have vignetting. Crop, having an apparent magnification over FF using any lens, reaches further which is helpful when needing extra reach. Mirrorless ones have a more limited choice of lenses, but can be lighter than their mirrored counterparts. If using adapters to use lenses made for mirrored cameras, that advantage goes way.

There are 2 major makers of DSLRs that offer a huge selection of lenses, Canon and Nikon. It is important to chose between them carefully at the start, since you quickly accumulate brand specific accessories (lenses, strobe) making it harder to change. The best way is to go to a store that has both on display. Hold them. Which feels better? Look at the menus. Which is easier to understand? Preferences are a personal decision. Renting is a way to make sure. Being able to share lenses with a partner can also enter into your decision.

Keep in mind, the entry level cameras can get photos as good as the more expensive ones. It is the photographer and lens that makes most of the difference.

r.grossner Loc: Rockford IL & Sarasota FL

A good piece of advice I got from a photographer when I got into the hobby was "Buy your second camera first!" I got a Nikkormat FT2 and still have it.

cambriaman Loc: Central CA Coast

That's how I started! Start with basics and learn the exposure triangle. It's hard waiting for the results with film but it is more unforgiving than digital. Eliminate the crutches and understand what you are doing. Best way!

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

I use a Canon so I may not see both sides. I have friends using both and noticed that Nikon have different set ups for different camera models. I have found moving from Canon to Canon the basic set up is the same, that is my hands feel the same for operating different models of the Canon (locations a setting changes) In my own use if I have my 5D or7D I don't know the difference in my hands for shooting.

I hope I was clear on this and not start a Nikon/Canon wore

canon Lee

Hello... Most all cameras are competitively the same as far as quality and reliability. Most important is that you buy one that fits your needs and not to buy anything that doesn't.... Assess what you will be interested in shooting and look for a camera that has the necessary functions... That said Manny, You need to consider the lens, as this is a life time investment... The lens is tied to what your hobby needs...
Full frame may not be what you need now.... Put your money into top of the line lenses.. Bodies are upgraded when your needs are specific.
Grow slowly as you refine your skills, & as you grow you will add to your equipment...