Gene51
Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
21812 wrote:
Hello. All....
Beginner photography buff as of today.
Have read a ton of photography blogs so far....really lost now ?
Looking for advice of what to buy for a starter camera, but also something that I can grow into without trading up every year ?
Is buying a used camera worth the risk?
Where to buy it?
What lenses?
Budget could go up to $ 1000...is that realistic?
Mostly shoot scenery...sometimes at 65 mph, but also everything I come across out on the road
TY
Jack
Hello. All.... br br Beginner photography buff as... (
show quote)
The price may be realistic, depending on what your expectations are.
I've been a long time photographer (since 1967) and have all sorts of Nikon full frame DSLR cameras an lenses which I have used professionally and now mostly for my own creative work. That being said, I recently purchased something that would not compromise image quality too much, and borrowed a Sony RX10M3 from the Sony Store in NYC for a whole day (totally free, btw).
I have attached some images that I took using the borrowed RX10M3.
But I found the AF performance to be somewhat lacking compared to what I am accustomed to. Not that you can't get great photos with it, but since I like to shoot wildlife (in addition to everything else), I waited a bit and went for the Sony RX10M4, which addressed my main concerns. I was prepared for a compromise and had weighed the pros and cons of a small format camera. I can say, without hesitation, that I was surprised by how small those compromises were. I know it's a bit of a stretch beyond your budget, but it is totally worth it. There is no perfect camera, but this one comes close to being one. The RX10M4 is even closer, but it costs $400 more, at $1700.
Not that the other cameras aren't as good. They will most certainly provide better images and more options. But all of that is future capability. Either RX10 will give you great results now.
Here is an in-depth look at the RX10M3:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sl6Ma4g6vEMhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ad1JDfmyNxIAnd a great video on just it's video capability:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKyxBw5sn0EYou can see images I've taken with the RX10M4 here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/albums/72157667029395028https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/albums/72157689083645890https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/albums/72157694805547345https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/albums/72157665487054018https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/albums/72157693140571925https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/albums/72157665486900208https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/albums/72157690214837382And I took these while moving at 70-100 km/h
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/albums/72157691434760511
Welcome to the Hog Jack, good luck in your search and enjoy.
A10
Loc: Southern Indiana
You might research Pentax K-3 or K-1 DSLR. They are rugged and weather sealed and usually less than their Canon or Nikon equivalents. All of the lenses Pentax has made will fit on to the new digital Pentax's with some limitations. Enjoy the search.
Welcome!
I'm a hobbyist and I do a lot of shooting the same as you. Roll down the window and point and shoot. I also shoot landscape and nature. It was recommended to me to start with a Canon Rebel Xti. It's an entry level camera that can go from full auto to full manual and allow you to exchange lenses as you grow. I've been quite happy with it. I got it off of ebay along with most of my equipment for practically nothing compared to other places. It has a couple of ink marks on the lens body so it was even less. Believable you me, I definitely do my shopping before I buy. Anyway, that's my two cents worth.
If you can go to a store that sells cameras and handle them. You don't have to buy till you are confutable. You can look for a club and talk to them.
Lots of DSLR kits in that price range. Pick a popular brand and go for it. A 20-24 MP sensor is about standard now and should yield great photos and printing flexibility. Growing your system will involve adding lenses and accessories like flash and will keep you challenged for a long time. Consider upgrading later to a new body with newer "useable" features and keep your initial camera as a backup.
As we move further from when 35mm was king, I wonder when using "full frame" as a concept will be met with a blank stare? I met one working pro who is quietly selling off her ultra-fast full frame lenses because new lenses perform as well and greatly increased usable ISOs mean smaller, slower lenses work just as well for what she shoots.
AndyH
Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire
radiojohn wrote:
As we move further from when 35mm was king, I wonder when using "full frame" as a concept will be met with a blank stare? I met one working pro who is quietly selling off her ultra-fast full frame lenses because new lenses perform as well and greatly increased usable ISOs mean smaller, slower lenses work just as well for what she shoots.
Excellent question. I wonder whether even the pros will need a full frame after the sensor development we see in the next few generations of body development. We will know it’s happening when the “semi pro” crop versions of the big makers’ bodies edge closer and closer to the pro models.
When I purchased my first SLR I had one camera in mind. It is still recognized as a landmark camera for its era featuring the semi automatic modes that were popular in the late 1970's. When I go tot he store--yeah bricks and mortar, I could never feel comfortable with it in my hands. I tried another brand and all fit and every time I put it to my eye, my fingers were on the controls and they just all fit together. You know which one I bought. It doesn't really matter which top brand you choose, Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Olympus Sony etc. What matters is that you like to use the camera, it is comfortable (relatively) intuitive to use. Because, if the CAMERA is an effort to use you will just use your phone. OR, the effort will detract from your photos.
Your budget is generous for starters. You're too new for used unless you're using the pros at KEH, Adorama or B&H or a trustworthy local camera store with a return and warranty policy like 14 days no questions asked and 1 year warranty. Factory refurbished product from Canon or Nikon are like or maybe better than new. AN easy way to save a few hundred Dollars. Canon has some good models on sale now.
I think the advice for a Full frame (meaning the same size as a 35mm film frame) Sensor body is well intended, but the value for a beginner is overblown. And the $1,000 budget will likely not yield a new or even one model older camera, and there will be little room for a lens. My first Digital Camera was used (from KEH) and it was an APS-C sensor. Those sensors yield excellent results and provide the ability to use quality lenses at affordable prices to get started and learn. When the time comes, upgrading to Full Frame will be a project that you can undertake in pieces. That was my choice and it bore out over 4 years--and I just ahd a chance to replace my gear and I chose to replace it with APS-C equipment because sensor technology made it a very real quality alternative for me.
You will note that this like very other "enthusiast undertaking" like guns, cars, boats etc. is populated by two kinds of people. The results oriented folks who prize the outcomes and outputs as teh suit their purposed and teh Gear Snobs who are more impressed with their gear.
Good Luck
C
Some photographers may disagree with me, but you said you are a beginner on a limited budget. A very good lens that will cover most of your needs is a Sigma 18-300 for less than $400 and covers wide angle to telephoto. I have one on each of my cameras, Nikon and Canon, and couldn’t be happier. They take great shots. Good luck with your choices.
10MPlayer wrote:
$1000 will buy you a nice camera and lens. Shooting anything at 65 mph is going to get you nothing worth keeping. Get a couple of introductory books on photography. When you do buy a camera read the owner's manual from cover to cover. I know, pain in the neck. But do it anyway. Keep the Getting Started booklet handy.
...haha...I shoot "from the saddle" quite a bit, and rarely miss what I'm targeting (and, yes, I go about it in a "safe" manner). But I'm just a stupid, farm animal tuba player, so everything is relative! ;0)
Nikon has now dropped thenprice of their awesome d7200 camera with 2 lens kit to 999. This is cheaper than a refurbished model of this camera. It can be simple to us and allows you to grow. You won’t need to upgrade in the future unless you just want a newer model. You won’t be disappointed in this camera. You can buy directly from Nikon USA or any numbers of other stores.
Good luck in whatever you decide to buy
AndyH
Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire
^ That’s q great price and an excellent beginning.
21812 wrote:
Hello. All....
Beginner photography buff as of today.
Have read a ton of photography blogs so far....really lost now ?
Looking for advice of what to buy for a starter camera, but also something that I can grow into without trading up every year ?
Is buying a used camera worth the risk?
Where to buy it?
What lenses?
Budget could go up to $ 1000...is that realistic?
Mostly shoot scenery...sometimes at 65 mph, but also everything I come across out on the road
TY
Jack
Hello. All.... br br Beginner photography buff as... (
show quote)
It looks like all your basic questions have been answered here.
What I'de like to add is the fact that most all manuals that come with cameras are pretty deep to understand when you are new to digital photography.
I just wanted to add that should you buy a Sony brand, go to "The Friedman Archives"
http://www.friedmanarchives.com/ and check to see if he has a book on the camera. You can buy them in print or in a down loaded PDF. He makes useing the camera so very easy to learn. I have two Sony's now and love them both.
Good luck to you.
Charles
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