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DSLR to start with?
- Thread starter Alexx
- Start date
CP_alum08
Well-Known Member
Even though I know you said you don't have a budget, there has to be somewhat. A VERY general rule of thumb is to take the maximum you are willing to spend, divide it by 3. Spend one third on the body and the remaining 2/3's on lenses. The lenses are much more important than the body. That being said, here's my $.02
1. First and foremost, don't be lured in by megapixels. Unless you are printing your photos at huge sizes there isn't much need for anything above 10. (I'll probably be bashed for that and there are reasons pros need more)
2. Canon, Nikon, Sony, and maybe 1 or 2 others are really the only brands I would look at. Canon and Nikon usually make slightly better cameras because that's all they do. And between those 2, honestly, it's all up to your preference. Both are on the forefront of technology and both are always competing against each other. The menu layout is different and the button layout is different, but that's about it.
3. Size and weight grow substantially the further up the product chain you go. So if it's going to be something you carry around all day you might want to consider that.
4. Video. Plain and simple.
Those are just a few things to look into. I use Nikon, so for my money I would look at the D5000 or the D3100. If you are willing to get a used camera, the D40x is a great place to start.
Also, there are TONS of articles geared to this decision process on the web, just do a simple search.
Good Luck!
1. First and foremost, don't be lured in by megapixels. Unless you are printing your photos at huge sizes there isn't much need for anything above 10. (I'll probably be bashed for that and there are reasons pros need more)
2. Canon, Nikon, Sony, and maybe 1 or 2 others are really the only brands I would look at. Canon and Nikon usually make slightly better cameras because that's all they do. And between those 2, honestly, it's all up to your preference. Both are on the forefront of technology and both are always competing against each other. The menu layout is different and the button layout is different, but that's about it.
3. Size and weight grow substantially the further up the product chain you go. So if it's going to be something you carry around all day you might want to consider that.
4. Video. Plain and simple.
Those are just a few things to look into. I use Nikon, so for my money I would look at the D5000 or the D3100. If you are willing to get a used camera, the D40x is a great place to start.
Also, there are TONS of articles geared to this decision process on the web, just do a simple search.
Good Luck!
BigRedDad
Well-Known Member
My recommendation is go to a local professional camera shop and talk with them, feel the cameras, and get information. Do not go to a Wolf Camera, Ritz, Best Buy, etc. All most of them know what is on the key card.
I finally went to a professional store near me. Showed them what I had been doing, showing them my camera and lenses, and asked for recommendations. They were very informative. I was about to get a whole new outfit if that is what the recommended. For me, the feel of my Canon was better in my hands than Nikon and others. They needed my kit lenses due to some issue and gave me a huge trade-in for them. I got two lenses that will work better than the kit lenses and a path to get lenses that will help me take better pictures.
Rules:
#1 The person behind the equipment is 99.9% of the reason for good pictures.
I finally went to a professional store near me. Showed them what I had been doing, showing them my camera and lenses, and asked for recommendations. They were very informative. I was about to get a whole new outfit if that is what the recommended. For me, the feel of my Canon was better in my hands than Nikon and others. They needed my kit lenses due to some issue and gave me a huge trade-in for them. I got two lenses that will work better than the kit lenses and a path to get lenses that will help me take better pictures.
Rules:
#1 The person behind the equipment is 99.9% of the reason for good pictures.
Deadmanwalking
Member
I would say any of the following 3 would be a good option.
Canon Rebel, Nikon D7000, or Sony a33... But the first thing to do is go try them out. Make sure they feel right. The way they feel in your hands is the most important thing. Some might feel awkward and if one does don't get it. A camera has to feel right first. You can get lenses and flashes for any of them that will be comparable to other manufacturers so the only thing that really matters is the way it feels.
Canon Rebel, Nikon D7000, or Sony a33... But the first thing to do is go try them out. Make sure they feel right. The way they feel in your hands is the most important thing. Some might feel awkward and if one does don't get it. A camera has to feel right first. You can get lenses and flashes for any of them that will be comparable to other manufacturers so the only thing that really matters is the way it feels.
ddbowdoin
Well-Known Member
Leica M9... (well, its a rangefinder but the 7K price ticket is also a problem)
I will say one thing, I own some nice equipment and people here are giving you some nice advice BUT it is not practical. The word budget and lenses don't go hand in hand. You can cut corners with a body, say a Nikon D80 or 90 would be very nice for your skill level. But to carry a strong lense you are looking at 800+ ... that's the one thing people first getting in just don't understand. Its a nail in the coffin, it sucks but it is what it is.
I will say one thing, I own some nice equipment and people here are giving you some nice advice BUT it is not practical. The word budget and lenses don't go hand in hand. You can cut corners with a body, say a Nikon D80 or 90 would be very nice for your skill level. But to carry a strong lense you are looking at 800+ ... that's the one thing people first getting in just don't understand. Its a nail in the coffin, it sucks but it is what it is.