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The Staff of SOH
So while we are talking cameras....
- Thread starter Cloud9Gal
- Start date
Panther_99FS
Retired SOH Administrator
With all the brand loyalty at SOH, I'm going to stay out of this with the exception of one thing....Think availability of lenses when you decide....:mixedsmi:
Panther_99FS
Retired SOH Administrator
I I am willing to spend up to $1500.00 for my "start up" camera.
Thanks guys!
If you're serious here, then also think about the camera's capacity to shoot high ISO shots with minimal noise......
Cloud9Gal
~Fury of the Winds~
Cloud9Gal
~Fury of the Winds~
Cratermaker
Charter Member
I think this is a good read. Sorry, it doesn't answer a lot of questions, but gives you a lot of things to think about when choosing a camera. The questions you didn't know to ask are the ones you will regret not asking before your purchase.
http://www.dpreview.com/learn/?/Guides/dslr_buying_guide_01.htm
http://www.dpreview.com/learn/?/Guides/dslr_buying_guide_01.htm
MaddogK
Sim Junkie
srgalahad
Charter Member 2022
In spite of all the techno-babble ( and serious info) that you'll hear and read, hundreds of pounds and pages of specs, and all the tantalizing testimonials that can surface, remember that a camera is still a tool that you use with your eye and your hands.
In great part, no matter how good the optics and electronics, if it doesn't fit your hands, doesn't feel comfortable and controllable, is too heavy, too large or small, has an awkward viewfinder or unreadable menus (argh!) you either won't feel confident using it, or you'll eventually get tired of the struggle.
I've rejected several cameras over the years because they and I don't "fit". It's like the most exotic car in the world and you can't reach the pedals or see out of the windows...
Once you get a sense of budget vs specs and nail down the components, spend as much time as you can holding, manipulating, handling the various ones. Try focusing each in poor light.. that will show weaknesses that aren't obvious in a bright showroom. Try changing lenses "on the fly" - I found one new DSLR that I had to switch hands and hold sideways to comfortably (and securely) press the lens release button and twist the lens out)... not nice to drop a lens while juggling a change.
Remember that you're investing in a durable item (I still use my Pentax S1a film camera after 40 years for certain things) so it had better "feel right".
Rob
BTW, if there's a good camera store near you, visit and ask questions. They are often staffed with professionals or photo students who will take the time to get it right, as opposed to what you find in most big-box stores. Particularly when it's all new to you, having someone you can walk in and talk to is a lot more helpful and satisfying than trying to solve problems trolling thru websites.
In great part, no matter how good the optics and electronics, if it doesn't fit your hands, doesn't feel comfortable and controllable, is too heavy, too large or small, has an awkward viewfinder or unreadable menus (argh!) you either won't feel confident using it, or you'll eventually get tired of the struggle.
I've rejected several cameras over the years because they and I don't "fit". It's like the most exotic car in the world and you can't reach the pedals or see out of the windows...
Once you get a sense of budget vs specs and nail down the components, spend as much time as you can holding, manipulating, handling the various ones. Try focusing each in poor light.. that will show weaknesses that aren't obvious in a bright showroom. Try changing lenses "on the fly" - I found one new DSLR that I had to switch hands and hold sideways to comfortably (and securely) press the lens release button and twist the lens out)... not nice to drop a lens while juggling a change.
Remember that you're investing in a durable item (I still use my Pentax S1a film camera after 40 years for certain things) so it had better "feel right".
Rob
BTW, if there's a good camera store near you, visit and ask questions. They are often staffed with professionals or photo students who will take the time to get it right, as opposed to what you find in most big-box stores. Particularly when it's all new to you, having someone you can walk in and talk to is a lot more helpful and satisfying than trying to solve problems trolling thru websites.
C9G, take a look at this site by Ken Rockwell. He gives good reviews of many of the cameras you'd be interested in, and although he does favor Nikon which I do also. (nothing wrong with that, but others out here will, of course, disagree...
) He also gives links to other sites with great information. The site has much useful informatiion about general camera functions....
http://www.kenrockwell.com/index.htm
) He also gives links to other sites with great information. The site has much useful informatiion about general camera functions....http://www.kenrockwell.com/index.htm
;-P
And that's why I went with Canon- the lenses. Really, either Canon or Nikon would be an excellent choice. I'm not too keen on Sony or any of the others though. Make sure to spend some money on a decent body and a nice camera bag. A short focal length zoom as well as a telephoto should be part of a beginner's kit too. For example, I've got the 18-55mm IS as well as the 55-250mm IS. I'm sure Nikon has its equivalents.
For 1500 dollars you can definitely start out on the right track.
P.S. Avoid "Ken Rockwell" :mixedsmi:
My wife bought hers at Ritz. The service there was pretty decent.
They have several locations in Pittsburg:
http://www.ritzcamera.com/webapp/wc...0001&languageId=-1&city=&state=&zipCode=15222
They have several locations in Pittsburg:
http://www.ritzcamera.com/webapp/wc...0001&languageId=-1&city=&state=&zipCode=15222
Hey All,
Lots of good advice here. I'll echo what SrGalahad said. Feel - be sure it feels good in your hands. You can learn to use something but it should feel good otherwise you may have a hard time getting used to it.
Lenses and accessories count but the major lines Canon, Nikon, Olympus, etc all have pretty good lenses - hard to go very wrong. Get autobracketing - you'll understand why at some point.
-Ed-
Lots of good advice here. I'll echo what SrGalahad said. Feel - be sure it feels good in your hands. You can learn to use something but it should feel good otherwise you may have a hard time getting used to it.
Lenses and accessories count but the major lines Canon, Nikon, Olympus, etc all have pretty good lenses - hard to go very wrong. Get autobracketing - you'll understand why at some point.
-Ed-
kilo delta
Charter Member 2015
Congrats on the new hobby C9Gal :ernae:. A class/course is a good idea...but there's no substitute for just going out there and snapping away ... testing out different settings and just enjoying taking pics!
You've also got to ask yourself if you definitely require a DSLR, perhaps a bridge camera would be more suitable for your needs? If you REALLY need a DSLR then any of the main brands will suit. Sr Galahad is absolutely correct in suggesting that you try the feel of the camera body in your hands before you purchase.
There's no need to buy the most advanced and expensive camera body on the market and tbh most people (at least in the case of non-pro's) will never use 100% of a high end camera's features. Instead get a decent mid range body and spend whatever is left of your budget on good quality lenses. Also worth buying some decent UV filters to protect the front element of the lens too.
You've also got to ask yourself if you definitely require a DSLR, perhaps a bridge camera would be more suitable for your needs? If you REALLY need a DSLR then any of the main brands will suit. Sr Galahad is absolutely correct in suggesting that you try the feel of the camera body in your hands before you purchase.
There's no need to buy the most advanced and expensive camera body on the market and tbh most people (at least in the case of non-pro's) will never use 100% of a high end camera's features. Instead get a decent mid range body and spend whatever is left of your budget on good quality lenses. Also worth buying some decent UV filters to protect the front element of the lens too.
jmig
SOH-CM-2025
Henry
Retired SOH Administrator
Thats the best info you could get
having worked in a camera store for many years
put one in your hands before you purchase
most good camera stores have staff that shoot pics
all of the time
and will gladly help you decide what is best for you.
Myself i prefer Olympus because of the size
and the format thats just my preference
H
Naismith
Charter Member
Anyone got any experience of FUJI DSLR's? They are a lot cheaper than Canon Nikon etc and look quite tempting. My Canon S1 (6 years old) just died and I am loathe to fork out megabucks again for something that will be outdated moments after leaving the store. Not being a pro I don't need pro gear however I like SLR's (big fingers & hate these compacts).
You can get a decent DSLR for not a whole lot of money. See the Canon Rebel XS/1000D or Nikon D40. Crop sensor cameras aren't going to become outdated for a really loooong time so you won't have to worry about that.