 Crystal Zacharias |
SLR camera I'm looking at purchasing a DSLR. I've done a fair bit of research and I'm just not sure what brand and model to go with, as well as what lenses are good starter lenses. I'm wanting to photograph nature as well as people and hoping to turn this into a business once I know my camera well enough. Any suggestions?
|
|
|
|
||
|
robert G. Fately |
Crystal, there are about 14 bazillion threads on this topic in here, so you should probably try to search a bit. The gist of the better threads is that when looking for a new camera, as long as you stick with a well known brand (Nikon, Canon, Olympus, Pentax or Sony - that used to be Minolta) you should be okay. At a given price point, the models each of these brands offer are more similar than different when it comes to features - but the important difference is their ergonomic factors; that is, how they feel in YOUR hands. You need to go to a store and handle the appropriate model from each company - no doubt you will find some more 'balanced' in your hands, or others have a more easily read viewfinder window. You may find some have controls or menus that are more intuitive for you. These are the kinds of things that are important - unless you are buying the camera as a piece of "status-jewwelry" you want to have something that you will actually enjoy using, yes? No matter how well meaning they may be, you should not just blindly listen to other people telling you "oh I love my 'fill-in-brand-here' and you ought to get that too" - this is useless and utterly pointless advice. Until you actually feel the various models and focus through them and get a sense of how they work, you simply cannot make a determination based on paper specification sheets or other people's opinions. This is the advice I gave to customers in the camera store I managed 30 years ago, and the fundamentals have not changed even though the technology certainly has. Now go forth and shop!
|
|
|
|
||
|
KV Day |
D300 and the 18 - 200 IS lense.
|
|
|
|
||
|
robert G. Fately |
As you can see, Crystal, Vicki carefully read my response and has kept it short and sweet - without even thinking to ask you about your budget she has opted to advise you to buy this lovely setup (figure about $2400+ for that kit). Perhaps everything I said is wrong and you should just go out and buy that. Or maybe wait - I'd bet someone else will chime in with their "inteligent suggestion" of a Canon such-and-such. Again, ignore the geniuses who just tell you to get what they have or want - you need to do some personal investigation.
|
|
|
|
||
|
Crystal Zacharias |
Thank you Bob for your advice.
|
|
|
|
||
|
KV Day |
She asked for a suggestion, not a theorilogical interlude. I wasn't responding to you (it's all about you I see) I responded to a question for and by Chrystal. Photography isn't cheap and to by a so so camera for lower price just means down the road she will have to upgrade and eventually spend the cash. That camera I suggested is probably the best on the market in a reasonable price range short of a pro full frame that shoots 10 frames a second and the lens is one of the best all around lense you can get. (I shoot with Canon BTW) The only other one that competes in this range is the 40 D, slightly cheaper, but I would still suggest a Image stabilizing lense. And most camera stores you can't tinker with them long enough to decide on anything. Now, if you would like me to debate your theory on cameras or your need to have you wait for someone to make you feel intelligent and all so helpful, that will have to wait for someone else, I found your response neither intelligent or helpful, just retorical responses you get from men who know think they know everything and judging from your last response proves you don't want to be helpful, you want to be right. (eyeroll)
|
|
|
|
||
|
robert G. Fately |
Well, Vicki, sorry to have ruffled your feathers, but you fell into the trap that many well meaning people (men and women) when asked a very vague quesiton like "what camera should I buy?" In point of fact, I have the gear you mention and it is excellent, yet I do not blindly recommend same because, if you cared to read my original response, I am not egomaniacle enough to think that "if I think it's good, then others must agree with me!". Since Crystal didn't even mention a budget, it makes the suggestion all the more absurd - what if her budget is $600 total? Or $30,000 - wouldn't a Hasselblad H3 be a better choice? Your response was, sadly, the typical answer of someone who doesn't really think it through. If your friend asked you what car to buy would you just say "Oh, a Toyota Tundra!" Or a Mercedes 550? Would you not perhaps inquire as to certain important issues, like budgets and planned use? There is no such thing as an overall "best" camera - it depends on other issues like cost as well as the photographer planning to use it. My comment about your response was such because you evidenced the very problem that too many contributors to this site make - they don't actually read what was already said by others but instead just want to see themselves in print and so just throw in a seemi-useless response. So you see, consciously or not, you not only were not answering me - you were not actually answering anyone because your knee-jerk response is rather meaningless. Next time let me humbly suggest that you see what others have responded before you jump in with a response that may well be either redundant or superfluous, or just without value.
|
|
|
|
||
|
KV Day |
My opinion of you or response changes nothing, your still a egomaniacle and I still say D300 18-200 lens. Again, you just want to be right. Your wife is soo lucky! And Bob? takes more that you to ruffle anything.
|
|
|
|
||
|
Debby A. Tabb |
Crystal, If this is your first DSLR, Maybe a less expensive one to start. The D70 is a wonderful camera(as seen in many of the gallerys here) You can start your business, with out diving right into the deep end. heres whats in my Camera bag: I find it best to work with my 200mm heres a link to the D70, great camera for women,lighter and built for smaller hands: http://cgi.ebay.com/Used-NIKON-D70-with-Nikkor-18-70-Nikkor-70-300-Lens_W0QQitemZ190184617761QQihZ009QQcategoryZ43456QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem Fuji S2, is Nikon compatable with beautiful color. I find it wonderful for studio work: http://cgi.ebay.com/Fuji-Finepix-S2-Pro-6-17-MP-SLR-Digital-Camera-281294_W0QQitemZ260193935493QQihZ016QQcategoryZ43455QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem You can see Images from al 3 cameras in my gallery,
|
|
|
|
||
|
Chan Y. Mainor |
I'm in the same boat, and I ended up investing in a Nikon D40. Small size/weight makes it ideal for hiking around in. Battery life is incredible (compared to my prior Nikon Coolpix models, most recently the 5700). I don't have prior DSLR experience, but the kit lens is perky and accurate in auto for my tastes. I'm probably going to need a zoom lens, but I'm content for now, especially since I have to make the money with the camera before I can spend it. Very impressive in full auto, I don't really get out of that unless I'm in my lil bootsie studio with crappy lighting. And the unlimited continuous shooting is perfect for nature when you're not exactly sure when "something" is about to happen. From someone who never had a DSLR before, I strongly recommend this as an introduction to "real" photography.
|
|
|
|
||
- Ken Smith Contact Ken Smith Ken Smith's Gallery |
The Canon Digital Rebel is another of the "usual" suspects...
|
|
|
|
||
|
Pete H |
Ok..My 2 cents'right? BUY NIKON! Just kidding. LOL Allow me to quote part of your question Crystal.." and hoping to turn this into a business once I know my camera well enough." If your intention is to do this professionally, then I highly suggest you stay away from "pro-sumer" cameras. While they may capture an image just fine, they lack the feature sets a pro wants and needs! My best advice? Buy as much as you can afford..and then spend at least that much on a lens or two. all the best, Pete
|
|
|
|
||
|
R K Stephenson |
Just curious: what are the feature sets a pro needs that a "pro-sumer" camera does not have? Cheers, RK
|
|
|
|
||
|
Pete H |
Hmmm?..let's see RK; ..first one needs to realize there is a difference between "pro-sumer" and "semi-pro" and "pro." How about a autofocus system that doesn't take forever to lock on? There are many cameras in the "prosumer" arena..Fewer in the "semi-pro" arena. No; I won't list them; I'm not particularly interested in starting a flame war. LOL all the best, Pete
|
|
|
|
||
|
R K Stephenson |
Wow! I never knew. Wonder what fps rate Ansel Adams needed? =^0
|
|
|
|
||
|
Pete H |
Now you're just getting a little silly RK. :) I have however seen that sort of response from a few others..it's usually rooted in a attitude. Pete
|
|
|
|
||
|
Pete H |
PS: RK; if you actually took some time to study what Ansel did; it was NOT his equipment or "The Shot." As a photographer, he was so-so. Not my opinion, he said this himself. His magic occured in the dark room...at which he was indeed a master. Pete
|
|
|
|
||
|
R K Stephenson |
Hi, Pete, I was about to respond to the former comment about my "silliness", but your last comment really makes the point I was going for. Re: "prosumer" v. "pro" v. "semi-pro", I have seen a number of cameras that were defined in both "prosumer" and "semi-pro". Is there a meaningful or official distinction? I do know that there are professional photographers -- even right here on BP -- that use "prosumer" and/or "semi-pro" cameras. Depends on what you're shooting, doesn't it? I know a couple wedding photographers who would never buy a high end (pro) camera because it doesn't make economic sense. So, back to the point I was originally (clumsily, perhaps) trying to make. Is it the camera that makes the pro? Or the lens, as some discussions in the forums here suggest? Or, perhaps, the darkroom as you yourself suggested. Call it attitude if you want, but I still don't know why you 'highly suggest you stay away from "pro-sumer" cameras.' Personally, I see 'attitude' when people make statements and then get their dander up when asked to justify their comments. Cheers, RK P.S. Love your Harbor Lights pic. I've been chasing that flavor of shot for some time.
|
|
|
|
||
|
Crystal Zacharias |
I'm currently looking at the Nikon D80. What kind of camera do you consider that?
|
|
|
|
||
|
Pete H |
RK... Here's the deal. My response to Crystal or anyone who indicates a camera for "business" tells me they will be shooting a lot of photos....so how robust a body is should be heavily considered. Perhaps I assume too much? I assume anyone in business as a photog is shooting a lot of pics! Hobbiest photographers, advanced amateurs?..sure, they do not need a "pro" or even a semi-pro level camera. There IS a reason pros shoot with expensive cameras ya' know. ;) Of course it is not the camera that makes one a pro...That being said, "good enough" is often (NOT) good enough for working photographers. I don't wanna' beat my own drum RK, but I shoot about 1,500 shots a week!...and paid to do so. I can't risk mechanical failure with my cameras..some of what I shoot demands high frame rates and the ability to shoot at ISO 3200 without a ton of noise. I still have my D-70 but it's pretty worn out...curtain material etc...I would never bring my D-70 alone to a shoot I was being paid for. Crystal, perhaps it might be better if you tell us your intentions for doing this as a biz?
Pete
|
|
|
|
||
|
Ronna D. Conseen |
Your discussions here have caused me to rethink my choice of camera. I am just starting out, taking classes and such, and would LOVE to rush right out and buy a DSLR with all the bells and whistles and jump too far in over my head. I have been looking at the Rebel xti, and have pretty well decided that was what I was going to get...until I got here... What would you suggest as far as FEATURES for a professioanl??
|
|
|
|
||
|
R K Stephenson |
Hi, Ronna (and Crystal!), Okay, back to the question at hand before this thread goes any further off topic. ;^) (I'm not a pro, but even if I were, you should take everything you see here -- regardless of the source -- as advice, not gospel.) Here is my _opinion_: Ronna and Crystal, you're just starting out. I don't see the value in buying a pro outfit while you are learning. You're going to take 100,000+ pics on the way up the learning curve. Why wear out a $3000 camera learning when you can get very serviceable images out of a $1000 camera? Many of the prosumer level cameras (at least, from Canon -- I don't know Nikon that well) are made of magnesium and have good weather proofing, electronics and some great lenses. When you "get there" you will know what features you need to take the next step. It will depend on what you want to do as much as anything else. Ronna, there is no way to say 'you need these features' without knowing what you intend to do as a pro! Studio? Wedding? Photojournalist? Creative artist? I haven't seen many photographers that can do any and all, but you're probably going to find certain disciplines more fun and interesting than others. The fun and interesting ones are those you are likely to be better at. There is also a lot more to consider than just the camera body. Lenses, lighting equipment, etc. Again, it depends on just what kind of pro you want to be. On the subject of cameras, Nikon D80 and D300 cameras have been mentioned. I think these cameras (along with the Canon Rebel XTi and EOS 40D) seem to bracket the low and high end of what I hear referred to as "prosumer" cameras. You can make a good comparison at these links: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.php?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_eos40d%2Cnikon_d300&show=all Compare 'em all here: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sidebyside.php Now, how about lenses? =^0 Cheers, RK
|
|
|
|
||
|
Crystal Zacharias |
Pete H.-I'm currently trying to specialize in nature photography, but hoping to include studio as well as wedding photography in my business. I like your opinion RK on purchasing a lower end to learn the features and then later upgrading to a higher model of that camera.
|
|
|
|
||
|
Raymond H. Kemp |
There is no reasonable reason to jump right into a pro camera if you’re just starting out. I think starting with a low end DSLR is a great start to hone your skills and see if this is really the biz you can afford to get into. And if you get into this as a pro, you may find you still do not need a top end pro camera. This is going to depend on the type of work you do and what benefits a certain camera will give you. I shoot for magazine and book publishers. I cannot justify the cost of Nikon D2X or D3 when the Nikon D200 and D300 work just fine for me with the features they both offer. I still sling my old D100 around and it too still produces great results. They all get banged around when I’m shooting on the scene but have never failed me (knock on wood). I do however invest in nothing but pro glass, all Nikon. It’s a lot of money, but worth every penny in the quality they produce and they hold their value very well. Don’t skimp on lenses! Ray
|
|
|
|
||
|
Ronna D. Conseen |
My interest is in maternity/new born, and wedding/formals. I am not at all interested in sports or setting up a full studio with all the backgrounds props and all that. (I have a friend who is a pro and spend bundles on the props.) My biggest bump in the road is the price tag on these cameras. In 6 or 9 months, technology will change and a bigger better model will be out and make the one I just spent a grand on obsolete. I also agree with the whole learning curve thing. Which is why I am still shooting with a point and shoot from Canon.
|
|
|
|
||
|
R K Stephenson |
Hi, Ronna, Thought you might hear back from some of the pros, but you'll have to settle for my opinion for now. ;^) Babies and kids on location don't really demand the top tier camera. You should be able to get pretty good shots with prosumer level cameras from Canon or Nikon (even the new Sony, perhaps). When you throw in weddings, though, you don't want to scrimp on lenses. Research the lenses you need and figure out what you can afford. Then buy a body to fit the lens(es). There are a lot of lenses you could consider, but I want to make a quick comment on the changing technology issue. Just like a few years back when faster computer chips and bigger drives were coming every 6-months, cameras are indeed making great leaps in technology. But a pro photog friend who just made the leap said he did so because the technology has caught up with film for most applications. So now, it's all bells and whistles. You're going to see perhaps faster sensors and 16-bit images, better noise suppression at high ISO, and other incremental improvements. But the state of the art is sufficient for many very well known pros to make the jump to digital. I think you're safe to get a DSLR for your uses. You're always going to see 'better' coming along, but there probably won't be any technology breakthroughs tomorrow that obsolete what you get today. Cheers, RK
|
|
|
|
||
|
Chan Y. Mainor |
If it's any consolation. I earned plenty of extra cash relying on Nikon's Coolpix series fr years. Originally on a 900, then 970, then finally my 5700. I just stepped up to a D40. I work with small businesses and local musicians/entertainers who don't have ripe budgets. I'm basically the guy people call when they can't afford a pro. I don't strive to be a professional photographer, merely a creative solution. Having said that, I agree with the learning curve. And as far as costs go, if you make the wise investment, you won't have to worry about obsolescence. All my Nikons have paid for themselves in spades in their workhours, and I'm already off to a great start with my D40. Spend only what you have to, figuring how that expense will work as an investment, and not as a impulse buy.
|
|
|
|
||
|
Ronna D. Conseen |
What lenses would I need to do a wedding? While there are plenty of shots that can be recreated at a wedding (Kiss the bride, ring exchange) there are also shots that can't be. (Bouquet toss, processional) I don't want to be fiddlings with lenses and trying to get my shots right and miss a shot because my lens was too short or too long. Any suggestions. And I don't buy anything over $10 without thinking it through twice. I don't have the money to make that kind of mistake.
|
|
|
|
||
|
This old forum is now archived. Use improved Forum here
Report this Thread |
||