1st post, need some ideas.

[Dave01]

Im a college student, love the outdoors and have been interested in free lance photography since I was a kid. Im kinda familiar with different cameras and dslr, etc. I really decided last night at a wedding I need some help with equipment suggestions after seeing my buddies 6000 dollar d800. Currently im rocking a cannon sx30is. Non dslr I know...what all can I accomplish with this thing or should I consider a dslr

 

[KmH]

The Nikon D800 ($3000 body only) is a new camera - Nikon D800 36.3 MP CMOS FX-Format Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)

Lenses for the D800 are extra. Many wedding photographers use pro grade zoom lemses like the $1900 Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G ED AF-S Nikkor Wide Angle Zoom Lens

and the $2400 Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II AF-S Nikkor Zoom Lens For Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

Visit this web page for info on how to choose a DSLR camera. - Everything you need to know about buying a camera | The Verge

 

[Dave01]

Yea im familiar with how much his d800 was...right around 6k with a lens. Im just looking for something basic with good quality and something I can upgrade/accessorize

 

[Trever1t]

seems like you already know everything.

 

[Dave01]

seems like you already know everything.

If I knew everything I wouldn't be here asking for suggestions!

 

[Trever1t]

Visit this web page for info on how to choose a DSLR camera. - Everything you need to know about buying a camera | The Verge

 

[Dave01]

Ok so opinions on a nikon d5100 with an 18-55mm vr lens versus a cannon rebel? Any ideas? You all are the experts....

 

[Buckster]

Yea im familiar with how much his d800 was...right around 6k with a lens. Im just looking for something basic with good quality and something I can upgrade/accessorize

What's your budget?

 

[Phil_G]

I'd go with Canon...but that's because that's what I have.

Phil

Shades of Gray Photography
www.shadesofgraykc.com

 

[Dave01]

Id like to keep it at like 600-700 ish. Hoping to get like 300 outta my sx30is then just put a few hundered with it. I like the look of the d5100 and ive heard nikon is more durable and reliable. So d5100 d3200 or some kind of canon rebel?

 

[jwbryson1]

Nikon.

 

[GnipGnop]

Do you feel you've arrived at the limits of what your SX30is can produce? If it shoots RAW, are you shooting in that format? It took my a year and a half of concentrated shooting with my Canon S90 before I arrived at the point where I felt it was the camera holding me back, not myself. If you aren't limited by your hardware, don't waste your money upgrading just yet.

By limited by your hardware, I don't mean wanting wider lenses or more zoom. Great photos can always be made with the camera at hand if you have mastered all other elements of photography. When I say limited by your hardware, I mean you know the camera inside and out, you can "see" the world as your camera sees it, and fully understand what your camera is capable of producing and more importantly where it is lacking.

Good luck with your choices!

 

[Dave01]

I really feel like I need more user skills and that hardware isn't yet restricting me. Om leaning towards the d3200....yes the 3200. Im worried the 18-55 lens is gonna be far to little zoom

 

[MTVision]

I really feel like I need more user skills and that hardware isn't yet restricting me. Om leaning towards the d3200....yes the 3200. Im worried the 18-55 lens is gonna be far to little zoom

The 18-55 lens is an inexpensive lens but it can produce amazing photos. It's also a nice focal length to have. A good zoom is going to cost a pretty penny. There are cheaper zooms like a 55-300, 70-300 but they aren't great in low light. Prime lenses on the other hand are fast, sharp and pretty good in low light- you can also get some nice primes for a decent price. How much reach do you think you are going to need?

 

[Dave01]

I use the zoom a lot on my sx30. A lot of photos are close (10-15) feet but then again I have used almost all 35x zoom I have for graduations, weddings