any reccomendations for my first dSLR?

[makinsphoto]

i'm looking to buy my 1st dSLR in the next few months (probably wait for a black friday deal ). i've been doing a lot of research on some cameras, mostly been comparing the Canon t5i and the Pentax k-50. before my research i was defiantly set on getting a Canon since i currently own a Canon P&S. but after comparing the 2 cameras i mentioned i started to lean more towards the Pentax since what i read is that it has much better image quality, plus features usually seen on higher end cameras. and since then, i stopped being in favor of just Canon, now i'm open to pretty much any quality brand with a good selection of lenses available.

i spend most of my time doing things in the outdoors (hiking, camping, off-roading etc..) so the weatherproof K-50 is a huge plus for me (although not a must have), plus i rather have a camera where it takes better stills than video (another reason i am leaning towards the K-50). although i do want video capability which i use a lot, but for me it doesn't have to be the best. i rarely take photos of people unless it's like a family portrait or something, i'm more into landscape, wildlife, nature, cars and things like that. i am looking to spend a max. of $800 on a camera w/ lens kit.

i'm just trying to get other people's advice maybe there is a Nikon out there that is better than the Pentax for what i want it for, i really haven't researched Nikon or Sony or Panasonic dSLR's. but if you think the Pentax K-50 is still a good choice for what i described i may just settle for that.

 

[robbins.photo]

i'm looking to buy my 1st dSLR in the next few months (probably wait for a black friday deal ). i've been doing a lot of research on some cameras, mostly been comparing the Canon t5i and the Pentax k-50. before my research i was defiantly set on getting a Canon since i currently own a Canon P&S. but after comparing the 2 cameras i mentioned i started to lean more towards the Pentax since what i read is that it has much better image quality, plus features usually seen on higher end cameras. and since then, i stopped being in favor of just Canon, now i'm open to pretty much any quality brand with a good selection of lenses available.

i spend most of my time doing things in the outdoors (hiking, camping, off-roading etc..) so the weatherproof K-50 is a huge plus for me (although not a must have), plus i rather have a camera where it takes better stills than video (another reason i am leaning towards the K-50). although i do want video capability which i use a lot, but for me it doesn't have to be the best. i rarely take photos of people unless it's like a family portrait or something, i'm more into landscape, wildlife, nature, cars and things like that. i am looking to spend a max. of $800 on a camera w/ lens kit.

i'm just trying to get other people's advice maybe there is a Nikon out there that is better than the Pentax for what i want it for, i really haven't researched Nikon or Sony or Panasonic dSLR's. but if you think the Pentax K-50 is still a good choice for what i described i may just settle for that.

Ok, well the Pentax K-50 is a pretty capable camera and of the two if your comparing it to the Canon T5i the K-50 is the superior camera, shoots faster, better boost ISO, higher max shutter speed, more autofocus points. I guess really the big question here is are you planning on buying new/refurbished or used. If your planning on buying new I'd recommend the Pentax. If your buying used the only thing to consider is that the used market for Canon is going to have a lot more equipment available at any given time because there are a lot more folks who use Canon and thus a lot more canon equipment used than Pentax equipment which can make a big difference in price.

Me I'm a Nikon shooter. So I would be remiss if I didn't advise you to take a look at the D7000 - it will give you better image quality, more focus points and better dynamic range. It also has two slots available for SD Cards rather than just one which can come in handy on those longer bike rides, etc. So if you think you'll be buying used or at least used lenses that might be a better option that the K-50, once again Nikon has a much larger market for used equipment so you'll have more options in the long run, which really is one of the major reasons I chose Nikon over Pentax. Well that and the image quality. The 7000 will probably be a little bit more of an initial investment but in the long run you'd probably save on extras/lenses and such if your purchasing used.

 

[goodguy]

My vote will be for the Nikon D7000 too!!!

 

[asktod]

I'm looking for my first DSLR as well. I was leaning towards the Nikon D7000 too. I will be shooting a variety of things from in-studio, close-ups, as well as regular shots. I'm new the the photography scene and have a price point of up to $2k. What other DSLRs would you reccomend?

 

[robbins.photo]

I'm looking for my first DSLR as well. I was leaning towards the Nikon D7000 too. I will be shooting a variety of things from in-studio, close-ups, as well as regular shots. I'm new the the photography scene and have a price point of up to $2k. What other DSLRs would you reccomend?

Well with your higher price point you might want to look at the D7100, it's got all the advantages of the 7000 and a little bit better image quality with the 24 mp sensor. I'd also recommend maybe looking at getting a good fast prime or two, maybe 35 mm and 50 mm to go along with the standard kit lens. This would give you a fantastic array of options and allow you to take some really remarkable photographs and still stay well within your budget.

 

[goodguy]

I'm looking for my first DSLR as well. I was leaning towards the Nikon D7000 too. I will be shooting a variety of things from in-studio, close-ups, as well as regular shots. I'm new the the photography scene and have a price point of up to $2k. What other DSLRs would you reccomend?

With 2000$ absolutly go for the Nikon D7100

 

[SCraig]

Are (both of) you certain that you want a DSLR? Can (either of) you really define WHY you want a DSLR? There are certainly valid reasons but I ask because there are alternatives that are a LOT less bulky to carry around. I spend a lot of time on a motorcycle and in most cases my DSLR stays at home and I take my bridge camera. A lot less bulk, a lot less weight, decent image quality and a lot more convenient. That said, motorcycle trips are the ONLY time I prefer my bridge camera over my DSLRs.

I'd also recommend that you take a look at lens and accessory availability. Every company in the world that makes lenses and accessories will ALWAYS make them to fit Canon and Nikon. Other brands, maybe or maybe not. If I were to buy my first DSLR today there is no question in my mind that it would be one of those two. Pentax makes some excellent equipment but few would argue that Nikon and Canon are the two top dogs of the industry today. As a choice between the two: Personal preference. Both brands are fully capable of excellent images and I would be perfectly content with either, it's a toss-up really.

 

[The_Traveler]

my suggestion is that you read all the other threads on here about first dSLR because all these posts are the same.

 

[makinsphoto]

Ok, well the Pentax K-50 is a pretty capable camera and of the two if your comparing it to the Canon T5i the K-50 is the superior camera, shoots faster, better boost ISO, higher max shutter speed, more autofocus points. I guess really the big question here is are you planning on buying new/refurbished or used. If your planning on buying new I'd recommend the Pentax. If your buying used the only thing to consider is that the used market for Canon is going to have a lot more equipment available at any given time because there are a lot more folks who use Canon and thus a lot more canon equipment used than Pentax equipment which can make a big difference in price.

Me I'm a Nikon shooter. So I would be remiss if I didn't advise you to take a look at the D7000 - it will give you better image quality, more focus points and better dynamic range. It also has two slots available for SD Cards rather than just one which can come in handy on those longer bike rides, etc. So if you think you'll be buying used or at least used lenses that might be a better option that the K-50, once again Nikon has a much larger market for used equipment so you'll have more options in the long run, which really is one of the major reasons I chose Nikon over Pentax. Well that and the image quality. The 7000 will probably be a little bit more of an initial investment but in the long run you'd probably save on extras/lenses and such if your purchasing used.

i never thought about buying a used camera (i like new things ). can you really trust a used/refurbished camera, don't want to spend a lot of money on something and have it break after a few years. Nikon D7000...wow that would be great if i could afford it...maybe a refurbished one. but thanks for you help.

Are (both of) you certain that you want a DSLR? Can (either of) you really define WHY you want a DSLR? There are certainly valid reasons but I ask because there are alternatives that are a LOT less bulky to carry around. I spend a lot of time on a motorcycle and in most cases my DSLR stays at home and I take my bridge camera. A lot less bulk, a lot less weight, decent image quality and a lot more convenient. That said, motorcycle trips are the ONLY time I prefer my bridge camera over my DSLRs.

I'd also recommend that you take a look at lens and accessory availability. Every company in the world that makes lenses and accessories will ALWAYS make them to fit Canon and Nikon. Other brands, maybe or maybe not. If I were to buy my first DSLR today there is no question in my mind that it would be one of those two. Pentax makes some excellent equipment but few would argue that Nikon and Canon are the two top dogs of the industry today. As a choice between the two: Personal preference. Both brands are fully capable of excellent images and I would be perfectly content with either, it's a toss-up really.

yes i am certain i want a dslr. when i bought my first P&S i wanted to get a dslr, but decided to buy a P&S with full manual controls instead to get the hang of it see if i want to upgrade later on. i love taking pictures and hopefully in the future make some money doing freelance work. that's hard to do with a P&S. and i do not need a small camera that fits in a pocket i prefer the style of a bigger camera with interchangeable lenses if that means taking better photos.

i will certainly look at some other Nikon/Canon's again and look into the whole refurbished/used thing as i never considered that. i hope to buy one by next spring because i am going on a cross country trip and would much rather bring a dslr than just have a P&S.

my suggestion is that you read all the other threads on here about first dSLR because all these posts are the same.

i have to disagree. it may seem all the same to you, but when someone asks to recommend them a camera they want something specific to what they need it for which, everyone has different needs. it's not like i'm asking what is the best camera for $xxx....

 

[asktod]

Thanks guys, I will be getting the Nikon D7100 and a couple of decent lenses.

 

[robbins.photo]

my suggestion is that you read all the other threads on here about first dSLR because all these posts are the same.

Well I guess if I were to make a suggestion to you Lew - you could take the time to read the thread subject, realize that this is not going to be something that interests you personally, and then just not bother to read it. Of course then you wouldn't be able to use a huge font and throw a hissy fit, but it might save you some aggravation and embarrassment.

 

[robbins.photo]

i have to disagree. it may seem all the same to you, but when someone asks to recommend them a camera they want something specific to what they need it for which, everyone has different needs. it's not like i'm asking what is the best camera for $xxx....

Exactly - sometimes the best camera for on person is not the best camera for everyone. For example, some people would really benefit from full frame, others, well not so much. That sort of thing. Everyone doesn't always have the same need or purpose for using a camera. Not sure what the point of that temper tantrum was but I guess sometimes you just have to shake your head and move on.

 

[goodguy]

Thanks guys, I will be getting the Nikon D7100 and a couple of decent lenses.

Conrats on AWESOME camera, I know you will love it just like I love mine.

May I ask what lenses you plan on getting ?

 

[Solarflare]

Congrats then. The D7100 is a good camera, from what I heard about it. I prefered to go full frame on Nikon, though, because I could get better glas for that.

 

[goodguy]

Congrats then. The D7100 is a good camera, from what I heard about it. I prefered to go full frame on Nikon, though, because I could get better glas for that.

I would like to get full frame too but I miss the point of how lenses will make any different since I can use on my D7100 exactly the same lenses you can use on your D600.