Are "beginner DSLRs" purely about the money?

[nickzou]

There's this guy I know who's been trying to get into photography for a while now. And he's finally saved up a sizeable chunk of change. He doesn't really have all that much hands on experience with photography but he's been learning through video tutorials and stuff and he seems to know how to shoot with my camera. He's very much a beginner and doesn't have much hands on experience but he gets the theory.

Now when it comes to recommending him a camera I've been told that the D7000 is not a beginner DSLR. I've been told it is a advanced amateur camera. But what is a beginner DSLR? I can't see it as a skill thing. How is having dedicated dials for aperture, shutter speed, and a dedicated ISO button "more advanced"? If anything it should be easier for him to learn on. Instead of digging through menus to change settings, he has it at his finger tips, what about that is "more advanced"? He gets a dedicated settings display on the right shoulder so he can check his settings faster, what is more "advanced" about that? What is more advanced about having a really accurate viewfinder?

I guess what I'm trying to get at is, I've always read "not for beginners" as "too complex and overwhelming for a beginner" but the way I see it, navigating through pages and pages of menus is way more overwhelming than having dedicated controls. What is so overwhelming about having 1/3 stop ISO? If anything these things should benefit beginners.

The only thing I can see that makes entry level DSLRs right for beginners is the price range. I don't see how they are "easier to learn". They are in fact way more complicated because of the lack of dedicated controls.

 

[Trever1t]

as far as I'm concerned a beginner dSLR is the first one you buy....

 

[tirediron]

^^ That!

 

[nickzou]

lol maybe I should just recommend that he get the D3S and a 50 1.8.

 

[Ballistics]

I don't think there is any such thing as a beginner DSLR, being that a cheaper DSLR can do the same things that a more expensive one can do but the more expensive one has a better outcome. It comes down to budget, and how in depth this person plans on getting with their camera. I bought a D5100 and 2 weeks later returned it and ordered a D7000 because of what I wanted from it.

 

[dxqcanada5]

Labels make for good excuses to upgrade.

These are all marketing terms.

 

[nickzou]

Well short of getting a Leica S2. Budget isn't really an issue. He seems pretty dedicated. He's been reading a lot and watching tutorials and bugging me about how his favourite photographer is superior to mine...

 

[Ballistics]

You have a D7000, why would you recommend anything less if money is not an issue?

 

[kundalini]

Don't confuse genuine interest with funds available with skill level. None of these are mutually compatible on their own, but with time and practice they can merge a bit more easily.

 

[Overread36]

Most entry/beginner level DSLRs tend to have a few more auto shooting and scene features; partly a carryover from the point and shoots; whilst the midrange and upper level bodies cut down on these auto modes considerably. Most of these auto modes are the kinds of things most who join photography forums quickly leave behind as they jump into more semi and fully manual control modes.

 

[andrewleephoto]

"Beginner DSLR" is just a term used by companies to market their product to us! Quite clever actually. However, I would definitely recommend a D7000 over lets say a D5100 or a D3100. Judging from his dedication, he's probably going to get really serious into photography. I started with a D7000 and I taught myself how to use manual and everything from reading online (and from shooting!!!). It's all about dedication actually.

 

[nickzou]

So after working everything out. His budget allows for him to get a brand new D3S. And as long as he gets two out of the three used, he can also afford the holy trinity. Rich bastard. Should I recommend that?

EDIT: Actually no, he would have to get all of the Nikon trinity used.

 

[kundalini]

So after working everything out. His budget allows for him to get a brand new D3S. And as long as he gets two out of the three used, he can also afford the holy trinity. Rich bastard. Should I recommend that?

So instead of going straight to youporn dot com, I'll respond.
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...... sorry, can you give me another 8:16....... I swear after this I can give an answer......

 

[Scarlet Siren]

I don't think there is any such thing as a beginner DSLR, being that a cheaper DSLR can do the same things that a more expensive one can do but the more expensive one has a better outcome. It comes down to budget, and how in depth this person plans on getting with their camera. I bought a D5100 and 2 weeks later returned it and ordered a D7000 because of what I wanted from it.

Really? Good for you doing that because as much as I love my D5100 I kind of wish I'd chosen the D7000 as well and it was on my shortlist whist I was researching. I guess I could sell the D5100 body and get the D7000....

 

[Derrel]

I always thought it ironic that Canon names its beginner-level cameras "Kiss" for the home market in Japan....Keep It Simple Stupid...like the EOS Kiss Digital N for example...