Best camera for beginner (with budget and subject interest)

ruifo · Jul 3, 2014

Look:

Jeckler · Jul 3, 2014

Thank you for all of this help. Truly above and beyond!

Jeckler · Jul 3, 2014

So it seems I have my old SLR equipment, but only two lenses left. It doesn't seem like the lenses have much value, but I'll post the info on what I have.

Both are Quantaray for Minolta AF
100-300mm f4.5/5.6
28-80mm f3.5/5.6

From what I can tell the Sony A58 can use these, but is it really worth going after that just because I have these? I'm guessing because they're older they may not even be worth using/might have issues? I plan on making a choice tomorrow so I can play tomorrow night.

Thanks again to everyone.

minicoop1985 · Jul 3, 2014

I've got a Quantaray 100-300 too, though for Canon. I'd.... go for a real Minolta. If they're for Minolta AF, you can use them on your Sony and see what you get.

ruifo · Jul 4, 2014

Those are old lenses.
They will probrably limit your image quality with a newer Sony body, and sooner or later you will feel the need for better lenses anyhow. So I would not be limited to the SOny/Minolta mount just because these old lenses at all. But it's up to you. If you liked them at their time, you will probrably like the new Minolta lenses as well, and you'd be happy.

Jeckler · Jul 4, 2014

Well I stopped in to best buy to put my hands on them and they didn't even have the Sony on display let alone in stock. The d3200 was out of stock but I got to hold it. I also held the Canon's and liked how they felt but the t3 was the only one in my budget so I just converted my credit to amazon so I can order online.

Editing this post so I don't post back to back again -

I went to a specialty camera store today to get my hands on a bigger variety of cameras and this is my take-away

1. The D3200/Canon T3i/etc all seem a little big for me personally. I have average hands and a right thumb that never healed properly when I broke it playing baseball. Holding these bodies felt a little taxing, which is sad.

2. The Sony A58 is an elusive beast. Even this shop didn't have any available to test.

3. They showed me a Sony Alpha a5000/6000 and these seem really interesting. Did not know these smaller cameras existed, and if the a5000 was a little bigger (and had a viewfinder) I might have been interested. Obviously the a6000 is out of my budget currently.

Two questions they couldn't seem to help answer

1. Is there any middle ground between these small cameras and DSLRs size wise? I used to have a Fuji that was basically a P&S styled like a DSLR (no changeable lens, very poor viewfinder). The only good thing about it was that it was a very good fit for my hand size, though it was before I broke my thumb.

2. Are these Sony's (5000/6000/equiv) full featured? I expect they do not stack up nearly to a feature set of the 3200 or equivalents, but is this a system that can get me started and something that I can grow with? It seems the lens options are extremely limited, which isn't really an issue for a beginner, but I don't want to get tied into something that doesn't end up going somewhere.

Thanks everyone!

Jeckler · Jul 5, 2014

I hate to bump my own thread, but I am struggling here.

There is a refurb D3200 with basic lens for $399 right now. I might have to pull the trigger and return it if it fatigues my thumb too quickly. Also started looking at the Sony NEX-6/etc and am seeming to get in deep and confused. The light-weight form factor is extremely appealing, but from what I've read it doesn't seem like these systems can hold up against the D3200, especially for price/performance.

ruifo · Jul 5, 2014

If I were you, I'd take a deep breath and get the D3200. But again, it's up to you. Mirrorless and DLSR are different.

Just don't buy something you'd regreat. If doubt persists, get whatever is cheaper to experiment, and decide later whether you like it or not. If not, return it in time. And change it. Check store policies first.

dubiousone · Jul 6, 2014

Mirrorless....Yeech!
I started off much the same as you; was out of photography for a good long while and after realizing my little Canon Powershot really took lousy photos I went on the hunt for a DSLR. I too was overwhelmed by the new-hottest whiz-bang. I found the d3000X size cameras to bee too cramped. I also didn't like those I found that lacked buttons for easy access and with those, one had to delve into menus. No way jose! Menus are fine for stuff you don't change that often but some I looked at...yeech. I decided on a body size I liked, went with Nikon instead of Canon (A first for me) and ended up with a really nice used D50. It was just my speed; not too complicated but with enough features to get me started. If I had it all to do over again I probably would have gone with a D90 or D300 however at the time, the price was right on the D50 so I pulled the trigger. I now have a D90 and am continuing to learn. Lenses are key, buy good glass. Don't focus too much on those whiz-bang features; for me I stick to P and aperture priority mostly and shutter pri when I need to. I am happier with the lighter weight of the D90 versus the D300, those few ounces make a difference. (But then again when I want to remind myself how light BOTH really are, I lug around my Mamiya M645...that beastie weighs ten pounds I think!

Jeckler · Jul 6, 2014

dubiousone said:
Mirrorless....Yeech!
I started off much the same as you; was out of photography for a good long while and after realizing my little Canon Powershot really took lousy photos I went on the hunt for a DSLR. I too was overwhelmed by the new-hottest whiz-bang. I found the d3000X size cameras to bee too cramped. I also didn't like those I found that lacked buttons for easy access and with those, one had to delve into menus. No way jose! Menus are fine for stuff you don't change that often but some I looked at...yeech. I decided on a body size I liked, went with Nikon instead of Canon (A first for me) and ended up with a really nice used D50. It was just my speed; not too complicated but with enough features to get me started. If I had it all to do over again I probably would have gone with a D90 or D300 however at the time, the price was right on the D50 so I pulled the trigger. I now have a D90 and am continuing to learn. Lenses are key, buy good glass. Don't focus too much on those whiz-bang features; for me I stick to P and aperture priority mostly and shutter pri when I need to. I am happier with the lighter weight of the D90 versus the D300, those few ounces make a difference. (But then again when I want to remind myself how light BOTH really are, I lug around my Mamiya M645...that beastie weighs ten pounds I think!

A lot of my issues probably stem from too much analyzation. The main reason I am considering a NEX or even holding out and saving for an a6000 is the grip/weight on the Nikon's seem like they are going to be an issue for any prolonged use for me. I know they are not really that heavy, but with my hand it's a concern.

It looks like if I did go with Nikon the D3200 and D5100 are about the same price refurbished (~$40 difference). And if I did get one, what would be a good second lens to look for in the ~$100 range (used/refurb).

Theo2 · Jul 6, 2014

I'd go for a Nikon. That's what I began with and it really kindled my interest. If it comes with a kit lens I wouldn't worry about getting another lens until you feel really comfortable with your set-up.

Jeckler · Jul 6, 2014

Theo2 said:
I'd go for a Nikon. That's what I began with and it really kindled my interest. If it comes with a kit lens I wouldn't worry about getting another lens until you feel really comfortable with your set-up.

A fair point about the lens. Can always save the credit toward one when I have a better idea what I'lll want next.

JohnS. · Jul 6, 2014

Derrel said:
The Nikon 70-300 AF-S VR-G is the best 70-300 Nikon has made, and is available used for $300-$349, and would be the best quality lens you could probably buy for under $500.

I'm happy you said that because I can't wait to get mine. I've been really needing a telephoto recently.

Jeckler said:
It looks like if I did go with Nikon the D3200 and D5100 are about the same price refurbished (~$40 difference). And if I did get one, what would be a good second lens to look for in the ~$100 range (used/refurb).

Learn the camera first and get used to using it. Then decide what type of lens you need based on what you want to shoot.

I personally started with the 18-55 kit lens with a 55-200, got rid of both and went to a 18-105, then got a tokina 11-16, and now I'm about to receive a 70-300 AF-S. Once you start shooting and reaching the limits, you'll realize what you need and the research comes after and buying comes after that.