Entry level dslr?

[Goldcoin79]

I have a canon sx30 is bridge camera and would like to in the near future get an dslr. Why I have been looking at what's on offer lots of them class themself as a entry level dslr, what is the difference between an entry level dslr and the next level up which is not classed as a entry level dslr?

I don't want to buy a camera then find in a year or two that I want to upgrade again.

 

[TheFantasticG]

Difference between entry level and the next level? Functionality and features. It really is that simple. To get more specific than that you have to out line which two or more models you are comparing.

 

[dalex100]

Well advanced cameras have top LCD, which is helpful. Also, you got 2 dials (for examples, the Nikon D90), it will be easier to change your settings. Some, like the D300 have weather sealing (not waterproof). If you want to get serious in photography, I suggest you to get an more advanced camera. If you just want to take pictures of your family and friend, take a entry level like the D5100.

 

[unpopular]

Cameras are really an area where so-called professional products really do have features that a consumer might not really value. Professional cameras typically are faster to focus, lock and expose, are weather proofed, are more ruggedly built (specifically fro Derrel's clumsiness) and have shutters intended to last longer. They typically work better in low light.

In the case of so-called "flagship" models, Canon and Nikon focus on gear that is well-appreciated by their historic core, journalists and these bodies offer features which are pretty much attractive for journalism.

Pro models tend to be more specialized, and the "higher up" you go, the more specialized they become, for example the 5D is more generally appreciated than the 7D, and the 7D is more generally appreciated than the D800 and the D800 is more generally appreciated than the D4 - for which many photographers couldn't justify - but if you're a sports journalist, a D4 or 1D is going to be your ideal camera.

 

[KmH]

In general there are 3 grades of DSLR:

• Entry-level
• Prosumer
• Pro

Both Nikon and Canon have more than 1 tier of entry-level DSLR cameras.

Nikon's lower entry-level tier cameras (D3100, D3200, D5000) have just 1 command wheel, few external controls (more menu diving), less sophisticated auto focus and metering systems, and fewer advanced features. The upper Nikon entry-level tier is the D90, D7000, and D600 - 2 command wheels, top LCD, off camera flash commander mode, more sophisticated auto focus and metering systems (except the D90), and more advanced features.
Nikon's prosumer lineup - D300s, D700, and D800
Nikon's pro lineup - D3x (studio) D4 (sports)

Canon's lower level is just the T3, in the middle is the T2i, T3i, T4i, and the 60D/60Da top the entry-level offerings.
Canon's prosumer lineup - 7D, 6D, 5D Mk II, 5D MK III
Canon's pro line - 1D X

 

[charlieclimber]

I recommend the T3i

 

[Derrel]

heh...heh...heh...I saw whatcha' did there,unpopular!!!

The mid-level cameras from Canon and Nikon, as well as Sony, are all pretty capable machines. Pentax's highest end model, AND their very-newest enthusiast model, offer similar capabilities.

The mid-level cameras are pretty capable machines. Cameras that begin around $899 and go up to $1,500 are all usually quite capable cameras, any one of which ought to last a beginning or intermediate shooter for the forseeable future, which I consider to be the next five years--based on where we are TODAY, at THIS specific stage of the game in digital cameras.

The "semi-pro" or "prosumer" models like the Nikon D800,D700, and Canon 5D-II and 5D-III are all VERY capable cameras. Of course, the prices here are more like $2,200 to $3,500.

 

[helmuc]

well, before being able to give you an advice => what is your budget?

 

[Goldcoin79]

Seen a good deal on a canon 650D and reviews look good and some say this is above level entry dslr. What do you guys and girls think?

 

[KmH]

Some people can and do say whatever they want to say.

What matters is what a T4i can or cannot do, not if it's an entry-level camera, or not.

 

[Solarflare]

"Entry level" cameras like the D5100 are artificially crippled. Features that wouldnt cost much and are kind of important, such as a second command wheel or high speed flash sync, are left out.

"Enthusiast" cameras like the D7000 have everything one could ask for, photographically as well as practically.

"Professional" cameras like the Nikon D800 or Canon 5D Mk III are the same, except they are better at everything, and have better build.

Cameras like the Nikon D4 or Canon 1D X are even better, except their focus is on reliability and speed.

Cameras like the Panasonic 645D, Leica S or these Hassleblad medium format cameras etc are for professionals who need ultimate image quality.

Well advanced cameras have top LCD, which is helpful.

Actually that one is an artifact from ages past before cameras had a freaking monitor for the same thing at their back.

 

[brunerww]

Seen a good deal on a canon 650D and reviews look good and some say this is above level entry dslr. What do you guys and girls think?

Is this the deal you're talking about - a 650D for £548.99 with £50 cash back? If so, £499 is a really good price for this camera. I have shot with it and it is the best of the Rebels.

Cheers,

Bill

 

[Helen B]

Well advanced cameras have top LCD, which is helpful.

Actually that one is an artifact from ages past before cameras had a freaking monitor for the same thing at their back.

They are still helpful, because they have a different function from the screen at the back - and they are always on and readable, even when the camera is switched off (as long as it has a battery with some charge). Some cameras have three external displays: one on top and two at the back, with two of the three not backlit and hence always on.

 

[TJC]

Right now the absolute best deal on a DSLR is Nikon's D5100. The kit, body along with a 18-55 Af-s DX lense can be had for $550. That's $650 cheaper than the d7000 kit! $650 buys you a nice lense or two!

What are you giving up on the D5100 versus the D7000? Photographically nothing!

Physical differences are one command dial on the 5100 versus 2 on the 7000. This means you will have to use a menu on the 5100 to find some things the second command dial gives you on the 7000. The 7000 has 39 auto focus points, the 5100 matches the D90 with 11. The body on the 7000 is a hardier magnesium alloy versus plastic on the 5100. Unless you are taking the camera mountain climbing or using it in extreme weather that won't matter. Neither camera will survive unharmed in a fall. Both camera's come with a software package. The 5100's more basic package won't crash your computer.

A big deal is made of the consumer NIkons, including the 5100, lack of an internal focus motor. You are limited to lenses that are equipped with focus motors. If you are a hard core Nikon person, with a pack load of older lenses, valid point!!! If not, well, every lense Nikon produces and has produced over the past several years comes with an internal focus motor. So, not an issue for a newbie looking to build a system from the ground up. Most of the third party lense manufacturers have compatible lenses.

More important than the differences is what these cameras have in common -that is the sensor. The photographic engine in each camera is identical. And that sensor is the best Nikon has ever produced.

The deal on the 5100 is in action because Nikon wants to clear the shelves for the much more expensive D5200.

Unless you are doing highly specialized work, high speed flash photography etc, the 5100 will do everything a 7000 will do for a fraction of the cost.

Lastly, while the 7000 is an excellent camera it's days are numbered as it is getting long of tooth.

 

[TheFantasticG]

Lastly, while the 7000 is an excellent camera it's days are numbered as it is getting long of tooth.

Indeed. When that tooth breaks off by Nikon introducing the D7100 all D7000 units out in the wild will stop working.... They're all programmed to permanently ERR on the release date of the D7100.... The rumor I heard is that this date is... 12/21/12...!