First camera purchase. Help please!

Porcelaingeisha · Apr 11, 2012

So I am a complete noob at Using a digital camera but after 5 years of modeling I realized it was the art i help create that i loved not the modeling, so now wish to try applying what ive learned and creating art from the other side of the camera. Only problem, I don't know any of the jargon, nor do I even know what to look for. I know that I can't afford much now so I'm really looking for a camera I can get buy with the just the basics for now and then grow into more whenever I have extra money to afford lenses and things.I am hoping to go semi-pro with this so I do want a camera that can last. The Sony a35 and a55 seem to get good reviews but I'm hesitant if there's better out there. Plus I know they are not true dslr's, but I don't know how much that will affect my pictures. Because I'm also a broke college student my budget is about $800. So what I really need is probably a higher end entry level camera that can produce beautiful pictures without needing to rely on all the bells and whistles of fancy expensive lenses, external flash, filters etc. and preferably with image stabilization in the camera as sometimes my hands are a little shaky. So I was hoping for some advice as to what cameras to look into. favorite cameras and why they are good, also if anyone has any experience with the Sony models. Thanks a bunch.

belial · Apr 11, 2012

Sony is ok but for the best room to grow you're probably better off going canon or nikon. For one they dont habe a proprietary hotshoe like sony and this opens more flash and accessory options and can save you money longterm. For the $800 range id check out the canon t2i and Nikon d5100. Both pretty good beginner bodies.

minooo · Apr 11, 2012

Nikon and only Nikon. D5100 has the sensor and quality of the D7000, with just a smaller viewfinder, AF point not lockable, a fewer buttons, but it is a fantastic and cheap camera.
Also think about lens, flashes and accessories. You can easily find or sell a Nikon, but other brands....

anmolmehtaaa · Apr 11, 2012

sony cybershot dschx100v is the best

ecphoto · Apr 11, 2012

Porcelaingeisha said:
So I am a complete noob at Using a digital camera but after 5 years of modeling I realized it was the art i help create that i loved not the modeling, so now wish to try applying what ive learned and creating art from the other side of the camera. Only problem, I don't know any of the jargon, nor do I even know what to look for. I know that I can't afford much now so I'm really looking for a camera I can get buy with the just the basics for now and then grow into more whenever I have extra money to afford lenses and things.I am hoping to go semi-pro with this so I do want a camera that can last. The Sony a35 and a55 seem to get good reviews but I'm hesitant if there's better out there. Plus I know they are not true dslr's, but I don't know how much that will affect my pictures. Because I'm also a broke college student my budget is about $800. So what I really need is probably a higher end entry level camera that can produce beautiful pictures without needing to rely on all the bells and whistles of fancy expensive lenses, external flash, filters etc. and preferably with image stabilization in the camera as sometimes my hands are a little shaky. So I was hoping for some advice as to what cameras to look into. favorite cameras and why they are good, also if anyone has any experience with the Sony models. Thanks a bunch.

I learned on a Olympus e500 and a sony a330. I now own a canon 550D and love it. After shooting with all of the above brands I would only Recommend Canon. Nikon makes cameras that are just as great, but aren't as budget friendly as Canon.

I got my 550D for about $650 brand new with a 18-55mm lens.

belial · Apr 11, 2012

minooo said:
Nikon and only Nikon. D5100 has the sensor and quality of the D7000, with just a smaller viewfinder, AF point not lockable, a fewer buttons, but it is a fantastic and cheap camera.
Also think about lens, flashes and accessories. You can easily find or sell a Nikon, but other brands....

Canon is just as easy to find and sell. To the op id stick with canon and nikon. Just pick whichever of the two seems best for you.

belial · Apr 11, 2012

anmolmehtaaa said:
sony cybershot dschx100v is the best

The op said they wanted to move into a slr. Im glad you like your ultrazoom point and shoot but that doesnt seem to be what the op is asking for.

TheInformer · Apr 11, 2012

Nikon D5100 16.2MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens

Canon EOS Rebel T2i 18 MP CMOS APS-C Sensor DIGIC 4 Image Processor Full-HD Movie Mode Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-inch LCD and and EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens

snowbear · Apr 11, 2012

Most bodies in the same price range will have the same general features. Once you have found a couple of possibilities within your budget, go to a store and pick up each one. Check how they fit in your hands - make sure the controls are easy to get to, and the menus are easy to navigate.

greybeard · Apr 11, 2012

I have a lot of experience with a Nikon D5100. It is in your price range and it has everything you are looking for. The Canon t3i is in that same range but I have no experience with it. Like others have said, Nikon or Canon, you can't go wrong.

LowezAkar · Apr 16, 2012

Industry Standard are: Canon and Nikon. It all depends on how much you are looking to spend. If you have a budget I would say to purchase a lower priced camera like the Nikon D3100 or Canon T2i and spend the rest of the money on a good lens like a 35mm F1.4G to start off. But if you have the cash then by all means get the best camera you can buy and a nice (Camera Brand) lens like a 70-200mm f/ 2.8. You will be very happy. At least, I think you would.:thumbup: