First timer!

EPS01 · Jun 30, 2017

Greeting everyone. First of all - I am glad I am here, since I have heard only good things about this forum, so I am hoping to find all the necessary help I need.
I am a complete newbie to photography, and I mean that.
Owned few cameras before, but just regular "civilian" edition.
Now I am looking to get something new and better for a longer term use.

Maybe you could give me your opinion on this one:

Since I am VERY tight with budget and new to photography, I was thinking of buying some decent entry level camera that could be of use for some time, maybe a couple of years or so.
So, I was looking at Sony A5000... I know it's few years old at this point, but as far as I could understand it's a rather nice, slim and easy to use camera, that can be enhanced just by using different lenses. I need it mostly for taking pictures of my daughter and family on our trips, days out etc... you get the point; But by the time when I get used to photography and start learning tricks of the trade that I won't need billion dollar investment to make more "pro" photos, just enjoy new senses.

I am asking here because Google isn't very reliable imho...

Thanks!

Designer · Jun 30, 2017

Welcome!

Can you be more specific as to your budget? Also, check this out: runnah's sure fire tips to getting good advice on equipment

EPS01 · Jun 30, 2017

Designer said:
Welcome!

Can you be more specific as to your budget? Also, check this out: runnah's sure fire tips to getting good advice on equipment

Hey, thank you for being the first one to welcome me here.
Regarding budget, I am more limited to somewhere around 400 - 450 euros.
And at the moment, I am buying camera that I will be paying for 12 months.
Now I can choose between:
Sony A5000
Canon 1300D

I was looking towards Sony because it is much smaller and easier to carry... And differences are THAT big, comparing the price and size...

nerwin · Jun 30, 2017

I'd go to the store and check out the said cameras in person and see which one's feel comfortable in your hands and if the menu and button layouts suits you.

EPS01 · Jun 30, 2017

nerwin said:
I'd go to the store and check out the said cameras in person and see which one's feel comfortable in your hands and if the menu and button layouts suits you.

I did that, and since I am a bit of "oversized" person, Canon suits me better (bigger palms - better grip). But I am not a fan of carrying an extra bag just for the sake of camera, not on this amateur level yet.
I read that mirrorless are now developed enough that it doesn't make any difference on this entry lvl cameras... maybe I am wrong.

Designer · Jun 30, 2017

Converting 450 euros to $500:

10 Digital Cameras Under $500 That Take Way Better Photos Than Your Phone

Best Cameras Under $500 in 2017 | Switchback Travel

https://shotkit.com/best-cameras-500/

http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-budget-dslr-camera/

9 Recommended Entry-Level DSLR Cameras

Since I chose Nikon for myself, I am biased toward Nikon. I see that the Nikon D3400 is featured in several of these websites.

nerwin · Jun 30, 2017

I'm personally not a fan of cameras without a viewfinder but that's just me.

If you are interested in something small but with good APS-C sensor then there isn't anything wrong with the Sony Alpha mirrorless lines, but I'd prefer the A6000 over the A5000. There is a seller on this forum that's selling a white A6000 Sony A6000 Mirrorless w/ Kit Lens - 350.00 shipped for $350 which is a superb deal. Not sure if its still available.

DSLRs will have much longer battery life that's important to you. If you plan on shooting long periods with the Sonys, you may want to invest in a few spare batteries. Just sayin'. Also beware of overheating.

EPS01 · Jun 30, 2017

Thank you very much!
Very useful links.
Unfortunately, I can only buy at one store here in Montenegro, and that makes this difficult.
There isn't much to choose.
Digitalni fotoaparati - Tehnomax Crna Gora Podogrica
So this is what I can choose from...^^

I am still on rookie level, so I don't expect to have issues with overheating and such, since I'll be taking 10-20 photos, then rest... But I will take into count! Thanks!

nerwin · Jun 30, 2017

Personally...the Canon 1300D will give you more bang for the buck.

But like I said earlier, get whatever works best for you that will allow you to capture the images that you want.

I never really recalled the A5000 overheating, but I know plenty of people who owns or had owned one of the A6xxx cameras who've had overheating issues, especially on hot summer days. So you'll probably be fine.

EPS01 · Jun 30, 2017

nerwin said:
Personally...the Canon 1300D will give you more bang for the buck.

But like I said earlier, get whatever works best for you that will allow you to capture the images that you want.

I never really recalled the A5000 overheating, but I know plenty of people who owns or had owned one of the A6xxx cameras who've had overheating issues, especially on hot summer days. So you'll probably be fine.

The only issue here is that I can't figure out what pictures do I want... well not yet.
So I guess going for a blind buy is my only choice when it comes to FIRST camera... in a year or two I'll know what I am looking for next.

smoke665 · Jun 30, 2017

Welcome, can't help you with advice on either of these, but should you decide Pentax is a possibility there are some die hard Pentaxians here that will most certainly welcome a new convert.

Designer · Jun 30, 2017

OP asked me to copy and paste from the "sure fire tips" thread:

So, let me start as you ordered:
1. Budget: very low, actually no more than 40-50 euros per month (12 month time) so that makes it 400-500 euro camera

2. I do not own any type of camera, 100% new to this colourful path

3. Having a "pro" camera that will give me space to learn and improve, use it for at least couple of years. The main priority is taking photos of kids and family, nature while out on trips. Nothing too crazy, at least not for some time now.

4. Never help pro camera in my hand.

5. I did research on camera that I found fitting and affordable, and that was Sony A5000. Thoughts are 50/50. It is hard to judge from a perspective where buying $500 or $700 is more or less same since that is a HUGE gap for me.

Anyways, I am on xroads between Canon 1300d or Sony A5000.