Need some opinions on what should I do

[Yomikaori]

Hello everybody! I've recently started on phtography and I bought a 2nd handed Panasonic DMC-TZ 60 and I think I've been getting some average results. But I would like to push my results even further as I think I am pretty limited with this camera.

The thing is, I prefer getting second hand equipment as it is cheaper, but I dunno if it is worth doing that in the photography world, If I buy a cannon 1100D for example is it still a good buy at this point? Or should I just stop being a cheapskate and buy a new entry level DSLR from Nikkon or Cannon or other?

I'm mostly interested in landscape photography and night photography.
Here is my blog with some pictures I have taken, A look through the lenses <- Critique is well received and apreciated btw!

Thanks

 

[KmH]

It's not the gun, it's the gunner.
Or - It's not the camera, it's the photographer.

The 1100D is quite capable within it's limitations.
All DSLR cameras have limitations.
Just 1 k and 1 n - Nikon, Canon.
Cannons go B O O M!

My main camera, after retiring from the business of doing photography, is a Nikon D300s announced by Nikon on July 30, 2009.
Nikon basically just added a video capability to their D300 they announced on August 23, 2007.
So basically I use a 10 year old camera design.

Others however will suggest you must have the latest-and-greatest to make nice photographs.

 

[Yomikaori]

Just 1 k and 1 n - Nikon, Canon.
Cannons go B O O M!

Ops Derp me

So basically I can pick "Whatever" and still be good or bad with it, I assumed it would be something like that, it's like having a supercar and not even knowing how to change gears xD

But assuming that I'm going to purchase let's say a Canon 1100D in 2nd hand, is there something that I should pay special attention to? And compared to newer models like 1300D is it lacking in image quality? Or pretty much the same?

 

[greybeard]

Used is good as long as it is not too many generations old. I personally know Nikon pretty well and would not have a problem recommending something like a D90 as a good starter camera.

 

[KmH]

Canon kind of stagnated as far as their entry-level and prosumer cameras were concerned for a bit after the 1100D.

Right now the Nikon D3300, D5300, 5500, D5600 entry-level DSLR cameras use what is considered by many to be the best image sensor (by far) available at that level - the 23.4 MP Sony Exmor IMX193.

 

[greybeard]

Do you have a budget?

 

[Yomikaori]

I would like to only spend about 200 to 250€ maximum, the best ones i've seen so far within this price range are

Nikon D90 170£
Nikon D3200 140£

Canon 500D 130£
Canon 1100D 120£

I could get some better deals on ebay but, they when a seller uses global shipping program, I can't buy from for some odd reason... discrimination aganist people that live on islands! xD

 

[KmH]

Nikon D32oo for the win.

 

[JingJingJing]

My main camera, after going to Collage of doing photography, are Nikon and Sony .

 

[Randy Henry]

Hi there i'm not an expert, i'm a self taught photographer/videographer. I just like you buy all of my gear second hand, but i buy from Adorama.com, i trust their knowledge of cameras and they even rate their gear. With that being said i believe that investing in good quality lens, lighting and editing software should be considered first before upgrading a camera. I currently shoot with a canon 60d accompanied with the Canon L series 24-105mm, i want to upgrade to a camera that shoots a higher fps than 30 in 1080p but i realized i'm not that i haven't mastered the basics of cinematography, until i do and feel confident then i would get my next camera.

 

[Yomikaori]

Thanks everybody for your opinions, I've settled my mind on the matter gonna pick up that nikon D3200

i buy from Adorama.com,

I would buy from there but it's outside European Union and I would be taxed the hell out of me so it's not worth doing it.

 

[fmw]

What you should do is use what you have to gain experience. At some point you will discover what hardware, if any, is stunting your photographic growth. At that point you won't have to ask.

 

[Derrel]

Definitely look into used equipment if you want to save money.I've bought a good number of used pieces over decades, and MOST all have been perfectly fine. There comes a time when better gear makes it easier to take photos, reliably. I have used cameras from the 1930's,40's,50's,60,70's,80's,2000's,and 2010's. The difference in performance between say, a Nikon D40 and a Nikon D2x or D3x is staggering, with one camera giving you lots of excuses for why you missed the shot, and the others offering you NO excuses for messing up.

My experience is that beginners and intermediates shooters are the ones who benefit the MOST from high-end gear. The more years you have in photography, the easier it is to work around the limitations of low-end gear. Buy the best stuff you can afford: and then, KEEP it, and learn, really LEARN, how to use it. That's the old-school recipe for success:learn to use good gear, and KEEP using the same stuff. Buit dfo not think foir a minute that low-end gear is "as good as" high-end, modern gear--because it is NOT.

An old d-slr like a Canon 20D is no match for an EOS 5D Mark III.