Next Step Below a Professional Camera?

futuredreams · Jun 1, 2011

Greetings, would have posted in the intro forum but it didn't look like they get too many visitors :lol:

I've been interested in photography for a long time, but until recently didn't feel comfortable investing in a camera, with the whole economic thing. Now that I'm inching back towards 5 digits in savings, I'd like to get something to start out with.

A buddy of mine bought a D5100 this year, and its a pretty decent little piece to work with. Although it seems to have alot of complicated and/or unnecessary features.

I'd really just like to have a good and simple camera that can take incredible pictures with the right efforts. Any suggestions?

And if anyone knows what Terje Sørgjerd's camera is, I'd like to know. His work is just like, wow:

Robin Usagani · Jun 1, 2011

Most important thing is the lens. Then the body.

futuredreams · Jun 1, 2011

Really? It just seems like there are so fewer lens options available than bodys, and other than brand they are mostly just different levels of zoom/magnification?

Robin Usagani · Jun 1, 2011

Just to give you an idea, each of 3 of my lenses cost more than my camera. All I am saying is, dont max out your camera budget just to buy the camera. You need to be spending it on a lens or two.

Carny · Jun 1, 2011

I'd start with whatever you can find on craigslist that is in good condition and still a current model. I bought a 450d (rebel xsi), a D90, and a rebel T2i. I sold the D90 and am about to sell the 450d, and the money I made off of both of them will have almost paid for the T2i completely. I'll probably be selling it soon too if the new 5d3 or 7d2 come out. I've also done this with lenses.

Anyway, my point is you can start with an inexpensive camera and make sure you like it as much as you think you will. Then sell it and keep moving up. You can end up with some good gear for free or almost free, and you appreciate the nicer ones more if you start with a cheap one.

subscuck · Jun 1, 2011

futuredreams said:
Really? It just seems like there are so fewer lens options available than bodys, and other than brand they are mostly just different levels of zoom/magnification?

There are far more lenses than bodies. Lenses come in various focal lengths, focal ranges, max aperture and quality levels. And that's just the manufacturer. There are also third party lenses available that fall into all of those different categories as well.

futuredreams · Jun 1, 2011

Thanks for the input guys. I'd really like to avoid the used route if possible, not worth it to me to save a couple hundred bucks on something that has even the slightest chance of being damaged or stolen. I guess what it sounds like I should do is pinpoint who has good entry point lenses and purchase a camera based on those, as a starter?

tirediron · Jun 1, 2011

Under most circumstances, you're going to be hard-pressed to tell the difference between an image shot with a D40 and one shot with a D3s. The extra money you pay as you move up the quality ladder is for a [relatively] small featureset including greater low-light performance, higher burst-rate, and better build-quality. Decide what your budget is goign to be, and head to a camera store (A REAL camera store, NOT a big-box store which also sells cameras) and have the sales staff show you models in that price-range. You may find you don't like the Nikon in your hands, but the Pentax feels great... or...

If you think a D5100 is complicated and feature-rich, then you're going to be astounded by something like D300 or D700. I would suggest some more research is in order. DPReview is my go-to 'site for reviews and information.

analog.universe · Jun 1, 2011

I would suggest going to a camera shop and playing with a couple canon's and a couple nikon's in your price range, and see which one you like the feel of, and is intuitive. Both of these companies offer hundreds of lenses at every conceivable quality and price point. In addition, third parties like Sigma, Tokina, Tamron, Zeiss, etc.. make lenses that will fit both systems. The ergonomics of the camera are important, if you understand your equipment, and are comfortable with it, you're more likely to use it more and get better at it. At the current time, I understand nikon has a slight advantage over canon in sensor quality, but this fluctuates often as new bodies are released. I've always preferred Canon's ergonomics, but that is strictly personal preference. If I were you I wouldn't worry about used for the body, but buy new lenses because the used ones aren't much cheaper, and you'll keep them for decades.

So, I'd play with some bodies and pick a brand, and then read around this forum on the lens discussion threads. Get yourself an understanding of focal length and aperture, and see what types of lenses are recommended at the price you want to spend for the things you want to shoot.

futuredreams · Jun 1, 2011

That was good advice also, thank you for that. I would much rather master something that is for the most part manual, and get to know it well.... Than to be fumbling around through so many different options that I miss the shot. Theres at least one reputable camera store in the area, I think that will be worth the trip.

SunnyHours · Jun 1, 2011

In general I suggest either Canon or Nikon for their wide range of lenses (Some Nikon cameras can use lenses made dating to 1979, therefore cheaper...)
First thing to do is to find a body that feels nice in your hand...it's really a question of feel...after you've chosen your "brand" think about what you need the camera to do and cross reference with the specs. As for a lens a prime or the kit lens will help you decide what you really want in a lens for your next purchase...

o hey tyler · Jun 1, 2011

futuredreams said:
Thanks for the input guys. I'd really like to avoid the used route if possible, not worth it to me to save a couple hundred bucks on something that has even the slightest chance of being damaged or stolen. I guess what it sounds like I should do is pinpoint who has good entry point lenses and purchase a camera based on those, as a starter?

If you buy used from a reputable dealer you should have no problems. Like B&H, Adorama, and I've heard good things about KEH.com.

dallasimagery · Jun 1, 2011

Schwettylens said:
Most important thing is the lens. Then the body.

Depends on what you're doing; in general, I would disagree with that. A body is as important as a lense.

What makes me laugh about this thread, is the term "professional" is so relative. i've known "pro's" that shoot with Rebels. Jose Luis, one of my favorite photographer, uses a rebel and fairly crappy lenses (at least he used to, haven't talked to him in a while). What you use, really doesn't matter all that much. What makes a pro camera nice (like Canon 1-series) is the keeper rate, and it's capabilities, and features.

Derrel · Jun 1, 2011

Schwettylens said:
Most important thing is the lens. Then the body.

Gotta disagree with that; neither the lens nor the body is more important than the other. Without the lens, the body cannot capture an image. Without the body, the lens cannot do its job. Ergo, neither is "more important than" the other. Additionally, full-frame d-slr cameras which have very large pixels perform absurdly well in dim light and at elevated ISO settings, and out-perform crop-body cameras of similar technology. And, the full-frame cameras do not demand ultra-good lenses to produce overall total, high-resolution images. The very-newest Sony-sensored cameras from Sony,Nikon, and Pentax, with the newest-generation 16.2 MP sensors,are setting new standards for picture quality and for the recovery of detail in under-exposed images. Those new bodies are VASTLY better performers than say, a Nikon D70 or a Canon 20D.

The next step below a professional camera is a "serious enthusiast's camera" model. Usually priced around $1,599-$1,799 or so.