Rookie looking for arty camera

AgnesKhan · Dec 2, 2013

Previously I have used my fathers old Nikon (do not remember which model), different digital cameras and my mobile phones camera (don't laugh!). Now I have finally managed to save up enough money to buy my dream camera. The problem is that I can't choose which one

About me: I usually take photos indoors but love nature and frequently go for hikes and also would like to have enough gear too capture those environs. I have a big interest in documenting my everyday life: parties, holidays and portraying friends. I am also arty and want to be able to create gifs of my pictures, have a good HD camera to film political speeches since I am active in politics. I am running a blog and would like to take original nice pics. I prefer a little bit dreamy instead of crisp and super sharp.

I have looked at the models Canon EOS Rebel SL1, Nikon D5200 and Canon EOS 60D. What do you professionals think?

EIngerson · Dec 2, 2013

You'll get the usual Canon vs Nikon chatter out of this thread of course. In reality, any of those cameras will take amazing photos if you learn how to use them properly. If you've fooled around with both brands, which one had the controls that are comfortable to you? I use Canon simply because it's what I learned on and I'm comfortable with them. You can't go wrong with either one of them.

AgnesKhan · Dec 2, 2013

thank you for your reply! which editing program should I use? Is it important to have a good objective/lens from the beginning or should I get to know the camera first?

runnah · Dec 2, 2013

Get Adobe lightroom and a Nikon 3200 with a kit lens.

Solarflare · Dec 2, 2013

I'm confused. My dict tells me "arty" is supposed to be a derogative term ... ?

I dont like the D3200 too much. The D5200/D5300 has a much better sensor, heck even the D5100 has one I would prefer. Also, they have this wonderful flipscreen; I wished those would be more popular. Plus, the D5300 has WiFi now, if you want it (some people seem to be uber excited about that).

I second the Lightroom suggestion, though. At least on the long term.

Those Canon cameras are probably also good, I just dont care too much about them, simply because I dont have Canon glass.

Overread · Dec 2, 2013

For hiking and casual use such as general life documenting consider having a look at the micro 4/3rds range of cameras on the market (head to a shop and try them out). They are smaller than DSLRs in both body and lens which makes them lighter and much more compact; whilst at the same time still having very good performance.

The only real downside is that because they've got a smaller sensor they won't give you as much of the background blurring effect that sounds like what you're after.

If that blurry creamy background is what you're after consider looking at the second hand market for a Canon 5D - a 35mm fullframe camera body. The rebel and entry level Nikon camera bodies are all crop sensor so the amount of blurring of background areas that you get is less. The only downside is that the 5D has no video feature (you'd have to shift up to a 5DMII and from what you've said I don't think your budget will stretch that far).

Head to a camera shop and try some out - or even a local camera club.

runnah · Dec 2, 2013

Solarflare said:
I'm confused. My dict tells me "arty" is supposed to be a derogative term ... ?

I dont like the D3200 too much. The D5200/D5300 has a much better sensor, heck even the D5100 has one I would prefer. Also, they have this wonderful flipscreen; I wished those would be more popular. Plus, the D5300 has WiFi now, if you want it (some people seem to be uber excited about that).

I second the Lightroom suggestion, though. At least on the long term.

Those Canon cameras are probably also good, I just dont care too much about them, simply because I dont have Canon glass.

But the 3200 comes in RED! Oh so does the 5200...anyways.

Solarflare · Dec 2, 2013

Well ... there are a bit more downsides to Micro Four Thirds than just lack of shallow depth of field:
- Price: Compared to the extremely competitive entry level DSLRs prices, MFT cant keep up.
- Autofocus performance: Its getting better, but its not quite the same.
- Low light: Smaller sensor than APS-C, thus the reserves for high ISO is even less.
Theres excellent glass around for MFT though and the system certainly has its appeal.

amolitor · Dec 2, 2013

Solarflare said:
I dont like the D3200 too much. The D5200/D5300 has a much better sensor

What? I'm pretty sure the sensors are the same. They produce very very very slightly different results in test conditions, presumably because the surrounding electronics is a bit different, but the differences are trivial.

The_Traveler · Dec 2, 2013

No one would ever go into an art store and ask for brushes, paints and canvas that would allow him/her to make ' original nice pics.... a little bit dreamy instead of crisp and super sharp.'

Any decent slr body and lens is capable of anything but it's the person using the camera who makes that happen. There is a long steep learning curve before you, or anyone, can control the camera and, just like painting, the results depends on the talent and creativity of the user.

sashbar · Dec 2, 2013

I have heard that Canon is more arty and Nikon is more facty. Also Pentax is more lefty, FUJI is more trendy and Leika is more costy.

KenC · Dec 2, 2013

The_Traveler said:
No one would ever go into an art store and ask for brushes, paints and canvas that would allow him/her to make ' original nice pics.... a little bit dreamy instead of crisp and super sharp.'

Any decent slr body and lens is capable of anything but it's the person using the camera who makes that happen. There is a long steep learning curve before you, or anyone, can control the camera and, just like painting, the results depends on the talent and creativity of the user.

Lew, you make too much sense sometimes, actually quite often. How do you manage to survive on here?

jenko · Dec 2, 2013

I had a Nikon D5100 and it was a great camera. Your lenses are going to make more of a difference than the camera body when it comes to producing certain effects. For Nikon DX cameras, a great lens that is also super cheap is the 40mm macro. It has nice soft backgrounds at lower apertures, but also can shoot macro that is tack sharp. It's a light lens and works as a walk-around and can even be great for portraits. It is one of the most versatile lenses I've owned and I picked it up for under $300, brand new.