Perpetually confused
TPF Noob!
- Joined
- Dec 13, 2017
- Messages
- 6
- Reaction score
- 1
- Can others edit my Photos
- Photos OK to edit
Hello there. By way of introduction I am an amateur photographer in that I own a D3100 (18-55mm kit lense, 18-140mm lens, 50mm prime) and enjoy playing around with it as a hobbyist. I understand the basics of manual shooting but am in no way proficient and often shoot in AP mode for speed. I currently do not do any sort of post-production but am planning to learn at least the basics. It always felt like “cheating” to use photoshop, a bit like seeing average photos with filters on Instagram… but I now understand that it is not even close to the same thing in the real photography world. I also understand that longer term some general photography courses, further reading, photoshop/lightroom learning etc will be of most benefit and I plan to do all of these things.
I have recently had my first baby and find myself using the camera daily, mostly with the prime lense given he isn’t moving around and I generally have plenty of time to compose shots. However, I now own a D7100 body and D750 body, both used. I think I paid a decent enough price for each (D7100 was just over $400 with 4k actuations and the D750 was ~$1,100 with 1k actuations) so the plan was to keep one and sell the other for close to what I paid after testing them at home. I figured this was cheaper than renting both and would allow me more time to test. I plan to spend this weekend with both and hopefully make a decision but would appreciate any help as I am concerned my amateur eye and skills will mean I make the wrong choice. Perhaps I pick the D7100 and in a few months after developing my skills I wish I had kept the D750 and kick myself for less than optimal family shots at this precious time? Perhaps I submit to upgrade syndrome and take the D750 after convincing myself it will make me a better photographer, which I know it will not in isolation?!
I would probably look to add another prime for either (likely a wider angle) and a zoom for the D750 but if I kept the D7100 I would probably only add another prime as I have the 18-140mm already. That means there is a decent total cost difference between the options. That said I don’t want to make this decision solely on costs as I can technically afford the ~$1700 difference in body and new lense if I decided D750. While it is a non-trivial amount of money for almost anyone, myself included as there is always something else I could do with it, I am comfortable spending that and already have it earmarked for such use. The D7100 should be seen then as a “saving” rather than an “additional expense”.
My question to the experts here is whether the D750 is too much camera for me? I have taken a few quick snaps last night and both felt good in my hands. Both seem to have very similar layouts which is important as my wife will also use the camera and while picking up a little from me as I learn, she may shoot in auto mode for now when I am not around. Both take what I consider to be quality shots and I know that on paper both are far superior to my D3100. I am not printing for now but may do some for the wall or family albums over time and don’t think either would limit me in that respect.
Would the experts here suggest I stick with the D7100 as an intermediate step to develop my craft or take the D750 route now if I can afford to do so? I come from a car and motorbike background where I have seen people get out of their depth with equipment that vastly outweighs their skills and while they obviously enjoy themselves there is always the view from the wise heads that smaller engines initially create better long term drivers/riders. Should I be looking at my photography hobby in the same vein? To keep with the car analogy… while an S class Mercedes would do the job of wafting the family around a Rolls Royce would certainly do it much better. I don’t want to look back and wish I had gone for quality over saving a bit of cash when I look back on family photos but at the same time if it would be a flagrant waste of cash to take the D750 over the D7100 in my position I would certainly consider the later.
Sorry for the long post but I wanted to preempt a lot of the questions and comments that I see on most beginnner threads by giving you all as much background as possible. I look forward to your views…
I have recently had my first baby and find myself using the camera daily, mostly with the prime lense given he isn’t moving around and I generally have plenty of time to compose shots. However, I now own a D7100 body and D750 body, both used. I think I paid a decent enough price for each (D7100 was just over $400 with 4k actuations and the D750 was ~$1,100 with 1k actuations) so the plan was to keep one and sell the other for close to what I paid after testing them at home. I figured this was cheaper than renting both and would allow me more time to test. I plan to spend this weekend with both and hopefully make a decision but would appreciate any help as I am concerned my amateur eye and skills will mean I make the wrong choice. Perhaps I pick the D7100 and in a few months after developing my skills I wish I had kept the D750 and kick myself for less than optimal family shots at this precious time? Perhaps I submit to upgrade syndrome and take the D750 after convincing myself it will make me a better photographer, which I know it will not in isolation?!
I would probably look to add another prime for either (likely a wider angle) and a zoom for the D750 but if I kept the D7100 I would probably only add another prime as I have the 18-140mm already. That means there is a decent total cost difference between the options. That said I don’t want to make this decision solely on costs as I can technically afford the ~$1700 difference in body and new lense if I decided D750. While it is a non-trivial amount of money for almost anyone, myself included as there is always something else I could do with it, I am comfortable spending that and already have it earmarked for such use. The D7100 should be seen then as a “saving” rather than an “additional expense”.
My question to the experts here is whether the D750 is too much camera for me? I have taken a few quick snaps last night and both felt good in my hands. Both seem to have very similar layouts which is important as my wife will also use the camera and while picking up a little from me as I learn, she may shoot in auto mode for now when I am not around. Both take what I consider to be quality shots and I know that on paper both are far superior to my D3100. I am not printing for now but may do some for the wall or family albums over time and don’t think either would limit me in that respect.
Would the experts here suggest I stick with the D7100 as an intermediate step to develop my craft or take the D750 route now if I can afford to do so? I come from a car and motorbike background where I have seen people get out of their depth with equipment that vastly outweighs their skills and while they obviously enjoy themselves there is always the view from the wise heads that smaller engines initially create better long term drivers/riders. Should I be looking at my photography hobby in the same vein? To keep with the car analogy… while an S class Mercedes would do the job of wafting the family around a Rolls Royce would certainly do it much better. I don’t want to look back and wish I had gone for quality over saving a bit of cash when I look back on family photos but at the same time if it would be a flagrant waste of cash to take the D750 over the D7100 in my position I would certainly consider the later.
Sorry for the long post but I wanted to preempt a lot of the questions and comments that I see on most beginnner threads by giving you all as much background as possible. I look forward to your views…