What are your thoughts?

[Kanthaka]

Is it a better idea to invest on a mid-range to higher-end dSLR (a body that will cost $1100+) initially or buy an entry level dSLR (something in between $500-$800) & then upgrade in the future?

For the sake of having some sort of "guideline", let's say that the individual asking this isn't looking to be a full-fledged pro (so probably not something like a Canon 5D Mark III will be needed) but will be taking pictures on a daily basis and will be sharing photos with a fairly large amount of people.

Oh and I'm not very good with locating older threads so as an additional question: what camera did you use to start out with?

 

[goodguy]

You can be perfectly happy with the basic cameras like Nikon D5200 or D3200, both good cameras that will serve you well but personally if I had 1100$ for a camera I would go with the Nikon D7100 which is still a craop sensor camera but has lots of advantages over the other two I mentioned.
Mind yuo if your budget includes lenses then I would maybe consider the Nikon D5200 with its kit lens and for at least get with it the Nikon 50mm 1.8G as a second lens.

FYI an 1100$ camera is not a pro camera, not even close but for 1100$ body only you can get a fabolous camera.
Usually "pro" cameras start at the 3000$ mark and go up from there.

 

[Kanthaka]

I'm currently looking into the Nikon D5200 but I don't feel as if I've done enough research so I tried going for a broader question to see if I should continue to look further. I actually already tried holding the D5200 & the D5300 at Target & Best Buy but idk... I just didn't like the feel of it. I'll probably get used to it, the more I hold it but I was more comfortable holding the T3i in my hands. So conflicted...

 

[Overread18 6]

A few thoughts:


1) For your intended goals Canon or Nikon will work fantastically for you.

2) If you want to get more specific try outlining your plans; sharing photos is a given any camera can do that - but what subjects, situations and such are you going for. A rough idea of your intended goals might help flesh out a system (camera lens and more) that fits your budget, or that is closer to it and might be better to save up for.

3) Honestly I'd say the only important question in todays DSLR market is if you want to go 35mm (ergo fullframe digital) or if you want crop sensor. If you want the latter its easy as most entry level are crop sensor; if you want the latter you have to start thinking about the second hand market if you're on budget (Canon tends to win here with the 5D original).

 

[goodguy]

I'm currently looking into the Nikon D5200 but I don't feel as if I've done enough research so I tried going for a broader question to see if I should continue to look further. I actually already tried holding the D5200 & the D5300 at Target & Best Buy but idk... I just didn't like the feel of it. I'll probably get used to it, the more I hold it but I was more comfortable holding the T3i in my hands. So conflicted...

Canon T3i is a nice camera choosing it will not be a huge mistake but the Nikon D5200 is a better camera.
It has a better and more modern sensor, the sensor on the T3i is around 6 years old which means in technology world that its very old, the sensor on the D5200 is less then half its age.
It has the advantage in low light, better dynamic range and has more resolution.
The auto focus system is also much better so I do recommend the D5200 over the Canon T3i.
The D5300 is obviously a great camera and is a small upgrade from the D5200 but I am not sure the money difference is justifying the small upgrade, it depends how much of a jump in value the D5300 is from the D5200 in your store.

 

[weepete]

I'd say buy the best lenses you can afford, then buy the best body you can afford with the rest. Good quality, sharp lenses hold their value really well if kept in good condition and consider buying second hand. They are also the second most important factor in taking good photos (the first being knowing how and when to use the kit you have).

Most people who get into photography end up upgrading when the reach the limitations on entry level bodies, so you could save a bit of cash in the long run and have much more versitility by buying a better body. Bodies don't hold their value well though.

It really depends on how much you can afford and what you are expecting to be able to do with your camera. If you are just dipping your toe in the water entry level cameras are great and will probably do you for years and they will get some great results. If however you see yourself wanting to push the boundaries with stuff like low light photography, light painting, HDR, sports, wildlife etc you'll see the benifit of getting the best body you can afford

The camera I started out with was a Pentax K 35mm film camera (my dads old one) when I was a young lad. Digital wise it was a Sony cybershot p+s I got in my mid 20s and then I got use of a second hand Canon 10D as my first DSLR.

 

[Kanthaka]

I'm currently looking into the Nikon D5200 but I don't feel as if I've done enough research so I tried going for a broader question to see if I should continue to look further. I actually already tried holding the D5200 & the D5300 at Target & Best Buy but idk... I just didn't like the feel of it. I'll probably get used to it, the more I hold it but I was more comfortable holding the T3i in my hands. So conflicted...

Canon T3i is a nice camera choosing it will not be a huge mistake but the Nikon D5200 is a better camera.
It has a better and more modern sensor, the sensor on the T3i is around 6 years old which means in technology world that its very old, the sensor on the D5200 is less then half its age.
It has the advantage in low light, better dynamic range and has more resolution.
The auto focus system is also much better so I do recommend the D5200 over the Canon T3i.
The D5300 is obviously a great camera and is a small upgrade from the D5200 but I am not sure the money difference is justifying the small upgrade, it depends how much of a jump in value the D5300 is from the D5200 in your store.

The D5200 was going for $700-800 while the D5300 was going for about $1000. They also each come with one kit lens. I looked up the specs online. Out of the three, the D5300 is the best spec-wise; however, I don't think it has enough "extras" above the D5200 for me to dish out more cash. But, like I said previously, it just felt awkward holding it. After many years of using a P&S, I've recently started using a Canon bridge camera. Does that play a major role in this? Or does it mean I just have to get used to the layout and feel of a different make?

Edit: I'll respond to the other two posters when I have access to a computer. Tapatalk is being uncooperative for some reason.

 

[jtmiv]

I'd say buy the best lenses you can afford, then buy the best body you can afford with the rest. Good quality, sharp lenses hold their value really well if kept in good condition and consider buying second hand. They are also the second most important factor in taking good photos (the first being knowing how and when to use the kit you have).

Most people who get into photography end up upgrading when the reach the limitations on entry level bodies, so you could save a bit of cash in the long run and have much more versitility by buying a better body. Bodies don't hold their value well though.

It really depends on how much you can afford and what you are expecting to be able to do with your camera. If you are just dipping your toe in the water entry level cameras are great and will probably do you for years and they will get some great results. If however you see yourself wanting to push the boundaries with stuff like low light photography, light painting, HDR, sports, wildlife etc you'll see the benifit of getting the best body you can afford

The camera I started out with was a Pentax K 35mm film camera (my dads old one) when I was a young lad. Digital wise it was a Sony cybershot p+s I got in my mid 20s and then I got use of a second hand Canon 10D as my first DSLR.

Dear kanthaka,

While I understand all too well that gear never actually takes a picture I will admit that personally, I'm with this poster. A high quality lens will always be a high quality lens barring something like accidental damage. Pick a camera system that you favor and buy lenses to fit the system.

Camera bodies change so fast that even the most cash flush people on Earth cannot hope to keep up with the changes. Whatever you buy today as a camera body will be obsolete within a year. Will it be useless, of course not, but it will be outdated.

Quality lenses never become outdated. A newer version may come out that offers some improvement, but if a lens is still functional and was considered to be a good lens initially it will always be a good lens as long as it continues to work properly.

For me personally I find far more value in well kept used gear than I can possibly hope to find in the newest gear. Forty odd years ago I got into film photography with a new camera. I quickly upgraded to a better used camera and have been buying older fully functional gear ever since.

To your other post about how a camera feels to you that is probably one of the most important features of a camera and one of the least considered. If you aren't comfortable with your camera you won't have it with you when you need it.

Regards,

Tim Murphy

 

[Kanthaka]

A few thoughts:


1) For your intended goals Canon or Nikon will work fantastically for you.

2) If you want to get more specific try outlining your plans; sharing photos is a given any camera can do that - but what subjects, situations and such are you going for. A rough idea of your intended goals might help flesh out a system (camera lens and more) that fits your budget, or that is closer to it and might be better to save up for.

3) Honestly I'd say the only important question in todays DSLR market is if you want to go 35mm (ergo fullframe digital) or if you want crop sensor. If you want the latter its easy as most entry level are crop sensor; if you want the latter you have to start thinking about the second hand market if you're on budget (Canon tends to win here with the 5D original).

1) Got it. Currently looking at the Nikon D5200 but the Canon Rebel T3i has a better feel in my hand.

2) I intended my question to be broad as I just wanted to get a better idea as to what I should be looking for. Should I be looking for an entry-level DSLR or mid-range to high-end? What did you use when you were just starting out? Did it serve you well? Etc. I've done nowhere near enough research for me to pick a specific camera just yet. But I will mainly be using the camera for portrait photography (individual and group). Also, even though I'll be doing some shots indoors, the majority of the pictures I take are probably going to be outdoors because I plan on getting into landscape/cityscape photography. Budget-wise, I don't have anything specific just yet either because, again, I'm still doing research. However, I don't think I want to spend more than $1000 dollars on the body alone because I will still need to buy lenses, spare battery, and such.

3) Honestly, I don't think I want a crop sensor.

 

[Kanthaka]

I'd say buy the best lenses you can afford, then buy the best body you can afford with the rest. Good quality, sharp lenses hold their value really well if kept in good condition and consider buying second hand. They are also the second most important factor in taking good photos (the first being knowing how and when to use the kit you have).

Most people who get into photography end up upgrading when the reach the limitations on entry level bodies, so you could save a bit of cash in the long run and have much more versitility by buying a better body. Bodies don't hold their value well though.

It really depends on how much you can afford and what you are expecting to be able to do with your camera. If you are just dipping your toe in the water entry level cameras are great and will probably do you for years and they will get some great results. If however you see yourself wanting to push the boundaries with stuff like low light photography, light painting, HDR, sports, wildlife etc you'll see the benifit of getting the best body you can afford

The camera I started out with was a Pentax K 35mm film camera (my dads old one) when I was a young lad. Digital wise it was a Sony cybershot p+s I got in my mid 20s and then I got use of a second hand Canon 10D as my first DSLR.

So you would recommend me getting second-hand lenses from Amazon and other sites? Because I typically buy everything brand new. Or are there other sites that would have a better stock of lenses with better quality despite it being second-hand?

Also, I hope to really get into photography. Right now I'm really interested in doing landscape/cityscape type of shots but there are a lot of forests where I live currently so having a lens that is good for wildlife photography would be nice but I wouldn't need it initially. What I'm thinking is getting a wide angle lens for the landscape/cityscape shots and then get one 50 or 85 mm lens for portrait photography. I plan on taking pictures of individuals and groups of people at gatherings and such.

 

[Overread18 6]

A few more thoughts;

1) What is your total budget - its easier to work with knowing what kind of full investment you're looking to make.

2) If you want to go fullframe if you go Canon side you've a few options;
a) New 6D - good high end fullframe body, not as high end in some areas as the 5DMIII, but more than capable.
b) Second hand 5DMII or 5D - both very solid bodies and high quality. Of course the MII has a few more features and also does video, but the 5D is no slouch and is still a very good quality camera body.

3) I agree with the others, sink more money into glass if you can; that defines the light you work with and has a much bigger effect on sharpness, colour, contrast etc.. of a shot than the body - the body just records the light; the lens defines it.

a) The above assumes that you've got the camera format you want - ergo if you want fullframe get that; if you want crop get that etc... Then work on the lens line-up

b) This also assumes not studio work - typically studio or highly controlled situations can often favour investing in lighting equipment above lenses and camera bodies; since in those conditions you're creating the light yourself and thus need your money there - the lens is also often shooting at f8 or similar smaller apertures so even lower end ones in todays market are going to deliver a good sharp shot.

4) If you want cheaper there is second hand and reconditioned;
a) Second hand comes with all the risks of any second hand purchase - although high end lenses are typically quite safe investments here; so long as they don't have fungus inside.

b) Reconditioned are units send back to the manufacturer - checked over and fixed up (oft given a new sensor for cameras) and then sold on again. They are very safe purchases and often are only ex-demo models so don't have much if any real wear and tear on them. The only downside is reduced warranty duration - however with the personal check-over at the manufacturer this is often a lesser problem (regular production units are only checked in batches not individually).

 

[Kanthaka]

Dear kanthaka,

While I understand all too well that gear never actually takes a picture I will admit that personally, I'm with this poster. A high quality lens will always be a high quality lens barring something like accidental damage. Pick a camera system that you favor and buy lenses to fit the system.

Camera bodies change so fast that even the most cash flush people on Earth cannot hope to keep up with the changes. Whatever you buy today as a camera body will be obsolete within a year. Will it be useless, of course not, but it will be outdated.

Quality lenses never become outdated. A newer version may come out that offers some improvement, but if a lens is still functional and was considered to be a good lens initially it will always be a good lens as long as it continues to work properly.

For me personally I find far more value in well kept used gear than I can possibly hope to find in the newest gear. Forty odd years ago I got into film photography with a new camera. I quickly upgraded to a better used camera and have been buying older fully functional gear ever since.

To your other post about how a camera feels to you that is probably one of the most important features of a camera and one of the least considered. If you aren't comfortable with your camera you won't have it with you when you need it.

Regards,

Tim Murphy

I want something similar, spec-wise, with the Nikon D5200 but like a Canon equivalent... If that makes sense, any ideas?

 

[Derrel]

Canon has no D5200 equivalent....but they do have a camera that costs as much as a D5200, but with a six year-old sensor design in it...

 

[Kanthaka]

A few more thoughts;

1) What is your total budget - its easier to work with knowing what kind of full investment you're looking to make.

2) If you want to go fullframe if you go Canon side you've a few options;
a) New 6D - good high end fullframe body, not as high end in some areas as the 5DMIII, but more than capable.
b) Second hand 5DMII or 5D - both very solid bodies and high quality. Of course the MII has a few more features and also does video, but the 5D is no slouch and is still a very good quality camera body.

3) I agree with the others, sink more money into glass if you can; that defines the light you work with and has a much bigger effect on sharpness, colour, contrast etc.. of a shot than the body - the body just records the light; the lens defines it.

a) The above assumes that you've got the camera format you want - ergo if you want fullframe get that; if you want crop get that etc... Then work on the lens line-up

b) This also assumes not studio work - typically studio or highly controlled situations can often favour investing in lighting equipment above lenses and camera bodies; since in those conditions you're creating the light yourself and thus need your money there - the lens is also often shooting at f8 or similar smaller apertures so even lower end ones in todays market are going to deliver a good sharp shot.

4) If you want cheaper there is second hand and reconditioned;
a) Second hand comes with all the risks of any second hand purchase - although high end lenses are typically quite safe investments here; so long as they don't have fungus inside.

b) Reconditioned are units send back to the manufacturer - checked over and fixed up (oft given a new sensor for cameras) and then sold on again. They are very safe purchases and often are only ex-demo models so don't have much if any real wear and tear on them. The only downside is reduced warranty duration - however with the personal check-over at the manufacturer this is often a lesser problem (regular production units are only checked in batches not individually).

1) Considering that I'm a new college graduate, my total budget limit would preferably be $2000.

2) How about the Canon 60D?

3) I won't be doing studio work.

4) Re-conditioned and brand-new are what I typically get, I've never really bought anything second-hand.

Canon has no D5200 equivalent....but they do have a camera that costs as much as a D5200, but with a six year-old sensor design in it...

Well that's disappointing. How about the 60D?

 

[Overread18 6]

60D isn't fullframe. For canon in the fullframe line you've got:

5D - 5DMII - 6D- 5DMIII

There is also the 1D line that is broken into fullframe and 1.3 crop bodies, whilst the rest of the canon range are all 1.6 crop sensors.